Behind The Smile

You see this happy guy? His name is Matt Fear. In this picture he is sick, weak, and fighting for his life. Can you tell by looking at the photo? No? Well, that is due to his willingness to fight and make the best of every situation.

In November 2019 he developed a cough that just wouldn't go away. He went to St. Francis hospital in December 2019 because he was having difficulty breathing. When they did a CT Scan of his chest they found his left lung was completely full of fluid. After draining it they found that he had cancer in his lung. His care was transferred to Community South Cancer Center.

Matt was treated with compassion, given every treatment possible, and carefully monitored by the best cancer team possible. He continued to go to work every day and live his life to the best of his ability even though he was going through the worst pain and sickness. His doctor and nurse were amazed by his determination.

The cancer spread, despite all the care and treatments he was going through, to his brain. He had radiation treatments twice for his brain and then started a new immunotherapy treatment for the rest of his body. He had 2 infusions of the immunotherapy before he noticed some issues with his mobility. At the last treatment we had to have a discussion with his care team about what was best for him.

Now comes the hard part......

As of Friday August 5th all treatment options were stopped. He lost all feeling in his legs and cannot lift himself out of bed. His nurse and doctor placed him on at home hospice care. Kindred Hospice stepped in and are providing us assistance at home twice a week.

He has fought. He has struggled. He has suffered through so much pain and sickness. Now is his time to rest and enjoy the rest of his life the best he can.

The need....

We were a 2 income household. We HAD to be a 2 income household. Now he cannot work and social security said it will be 5 to 6 months before he is approved or denied for disability. I am part time at my job and have to provide him care at home. Our bills are skyrocketing and I have reached out to a ton of organizations for help. Most have turned us away or told me to call local churches for help. We have exhausted all options and our parents have done what they can. So here we are, asking for help. To keep him comfortable at home and take the stress away for a little while.

We thank you for any and all help you could provide. Even if it means saying prayers, sharing our needs, or keeping us in your thoughts.

The Fear's