Dan and Lisa's Medical Fund
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Welcome to the “Dan and Lisa’s Medical Expenses” Gofundme page; thanks for taking the time to read their story! On July 22, 2014, Dan went in for outpatient knee surgery. The surgery went well, but after being home for only six hours, Dan suffered a TIA, so Lisa called 911, and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital and stayed overnight for tests and observations. Unfortunately, the next morning, Dan took a turn for the worse. The doctors noted immediately that Dan had Expressive Aphasia, but weeks went by before it was realized that Dan was also dealing with Receptive Aphasia. Due to the Aphasia (and stroke), Dan had also suffered Acquired Apraxia. Now it is very difficult for him to not only communicate his needs/pain, but also very difficult for him to understand what friends and family, the doctors and nurses, and the PT/OT/ST are trying to communicate. The stroke had also left Dan flaccid (no use) on his right side. Major PT, OT, and ST had begun.
About a month went by with little improvement, and then Dan experienced severe abdominal pain and blood was found in his stools. A colonoscopy was ordered, and once it was completed, the doctors noticed a large mass, adenocarcinoma, in his colon…colon cancer. The mass removed was malignant, but several of the lymph nodes had ‘popped’, and the doctors indicated that it was not good. The colon had begun to perforate and the mass had extended into the muscle. The oncologist and surgeon said they feel like they ‘got it all’, but that is never guaranteed. Dan has a very high risk for a recurrence so he will do a minimum of 6-8 months of chemotherapy starting ASAP.
Dan, who is only 45, has been in the hospital since July 22, 2014, but has now plateaued with PT and OT, and insurance will not approve any more days on rehab, so he has been moved home as of October 5, 2014. He still has no use of his right side and has difficulty with communication and speaking skills. The good news is that Lisa is an Independent Contract PT, so she can help Dan somewhat; the bad news is that because she is independent, when she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid. Due to certain procedures Dan requires throughout the day, Lisa’s hours will be very limited, as she has to be home to perform them now, and she has a 2-hour round trip commute to work. And, unfortunately, they found out this week that Dan’s job will be terminated mid-November, which will mean they will lose all insurance and have to apply for COBRA which is very expensive or for ACA benefits.
This is where our plea comes in; Lisa and Dan are in desperate need of financial help to not only cover all of the out of pocket expenses/co-pays since July 22, but for the care they are going to have to pay for now that he is home, which we are praying will be temporary, but as of now, is indefinite. Thank you in advance for your donations, your generosity is greatly appreciated!
About a month went by with little improvement, and then Dan experienced severe abdominal pain and blood was found in his stools. A colonoscopy was ordered, and once it was completed, the doctors noticed a large mass, adenocarcinoma, in his colon…colon cancer. The mass removed was malignant, but several of the lymph nodes had ‘popped’, and the doctors indicated that it was not good. The colon had begun to perforate and the mass had extended into the muscle. The oncologist and surgeon said they feel like they ‘got it all’, but that is never guaranteed. Dan has a very high risk for a recurrence so he will do a minimum of 6-8 months of chemotherapy starting ASAP.
Dan, who is only 45, has been in the hospital since July 22, 2014, but has now plateaued with PT and OT, and insurance will not approve any more days on rehab, so he has been moved home as of October 5, 2014. He still has no use of his right side and has difficulty with communication and speaking skills. The good news is that Lisa is an Independent Contract PT, so she can help Dan somewhat; the bad news is that because she is independent, when she doesn’t work, she doesn’t get paid. Due to certain procedures Dan requires throughout the day, Lisa’s hours will be very limited, as she has to be home to perform them now, and she has a 2-hour round trip commute to work. And, unfortunately, they found out this week that Dan’s job will be terminated mid-November, which will mean they will lose all insurance and have to apply for COBRA which is very expensive or for ACA benefits.
This is where our plea comes in; Lisa and Dan are in desperate need of financial help to not only cover all of the out of pocket expenses/co-pays since July 22, but for the care they are going to have to pay for now that he is home, which we are praying will be temporary, but as of now, is indefinite. Thank you in advance for your donations, your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Organizer
Teresa Whittemore
Organizer
