Please Help My Big Sister!
Donation protected
June 15, 2020
This is hard for me to write. My sister, Cynthia (Cindy) Camp, has been my rock my whole life. And now, when she needs me most, I can't even give her a hug. I pray for her every day, and ask you to please do the same. I asked her if I could do this for her, in lieu of hugs, and she agreed. Here is her story:
"I was laid off on Feb 7th after working for Rich's (16 yrs) & Macy's Tech (22 yrs) for a total 38 years. Then, just 2 weeks later, when I became jaundiced, I went to the doctor who sent me straight to the ER. By the next day, I was diagnosed with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (tumor in the head of my Pancreas which had spread to my bile duct)."
Of course, the first thing she asked the doctor was, "Am I going to die?" He said no, that if it was 5 years ago, he might not have said the same thing, but treatment has come a long way in just five years. But that is not without a price -- mental, spiritual and, of course, financial.
She was in St. Joseph's for 10 days where she had an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and 8 procedures (3 ERCPs on her bile duct to put in stents and a billiary drain, a biopsy, a lapascopic abdominal exploratory procedure to see if the cancer had spread into her abdomin, and another to have a port installed for chemotherapy infusions).
Then on 4/23, she had another ERCP to have the plastic stent removed from her bile duct (leaving in the metal one). Starting March 4th, for the next two months, she had 4 chemo infusions of one type of chemo. Then she had one infusion of another chemo mix on May 7th and ended up in the hospital for 7 days (4 in ICU) from May 9-15. And, due to the pandemic, she was not allowed ANY visitors, and had to fight alone.
Then on 5/22, she had another infusion and was sick in bed at home for 5 days. Two weeks later (6/5) her 3rd infusion was cancelled because of her reactions to the chemo-- but also because her tumor had shrunk. A CT scan on 6/11 showed the tumor had shrunk enough to be surgically removed so now she has a Whipple surgery scheduled for this Friday, 6/19. This is a complicated and delicate surgery, where the head of her pancreas, part of her bile duct, her gallbladder, the upper portion of her small intestine, and possibly, part of her stomach will be removed. She will spend at least 4 days in the hospital (more if there are complications). It will be a 6 week recovery, and then 8 weeks after surgery she will have more chemo to take care of any other cancer cells lingering in her body.
All of this alone would be more than one person could bear if they did have employment. During this timeframe, she had medical insurance with Macy's thru 2/29, then went on her husband's insurance beginning 2/29. But, starting June 1, that plan started a new year (meaning new deductible). Insurance has covered a lot of costs but because of deductibles and out of pocket costs they currently owe $20,000, and will owe even more after the June 19 surgery and future treatments.
She did receive a small 6-month severance check, but obviously has been unable to work since February. Her husband works for CVS as a shift manger, and though his income is modest, it is above the threshhold for them to qualify for financial aid. For now they are able to pay the mortgage and get essentials but that money will run out soon. And, to say the least, they have been unable to make a dent in the medical costs.
Can you please help my big sister? I want to help ease her stress so she can better focus on her recovery. I know times are tough for many of us right now, but any amount you can give will help.
And if you believe in prayer, please add Cynthia to your prayers.
God Bless You All,
Little Sister Leslie
This is hard for me to write. My sister, Cynthia (Cindy) Camp, has been my rock my whole life. And now, when she needs me most, I can't even give her a hug. I pray for her every day, and ask you to please do the same. I asked her if I could do this for her, in lieu of hugs, and she agreed. Here is her story:
"I was laid off on Feb 7th after working for Rich's (16 yrs) & Macy's Tech (22 yrs) for a total 38 years. Then, just 2 weeks later, when I became jaundiced, I went to the doctor who sent me straight to the ER. By the next day, I was diagnosed with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (tumor in the head of my Pancreas which had spread to my bile duct)."
Of course, the first thing she asked the doctor was, "Am I going to die?" He said no, that if it was 5 years ago, he might not have said the same thing, but treatment has come a long way in just five years. But that is not without a price -- mental, spiritual and, of course, financial.
She was in St. Joseph's for 10 days where she had an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and 8 procedures (3 ERCPs on her bile duct to put in stents and a billiary drain, a biopsy, a lapascopic abdominal exploratory procedure to see if the cancer had spread into her abdomin, and another to have a port installed for chemotherapy infusions).
Then on 4/23, she had another ERCP to have the plastic stent removed from her bile duct (leaving in the metal one). Starting March 4th, for the next two months, she had 4 chemo infusions of one type of chemo. Then she had one infusion of another chemo mix on May 7th and ended up in the hospital for 7 days (4 in ICU) from May 9-15. And, due to the pandemic, she was not allowed ANY visitors, and had to fight alone.
Then on 5/22, she had another infusion and was sick in bed at home for 5 days. Two weeks later (6/5) her 3rd infusion was cancelled because of her reactions to the chemo-- but also because her tumor had shrunk. A CT scan on 6/11 showed the tumor had shrunk enough to be surgically removed so now she has a Whipple surgery scheduled for this Friday, 6/19. This is a complicated and delicate surgery, where the head of her pancreas, part of her bile duct, her gallbladder, the upper portion of her small intestine, and possibly, part of her stomach will be removed. She will spend at least 4 days in the hospital (more if there are complications). It will be a 6 week recovery, and then 8 weeks after surgery she will have more chemo to take care of any other cancer cells lingering in her body.
All of this alone would be more than one person could bear if they did have employment. During this timeframe, she had medical insurance with Macy's thru 2/29, then went on her husband's insurance beginning 2/29. But, starting June 1, that plan started a new year (meaning new deductible). Insurance has covered a lot of costs but because of deductibles and out of pocket costs they currently owe $20,000, and will owe even more after the June 19 surgery and future treatments.
She did receive a small 6-month severance check, but obviously has been unable to work since February. Her husband works for CVS as a shift manger, and though his income is modest, it is above the threshhold for them to qualify for financial aid. For now they are able to pay the mortgage and get essentials but that money will run out soon. And, to say the least, they have been unable to make a dent in the medical costs.
Can you please help my big sister? I want to help ease her stress so she can better focus on her recovery. I know times are tough for many of us right now, but any amount you can give will help.
And if you believe in prayer, please add Cynthia to your prayers.
God Bless You All,
Little Sister Leslie
Organizer
Leslie Camp
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL