My name is Danny Miller. I live in Cassville, Wisconsin, with my wife of 36 years, Denise.
We are both retired and living on Social Security pensions.
In August of 2008, I was initially diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.
This began a long series of surgeries, testing, and medical expenses, which continues today.
Most recently, I endured my 4th and 5th surgeries performed in April and May of this year (2021), at the University of Wisconsin Hospital.
These procedures resulted in a total laryngectomy (removal of voice box and vocal cords).
As I am writing to you today, I am in the process of additional radioactive iodine therapy and full body PET scans at UWH.
These are to address the remaining cancer that was found in a pericardial lymph node (parallel to the spine and trachea).
The most current results are promising, with no further evidence of new Metastasis (cancer movement).
Further scans and blood work will be ongoing, to help my doctors monitor any additional cancer recurrence.
There is also several months of training sessions with speech pathology to learn functional communication via speaking devices.
This initially featured using the hand-held electro larynx device, which has been a blessing after weeks of not being able to speak at all.
I am currently in the process of learning to speak using a voice prosthesis, or TEP, that is implanted between my trachea and esophagus.
The TEP contains a one-way valve that allows air from my lungs to be ported into the cavity where my voice box used to be.
I am learning to modulate the tissue in this cavity to create a new “voice” with the escaping air.
I have my fifth TEP implanted now, but I am still not able to speak consistently with it.
This is due to the intense amount of swelling in that area, as a result of the implant procedure.
The doctors say it will take time, but that I am a very good candidate for the TEP device.
Over time, the doctors need to replace the TEP device as the valve inside eventually wears out.
There are also new requirements for in-home medical equipment (humidity/suction) for ongoing health care associated with the stoma, or hole in the base of my neck, which was part of the laryngectomy.
Under normal circumstances, our conservative lifestyle and monthly pensions are adequate to meet the monthly expenses, both planned & unexpected. To put it simply, we have been able to get by on our own.
Sadly, we must now admit that is no longer the case.
We are asking for your consideration to make a donation to my GOFUNDME page.
Our Goal is to raise $7,500.00 by November 15, 2021.
This money would be used for the following items:
1. UWH Medical Bills (Deductibles and out of pocket expenses)
2. Travel expenses to and from Madison (speech therapy/TEP maintenance)
I would like to say thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration in this matter.