Stephen's Medical Fund

Please help us help Stephen and Amy with the ever increasing medical expenses that, currently, has no end in sight. In February 2014 Stephen went to the dentist for a toothache. Mid February 2014 he went to University Health Shreveport (LSUHSC) to have his gums lanced and the infection drained. In mid April he was diagnosed with Bells's Palsy and having had a mini stroke. In July Stephen's right eye became blurry, was blood shot and swollen. He went to a local Velocity Care for a possible sinus infection. The doctor there sent him to a local opthomolgist who confirmed Stephen had lost vision in his right eye, and sent him to Willis Knighton South ER for an MRI. Dr. Coleman then called WKPierremomt about Stephen's status and sent him there for an additional MRI and spinal tap. The diagnosis was pachymeningitis. Mid July Stephen had a brain biopsy. During the summer of 2014 Stephen incurred swelling in his joints, severe headaches, and had 3 different ER visits. August 2014 he developed a rash. He had seen 13 different doctors (eye, family, rheumatology, foot, infectious diseases, and neurology) with no relief or real answers. His local doctors finally secured a Mayo Clinic visit. He left Louisiana November 2, 2014 and was there 16 days. He saw 15 doctors while @ the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo doctors are still puzzled as to Stephen's case. It is unlike any other they have ever seen. Their formal diagnosis is pachymeningitis, migratory polyarthritis, anterior reveitis, optic nerve neuropathy, aberrant t-cell population on flow peripheral blood, reactive lymphocypes (noted on peripheral blood smear as well as on CSF), and hLa-b27 positive. In December 2014 he began taking cancer medication and large doses of steroids (daily for 3 days) intravenously.  He would drive to the medical facility each day then return home for self monitoring. Stephen seemed to be getting better until early January 2015. He became subseptible to simple common colds and developed a sinus infection, runny nose, sore throat, and chest congestion.  He was treated with an inhaler, cough syrup, 800 mg of antibiotics, and breathing treatments. Stephen felt better after 2 1/2 weeks but had lost energy and weight. During the 2 1/2 weeks of sickness he had to stop taking the cancer medication but remained on the steroids. Now that the infection has cleared up he has resumed his cancer medication. He now takes one chemo shot per week rather than the pills originally prescribed. His steroid medication is now being reduced. He has been unBle to work, and he and Amy also have a 5 year old son. I know they will appreciate anything folks are able to share. Thank you!