Dustin Hohenstein Cancer Fund
Donativo protegido
Well, this is the story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down. I would like to take a moment, just sit right there and I'll tell you how I became married to a Prince who is losing his hair!
(Ugh... I really didn't know how to start this or even what to write.
We have decided that it's time to ask for some help. We've been putting this off for a while due to privacy and pride but it's becoming clear that we really shouldn't wait any longer. I'll try to keep this as short as possible.)
The Facts:
2-17-2019
Dustin had two seizures (no history of seizures ever)
CT of his brain found an "abnormality" MRI confirmed our fears Dustin had a brain tumor.
3-5-2019
Dustin had about a 7hr neurosurgery to remove the mass from his frontal right lobe.
3-13-2019
Pathology report came back: Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma
This is a rare form of brain cancer, more info and a link below.
We were told by his Oncologist that pretty much no matter what we do it will come back. It could come back as stage three or it may come back at stage four.
Treatment:
30 consecutive radiation treatments Mon-Fri
Daily Chemo Pill
Daily Anti Seizure medication.
Weekly Blood Draws
Monthly MRI's
Why we need help:
-A neuro baseline test was done and determined that his executive function has been compromised so Dustin is not cleared to work or drive at this time. The earliest he might be able to drive is in August. Michigan has a law that prohibits driving for six months after having a seizure. If he has another seizure the 6-month clock will reset.
-His employer decided to terminate him effective May 2nd 2019. His insurance will expire at the end of this month. We are looking into alternate means of health insurance coverage that we can afford right now.
-We have applied for disability and we have a few things pending. That will hopefully kick in soon!
-I have been putting in extra hours as much as I can but my availability is limited due to being the only one in the house that can drive him to his daily appointments as well as getting the kids to and from school and after-school functions. I think I have physically and mentally hit my breaking point.
The Amount:
I honestly didn't know what to ask for. I'm fearful of sounding greedy but I'm afraid to ask for too little. The amount I chose will cover mortgage payments for the rest of the year as well as current medical expenses. If there is a lapse in insurance we may be in quite the predicament. Dus will need monthly MRI's without insurance these are about $4,000 alone.
Facts about Dustin's Brain Cancer:
"Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare malignant brain tumor. Astrocytomas are tumors that develop from certain star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes and similar cells form tissue that surrounds and protects other nerve cells found within the brain and spinal cord. Collectively, these cells are known as glial cells and the tissue they form is known as glial tissue. Tumors that arise from glial tissue, including astrocytomas, are collectively referred to as gliomas. The symptoms of anaplastic astrocytomas vary depending upon the specific location and size of the tumor. The specific cause of this tumor is unknown."
"Anaplastic astrocytomas affect males slightly more often than females. The exact incidence of these tumors is unknown. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme are estimated to affect 5-8 people per 100,000 in the general population. "
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anaplastic-astrocytoma/
***Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and for your generous donations. I know there are some people that would prefer not to use sites like this for funds, if you would still like to contribute, Meijer Gift cards have been extremely helpful for gas and groceries.
(Ugh... I really didn't know how to start this or even what to write.
We have decided that it's time to ask for some help. We've been putting this off for a while due to privacy and pride but it's becoming clear that we really shouldn't wait any longer. I'll try to keep this as short as possible.)
The Facts:
2-17-2019
Dustin had two seizures (no history of seizures ever)
CT of his brain found an "abnormality" MRI confirmed our fears Dustin had a brain tumor.
3-5-2019
Dustin had about a 7hr neurosurgery to remove the mass from his frontal right lobe.
3-13-2019
Pathology report came back: Grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma
This is a rare form of brain cancer, more info and a link below.
We were told by his Oncologist that pretty much no matter what we do it will come back. It could come back as stage three or it may come back at stage four.
Treatment:
30 consecutive radiation treatments Mon-Fri
Daily Chemo Pill
Daily Anti Seizure medication.
Weekly Blood Draws
Monthly MRI's
Why we need help:
-A neuro baseline test was done and determined that his executive function has been compromised so Dustin is not cleared to work or drive at this time. The earliest he might be able to drive is in August. Michigan has a law that prohibits driving for six months after having a seizure. If he has another seizure the 6-month clock will reset.
-His employer decided to terminate him effective May 2nd 2019. His insurance will expire at the end of this month. We are looking into alternate means of health insurance coverage that we can afford right now.
-We have applied for disability and we have a few things pending. That will hopefully kick in soon!
-I have been putting in extra hours as much as I can but my availability is limited due to being the only one in the house that can drive him to his daily appointments as well as getting the kids to and from school and after-school functions. I think I have physically and mentally hit my breaking point.
The Amount:
I honestly didn't know what to ask for. I'm fearful of sounding greedy but I'm afraid to ask for too little. The amount I chose will cover mortgage payments for the rest of the year as well as current medical expenses. If there is a lapse in insurance we may be in quite the predicament. Dus will need monthly MRI's without insurance these are about $4,000 alone.
Facts about Dustin's Brain Cancer:
"Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare malignant brain tumor. Astrocytomas are tumors that develop from certain star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes and similar cells form tissue that surrounds and protects other nerve cells found within the brain and spinal cord. Collectively, these cells are known as glial cells and the tissue they form is known as glial tissue. Tumors that arise from glial tissue, including astrocytomas, are collectively referred to as gliomas. The symptoms of anaplastic astrocytomas vary depending upon the specific location and size of the tumor. The specific cause of this tumor is unknown."
"Anaplastic astrocytomas affect males slightly more often than females. The exact incidence of these tumors is unknown. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme are estimated to affect 5-8 people per 100,000 in the general population. "
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/anaplastic-astrocytoma/
***Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this and for your generous donations. I know there are some people that would prefer not to use sites like this for funds, if you would still like to contribute, Meijer Gift cards have been extremely helpful for gas and groceries.
Organizador y beneficiario
Jess Harrison-Hohenstein
Organizador
Hudsonville, MI
Dustin Hohenstein
Beneficiario
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