I’m not very good at this, but I’ll do my best. In January, Rick started having severe pain in his lower back, to the point that he couldn’t even stand. Several visits to the ER and it was determined that he had a kidney stone. Over several weeks, it wasn’t passing, and they did a non-contrast CT scan. Just by chance, they found out why it wouldn’t pass: his bladder was partially filled with a mass.

In March, it was discovered that mass was cancer. Rick had bladder cancer. Anyone who has had someone close to them diagnosed with cancer knows this completely turns your world upside down. We were no different. After the first surgery, he began chemotherapy. The first couple weren’t bad, but over time they began to take their toll. He got weak, sick, and it caused him pain. He was unable to work eventually and then lost his job. In the meantime, I had my pay cut and eventually also lost my job.

We’ve had a wonderful support group around us, helping as much as they can, but with the medical bills and household bills piling up, we have new stresses.

He still has another surgery coming up and, of course, more doctor visits.

If you can find it in your hearts to help in any way at all, we would appreciate it.