Stage 4 Lung Cancer

As many of you know, Rick's health has slowly been declining for the past few years. After his accident with his leg everything took a turn for the worse. Sadly he isn't improving. About 6 weeks ago Rick went to the hospital for what he assumed was a pinched nerve in his neck. He left the hospital with news of 2 spots on his left lung that looked "suspicious". After under going a biopsy and several scans and tests he along with his immediate family waited nervously. Yet, we all prayed for the best. Three days ago we were given the news. Rick has Stage 4 Bone Cancer and it has spread to his left lung. Fortunately the cancer is NOT in his brain or any of his major organs. "PRAISE GOD"! Then came even more bad news. The cancer was all throughout his bones. He has several areas in his lower spine, a few areas in his neck and collar bone. In addition to those areas it is in both arms, his left hip, his sternum, and even the left side of his jaw. We had finally received the information and answers to why he has been so sick and in so much pain. Due to the cancer he has a broken collar bone, 2 broken ribs, and very brittle bones. What came next tore us all up. The cancer is inoperable at this stage. However, Rick has decided that he is going to "FIGHT THIS". "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Keeping God first, Rick, is ready to combat this battle with all his might and strength. The doctors have given him multiple pain medications to make him more comfortable. He underwent an out patient procedure to implant his ports for his chemotherapy and radiation. On Monday, the 18th, he goes back for a second biopsy to find out if the cancer is the aggressive type or not. Then on Wednesday, the 20th, his team of doctors will mix his special cocktail of chemo and he will begin that stage of this battle. With God all things are possible and we all know HE is in contol. Together we can beat this.  

For those of you that know Rick closely, he has, and always will be a giver, never being one to ask for help. Of course we all know that Medical Bills, on top of Medications and expenses add up pretty rapidly. With that being said, God only hands us as much as we can handle. So we are reaching out for a little help. With all of the upcoming doctors appointments and procedures to be scheduled, Kathy, will be missing work to be by her husbands side. Her coworkers have already forfeited their own vacation hours for her to be home while he is still coping with the news. It is extremely hard on both of them, as well as he rest of us. Everyone is pitching in tremendously and has come together rather quickly. Even though Rick has insurance, copays and treatments that are not covered, but necessary, have come up. On top of that, his pain medications are NOT always covered. Even then, if insurance does cover them, it is not always the full amount. His medications have been changing very often, to keep his body from becoming immune to them. With all these new and unexpected expenses being laid out, it has become a matter of what to put off to make sure Rick has what he needs. For example, he was put on a new medication for his depression, which cost $957 for a 30 day supply, and even after insurance it still was going to cost almost $300. Rick and Kathy were just not prepared for any of this. Leaving bills to add up and become unpaid. Right now, prayers are the biggest thing and the most important along with being most appreciated. God is the only one that knows what will come next.Thank You all for reading this and please pray for his will and a devine healing. We will keep you updated regularly.       

The Harris Family