Kicking Cancer with Mike Goldade
Donation protected
Our dad started having problems with acid reflux in May of 2020. After increasing his medicine, he saw slight improvement. In the beginning of August, our dad went in for a scope after suffering from a return of symptoms. Expecting a simple outcome from this scope, our parents were not prepared for what was found. Our dad was told he has a tumor in his throat.
On August 20, 2020, our parents got the results of the biopsy; cancer. Over the last 10 weeks, there have been multiple visits to Sioux Falls to see specialists and surgeons, there have been many, many trips to the clinic for MRIs and CTs and there has been some clarity through it all.
Last week, our dad was told he has stage 2 stomach cancer and unstaged prostate cancer. Last Friday, we found out it was worst than they thought. He went from being super curable with a need for chemo and radiation then surgery, to being told he actually has Stage 4 Gastroesophageal cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes. Stage 4....
So with all of this new information, the doctors in Watertown have decided to cease radiation and, instead, do a stronger dose of chemo. He has been told it might not actually be Stage 4, it could be Stage 3. This stronger chemo will help determine this. If his tumor shrinks, it is Stage 3 and they will continue treatment. If his tumor does not shrink, it is Stage 4 and they will discontinue treatment. He also had a call with his Urologist and he told our dad that he has Stage 1 prostate cancer that will be controlled with hormone shots.
With all of this said, our parents could use a hand. Our dad is on short term disability right now through the first of the year. Our mom is trying to juggle being at work and being there for our dad. With Covid, it is hard for us to be there physically to help them. We don't want to expose him when his immune system is taking a hit. So a lot of this is landing directly on our mom. She has used up all of her PTO. Her work is amazing and is being as flexible as possible with her hours. Our dad's work is also being amazing and has been helping him through this process.
However, bills don't care what a person is sacrificing to pay them. Our mom is being stretched as much as humanly possible. She is being supportive of her best friend, trying to remember everything the doctors have told her and being an advocate for our dad. Our dad is doing his best to stay upbeat and focused on winning this battle.
They could use a helping hand. If you cannot give financially, please consider contacting Jennie to arrange maybe helping move snow, making a meal, delivering a care package. Thank you so much for listening to our dad's story and for considering helping them. Prayers are always welcome and getting a card in the mail is always a special treat.
On August 20, 2020, our parents got the results of the biopsy; cancer. Over the last 10 weeks, there have been multiple visits to Sioux Falls to see specialists and surgeons, there have been many, many trips to the clinic for MRIs and CTs and there has been some clarity through it all.
Last week, our dad was told he has stage 2 stomach cancer and unstaged prostate cancer. Last Friday, we found out it was worst than they thought. He went from being super curable with a need for chemo and radiation then surgery, to being told he actually has Stage 4 Gastroesophageal cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes. Stage 4....
So with all of this new information, the doctors in Watertown have decided to cease radiation and, instead, do a stronger dose of chemo. He has been told it might not actually be Stage 4, it could be Stage 3. This stronger chemo will help determine this. If his tumor shrinks, it is Stage 3 and they will continue treatment. If his tumor does not shrink, it is Stage 4 and they will discontinue treatment. He also had a call with his Urologist and he told our dad that he has Stage 1 prostate cancer that will be controlled with hormone shots.
With all of this said, our parents could use a hand. Our dad is on short term disability right now through the first of the year. Our mom is trying to juggle being at work and being there for our dad. With Covid, it is hard for us to be there physically to help them. We don't want to expose him when his immune system is taking a hit. So a lot of this is landing directly on our mom. She has used up all of her PTO. Her work is amazing and is being as flexible as possible with her hours. Our dad's work is also being amazing and has been helping him through this process.
However, bills don't care what a person is sacrificing to pay them. Our mom is being stretched as much as humanly possible. She is being supportive of her best friend, trying to remember everything the doctors have told her and being an advocate for our dad. Our dad is doing his best to stay upbeat and focused on winning this battle.
They could use a helping hand. If you cannot give financially, please consider contacting Jennie to arrange maybe helping move snow, making a meal, delivering a care package. Thank you so much for listening to our dad's story and for considering helping them. Prayers are always welcome and getting a card in the mail is always a special treat.
Fundraising team (2)
Jess Goldade Addy
Organizer
Watertown, SD
Mary Goldade
Beneficiary
Jen Pendley
Team member
