Treatment and Hospital Fund for Skye

     Dear friends, I recently received some devastating news - I have cancer. I had been experiencing some strange respiratory symptoms along with sudden and dramatic weight loss. So my doctor suggested a CT scan of my lungs. The results were abnormal which prompted a bronchoscopy with biopsy. The pathology report confirmed non-small cell (squamous) lung cancer in my lower left lobe. Several biopsies of suspicious lymph nodes in surrounding areas were taken as well, still pending results whether the cancer has spread to them (I will update soon).
     I have an upcoming PET scan (a CT scan with radioactive dye) to determine if the cancer has migrated elsewhere in my body. Treatment will most likely involve surgery to remove the left lower lobe or all of my left lung, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or a combination depending on additional involvement.
      While all of this is enough to worry about, I now have financial stress to cope with. I do have a Medicare advantage plan thankfully, and while that covers a significant portion of my procedures and treatment, the co-pays are significant in themselves and beyond my means to pay. I've always considered myself self-sufficient, but now I need financial help to get through this. Crowdfunding seemed like my best option. 
      For fans of my work, purchasing my cookbooks through my TheGentleChef.com website is still very helpful. Donations through GoFundMe will be immediately accessible for paying the costs of my co-pays, as well as costs of daily living while undergoing treatment. Any donation is greatly appreciated. 
      I've dealt with other serious chronic health problems throughout the years and I am managing. But 2020 has been bad. I was just diagnosed with diabetes this past October (I've already gotten that under control, yay!) - I will fight this too. I realize there is a stigma associated with lung cancer. I'm asking that people not judge my past. I have lived clean for many years. I'm not looking for home treatment suggestions either, so please refrain. I will be using a wholistic nutritional approach and other sensible alternative healing therapies along with my Western medicine treatments. 
     I'll keep this page updated with any news as time goes by. Thank you for any help you can provide. I'm am deeply grateful.
     
Much love, Skye