David McAlpin-Cancer Recovery Fund
Donation protected
CANCER DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT PLAN
Unfortunately, the McAlpin family learned over Christmas that David, has Chondrosarcoma , a rare type of bone cancer that is affecting his pelvis, hip, and leg. This type of cancer cannot be treated with traditional methods like chemotherapy or radiation, as it would not respond to them at all; rather, the only option for treating it is to cut it out completely. The tumor has broken through the bones and spread into the surrounding tissue, causing tremendous pain as well as other issues. Thankfully, however, according to the CT scans, the cancer is limited to the one area and has not spread to the rest of the body. There is a good survival rate (approx. 80-90% over 5 years) if the cancer can be removed completely, so there is a positive outlook post-operation. However, we are preparing for any and all scenarios. Importantly, the next few months will be extremely difficult, with a massive change in quality of life, demands upon the family, and figuring out how to move forward with changes.
First Option: In Kansas, where David lives with Nanell, the top doctors there at KU and nearby had stated that due to the advanced size, location, and trajectory of the cancer, they believed that amputation would be necessary and was the only option.
Second Option (CHOSEN):
At the MD Anderson Clinic in Houston TX, David was given hope that his leg can be saved. After getting tests done using special equipment that only their expert team has and can use, the team of specialists were able to see enough of a space between the leg nerve and the tumor that they feel they can save the leg when cutting out the cancer tumor, because enough tissue will remain, and they know to handle such a situation. The procedure will be a 12 hour surgery with four weeks stay in the hospital, and will have to be done in Houston at the MD Anderson Clinic, where he will stay afterward.
In the procedure they will be removing half of his pelvic bone, the hip, and the ball of the femur bone, in addition to cutting out the tumor and any affected tissue. Then they will be reattaching his leg differently, but in a way that ought to allow the body to take on the change and create a new way of supporting the leg. After the procedure is completed, his surgically treated leg will be both weakened and shorter. He may not be able to walk again normally for two years, though he ought to be able to resume day-to-day activities much sooner through therapy and the use of crutches or a cane. In 12 months or so it may be possible for them to do a hip/pelvic bone transplant with a 3D printer, when his body could handle that surgery, but time will tell. David has opted to go forward with this procedure in TX instead of using the doctor in KS: It may now be February before they have all the doctors needed available to do the procedure. The plan is to have different family members and friends visit on rotation throughout those four weeks until he is able to return home.
WAYS TO HELP
(1) Prayer and Letters of Encouragement. We believe in the power of prayer and are asking that everyone please pray for the doctors, David and his recovery, and his family (Nanell, Ben, Stephen, and Remedy). Please consider sending a letter letting David know how he has made a positive difference in your life, and offering him loving words that will offer hope. So many of you have already done that and it is very encouraging. Letters can be mailed to David McAlpin, 8302 Cherokee Ln, Leawood, KS 66206. You may also be able to leave him a note on CaringBridge or here on GoFundMe.
(2) Financial Gifts - This is most urgent; the family is anticipating enormous out-of-pocket costs for the deductible and co-payments for cancer treatments, physical therapy, and related therapies at an out-of-state cancer treatment center. Additionally, there are likely going to be a lot of unexpected everyday expenses related to lifestyle changes, being hospitalized for four weeks, family travel and hotel expenses, then re-learning to walk (while using crutches or a wheelchair). David and his family would be incredibly grateful for any and all gifts
(3) MEAL TRAIN - When David is recovering and back in KC, Syd Gilliland will organize a Meal Train. Please go through her as she is organizing days for that.
Unfortunately, the McAlpin family learned over Christmas that David, has Chondrosarcoma , a rare type of bone cancer that is affecting his pelvis, hip, and leg. This type of cancer cannot be treated with traditional methods like chemotherapy or radiation, as it would not respond to them at all; rather, the only option for treating it is to cut it out completely. The tumor has broken through the bones and spread into the surrounding tissue, causing tremendous pain as well as other issues. Thankfully, however, according to the CT scans, the cancer is limited to the one area and has not spread to the rest of the body. There is a good survival rate (approx. 80-90% over 5 years) if the cancer can be removed completely, so there is a positive outlook post-operation. However, we are preparing for any and all scenarios. Importantly, the next few months will be extremely difficult, with a massive change in quality of life, demands upon the family, and figuring out how to move forward with changes.
First Option: In Kansas, where David lives with Nanell, the top doctors there at KU and nearby had stated that due to the advanced size, location, and trajectory of the cancer, they believed that amputation would be necessary and was the only option.
Second Option (CHOSEN):
At the MD Anderson Clinic in Houston TX, David was given hope that his leg can be saved. After getting tests done using special equipment that only their expert team has and can use, the team of specialists were able to see enough of a space between the leg nerve and the tumor that they feel they can save the leg when cutting out the cancer tumor, because enough tissue will remain, and they know to handle such a situation. The procedure will be a 12 hour surgery with four weeks stay in the hospital, and will have to be done in Houston at the MD Anderson Clinic, where he will stay afterward.
In the procedure they will be removing half of his pelvic bone, the hip, and the ball of the femur bone, in addition to cutting out the tumor and any affected tissue. Then they will be reattaching his leg differently, but in a way that ought to allow the body to take on the change and create a new way of supporting the leg. After the procedure is completed, his surgically treated leg will be both weakened and shorter. He may not be able to walk again normally for two years, though he ought to be able to resume day-to-day activities much sooner through therapy and the use of crutches or a cane. In 12 months or so it may be possible for them to do a hip/pelvic bone transplant with a 3D printer, when his body could handle that surgery, but time will tell. David has opted to go forward with this procedure in TX instead of using the doctor in KS: It may now be February before they have all the doctors needed available to do the procedure. The plan is to have different family members and friends visit on rotation throughout those four weeks until he is able to return home.
WAYS TO HELP
(1) Prayer and Letters of Encouragement. We believe in the power of prayer and are asking that everyone please pray for the doctors, David and his recovery, and his family (Nanell, Ben, Stephen, and Remedy). Please consider sending a letter letting David know how he has made a positive difference in your life, and offering him loving words that will offer hope. So many of you have already done that and it is very encouraging. Letters can be mailed to David McAlpin, 8302 Cherokee Ln, Leawood, KS 66206. You may also be able to leave him a note on CaringBridge or here on GoFundMe.
(2) Financial Gifts - This is most urgent; the family is anticipating enormous out-of-pocket costs for the deductible and co-payments for cancer treatments, physical therapy, and related therapies at an out-of-state cancer treatment center. Additionally, there are likely going to be a lot of unexpected everyday expenses related to lifestyle changes, being hospitalized for four weeks, family travel and hotel expenses, then re-learning to walk (while using crutches or a wheelchair). David and his family would be incredibly grateful for any and all gifts
(3) MEAL TRAIN - When David is recovering and back in KC, Syd Gilliland will organize a Meal Train. Please go through her as she is organizing days for that.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tammy Harrington
Organizer
Lee's Summit, MO
Nanell McAlpin
Beneficiary