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Stage 4 Cancer Expenses

I'm a videographer/editor and had the privilege of shooting part of a short film with SCS Films and the American Cancer Society this year. The theme of the film was related to cancer survivors and cancer prevention.  Two days later, I found myself at the doctors office on the receiving end of some bad news. 

This June (2014) I began having some symptoms that I shared with my family Physician.   What I thought was a pulled muscle turned out to be a swollen lymph node.  He was very concerned and told me we needed to run some tests.  Every test (Blood Tests, Colonoscopy, MRI, CT Scan, etc) turned up more and more bad news.  What I thought was a pulled muscle was actually the first symptom of Stage Four Colorectal Cancer. 

Cancer had already spread from the main tumor to my liver, lungs, adrenal glands and pelvic bone.  My organs are still functioning well and my bones are not deteriorated, so that's good, but I have a long road ahead of me. 

I've been undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments in hopes we can shrink the cancer cells (or eliminate them altogether) so the symptoms will subside and I can return to standard of living (health wise) I used to enjoy.  I have several years (maybe a lifetime) of treatment ahead of me.  I'm in good hands though. 

UPDATE Oct 13:  I finished 3 weeks of Radiation Treatment this past Thursday.  I'm still suffering from the side effects and will likely experience some pain and spasms for another 2 weeks.  I'm not able to go anywhere right now. I pretty much stuck at home until I get over this.  Note:  there have been significant donations made directly to us from local individuals and organizations that are not included in the totals you see here.  I'm very thankful for those friends help as well. 

Our insurance company hasn't been very happy to pay our bills, and they want to switch me to another plan.  I'm not sure I trust them . . . we'll see. But I have a feeling they will increase my monthly payments one way or another.  Hopefully they won't cancel me altogether. 

I'm only able to work a few hours per week right now (if at all), so that's a bummer as well.  But I plan to kick cancer to the curb and get my life back.  In the meantime, I hope to help others through my Video Blog:  http://www.youtube.com/user/HSsportsHouston

While getting treatment at MD Anderson in Houston, I've seen and met many others (some in much worse situations right now) and have learned to take each day as best I can.  

All I can say is, right now, "I'm a survivor".  I cherish each day more than I ever have and I look at life so differently now.  I can't change the world (I used to think I could), but I can make a difference in the lives around me.  I know there are a lot of people doing their best to help me too. 

Wish me the best. 

Kerwin
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    • $25 
    • 6 yrs
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Kerwin Nygren
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