Chris Machovina- Keep Mac on the Attack
Donation protected
Our Dad, Chris Machovina, was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer on October 15, 2019. This came as a complete shock to us. He was out hunting three days before, shooting his first buck of the season. His priority has always been to work. If he wasn't working at his job, he was at home working around on their property. He started to gradually lose weight the previous month, then he was unable to keep food down. One day, he couldn't even keep his beloved coffee down. He drew the line at not being able to drink coffee and drove himself to the hospital in his work van. By the next day, he had a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Our family of five (Dad, Mom, Chris, Carrie & Cassie) were all in the hospital room to speak to the doctor about what the next steps would be. It felt like the worst place to be at that moment, but the only place we wanted to be. Together.
This type of cancer is very aggressive, so the team of doctors suggested using triple therapy to treat the cancer. This treatment would include chemo, radiation, and esophageal resection (removal of the esophagus). He went through chemo and radiation this past November and December. His insurance was set to lapse on January 31st. Thankfully, his team of surgeons scheduled his surgery on January 30. What a blessing! He had the esophageal resection done at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His surgery lasted around 12 hours, and they successfully removed his esophagus. They took part of his stomach to form his new esophagus. Crazy, right? He remained in the hospital for 8 days following the surgery. He has been on a feeding tube since being discharged from the hospital. Don't worry, he's asked, begged, and pleaded with our Mom for cookies, steak, cheeseburgers, just FOOD. We're hopeful he can begin eating again soon!
We just found out the esophagus that was removed, along with two lymph nodes showed to have cancer in them. This wasn't the news we wanted to hear. Now they are looking at doing another round of chemo, but more aggressive. The side effects of this aggressive chemo are terrifying. He was just admitted back into UPMC this afternoon for a fever and was very lethargic. His immune system is so weak, any type of fever is scary. It's been difficult to see this man, who for our entire life has been the hardest working man we know, be knocked down and depleted. This cancer diagnosis not only turned our world upside down, but it has put a major financial burden on our parents. Our Dad has been without pay since October. They are living off of our Mom's income, which includes many unpaid days off for when she takes him for treatment, hospital stays, driving back and forth to Pittsburgh, etc. Any donation would be appreciated. We also ask for your prayers. Our Dad keeps telling us he wouldn't be here if it weren't for so many people praying for him and the work of our Wonderful Healer.
This type of cancer is very aggressive, so the team of doctors suggested using triple therapy to treat the cancer. This treatment would include chemo, radiation, and esophageal resection (removal of the esophagus). He went through chemo and radiation this past November and December. His insurance was set to lapse on January 31st. Thankfully, his team of surgeons scheduled his surgery on January 30. What a blessing! He had the esophageal resection done at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. His surgery lasted around 12 hours, and they successfully removed his esophagus. They took part of his stomach to form his new esophagus. Crazy, right? He remained in the hospital for 8 days following the surgery. He has been on a feeding tube since being discharged from the hospital. Don't worry, he's asked, begged, and pleaded with our Mom for cookies, steak, cheeseburgers, just FOOD. We're hopeful he can begin eating again soon!
We just found out the esophagus that was removed, along with two lymph nodes showed to have cancer in them. This wasn't the news we wanted to hear. Now they are looking at doing another round of chemo, but more aggressive. The side effects of this aggressive chemo are terrifying. He was just admitted back into UPMC this afternoon for a fever and was very lethargic. His immune system is so weak, any type of fever is scary. It's been difficult to see this man, who for our entire life has been the hardest working man we know, be knocked down and depleted. This cancer diagnosis not only turned our world upside down, but it has put a major financial burden on our parents. Our Dad has been without pay since October. They are living off of our Mom's income, which includes many unpaid days off for when she takes him for treatment, hospital stays, driving back and forth to Pittsburgh, etc. Any donation would be appreciated. We also ask for your prayers. Our Dad keeps telling us he wouldn't be here if it weren't for so many people praying for him and the work of our Wonderful Healer.
Organizer
Cassandra Hartzler
Organizer
Creston, OH