Bob’s Battle with Brain Cancer #THOMSENSTRONG
Donation protected
In early May 2019, Bob was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic brain cancer. A dozen tumors were seen on his MRI in all different areas of his brain. His first neurosurgery to remove one of the tumors for biopsy confirmed it was from melanoma that had metastasized.
Two weeks after surgery, Bob received his first treatment of immunotherapy at Sloan Kettering in NYC. The initial infusion went fine, but the following day, he fell ill, running high fevers and weakness — mainly in his arms and legs, rendering him unable to walk. A series of medical issues and side effects kept him in the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. He spent 2 additional weeks at St. Charles Rehab to strengthen his legs and independently walk with a walker.
Just before he was scheduled for his next immunotherapy treatment, he was admitted back into the hospital with brain swelling and weakness on the right side of his body. An MRI revealed that an existing tumor had grown to four times its original size in just 2 months. The tumor was close enough to the surface of his brain that the Neurosurgeon was confident he could remove it without causing any permanent damage. The surgery was a success. Following the second surgery, his team at Sloan Kettering agreed he would benefit from some radiation prior to returning to the immunotherapy treatment. So, last week, radiation was completed over 3 consecutive days.
Bob is scheduled for his second immunotherapy treatment on October 3, 2019.
Immunotherapy is the best treatment available to fight this type of brain metastases. Our prayer is that Immunotherapy will shrink and kill the remaining tumors in Bob’s brain.
This has been a stressful and difficult time for Bob, his wife Ann and their 4 children. Bob is an IT consultant that traveled out of state (and sometimes the country) for work. Unable to work since his diagnosis, he went out on disability from work back in May. He is nearing the end of his work benefits and Ann is on leave from her part time job at the local High School to stay home and care for him full-time.
The Shoreham-Wading River community where they live, in addition to family and friends, have all provided tons of love, support, meals, gift cards and rides for them. Bob and Ann are so grateful.
So many people have asked, “What Can I Do To Help”.
This campaign has been established for those interested in directly assisting with what will be a mountain of medical expenses, treatment-related travel expenses, as well as covering everyday expenses including food and household bills. If you would like to assist with their financial burden, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Bob is the sole provider for his family. He has a humble, selfless heart — which is why we are taking it upon ourselves to step up to the plate and help make sure that Ann, Matthew, Connor, Kaylee and Zachary are provided for during this time.
On behalf of Bob & Ann, their closest friends and the entire Thomsen and Gregorio family, we are thankful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support shown over the summer, and during the months to come. Your prayers for successful treatments and strength for his family are sincerely appreciated.
Two weeks after surgery, Bob received his first treatment of immunotherapy at Sloan Kettering in NYC. The initial infusion went fine, but the following day, he fell ill, running high fevers and weakness — mainly in his arms and legs, rendering him unable to walk. A series of medical issues and side effects kept him in the hospital for a total of 6 weeks. He spent 2 additional weeks at St. Charles Rehab to strengthen his legs and independently walk with a walker.
Just before he was scheduled for his next immunotherapy treatment, he was admitted back into the hospital with brain swelling and weakness on the right side of his body. An MRI revealed that an existing tumor had grown to four times its original size in just 2 months. The tumor was close enough to the surface of his brain that the Neurosurgeon was confident he could remove it without causing any permanent damage. The surgery was a success. Following the second surgery, his team at Sloan Kettering agreed he would benefit from some radiation prior to returning to the immunotherapy treatment. So, last week, radiation was completed over 3 consecutive days.
Bob is scheduled for his second immunotherapy treatment on October 3, 2019.
Immunotherapy is the best treatment available to fight this type of brain metastases. Our prayer is that Immunotherapy will shrink and kill the remaining tumors in Bob’s brain.
This has been a stressful and difficult time for Bob, his wife Ann and their 4 children. Bob is an IT consultant that traveled out of state (and sometimes the country) for work. Unable to work since his diagnosis, he went out on disability from work back in May. He is nearing the end of his work benefits and Ann is on leave from her part time job at the local High School to stay home and care for him full-time.
The Shoreham-Wading River community where they live, in addition to family and friends, have all provided tons of love, support, meals, gift cards and rides for them. Bob and Ann are so grateful.
So many people have asked, “What Can I Do To Help”.
This campaign has been established for those interested in directly assisting with what will be a mountain of medical expenses, treatment-related travel expenses, as well as covering everyday expenses including food and household bills. If you would like to assist with their financial burden, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Bob is the sole provider for his family. He has a humble, selfless heart — which is why we are taking it upon ourselves to step up to the plate and help make sure that Ann, Matthew, Connor, Kaylee and Zachary are provided for during this time.
On behalf of Bob & Ann, their closest friends and the entire Thomsen and Gregorio family, we are thankful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support shown over the summer, and during the months to come. Your prayers for successful treatments and strength for his family are sincerely appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Christine Thomsen McDermott
Organizer
Miller Place, NY
Ann Gregorio Thomsen
Beneficiary