Bud’s Cancer Journey

My name is Jewel (Eckman) Milewski, and this is my dad. Most of you might know him as Bud or Buddy, or as my kids call him "Hot Bud" because when Alexander was little, he had a hard time saying "Pop" and he thought 'Hot" was an easier word, so "Hot Bud' is his given name by my kids.

In March of this year, my dad got Covid, and then developed pneumonia. Eventually, he got so bad that his doctor sent him for a chest x-ray. The results of that x-ray showed something she wanted to take a further look at. So, he had CT scan, which showed a mass in his left lung. He was immediately referred to see a cancer specialist who did a Pet-scan the next day. The day after that, a brain scan. Luckily, the brain scan was negative for any spots. The Pet-scan confirmed a large mass in the left lung, but also some other spots lit up; two spots in the lower lobe of right lung, and some spots in the center of his chest. The diagnosis at that time was between a stage 2-3 non-small cell lung cancer. The doctor said he wanted to do a biopsy of the 2 nodules in the right lower lobe, however, every time the surgeon went to take a sample, they moved. The attempt to biopsy the nodules in the right lung was unsuccessful, so the doctor had to take a section of the right lower lobe out. The doctor needed to know if these nodules were the same type of cancer as he had in the left lung and the center samples, because this would determine the treatment regimen. The recovery was brutal. After several days that turned into weeks, it was determined that those 2 nodules were indeed cancer, but not the same type, which meant the cancer had not metastasized. Although this was a step in the right direction, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. My father is retired, however, he is a carpenter by trade (one of the best for sure, and not just because he is my dad!) My brother and I vowed to let my father's main concern be to get better. We have been handling his bills and other costs, but between the frequent trips to UPenn, his coinsurance and copays, gas, tolls, etc., his care and medical bills are difficult to handle. We just want to help cover the costs of everything the next year will entail. This may include things such as chemo care, medical costs and insurance deductibles, wellness treatments and supportive therapies, tolls, gas, transportation help, bills, etc. It will also help cover expenses on his future road, no matter what that entails. Donations of any size would help ease the burden of this trying time, so Bud can stay focused on healing without added financial pressure. Believe me, the last thing we wanted to do was to ask for help, but it has now become necessary. His course of treatment for the next 4 months is chemotherapy and immunotherapy, then do all the testing over again. CTs, X-rays, Pet-scan, brain scan, etc. Hopefully, this will shrink the size of the mass in the left lung, but then will have to have another surgery to remove a third of his left lung with the mass. This second surgery will be more difficult than the first surgery, as it will remove a lot more of the other lung. He is unable to work at this time, which is even more depressing for him because he has so many clients that depend on him. Please consider donating to my father's fund that will be used for his medical expenses and many other expenses incurred during his treatment and his recovery. Every little bit helps. Thank you all so very much for your support, love and prayers!