Deshanna Armwood

Jim Carroll

4 years ago

My name is Deshanna and I am 44 years old. I was diagnosed with Stage IV appendix cancer on August 10, 2020. I had been going to the women’s health center about issues of a reoccurring water cyst on my right ovary. I would be in tremendous pain during my cycle, but I started to pass clots and I had this overwhelming amount of pressure in my lower back. A partial hysterectomy was performed on July 1, 2020 in which my right ovary and womb were removed. Two days after my two week post op appointment, my surgical incision opened. I went to the ER and a CT scan was done. Scan results showed “no working appendix found”. It was completely engulfed in a mass.

My second surgery was performed on August 10, 2020 in which my left ovary, appendix and part of my colon were removed. Third surgery was then done on September 26, 2020 – my CRS/HIPEC surgery at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill by Dr. Ugwuji Maduekwe. I was told I would be in the hospital for 14 days no sooner than 11 days would I go home.

I went home in 8 days, but on that 8th day I was hit with the devastating blow that an invasive mass had been found and I would have to do six months of IV chemotherapy twice a month. My journey has been long and so much more than I ever thought I could endure. I rang the bell on July 1, 2021 exactly one year from when my journey started. I thank the most high for keeping me here not just today but every single day I open my eyes. I say to the ones that have not made it as far in their journey as I have – never lose faith. Keep fighting. There is a something to fight for… LIFE! 🧡🧡