Bladder Cancer & a Family's Need
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In 57 years of life, Rodney has faced a number of life threatening illnesses that have tried his family, but now it's cancer. More specifically, urothelial carcinoma micropapillary variance stage T2. In other words, bladder cancer. There will be more numbers and letters to list as soon as scan results are back. It's one of the most rare and aggressive forms at only 8% of bladder cancers according to the article found here: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/au/2011/217153/ . And the doctor says his is surprisingly aggressive.
After results from the scan will be surgery to remove the entire bladder as soon as possible. He will be on medical leave from work during this time, and his wife will be using unpaid leave when she needs to be there for treatments and surgeries.
Now most of us struggle to stay ahead of the game even in the best of times. But when health crises hit, the lost wages and cost of uncovered procedures, co-pays and medicines makes it much more difficult. Rod and his wife have 3 jobs and more than 80 hours of work between them every week. They budget meticulously and try to prepare for the future. However, as much as the last two health scares set them back, this one threatens the most.
Specialized care by urology professionals will require hospital stays nowhere near home. Medical leave means lost pay and medical costs will move into the thousands. Rod and his family need to focus on getting him the very best care possible without losing their home, and while focusing on important time together.
Over 30 years ago, a father and daughter and mother and daughter cobbled together a new little family. Over time they grew to know one another only as family and not as "steps." Rod now has a wife, two daughters, 2 sons-in-law and 5 grandchildren ages 4 to 13 who love to build things, sleep on his lap and fish with him. It's forever a mystery how the colicky grandson above always slept so soundly on Poppa's chest. He's also a dedicated volunteer, an award winning employee, grins cheekily about being the favorite patient in his wing and gives loving advice to distraught daughters.
The family has grown fierce determination to succeed and provide for one another. In the face of the unknown battle that is cancer though, there comes the humbling need to ask for help. Even a small goal will help ease some worries. So many of you have been through this too. Thank you for taking the time to read this, send prayers, well wishes, contribute or pass along Rodney's story.
After results from the scan will be surgery to remove the entire bladder as soon as possible. He will be on medical leave from work during this time, and his wife will be using unpaid leave when she needs to be there for treatments and surgeries.
Now most of us struggle to stay ahead of the game even in the best of times. But when health crises hit, the lost wages and cost of uncovered procedures, co-pays and medicines makes it much more difficult. Rod and his wife have 3 jobs and more than 80 hours of work between them every week. They budget meticulously and try to prepare for the future. However, as much as the last two health scares set them back, this one threatens the most.
Specialized care by urology professionals will require hospital stays nowhere near home. Medical leave means lost pay and medical costs will move into the thousands. Rod and his family need to focus on getting him the very best care possible without losing their home, and while focusing on important time together.
Over 30 years ago, a father and daughter and mother and daughter cobbled together a new little family. Over time they grew to know one another only as family and not as "steps." Rod now has a wife, two daughters, 2 sons-in-law and 5 grandchildren ages 4 to 13 who love to build things, sleep on his lap and fish with him. It's forever a mystery how the colicky grandson above always slept so soundly on Poppa's chest. He's also a dedicated volunteer, an award winning employee, grins cheekily about being the favorite patient in his wing and gives loving advice to distraught daughters.
The family has grown fierce determination to succeed and provide for one another. In the face of the unknown battle that is cancer though, there comes the humbling need to ask for help. Even a small goal will help ease some worries. So many of you have been through this too. Thank you for taking the time to read this, send prayers, well wishes, contribute or pass along Rodney's story.
Organizer
Barbra S
Organizer
Glen Allen, VA
