This last November my sister Erica Roybal developed what she and her primary care thought was bronchitis.  She was really run down but she had been feeling like that for a while now.  She really started to feel bad and was taken to the Emergency Room on Christmas Eve only to find out that she has a collapsed lung.  While in the ER, they ran a test on the fluid only to discover that she had cancer - ultimately, it was discovered that it was also in a kidney and pancreas. 

We are all devastated. The doctors said they can remove the kidney and there is a therapy that may help reduce pancreatic cancer but in the meantime,  the lungs are still inflamed and it is so very difficult for her to breathe. It has been so very hard watching her suffer. 

The doctor decided to put in a chest tube to drain the fluid in the lung and it went fairly well so they send her home.  She spent one night at home with a new home health care aid showing up the next morning along with oxygen and the works.  The amazing home health care aid notified us that they forgot to send the necessary items to drain the chest tube home with her and suggested we take her back to the hospital because she doesn’t hear good breath sounds. She has been there ever since. 

For the next twenty days, chest tubes were put in and taken out repeatedly.  The pain she is enduring with these procedures is unbearable for her to endure and for her family to watch.  At one point she had four chest tubes inserted. 

She is suffering from extreme blood loss. They cannot find a pain management regime that will give her any relief whatsoever.   

I have taken a leave of absence from one of my jobs so I can be there to help her because, on top of everything,  Erica found out from the finance department here at the hospital, that the insurance provider she has chosen for the next year is not accepted by any provider or hospital in this area. 

These wonderful people here at Rust Presbyterian Hospital, have worked with me to help get her emergency Medicaid and I am so grateful that it was approved. 

It is with a heavy heart that the physicians and specialists have come to the conclusion that they cannot find a treatment option to clear up the constant build-up of fluid in her lungs.  The surgery that would normally be utilized to solve this issue is too dangerous and risky for her to attempt.  They can continue to put chest tubes in for now, but the cost will become catastrophic for both the insurance company and our family. 

My husband and I already work full-time jobs and each of us cares for my youngest sister who has developmental disabilities and MS.  My husband was in the process of looking for a second job when this happened and I had to take a leave of absence from my second job.  

We are now dealing with the impending funeral expenses and all that comes after the funeral is over. While I will never regret taking this time to be here with my sister in her last days, unfortunately,  the bill collectors do not feel the same way.  This has impactedour entire family in ways I could have never imagined.  

My mother is disabled because she herself has battledbreast cancer and lives on a very fixed income so is not able to contribute to anything financially. 

We know that these are difficult times for so many with government shutdowns and with Christmas barely behind us many are struggling as well.  However,  we are asking with humble hearts if there is any way you or someone you know could make a small donation to help us cover these upcoming funeral expenses, we would be forever grateful. We would greatly appreciate any help that you could offer. My sister did not have any Life Insurance. If all you can do is share this page with others, we would be very grateful as well. 

Love and Light -   
Jessica Cuff