Charlene NeelyCain Lung Cancer Assistance

In October of 2023, I was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a blood cancer that causes my body to produce too much of a very thick blood, leaving me prone to strokes, blood clots, etc.

In August 2024, I suffered a mini-stroke as a result of the Polycythemia Vera. Doing their due diligence, a chest X-ray was performed. A mass was found on my upper right lung. A biopsy confirmed Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Thorax) Clinical Stage 1A3 (AJCC v8) TNM: ct1c, cNo, cMo.

Because we had caught this very early and the mass itself was small, I was given 5 surgical targeted radiation treatments from 10-2-2024 thru 10-11-2024. Due to the bleeding risks from the Polycythemia Vera, I was not a candidate for surgical removal of the mass. All signs pointed to the radiation doing its intended job and shrinking the mass in the lung. Coincidentally, the day after my biopsy, I noticed sharp pains in my abdomen that would not go away. Oncology felt as though I had a bruised rib and told us that it would have to heal itself. The day after my last radiation treatment, I was still experiencing the pain, and my oncologist sent me to the Emergency Room. It was realized that my gall bladder needed to come out, and surgery was scheduled.

December PET scans showed the mass was shrinking. My oncologist felt I was in remission with both the lung cancer and the Polycythemia Vera. I was able to return to work full-time with the understanding that I would need to have a PET scan performed every 3 months.

In March, a scan was performed, and a following biopsy confirmed the cancer had spread to the R4 Lymph Node. Stage III Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

I was started on chemotherapy and immunotherapy immediately and placed on short-term disability. The initial plan was to have 4 cycles of Carboplatin, Alimta, and Keytruda, followed by 30 days straight of radiation and Keytruda for a year. It was also felt it would be in my best interest to have a port installed, as my veins were beginning to be worn down. Another surgery and recovery period were performed.

I completed 3 of the treatments. After the 3rd treatment, the nausea felt different. I was sicker and could not eat for 3 days. Oncology sent me to the ER where I was evaluated, given IV meds, and allowed to return home. After recovering from that, I was sent for a PET scan to evaluate the progress of the chemotherapy before what should have been the 4th and final chemotherapy and so that we could schedule the 30 days of radiation. I was also extended on the short term.

That PET scan showed new nodules within the right lung. They are too small to biopsy. They could be either an infection or the cancer spreading. The 4th chemo was canceled, radiation was canceled, and I was placed on a very vigorous round of antibiotics.

After the antibiotics, Carti felt as though we should start over with the chemotherapy. I am now on Docetaxel and Ramucirumab - 4 infusions to be given every 3 weeks. A PET scan will be given after the 3rd treatment to evaluate.

During the course of this, I have been unable to work due to the volume of appointments, nausea, fatigue, and other side effects from the chemotherapy.

On top of our normal household bills, I currently owe more than $15,000.00 in medical bills alone. I just need a little assistance until I am able to return to work. I won't have a return date until my next scan.

We appreciate your prayers, your well wishes for me, and your help with my fight.