Help a Veteran Battle Lung Cancer

Hi, it's me Sammie. I’m trying to help my brother-in-law the best way I know how.

Not one to ask for much, but he is a disabled veteran who worked extremely hard for his family and loved ones. He has been diagnosed with invasive moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (lung cancer) along with Antisynthetase syndrome. Currently, he has thrown a pulmonary embolism due to his body steadily weakening from both illnesses. With 70% lung function. He will be having surgery soon to be removing his whole lower left lobe. Then there after will be starting radiation treatment. This unexpected illness has caused him to stop working and have shaken the base of the family. I’m doing this in hope to help my family out as much as possible with monthly bills, food, medical bills, transportation, etc. He has and would give the shirt off his back to help another person in need as well as he’s served our country! I think it’s time we return the favor to such a hardworking man. Any amount will help. God bless!

UPDATE from my bother-in-law

“I am revising my earlier message to reflect a few critical facts that I left out. First, I am grateful for all the love, prayers and financial support that has been given me. Thank you for your generosity and love.

As to my condition, I am no longer a candidate for surgical intervention. The tumor has grown and invaded the upper left lobe as well. As a result, the surgeon feels surgery will cause more harm than good. Basically, my emphysema is a lot more advanced then initially thought, so the staples closing the upper left lobe of the lung will leak. Additionally, the steroids used to help control the Antisynthatase Syndrome retardant the healing time. This means my lung would be leaking like a helium balloon. The lung cells in my lower left and lower right lobes of the lungs are where the best cells and oxygen exchange are located. In view of this, the surgeon has referred me back to radiology/chemotherapy for treatment. I’m waiting on a call from my doctor as to when these next steps will occur. I will update you with this information once I receive it.” -Mike

Current update on Mike, “Ok guys got the New CT scan. It shows the tumor has shrunk but still alive. The lymph nodes have grown so my radiation oncologist has ordered another PET Scan, which is scheduled for next week. I was in the hospital from 7/26/2025 until 08/07/2025 getting my Antisynthetase Syndrome inflammation down. We tried increased steroids, with minimal effect; then 3 days of IV Steroids at 1000mg, with a better but not great effect. Finally, I underwent 5 days of IVIG treatment. This treatment will reach peak on 08/22/2025, according to the doc's. I saw my PCP yesterday, who ordered some blood work which I had done this morning. My CPK is up about 100 since 8/7/2025. It should be going down, not up. Both my ALT and AST are elevated, due to the polymyosytis ( immune system destroying good muscle tissue.) Emotionally, I am trying to stay positive with good overall success. Depression and anxiety are like jackals or hyenas circling and attacking at random.”-Mike