Help Steve Gaunder as he navigates healthwise

STEVE GAUNDER'S  STORY


In 1999, Steve had his first experience with cancer, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had to have a testicle removed (Eek!)   Following (20) rounds of radiation treatment, and nearly two years later, the cancer returned -- this time metastasizing itself in his brain.  The tumor took up 2/3 of his brain and was designated a level 4 seminoma.  On July 20, 2001, surgery was performed to remove the tumor; however, the surgeon was unable to remove the cancer from the brain stem and the eye socket.   Because of this, Steve had to undergo 20 rounds of chemo and then 20 rounds of radiation.  After these arduous treatments, Steve was deemed cancer-free.    

Fast forward to October 14, 2018…Driving to O’Hare to pick up two women from church, Steve thought he was having a stroke, as he began losing feeling and function on his right side.  Once he pulled off the freeway and managed to contact emergency services, he was transported to AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center in Hinsdale IL, where he remained for 16 days -- in ICU, in PCU, back in ICU.  His first treatment at AMITA was for a bleeding ulcer.  The initial guess as to what was happening on the freeway that day was that Steve was having a stroke, or perhaps a series of strokes, but that guess thankfully proved erroneous.  Nonetheless, he continued to have seizures.  Dr. Wolter, who performed the brain surgery in 2001, was contacted.  Numerous tests were performed.  The head pain that Steve had begun experiencing in September became extremely severe, nearly unbearable.  This excruciating pain, coupled with many other dire symptoms,  set off an alarm that perhaps Steve’s brain cancer had returned.   

After a multitude of antibiotics and pain medications, procedures, including biopsies, MRIs, EEGs, it was determined that there was fluid and an abscess between the skin and the skull.  He had a severe seizure caused by the infection in his head.  So, it was likely an extension of the brain surgery in 2001.  The surgeons would need to "redo" that brain surgery and remove the plate that was implanted at that time, because it was compromising brain functions.  

THE DIAGNOSIS
When the doctors finally opened Steve’s head, they discovered that it and the plate installed in 2001 were riddled with infection.  The now “hole-y” plate had to be removed and his brain washed. (Ick.)  It was ultimately determined that a severe staph infection of the brain in and around Steve’s cranial plate had progressed unnoticed.  Immediate surgery was required.  This was followed by a massive treatment of antibiotics to bring the infection under control.   

This was a scary time for Steve’s loved ones, because he was having difficulty waking up from the surgery, and when he finally did come to, he could not really function.  Couldn't speak, couldn't read or write, needed a feeding tube which he fought tooth and nail.  The doctors said it was “touch and go.”   Only time would tell if he would make it.  Would he ever be out of the proverbial woods?   

Thank God that eventually Steve did stabilize, though not without much difficulty.  On October 30, he -- accompanied by his trusty (trust maybe, uncomfortable definitely) helmet to protect his brain--was released to Royalton Manor, a convalescent care facility in St. Joseph.  He was not allowed to go home, because he needed physical and occupational therapy, plus he had to be plied with around-the-clock IV antibiotics to ensure eradication of the staph infection.  

THE PROGNOSIS
After seven long weeks in Royalton Manor, Steve got an early Christmas present and was released to go home on December 18.  His prognosis is good, and barring any unforeseen glitches or complications, he appears to be on track for a full recovery.   Unfortunately, now, in January, some complications have developed; namely, seizures that are still being "analyzed" in an attempt to be treated.  So Steve's road ahead will not, obviously, be clear or easy.   He must wear his helmet, which looks more like a medieval torture device, whenever he’s mobile, because part of his skull is missing.  He has already been and will continue to be returning to AMITA for many follow-up appointments and tests.   The surgery to have a titanium plate installed in his head has been postponed until probably the end of February -- ultimately to the end of March.   

Additionally, there are various restrictions that Steve must abide by.  Since he is unable to work, he has not had the income he was used to having for six months now.   As most of us are aware, even if we have little income,  medical expenditures that we incur continue to pour in.  And those expenditures are seemingly endless, at least currently.  Steve has had more than a couple of wake-up calls as to just how astronomical his medical costs have been and are.  Two examples: 1) $300 a day at Royalton Manor equates to a total of $14,700.  2) On New Year's Eve, Steve needed to pick up a prescription.  Imagine his surprise -- shock! -- when they told him that he needed to pay $1,000, cash, for just half of what he needed.  So the medical expenses alone are hefty and well beyond Steve's  financial abilities.    


Steve lives on a low income, but he's nonetheless always ready to help others in need.  Prior to his accident/health issues, Steve was driving for a rideshare to help supplement his relatively low income, but that driving will not be allowed for the foreseeable future, so it is even more difficult to make ends meet.  

As of the end of March, Steve finally had his operation to install the titanium plate in his head (no more helmet!).  The skin had actually begun to adhere to his brain, so the operation was a little more "tricky" than it should have been, but it was ultimately successful.  Here is a picture of Steve after that operation:
Steve may have to take seizure medications for the rest of his life, so just another expense added to all the others.  He also will be returning to physical therapy.

Equipped almost from birth with a ‘Can-Do’ attitude, Steve naturally has a self-sufficient character:  He is simply not one to seek handouts (even in the most dire of situations).   This is definitely a most dire situation.  Hence, the call-to-arms for much needed outside financial assistance on his behalf.  

Steve is going through a lot, has been through a lot, and he could certainly use your help.  It would be beyond appreciated! Donating and/or sharing Steve's GoFundMe with your own networks would mean so much.   Thank you for anything you find in your heart that you can do that would help Steve return to good health!