funeral cost

I am 34 years old with Stage 4 Melanoma skin cancer. I was diagnosed in November 2010 and I had surgery in December 2010 to remove 32 lymph nodes and the initial tumor. After that, I did a high dose of Interferon (a type of chemo) for a month followed by self-injections three times a week for 11 months. It was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I have never been that sick! I was sick for a year straight with vision problems, rapid heart rate, nausea, dehydration, depression and severe drowsiness. By the grace of God and the support of my family, I was able to get through it. On November 3, 2012, I found a lump by my primary sight. My surgical oncologist ordered a PET scan which confirmed it was cancerous but also that the Melanoma had now spread to my liver. My family and I were in shock. I had the new tumor, 25% of my liver and more lymph nodes removed. I was moved to Stage 4 and told the prospects are not what I wanted to hear. My oncologist started me on a new chemotherapy called Zelboraf where I take 4 tablets twice a day for 3 weeks in a row then a 1 week break. I have been on it since December 24, 2012 and I am having terrible joint pains, massive migraines, loss of vision, tingling in my hands and nausea. I am unable to work and am on disability, which we all know doesn't financially support half a person. I have "insurance" through Medicaid but I am required to pay $850 out-of-pocket each month before the coverage is active. I hardly get that much a month in disability after paying child support so you can see my predicament. I am not the type of person to ask for help but because of my circumstances with insurance and income, I have a mountain of unpaid medical bills piling up and absolutely nothing to cover my funeral expenses. I am unable to get a Life Insurance policy due to my cancer so I cannot use that avenue for my funeral preparations. I do not want to ignore the inevitable and leave my family to deal with the financial burden of trying to pay to bury me. I am trying to fight as long as God allows me to. I will not let the Melanoma Black Beast take me down without giving it everything I have! I appreciate all of your love, prayers and constant support!

In Christ,

Tim "Timmay" Vander Molen,
Melanoma Warrior