Doug Stromberg Cancer Medical Fund
Donation protected
Dear family and friends,
I've given this a lot of thought and I'm praying we won't be judged for setting up this website. A lot of people have been asking how they could help, my first and most important thought is to ask for prayer and for those wishing to do more I'm putting this option out there. Please, do not feel obligated in any way, it's just an option and I realize most everyone is struggling these days.
As you may or may not know, Doug has Esophageal Cancer. It was only diagnosed a week and a half ago, but it is amazing how fast your life and world can be changed. Two weeks ago Doug was scheduled to have knee surgery. He went for “pre-op” testing and approval and didn’t pass. He was anemic. A visit with a G.I. Doctor was scheduled for an endoscope and colonoscopy to look for internal bleeding. While waiting for that, Doug began not being able to eat or drink. It got to the point that he was only able to swallow maybe a teaspoon of water at one time and no food at all. The Doctor put off the colonoscopy and went straight to endoscopy (EGD). That is when the tumor was found and it completely closed off the esophagus. Doug has lost about 30 pounds in less than a month as a result.
It's an uphill battle physically, emotionally and financially. Doug is fortunate to have medical insurance through his managed medicare plan but it does not cover everything, it’s basically an 80%-20% plan and we have been co-payed to the max already. We have seen Doctors every day with as many as 3 a day and with PET scans, X-Rays, Stents, Hospitals, etc. , it adds up to an amazing amount quickly. We have already maxed out our credit cards. Right now, Doug needs a port put in so he can begin his chemo-therapy but, that has been put on hold until Doug’s next SS check because the surgery center wants to be paid before they will do it. The surgeon has said he realizes the importance and will even waive his fee but the surgery center or hospital will not accept even a partial payment. Unfortunately, Doug’s AARP Medicare Complete managed by United Healthcare will only work at one hospital in the area and it is a “for profit” that will not work with us. Another hospital is not an option due to his insurance. Health care and insurance has sure gotten complicated lately. We’re still responsible for huge copays and out-of-pocket expenses. It's only been less than two weeks and we’ve already been charged several thousand. Some Doctors and facilities will work with you and others won’t. 2 weeks ago, Doug had 1 Doctor, as of today, he has 6. We still have a long way to go and it scares me how it will be paid for and Doug will get the treatment he needs and now with the chemo and radiation coming up. I’m sorry, I’m rambling on and I apologize. I’m just a little nervous and scared right now.
So if you would like to help and can spare even $5 it will be so very much appreciated. I truly hope I'm not coming across as begging and I'm not offending anyone, if I am I apologize. It's certainly not my intention. I turned to this to give those who would like to help and are able an easy way to do so. Of course prayers for us and all those who are fighting and struggling are always welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone's support and prayers throughout this battle.
I've given this a lot of thought and I'm praying we won't be judged for setting up this website. A lot of people have been asking how they could help, my first and most important thought is to ask for prayer and for those wishing to do more I'm putting this option out there. Please, do not feel obligated in any way, it's just an option and I realize most everyone is struggling these days.
As you may or may not know, Doug has Esophageal Cancer. It was only diagnosed a week and a half ago, but it is amazing how fast your life and world can be changed. Two weeks ago Doug was scheduled to have knee surgery. He went for “pre-op” testing and approval and didn’t pass. He was anemic. A visit with a G.I. Doctor was scheduled for an endoscope and colonoscopy to look for internal bleeding. While waiting for that, Doug began not being able to eat or drink. It got to the point that he was only able to swallow maybe a teaspoon of water at one time and no food at all. The Doctor put off the colonoscopy and went straight to endoscopy (EGD). That is when the tumor was found and it completely closed off the esophagus. Doug has lost about 30 pounds in less than a month as a result.
It's an uphill battle physically, emotionally and financially. Doug is fortunate to have medical insurance through his managed medicare plan but it does not cover everything, it’s basically an 80%-20% plan and we have been co-payed to the max already. We have seen Doctors every day with as many as 3 a day and with PET scans, X-Rays, Stents, Hospitals, etc. , it adds up to an amazing amount quickly. We have already maxed out our credit cards. Right now, Doug needs a port put in so he can begin his chemo-therapy but, that has been put on hold until Doug’s next SS check because the surgery center wants to be paid before they will do it. The surgeon has said he realizes the importance and will even waive his fee but the surgery center or hospital will not accept even a partial payment. Unfortunately, Doug’s AARP Medicare Complete managed by United Healthcare will only work at one hospital in the area and it is a “for profit” that will not work with us. Another hospital is not an option due to his insurance. Health care and insurance has sure gotten complicated lately. We’re still responsible for huge copays and out-of-pocket expenses. It's only been less than two weeks and we’ve already been charged several thousand. Some Doctors and facilities will work with you and others won’t. 2 weeks ago, Doug had 1 Doctor, as of today, he has 6. We still have a long way to go and it scares me how it will be paid for and Doug will get the treatment he needs and now with the chemo and radiation coming up. I’m sorry, I’m rambling on and I apologize. I’m just a little nervous and scared right now.
So if you would like to help and can spare even $5 it will be so very much appreciated. I truly hope I'm not coming across as begging and I'm not offending anyone, if I am I apologize. It's certainly not my intention. I turned to this to give those who would like to help and are able an easy way to do so. Of course prayers for us and all those who are fighting and struggling are always welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everyone's support and prayers throughout this battle.
Organizer
Joni Lynn Stromberg
Organizer
Palm Bay, FL