Let's Help Doug de la Nuez Beat Cancer

In April of 2019, Doug had 45% of his right lung removed because of a tumour that was embedded in the lung.  The tumour turned out to be malignant, and tests revealed the cancer was Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma, also called PMHE.  PMHE is an extremely rare cancer which manifests in the lining of blood vessels.  Since the section of the lung with cancer was removed, the doctors thought Doug did not need chemo or radiation at that time, because the limited information on PMHE suggests that it does not often metastasize.  

Doug, Sue and their three kids (Nash, Finn and Gwen) were very thankful and enjoyed their summer together while Doug recovered from the surgery.  He returned to work in September, hoping that the cancer was gone.

However, in December, scans revealed the cancer was present in 2 lymph nodes, an area in the lower right lobe of his lung, and it had metastasized to his spine (T-8 vertebrae).  His T-8 vertebrae was fractured from the cancer, and the pain in his back was debilitating.

Starting in late December, Doug had 3 weeks of radiation in Vancouver.  This was Sue and Doug’s 13th trip to Vancouver in 2019. The pain in Doug’s back got worse with the radiation treatments, and he lost 20lbs, but he got through it and returned home on January 20th.

Currently, Doug is still on heavy meds for his back pain.  His oncologist wants him to start targeted therapy as soon as possible, for up to 20 months.  The side effects are the same as chemotherapy, and the cost of the pills for one month is $10,000. 

Doug and Sue have been very grateful for the insurance coverage through his work, which has provided a lot of support.  However, it is unclear if the insurance will cover the targeted therapy – they are still waiting to hear.  Doug will not be back at work soon, and there have been many uncovered costs so far, and more to come. 

For a long time, people have asked “Why hasn’t anyone started a Go Fund Me page for Doug?”.  Doug is a private guy who doesn’t do social media or even own a cell phone.  He and Sue also feel very fortunate to have benefits from work and so far, they have made it work.

However, we, their friends, feel at this point, it’s the right time to give people the opportunity to help.  Doug and Sue are already emotionally and financially stressed.  If their financial stress could be reduced, we know this would make life easier for them and their family. 

Thank you to everyone who has reached out, and to everyone who wishes to donate.