Fight for Michael Saenz
Donation protected
Update: We all greatly appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and generosity. We continue to send well wishes and hope for continued support. Tons of new obstacles and bills keep coming. If you find it in your heart to help please feel free to donate. Once again, thank you all
As many of you know, Michael was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) in March this year. After a successful surgery, where they removed part of his tongue and multiple lymph nodes in the left side of his neck, he was deemed cancer free. Shortly after his first surgery he was rushed to the E.R. for emergency surgery due to a ruptured blood vessel near his tongue incision. Again, like a champ Michael came out on the other side stronger and even more positive for a full recovery.
In the beginning of September, after a follow-up CT scan, Michael was re-diagnosed. This time the cancer was found in a mass under his chin and was also visible in the lymph nodes in the left side of his neck. At this time Michael had made a choice to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy to help combat the new cancer that was found as well as deter the cancer from spreading to other parts of his body. Michael underwent another cancer removing surgery mid September. After a 5-6 hour surgery and a couple days in the hospital for recovery he was sent home to be cared for my his loving wife Jennifer.
Due to the commute of getting to and from UCSF 5 days a week for 6 weeks straight for treatment, Michael opted to do his treatment at a facility in Modesto. After consultations with both the radiology (where he was fitted for a mask)and chemotherapy facilities Jennifer insisted on getting Michael a PET scan to make sure that the cancer did not spread. Her request was granted and that is where they found that the cancer had come back under his chin as well as (possibly) a few other places. With great concern Jennifer and Michael contacted the surgeon at UCSF to get confirmation about the validity of the scans done at the Modesto facility. At this point plans for chemo and radiation were put on hold to determine if that was still the best course of action.
At the end of October, to their surprise, they were again informed that the cancer was back as was classified as stage 4 due to it's rapid growth rate. The surgeon at UCSF ordered a scan of his own and met with the board of doctors to confirm Michael's diagnoses. They found that the mass under his chin did come back and was 3.5 cm. Along with that, they also concluded that it had spread to the right side of his neck (in his lymph nodes) and his lung (a small 5mm mass). At this point a new treatment plan was put into place.
On 12/1 Michael will undergo his 4th surgery in hopes that he again can be given the new that he is cancer free. But that will not be the end of his journey. He and his family have a very long and incredibly hard road ahead of them. After Michael heals from his most recent surgery he will have to undergo 6 weeks of radiation (5days a week) as well as 9 weeks of chemo (1 treatment every 3 weeks). Michael and Jennifer will be living in San Francisco throughout his treatment.
This is a necessity since Michael will be unable to make the commute back and forth from UCSF daily.
Michael and his family have been going through hard times. We would like to raise funds to help with everyday needs and medical expenses as they come up. Please continue to send prayers and positive thoughts to Michael and his family. If you heart compels you please donate what you can, no amount is too small.
"Be strong and courageous do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:8-9
"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."
We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
As many of you know, Michael was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) in March this year. After a successful surgery, where they removed part of his tongue and multiple lymph nodes in the left side of his neck, he was deemed cancer free. Shortly after his first surgery he was rushed to the E.R. for emergency surgery due to a ruptured blood vessel near his tongue incision. Again, like a champ Michael came out on the other side stronger and even more positive for a full recovery.
In the beginning of September, after a follow-up CT scan, Michael was re-diagnosed. This time the cancer was found in a mass under his chin and was also visible in the lymph nodes in the left side of his neck. At this time Michael had made a choice to undergo both radiation and chemotherapy to help combat the new cancer that was found as well as deter the cancer from spreading to other parts of his body. Michael underwent another cancer removing surgery mid September. After a 5-6 hour surgery and a couple days in the hospital for recovery he was sent home to be cared for my his loving wife Jennifer.
Due to the commute of getting to and from UCSF 5 days a week for 6 weeks straight for treatment, Michael opted to do his treatment at a facility in Modesto. After consultations with both the radiology (where he was fitted for a mask)and chemotherapy facilities Jennifer insisted on getting Michael a PET scan to make sure that the cancer did not spread. Her request was granted and that is where they found that the cancer had come back under his chin as well as (possibly) a few other places. With great concern Jennifer and Michael contacted the surgeon at UCSF to get confirmation about the validity of the scans done at the Modesto facility. At this point plans for chemo and radiation were put on hold to determine if that was still the best course of action.
At the end of October, to their surprise, they were again informed that the cancer was back as was classified as stage 4 due to it's rapid growth rate. The surgeon at UCSF ordered a scan of his own and met with the board of doctors to confirm Michael's diagnoses. They found that the mass under his chin did come back and was 3.5 cm. Along with that, they also concluded that it had spread to the right side of his neck (in his lymph nodes) and his lung (a small 5mm mass). At this point a new treatment plan was put into place.
On 12/1 Michael will undergo his 4th surgery in hopes that he again can be given the new that he is cancer free. But that will not be the end of his journey. He and his family have a very long and incredibly hard road ahead of them. After Michael heals from his most recent surgery he will have to undergo 6 weeks of radiation (5days a week) as well as 9 weeks of chemo (1 treatment every 3 weeks). Michael and Jennifer will be living in San Francisco throughout his treatment.
This is a necessity since Michael will be unable to make the commute back and forth from UCSF daily.
Michael and his family have been going through hard times. We would like to raise funds to help with everyday needs and medical expenses as they come up. Please continue to send prayers and positive thoughts to Michael and his family. If you heart compels you please donate what you can, no amount is too small.
"Be strong and courageous do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:8-9
"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."
We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Fundraising team (2)
Rachel Saenz
Organizer
Tracy, CA
Jennifer Saenz
Beneficiary
Nicole Pedro
Team member
