Support the Derbiques while Mark Battles Cancer
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Hello,
I would like to start off by saying thank you to each and every one of our friends and family for being here when we have needed you the most. This last year and a half have been one of our family's worst nightmares. When our daughter Allie passed away unexpectedly, we hosted a gofundme to help with her funeral arrangements and now find ourselves in another predicament, and again asking for help to keep our family above the high waters that we face.
After Allie passed, our other daughter Alexis became seriously ill, and we had no idea what was wrong but had determination to figure it out. She eventually ended up at the Mayo Clinic for much needed help. It was there that we were told that she had a rare autoimmune disease. Her diagnosis doesn't have the best outcome, but we have learned in this time, that we will do everything that is needed to change it!
Then came another tragedy my husband Mark fell ill, and after numerous phone calls with the doctor during this pandemic we found ourselves not getting the help that was needed to figure out what was wrong. In November and December I was done with the video visits and started demanding answers. On December 28th Mark was taken in for an endoscope that revealed a 10 inch mass that was 29cm deep in his esophagus, as the scope could not go further to reveal his stomach, the scope was stopped. We were then informed that Mark appeared to have advanced esophageal cancer.
After more uncertainty and scans we finally received the diagnosis we were dreading, that Mark has stage 3 esophageal cancer. We also learned that this can be beat, as it has not left his esophagus and spread to any other organs. That's a BLESSING! However, Marks cancer has infected a nearby lymph node and has already started spreading up the other side of his esophagus confirming the aggressive nature of his cancer. We have a long road ahead with an extensive chemotherapy and radiation program ordered. Once his chemo and radiation treatments are successful a complicated surgery is needed to remove this fast-growing cancer. Mark will endure an open esophagectomy, that has many risks, and another 6 to 8 weeks of healing time, then will endure another 2 more rounds of chemo for 48 hours every two weeks.
The financial toll on our family over the last year has been so challenging with everything that has happened leading up to Marks cancer diagnosis and then obviously everything we are about to face. We are compassionately requesting help from our family, friends and caring Neighbors. Do not feel obligated to contribute to our cause, prayers are always accepted as well as pre-made dinners. We will get through this and our family will always be grateful to you and your incredibly generous love and support.
Mark and I will be providing updates on his journey so we can all stay informed.
God bless you all,
Bridget Derbique and family
Organiser
Bridget Benson-Derbique
Organiser
Westfield, IN