Dea's Medical fund

I was first diagnosed with AML (Leukemia) 11 years ago.  After Chemo, I went into remission and returned to work.  A year later the Leukemia returned  I went through Chemo again but it did not work.  I underwent an anonymous bone marrow transplant.  It worked.  I have had some issues over the years with my immune system and graft versus host (my immune fighting the donor's immune system) but I have been able to work and take care of my family.  I have watched my kids graduate from high school and colloge and I even got married to a wonderful man 8 years ago.

Last May, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Esophogael Cancer.  I went through chemo and radiation.  I followed up with upper scopes and things were improving.  The tumor was shrinking.  We still had my oldest at home studying for the law bar so she was able to take me to appointments so Jim would not have to miss much work.

This past Monday the upper scope revealed the tumor is back and I now have to have major surgry to remove the cancerous part of my esophagus from my side. I will have 2 or 3 incicsions.  They will move my stomach up and reattach to the upper part of the esophagus.  I will have a feed tube while this heals.  I will be in the hospital for up to 2 weeks and have home health afterwards.

Any funds raised will go towards medical bills, co-pays for the 16 medications I am currently on.  Parking for at Duke.  Jim will have to take time off of work and I have recently started received Social Security Disability which is roughly 25% of what I normally make.

We have been asked what people can do to help us out.  This is certainly one way.  Another for those locally would to help out with groceries or meals.

I will have the surgery mid March so funds are needed urgently.

This was a hard decision for Jim and I to make as we are very proud people and tend to take care of our own.  But we are between a rock and a hard place.

We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and all you do.

Dea and Jim