Don Henriksen's Journey for a Cure
Donation protected
If you have had the privileged of knowing Don Henriksen then you know he is a selfless man always willing to lend a helping hand. Now, he needs your help to begin what will be a big medical journey, hopefully a Journey for a cure.
In early December my dad, Don Henriksen, began having difficulty breathing and could not catch his breath, two days later he had an emergent tracheostomy placed and was found to have not just laryngeal cancer, but cancer in the tissues of his throat.
5 years ago, after his voice became hoarse, my parents found out he had cancerous cells on his vocal cords. The cords were laser stripped and he did 6 weeks of radiation. If the cancer did not return after 2 years, he would be considered in remission. We celebrated at the two year mark, but on year three it came back again. After more stripping and a careful watch everything seemed to be going fine until that morning when he could not catch his breath.
It has been a roller coaster in this short amount of time. After having the trach for a little over a month my dad underwent a complete laryngectomy on January 15th; he no longer has his voicebox, he cannot talk, and breaths out of a permanent stoma in his neck.
The surgery went well, but what we later learned was the cancer went further down his throat than scans originally showed; the cancer was piecemealed out because it was so close to his Aorta and because of that, not all of the cancer was removed. This cancer has been described to my family as very aggressive and acting like no other cancer these medical professionals have ever seen. Because of this, the oncology appointment brought quite a shock of information and not a favorable prognosis.
Combined Chemo and Radiation has been the suggested first line of treatment. They gave a 50/50 chance that it would work and odds of it being curative 40-65%. Because the cancer is so close to the major vessels of his heart, there is a large risk of him bleeding out or having a stroke. On top of those morbid risks, he would need to have numerous teeth pulled and a PEG tube inserted into his stomach for feeds. He would also risk never being able to eat again, due to the area being radiated for a second time, and living with the feeding tube permanently. For those of you who know my dad, you know that is not an option for this active man!
Our family is focusing on finding other alternatives and treatment options. We are looking at 4 different cancer treatment centers ranging from Texas to New York with MD Anderson in Houston being our first choice. He is a fighter and strong in so many ways. We are hoping to find an option that will continue to allow him to have a wonderful quality of life.
Through this he has had to retire early and my parents had to give up their business of over 20 years, East Carolina Home Inspections. He has always been known for his thoroughness and kindness to his clients and Realtor colleagues. Giving up home inspecting and his business has been difficult in more ways than one.
My dad has been active in the community ever since I can remember. He is a friend to all and always willing to lend a helping hand. He is a neighbor, friend, colleague, and amazing father. He doesn't ask for anything from others which is why I have created this fundraiser. For those of you who know my family, you know we went through a different Hell just about two years ago with my Mom. She got her miracle and my Dad deserves his.
Many have been asking how they can help and while I cannot say how grateful we are for your thoughts, prayers, phone calls/texts this is the help my parents currently need to seek further treatment options. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate a donation to help offset travel expenses, out of pocket costs insurance might not cover, etc. If you cannot donate, please give this fundraiser a share.
In early December my dad, Don Henriksen, began having difficulty breathing and could not catch his breath, two days later he had an emergent tracheostomy placed and was found to have not just laryngeal cancer, but cancer in the tissues of his throat.
5 years ago, after his voice became hoarse, my parents found out he had cancerous cells on his vocal cords. The cords were laser stripped and he did 6 weeks of radiation. If the cancer did not return after 2 years, he would be considered in remission. We celebrated at the two year mark, but on year three it came back again. After more stripping and a careful watch everything seemed to be going fine until that morning when he could not catch his breath.
It has been a roller coaster in this short amount of time. After having the trach for a little over a month my dad underwent a complete laryngectomy on January 15th; he no longer has his voicebox, he cannot talk, and breaths out of a permanent stoma in his neck.
The surgery went well, but what we later learned was the cancer went further down his throat than scans originally showed; the cancer was piecemealed out because it was so close to his Aorta and because of that, not all of the cancer was removed. This cancer has been described to my family as very aggressive and acting like no other cancer these medical professionals have ever seen. Because of this, the oncology appointment brought quite a shock of information and not a favorable prognosis.
Combined Chemo and Radiation has been the suggested first line of treatment. They gave a 50/50 chance that it would work and odds of it being curative 40-65%. Because the cancer is so close to the major vessels of his heart, there is a large risk of him bleeding out or having a stroke. On top of those morbid risks, he would need to have numerous teeth pulled and a PEG tube inserted into his stomach for feeds. He would also risk never being able to eat again, due to the area being radiated for a second time, and living with the feeding tube permanently. For those of you who know my dad, you know that is not an option for this active man!
Our family is focusing on finding other alternatives and treatment options. We are looking at 4 different cancer treatment centers ranging from Texas to New York with MD Anderson in Houston being our first choice. He is a fighter and strong in so many ways. We are hoping to find an option that will continue to allow him to have a wonderful quality of life.
Through this he has had to retire early and my parents had to give up their business of over 20 years, East Carolina Home Inspections. He has always been known for his thoroughness and kindness to his clients and Realtor colleagues. Giving up home inspecting and his business has been difficult in more ways than one.
My dad has been active in the community ever since I can remember. He is a friend to all and always willing to lend a helping hand. He is a neighbor, friend, colleague, and amazing father. He doesn't ask for anything from others which is why I have created this fundraiser. For those of you who know my family, you know we went through a different Hell just about two years ago with my Mom. She got her miracle and my Dad deserves his.
Many have been asking how they can help and while I cannot say how grateful we are for your thoughts, prayers, phone calls/texts this is the help my parents currently need to seek further treatment options. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate a donation to help offset travel expenses, out of pocket costs insurance might not cover, etc. If you cannot donate, please give this fundraiser a share.
Organizer and beneficiary
Laina Collins
Organizer
Swansboro, NC
Kathryn Henriksen
Beneficiary
