Overview

In a harrowing turn of events, a mother of three from Oklahoma, Sabrena Jones, 54, credits a painful spider bite for uncovering her life-threatening battle with stage three kidney cancer.

Discovery of the Illness

Initially dismissing the bite on her left leg, Jones endured days of burning and stinging sensations before ultimately seeking help at the emergency room. What followed was a shocking revelation: doctors discovered a tumor the size of a baseball on her right kidney.

Reaction to Diagnosis

"I was expecting to find out if it was a Brown recluse spider bite and go home," Jones told Newson6. "I had no symptoms at all; I was quite shocked with the diagnosis." Her faith, however, kept her grounded. "I believe in God, so I wasn't really worried about it because either way, I'd be in a good place. I'd either be healed or in heaven."

Post-Diagnosis Treatment

This unexpected diagnosis has turned her life upside down. Following surgery to remove the mass in early September, she's now waiting for her oncologist to determine if further treatment, such as radiation therapy, will be necessary. So far, doctors have reassured her that the cancer hasn't spread, but Mrs. Jones remains cautious, aware that surgery doesn't always eliminate all cancerous cells.

Incident Description

Describing the spider bite incident, she recalled, "I was just getting dressed when it happened. It felt like a bee sting; it was so painful." The subsequent visit to Saint Francis hospital began with a physical examination, which later revealed her hidden ailment after staff noticed her discomfort when they pressed on her abdomen.

Community Support

As she focuses on recovery, Jones faces additional pressures. Unable to work, her financial stability is at risk, prompting her daughter, Brittany Britt, to create a GoFundMe page to help raise funds. They've garnered $2,530 of a $10,000 goal, highlighting the community's support during this challenging time.

Kidney Cancer Awareness

Kidney cancer diagnoses are not uncommon, with approximately 81,000 cases reported annually in the U.S. Symptoms often remain undetected until advanced stages, making awareness crucial. The warning signs can include blood in the urine, persistent back pain, fatigue, swelling in the kidney area, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection is vital: the five-year survival rate is over 90% when diagnosed at stage one, but it drops significantly to just 17% at stage four.

Call to Action

Britt expressed her family's distress on social media, emphasizing the long road to recovery that awaits her mother. "If you can't donate, please share this message. Every bit helps in raising awareness for kidney cancer and supporting those like my mom who are going through it."

Conclusion

Jones's journey illuminates the hidden dangers of ignoring seemingly minor health issues and underscores the importance of early detection in saving lives. With the support of her community and a hopeful outlook, Jones remains determined to confront this unexpected battle head-on.