Albert Rager fights Cancer

Hi my name is Albert Rager.  I'm 49 years young and in a battle with cancer.  My journey started only three months ago.  On May 9th I went to work as usual, sat at my desk to start the day, and I just did not feel well.  I was tired and could not motivate myself to work.  I called my doctor for advice, and when I explained my symptoms to the nurse, she told me to go to the hospital to be checked.  I thought nothing of it, and even took my time getting things ready.  At the hospital they drew blood and not long after told me my blood count was way off and that my kidneys were not doing well.  They said it looked like I had multiple myeloma, a rare blood plasma cancer. It was confirmed later by a painful bone marrow biopsy:  third and final stage of multiple myeloma.  I received my first of many blood transfusions that day.  It all felt like a dream and that I was going to wake up soon.  I was at the hospital just nine days and was sent home with bags of medicine and instructions for all the doctor visits I was going to need to have. A lung specialist, an oncologist, my family doctor, a dentist (because I had to have all my teeth removed.  They were not strong enough to face the damage that chemotherapy would cause them).  I have to miss quite a bit of work.


I feel blessed to have a great doctor, a specialist in multiple myeloma, here in Cleveland Ohio.  My treatments are going well and my body is responding with better kidney function and better red blood cell count. At my first visit I was told that I could choose one of two treatment paths. The gradual less aggressive type, where the medicine has been around for a while, or a more aggressive type that is only in its fourth year as an experimental medicine.  I chose the more aggressive one without hesitation.  If my cancer and my blood can help with research for cancer, then I want to do it.  My treatment is intravenously, twice a week at the hospital, for an estimated year.  I also take an oral medicine, along with all the other medicine I am taking. Treatment days go well, but the next two days after that I feel weak and depressed.  I have good days and bad, but I am happy to know that my cancer will help to establish this new medicine as an effective treatment for multiple myeloma.  I do work full time and have health insurance, but the insurance will only cover the first $6,000, and my expenses will be much more than that. I will need dentures when my gums have finished healing.  I have been eating for the past month without any teeth.  I will need a more reliable form of transportation very soon because my car is old with very high miles and is not reliable.  I needed to buy myself a special bed that elevates at the head in June, and I really could not afford it.  I have lesions all throughout my bones.  They give me discomfort, and have even made it challenging to walk and breathe at times.


I don't have time for cancer and if cancer wants me it will have to catch me.  I want to have a good life and I want to live to see my son and daughter, Albert and Cheryl, have families and children of their own.


My Favorite super hero is Batman, so when I get my treatments, I put on my Batman shirt and help boost the morale of other cancer patients. When family comes to support me they are also wear a superhero shirt.


I will be getting many bills from several ambulance rides I have had to have, among other medical expenses.  I am thankful that there is Go Fund Me for unforeseen circumstances like this.  I would appreciate any support that you would be able to help me with, including financial help and your prayers. Funds will be used to assist with my cancer treatment, medications, medical care and comfort needs specifically tailored to address the cancer.


I would love to thank Lakewood New Life Church in Lakewood Ohio for everything that they are continually doing for me.
http://lakewoodnewlifechurch.org/ 

I would also love to thank Beyond The Walls Church in Elyria Ohio for everything that they are continually doing for me.
http://beyondthewallschurch.com/ 

Thank you for all the support  from friends and family I have received and God bless!  

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains.  Where does my help come from?  My help comes trom the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Albert and Family