Go-Fight-Win! Fighting Kidney Cancer

Please take a moment to read my sons journey since we were informed of his diagnosis. Donations, kind words and positive thoughts are truly appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.

One evening in the summer of 2015, I went to bed under the impression life was great and I was perfectly healthy. Little did I know, I was about to wake up to the scariest news someone can be given. I remember this day like it was yesterday, trying to convince myself that this was all just a really bad nightmare however it was in fact, my reality. I was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma of the right kidney. I remember sobbing in the Dr.'s office asking questions I never thought I would have to ask in my lifetime. This included what the next steps were, risks of procedures, would this kill me and if so, how long will it take, etc. It was truly a struggle to come to terms with what had landed on my lap in the blink of an eye.The Dr. started scheduling procedures immediately as time was of the essence. After consulting teams of Dr.'s, many appointments, seeing 2 different Oncologists (Memorial and Dana Farber), the plan was finalized to perform a partial Nephrectomy and remove the malignant mass. Luckily, this procedure was successful and the margins came back negative. This meant I was now in remission but still had a long road ahead before I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. The journey consisted of quarterly scans, tons of appointments all over New England and lots of money out of my pocket.After my latest scan, it was said that my right kidney was still creating stones. Not only was my body making stones in an already traumatized kidney, they were developing extremely quickly and extremely large. I've been battling kidney stones since before the cancer but never to this extent. After having multiple ureteroscopy's/lithotripsy's, a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (twice), etc, it's now become a part of my everyday life living through the pain and suffering.My most recent procedure was this past week. I went in on Monday the 27th, where interventional radiology was to gain access to the kidney through my back for the urologist to then remove the stone from the portion of the kidney I have left. This unfortunately was unsuccessful and the Dr. could not gain access from that particular access point. I was told to come back the following day where I would be put asleep and they would try again more aggressively. Tuesday came and I awoke finding the procedure was successful. The Nephrostomy tube was placed and I was sent home. Wednesday, the following day, the Urologist was to remove the stone through the tube. To my surprise, I was informed that I would be given an epidural for the procedure. Let me tell you, not feeling the bottom half of your body is quite scary. I was admitted for the evening for observation and pain management and discharged the next day.As I sit here on strict bedrest recovering with a nephrostomy bag laying beside me, I can't help but stress over what happens next?, is this finally over? how will I pay for it all?, etc.I am reaching out to all of my friends and family for your support. Anything and everything is truly appreciated! It has taken a lot out of me to have the courage to step up and ask for help as initially I felt this was immoral because it's my kidney, my problem. It's come to the final straw and I'm buried alive in medical bills and at this point it is my last resort to reach out to the community I've dedicated my time, talents, effort and even money to for help. Please, any donations would be helpful at this point.Remember, live every day to the fullest as you never know what tomorrow will bring. I love everyone and cannot thank you all enough for being a part of my life already.

Thank You,
Charlene