I’m running the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in honor of my sister Rebecca Pacella who is fighting cancer.
I would like to share Becky’s story. I believe it is extremely inspirational, and hope many will feel the same, so I asked if she would tell her story. She gladly accepted.
Becky is an inspiration in our family. Her fight against cancer has not only taught us how important our bond of family is, but also showed us how to be courageously positive every day. She is a strong, hopeful, encouraging and beautiful woman.
Becky was 43 years old, a wife and mother of three, training for a 5 K. After running a full 3 miles straight, Her first symptom began. She was seen by her provider and later diagnosed with Stage IVA rectal/liver cancer on February 6, 2017. She was devastated with the horrific news, but she was ready to overcome it, and embraced it. She started treatment of 6 rounds of chemotherapy. It was a hard time both physically and emotionally for her and our family.
The cancer unfortunately, was not responding to the Chemotherapy. A Liver resection was needed in June 2017. Continuing her fight in 2018, Becky was required to have an additional 6 rounds of Chemo. She was then faced with life alternating news, a rectum removal surgery and permeant colostomy placement. Becky continued to stay positive and embrace the change. Her bravery is an inspiration.
After being cancer free for 6 months, unfortunately cancer was found in her groin, another surgery was performed; a groin resection with lymphoid removal. Once again, Becky was Cancer free until her next visit of devastating news: Stage IVB – Lung and Pelvis Cancer. At this point she was in shock. She then returned home to find, a document stating she was a non-surgical candidate; Becky picked herself back up and continued to fight. She then went back on an aggressive Chemo 5 cycle regiment (a span of short two and a half months). Thankfully, tumors responded and shrunk by 30%, making her a surgical candidate!!! She was uplifted to hear such news and eager to continue her journey.
Today Becky has a surgery date scheduled for the end of March! We are all praying for a cancer free long life ahead.
Becky believes staying positive daily has greatly helped her through her battel with cancer. She believes researching about her diagnosis has been incredibly helpful to understand how to live a better life including the importance of a strict diet. Daily routine is an important role for her battle with cancer.
“Just because you’re diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer doesn’t mean it’s a death sentence. Keep fighting. Learn to live every day to its fullest, but look at the small things in life and enjoy them!” The courage Becky learned helped her stay calm and focus throughout her battel with Cancer. Every part, she has turned into something positive and meaningful. She chooses to fight and is a true inspiration. WE love you Beck!
In loving memory:
R.I.P Leo Wrobel 2004 “You continue to inspire me!”
R.I.P Rose Gole 2007 “You lived every minute”
R.I.P Maryann Marengo “Always remembered”
