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UPDATE! 12/30/2024
Right now we are getting into the rhythm of our new normal. Greg started chemo on December 11. It went pretty well. Greg has just been tired and sleeps a lot. Dad has good days and bad days. But for now we are continuing on with treatment. After 3 rounds of chemo, the doctors will be able to tell what effect the medicine is having on his cancer. Then decisions will be made. Right now, we are just hanging out as much as possible and enjoying dad.
Greg and Lisa want to make sure everyone knows how much they appreciate the outpour of love and help. We have been applying for all the things we can, but the stress of everyday life is real. Thank you so much for everything you all have done. We are truly blessed.
We had a great Christmas and appreciate you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Venmo:
@Greg-Winterton
Hi. My name is Cheylena Lyman (Chey). I am Greg Winterton’s oldest daughter. I write this with a heavy emotional heart on behalf of my dad and mom. In September, my dad, Greg Winterton, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer. This diagnosis came after he dealt with broken ribs (since February) and a broken T4 vertebrae which was found in September. Dad went from working a full 40+ work week to coming home daily to take a nap. By the end of August, Dad could barely walk. He was in pain but dealing with it, walking with only the help of Mom and walking sticks. An MRI was taken when Dad went to the doctor because of his lack of leg function. This is when the cancer and broken T4 were found. A wonderful nurse navigator sent him to the ER in Murray to expedite the process and get him help. At this point, we still did not know where the cancer came from or what the diagnosis was, we just knew it was there. Within a couple days of the ER admittance, Dad was in surgery to fix his T4 vertebrae. This surgery was not to cure his cancer, but to fix his T4 and remove the cancer that was pushing on his spinal cord creating the problem with his legs. Yes, some of the cancer was removed and biopsied, but that was not the end. Greg has recovered miraculously well from his major back surgery.
With the vertebrae issue under control, he is now starting a treatment plan to slow the cancer growth. This treatment includes chemotherapy and testosterone blockers (testosterone feeds the prostate cancer).
The prognosis for dad is less time than we ever hoped. Everyone imagines their parents growing old with them; Dad is only 62. Our reality has hit hard. Metastatic means it has spread; it is in his bones and lymph nodes. That sounds ominous, but it is our reality. Even though he can walk now, he is still in pain all the time, he has micro fractures on many of his bones (ribs, vertebrae, etc). This is a result of the cancer spreading.
We know Dad has chosen treatment to save as much precious time with his wife, kids, grandkids, and friends. However, as treatment progresses, he will sleep more, and all our lives have changed because of his diagnosis. He is unable to work, and we want him to be able to spend the time he has left with us, without needing to worry about working. Through all this, he thought he might be able to do something from home (which if you know Greg, this makes sense), but he just can’t.
As his family and support team, we want to humbly ask for your support. Dad will have medical bills, expenses of driving back and forth to Salt Lake for treatment, and the bills will start to pile up. My dad has always done for everyone, all the time. Service and hard work are his love languages. It took me a LONG time to talk him into letting me ask others for help. He is strong and sometimes stubborn. In his time of need, I ask, if he has ever helped you, loved you, or made you smile, please help him now. His time is precious, and I don’t want him to have to worry. My hope is a little help can relieve his worry enough that he can focus on his time with Mom and all those who love him.
This man, my dad, to know him is to love him. To know him is to have laughed with him, over and over. He is brave, strong, hilarious, and kind. He is our everything.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. We love you and we truly appreciate your kindness and generosity.
To everyone who is just finding out because of this post, know that the last month (literally) has been a whirlwind. Dad is a very private person. He doesn’t want to be treated like a cancer patient; he didn’t even want me to make this. As we become humbled as a family, in our time of need, we adapt. So much has happened and changed in such a small amount of time. You were not left out because we do not care. Dad loves each and every one of you, whether you are a client, you worked together, he knew you 20 years ago, he was your neighbor, or you met him one time. We are still coping and figuring it out.
You can also donate through venmo
@Greg-Winterton
So, from Greg (and Lisa), thank you.
PS we know it says only Lisa is the beneficiary, not sure why, we can't fix it. But it's for dad.
UPDATE: some have requested dad's venmo. Thank you all!