Ed's cancer treatment and recovery

Feb 8, 2024 Update from Ed:

Well this is a good day. I am three weeks out from my fourth chemo treatment and I have two more weeks before I start the Stem Cell Treatment at Mayo Clinic. I got my PICC line removed this AM because hopefully I won’t need more transfusions. My blood counts are improving every week.

I’m getting stronger every day, which is very good because I’ll need all my strength for the SCT. I am so greatful for all the support I have received these past few months. Both monitarily and emotionally.

You are great friends and I wish I could give you all a big hug. I’m a little scared about the future, but it is the future I have. I didn’t choose cancer, but neither has so many others that I know. It really is one day at a time, and every day is precious. I love you all

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Jan 1, 2024

Fighting cancer is a long and hard battle. For my dad, he is starting his fourth year of this battle. Ed was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in January 2021. By the time he made it to Mayo Clinic for care, he could barely have a conversation. His lungs were so full of tumors that his brain wasn’t functioning, as it was deprived of oxygen. His organs were shutting down and he developed HLH - a complication with a high mortality rate. Ed was inpatient in Rochester for 30 days and continued with chemo treatments through July 2021. With the incredible care of his team of doctors at Mayo Clinic Ed survived and reached remission.

Last October, at a routine check up, it was discovered that Ed has developed Peripheral T-Cell lymphoma. His doctors were surprised as it is rare to develop a different cancer. Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma is more aggressive and difficult to treat. His doctors quickly started treatment. A scan the week before Christmas showed that all of his tumors are gone! It was the best Christmas gift we could have hoped for. Because Peripheral T-Cell is so aggressive he has to continue chemo treatments and his doctors have discussed the need for a stem cell transplant to give him the best chance of the cancer not returning.

My dad has always been active and strong. Anyone who has dealt with cancer knows the toll that treatment takes on a person. Ed worked hard to regain his strength after his first battle with cancer in 2021. He was just starting to look like his old, firewood splitting, car wrenching, activist self when this second cancer showed up.

Ed hasn’t been able to work consistently since he was first diagnosed in 2021. He was close to being ready to go back to work when this second cancer came around. His partner, Jody Coss, has had to cut back on her work significantly to be his primary caregiver these past three years – spending weeks at a time by his side in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic for treatments. Now, combining Ed’s treatment and recovery efforts that will interfere with his ability to make an income, with preparing for the possibility of a long stem cell recovery during which Jody will not be able to work due to caregiving and travel, financial stressors are increasing.

My dad is generous to a fault. Growing up, we were often late to family events because someone called Dad needing help, and he was never one to say no to someone in need. Not being able to work and make an income is an incredibly frustrating feeling. I don’t want my Dad to have to worry if he can pay the bills when he should be focused on resting and healing. Please consider making a donation to allow Jody to continue to take time off of work as needed to care for him, and for him to be able to make the best decisions for his health.

I am hoping to raise $7000 to help cover their lost wages and travel expenses due to this cancer treatment.