WELCOME TO MY WORLD....
"I've just come to accept my fate, death is not a bad thing. It's just something that happens to us all.
And this world is pretty evil. I can only hope whatever is on the other side is much better. Dying is easy it's the people that are left here to grieve who have the hardest part."
Aja Merritt
I am reaching out to the world for just a small bit of help which brings great hope to myself and my children.
About my fight with cancer...
My name is Aja and I am 22 years old and a single mom born in St. Thomas with two beautiful kids named Kai and Kai Sean who where also born in St. Thomas. My history with cancer started in 2009 at about 17 years old when I started having severe pains in my lower abdomen and lower back areas. Doctors immediately found a large tumor near my left ovary. Its been 5+ very difficult years for me.
2009 - Surgery to remove a large tumor and left ovary.
2010 - Surgery to remove another large tumor and the right ovary.
2011 - Diagnosed with Juvenile granulosa cell tumors. (very rare and difficult cancer).
2011 - Removal of another large tumor.
2011 - Hysterectomy and removal of cancer throughout the abdomen area.
2011 - Cancer found in my stomach lining and bladder.
2011 - During surgery my bladder was punctured which required a stent for one year.
2012 - Chemo Therapy began in St. Thomas.
2013 - Gallstone surgery as a result of chemo. (40 plus staples).
2014 - Second round of Chemotherapy. Cancer found on spleen, liver and lower abdomen cavity.
2009 - Surgery to remove a large tumor and left ovary.
2010 - Surgery to remove another large tumor and the right ovary.
2011 - Diagnosed with Juvenile granulosa cell tumors. (very rare and difficult cancer).
2011 - Removal of another large tumor.
2011 - Hysterectomy and removal of cancer throughout the abdomen area.
2011 - Cancer found in my stomach lining and bladder.
2011 - During surgery my bladder was punctured which required a stent for one year.
2012 - Chemo Therapy began in St. Thomas.
2013 - Gallstone surgery as a result of chemo. (40 plus staples).
2014 - Second round of Chemotherapy. Cancer found on spleen, liver and lower abdomen cavity.
What really sucks for me....
- Dealing with constant pain I became addicted to pain pills and I am now using methadone to try and beat this addiction.
- Its hard to find good days when you have energy and feel well enough to do anything.
- Living with the side affects of Chemo: Loss of hair, constantly sick and severe damages to my teeth etc. etc..
- Taking care of my two children and trying to be a good mother. Its so hard when you are constantly sick.
- Not being able to work and take care of myself and family.
- Dealing with depression and anxiety its not easy.
- Getting little or no help from the Government. (I was even turned down from Social Security).
- My baby's farther actually abandoned us and has not paid anything in child support.
- Having friends go through cancer treatment with you and then losing them.
- Living day to day with no money or resources and having to rely on my parents for support as best they can help me.
- My children and how to do I help them and return the unconditional love they give me.
Ok Now What....
Well this is my fate right now. I have to live each day making everything count the best I possibly can. I think that everything happens for a reason. If god chose to make my time here shorter than regardless of chemo or not I will die. When it's my time it's my time. And no man made chemical can stop that. In the mean time I will be as strong as I can....
My Friend Tyler who I went to school with and even started going to chemo together just passed away from cancer. Same age as me. "I think of you when a cool breeze blows through my hair, when the sky is 100 different colors, when the clouds dance around ever so peacefully, when I hear a faint laugh in the distance, and mostly when I look up at night and see those stars shine like they never have before. I had no clue this would have hit me so hard. But I am comforted in the fact that you're clearly here in spirit. I hope you know how much all of your friends and I love you! You really have impacted many of our lives! Tyler Brady you are a legend in my eyes. And it will remain that way for eternity!" |
My Dad says that I am the "bravest person he has ever known" and he also tells me that "I am his hero!" LOL |
About This Site...
Before my daughter Aja passed we starting working together on a web site where she could share her story in photos, clip art and videos.
I promised Aja that I would continue the work to finish her site.
Aja was excited to know that her photos would be saved and put in special place for her children, family and friends to enjoy and remember.
I promised Aja that I would continue the work to finish her site.
Aja was excited to know that her photos would be saved and put in special place for her children, family and friends to enjoy and remember.