Our brother Stephen is a lot of things to a lot of people, but most important of all he is a family man. A dad of four awesome kids (one in heaven) and “Popeye” to four amazing grandkids. He is also a brother to four sisters, an amazing cousin, and a true lifelong friend to many. Read below about Stephen’s cancer journey and please help if you can!
December 2022, while hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-related pneumonia, our brother Stephen received the news no one wanted to hear. His x-rays showed a mass on his right lung and a later biopsy confirmed it was cancer.
Stephen underwent many weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, while he still worked to support himself. In May of 2023, he underwent a difficult surgery through his back. Two of his ribs were partially removed to reach the tumor that had spread into his chest wall, and 1/3 of his right lung was removed. He came home with a drain that had to be emptied several times daily, and in extreme pain. A few weeks after the surgery, he again endured weekly chemotherapy and daily trips to the hospital for radiation treatment through the end of August.
In October while still recovering, he was visiting with our sister Jeanne, when he suddenly could not speak coherently. As we were familiar with the signs of a TIA, we thought he was experiencing a seizure or stroke and rushed him to the hospital. Emergency physicians conducted a battery of tests, and it was discovered through an MRI he had a large lesion, surrounded by tremendous swelling in his brain. He was immediately rushed to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital neurosurgical unit.
After two weeks in the hospital, without the ability to communicate his thoughts or even understand what was happening and being dosed with elevated levels of steroids to shrink the mass, he underwent brain surgery.
The left side of the brain controls speech, comprehension, arithmetic and writing, logic, and language. The mass and swelling had pushed the midline of his brain to the right, affecting all his speech and processing capabilities.
Since having the brain tumor removed in November 2023, the doctors discovered a tumor on Stephen’s brain stem as well as tumors in his chest and abdomen. He has had another round of radiation for the brainstem tumor and undergoing months of immunotherapy in hopes the treatment will keep these latest tumors from growing. His last CT scan in February showed signs the brain stem tumor had not enlarged. They are waiting to scan for the other tumors until he is further along in his immunotherapy.
At the start of this health journey, Stephen continued to work and fully expected to return to work after the original surgery. He is concerned about maintaining an income to ensure he can take care of all his living expenses in addition to treatment-related costs not covered by insurance.
In addition, he will need brain scans 3 to 4 times a year for the remainder of his life. Stephen’s FMLA and other employer-provided benefits have now expired. Additionally, addressing the numerous medical bills, co-pays, and medications has depleted his FSA funds and savings.
Stephen just learned there will soon be a new addition to the family, a grandchild due in the fall of 2024, and he would love to be here to welcome the newest member of the Lunny clan.
Through it all, Stephen has maintained a positive attitude, his gift of gab, and his unique charm - but he has a long road ahead. To help relieve some of the financial burdens we are reaching out to family, friends, and others who know and love Stephen to help us support his ongoing medical needs; medications, continued diagnostic tests, surgeries, and living expenses.
Gifts of every size will make a difference. If you are unable to donate at this time, we hope you will pass this along to others who know and love Stephen. Thank you!