Being sick is one thing, but having to worry about running out of money on top of it is a whole different level of stress.
A Quick Note to Followers of The JRE Companion
Some people offered to set up a GoFundMe on my behalf, but I felt that if anyone was going to ask this community for support, it should be me. I have never asked the followers of this page for anything before, and if it was going to happen, I wanted it to come directly from me.
How This All Started and What Happened
Back in June, I had an MRI for jaw issues I’d been dealing with for 18 months. A couple of days later, I got the news that the radiologist had “SEEN SOMETHING.”
It was a 3.9 cm mass in my right pharynx, described as “highly suspicious for carcinoma,” and an immediate biopsy was recommended.
The next month was all about finding doctors, getting “fit into” their schedules, and advocating to have each appointment scheduled as quickly as possible while planning the next steps.
It’s by far the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through. I’m 55 and the healthiest I’ve been in years, and I still keep thinking, “THIS CAN’T BE RIGHT!”
What started as a routine scan turned into something I never imagined: facing a large tumor and preparing for the fight ahead.
The Diagnosis, The Treatment and What’s Ahead
I have a 3.9 by 2.2 cm squamous cell carcinoma in my right tonsil, roughly the size of a large grape. I’ve also been told that this is ‘the good one’ to have. Ummm… okay?
The next couple of months will be focused on daily radiation treatments (weekdays only), once a day for 18 days, then twice a day for the final 12.
The schedule is intense, but my doctors are optimistic it gives me a very good chance of beating the cancer.
After the radiation treatments end, there is an intense recovery period, which could last anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks. During this time, I’ll be dealing with a number of side effects, many of which have already started and are becoming a big part of my life.
These include:
- Inability to eat or drink anything — I already had to have a feeding tube put in
- Pain and difficulty speaking — speaking is extremely hard right now
- Fatigue — more than I ever thought possible
- Mouth ulcers and general irritation — swallowing feels like razor blades, and bloody noses are constant
- Loss of taste and saliva — my mouth feels completely dry and nothing reaches my taste buds
- Skin changes — radiation burns the skin
- Dental issues — gums and teeth can be damaged. I already lost a tooth.
It’s a long road, but the good news is that it’s one of the more treatable cancers. I get up every day ready to fight, and I know I’ll win. That being said, the physical and emotional challenges are a lot.
The pain is beyond the usual 1 to 10 scale, and I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally taxing it would be. Words of encouragement mean more to me than I ever imagined.
Where Things Stand Now
I'm a couple of weeks in and right now and my days are consumed with radiation treatments, doctors appointments, rest, and taking care of myself. Eating and drinking on my own isn’t possible, so I rely on a feeding tube for all my nutrition and hydration every 2 to 3 hours. It has become a full time job on its own.
Speaking is really painful, but I try to do it a few times a day so I won’t have to ‘figure it out’ when I’m done. All of it takes a tremendous amount of energy, and fatigue is constant. I feel drained in ways I never imagined.
I KNOW IT ALL SOUNDS LIKE DOOM AND GLOOM, but I’m fighting every day and winning. I focus on the small victories, and the life that’s waiting for me when I’m finished. I'm so excited about the future!
How your support will help...
Going through this treatment comes with a lot of unexpected costs.
Your support will help cover things like:
- Out-of-pocket medical costs and prescriptions - Just the prescription mouthwash I get every week costs $140
- Therapies like speech, swallowing, and physical therapy for the jaw
- Transportation to and from daily radiation treatments and doctor appointments
- Supplements, medications, and other tools to help me stay strong during recovery that insurance doesn’t cover
- Dental care and skin treatments related to radiation damage
- Help with everyday living expenses until I can get back to work
Every dollar goes directly toward treatment, recovery, and keeping me afloat while I can’t work.
If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you can’t, sharing this page or sending encouragement means just as much.
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Seriously, I appreciate all of it. I know how much even $5 can mean to someone, and I won’t forget any of it. I promise!
Being self employed makes this even harder. I will not be working for at least four months, and without a safety net the expenses are overwhelming.
Words of encouragement, sharing this page, and even small gestures of support all matter more than you can imagine. If you can’t help me right now, I get it. Just try to help someone down the road. I for one had no idea the financial burden that comes with being sick.
Some comments from family and friends...
My Sister:
As his sister, I can say this isn’t easy for Ed to ask for. But he could really use your support right now. I can’t tell you how hard he is fighting and the positive attitude he’s maintaining. I wish I could take care of it all myself, but I can’t. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. Please keep the words of encouragement coming, I know for a fact that he reads and appreciates all of them.
Longtime Close Friend:
Recently, I’ve watched Ed fight through challenges most of us can’t imagine. He has shown nothing but strength, but I know he could really use some help right now. If you’re able to help in any way, it will go directly toward getting him through this and giving him the time to heal. I know just how much he appreciates the community you all have built, and I hope some of you are in a position to show him how much you appreciate him.
Important: While Joe Rogan follows The JRE Companion and may occasionally reshare content, neither The JRE Companion nor I are affiliated with Joe or the show. Any donations go solely to me. Joe and the show are not involved with this fundraiser.
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