Help Matt and His Family During This Tough Time
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I just wanted to share some news about my Godson, Matthew Costantino. As many of you know, he is the oldest son of my sister, Sophie, who sadly passed away from cancer 4 years ago. Since then Matt has married and he and his wife Shay now have two beautiful little girls, Averey and Brielle. They are 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old.
Four months ago, Matt began having severe jaw pain. It was originally thought to be related to his wisdom teeth and his complaints to the oral surgeon did not result in any testing. There were repeated visits to different oral surgeons which involved ongoing distress, discomfort and pain, but nothing was specifically identified until early March.
It was clear at the time of his last visit that something was seriously wrong when the doctor informed Matthew that he had to go directly to the hospital.
Cancer had crept into his jaw bone and would require major surgeries, in order first to remove the cancer and then secondly to perform plastic surgery to repair the jaw bone, by grafting a bone taken from his left leg.
The surgeries were performed at the Westchester Medical Center on March 19 - the Feast of St. Joseph. The operations took 12 hours. The days following were extremely challenging, as Matt had to have his jaw wired and he required a tracheotomy and several other tubes for medications and fluids.
The week long hospital stay was only the beginning as there is extensive rehab for both the jaw and his leg, as well as radiation treatments which are to be administered as a preventative measure. We are all very thankful that he has been able to endure the surgeries and that it appears that the doctors were able to remove all the cancer. It has been very challenging to come to terms spiritually, mentally and physically with all of this but I believe his mother is helping him from heaven and his outlook has improved.
This has also taken a toll on his wife Shay who needs to be strong for Matt while taking care of the kids and supporting the family financially as well since Matt is self-employed. Prayers will be much appreciated from those of you having your own financial struggles. But to those who can offer some financial help, know that I and Matthew’s family will not be able to thank you enough.
Thank you and God bless,
Helen Mason
Four months ago, Matt began having severe jaw pain. It was originally thought to be related to his wisdom teeth and his complaints to the oral surgeon did not result in any testing. There were repeated visits to different oral surgeons which involved ongoing distress, discomfort and pain, but nothing was specifically identified until early March.
It was clear at the time of his last visit that something was seriously wrong when the doctor informed Matthew that he had to go directly to the hospital.
Cancer had crept into his jaw bone and would require major surgeries, in order first to remove the cancer and then secondly to perform plastic surgery to repair the jaw bone, by grafting a bone taken from his left leg.
The surgeries were performed at the Westchester Medical Center on March 19 - the Feast of St. Joseph. The operations took 12 hours. The days following were extremely challenging, as Matt had to have his jaw wired and he required a tracheotomy and several other tubes for medications and fluids.
The week long hospital stay was only the beginning as there is extensive rehab for both the jaw and his leg, as well as radiation treatments which are to be administered as a preventative measure. We are all very thankful that he has been able to endure the surgeries and that it appears that the doctors were able to remove all the cancer. It has been very challenging to come to terms spiritually, mentally and physically with all of this but I believe his mother is helping him from heaven and his outlook has improved.
This has also taken a toll on his wife Shay who needs to be strong for Matt while taking care of the kids and supporting the family financially as well since Matt is self-employed. Prayers will be much appreciated from those of you having your own financial struggles. But to those who can offer some financial help, know that I and Matthew’s family will not be able to thank you enough.
Thank you and God bless,
Helen Mason
Organizer and beneficiary
Helen Werth Mason
Organizer
Bridgewater, MA
Shay Costantino
Beneficiary
