Big Ed's Medical Fund

My big brother Eddie, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2011.  Since his initial diagnosis, Eddie has underwent several surgeries that included invasive incisions to his face, neck, and skull that have left him with numerous scars from stitches and staples.  In addition to the several surgeries, he has been diligent about follow-up appointments, taking his medications, wearing clothes and accessories - that protect him from the sun - and reminding Trudy, Amanda, Jeremy, Jeffrey and I of the importance of  sun screen.

The year 2015 has been nothing but awful for Eddie.  He had to undergo another surgery to remove new tumors from his face/neck/head and additional lymph nodes.  This time, his oncologist felt surgeries and medication were no longer enough, as post op scans showed additional spots in his lung and other new areas..  My brother began a fairly new intravenous drug called keytruda that was planned to be administered every three weeks for the rest of his life.

After Eddie's first round of keytruda, he started experiencing unbearable pain to his back and stomach.  After a few weeks, he underwent a bone density scan and was told he had three cracked ribs.  This was a surprise as there was no traumatic injury that would have caused such injury.  Eddie went along and followed doctors orders but the pain never subsided.

Again, after a few weeks, the pain got so intense, Eddie was unable to walk or sleep.  A MRI showed two tumors in his spine and fractured L1 vertebrae.  Immediately Eddie and Trudy headed to Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock, Texas.  Doctors thought Eddie's pain was coming from his fractured vertebrae; after surgery that thought was false.  Eddie's pain is worse and the hospital has not been able to figure an effective pain management method. 

Today, Eddie had his first radiation therapy.  This will be a daily therapy over the next week.  Everyone is hopeful this will shrink the tumors in his spine and ultimately relieve his pain  Eddie also is beginning some oral chemo-like medications.  

All of you who know my big brother, know what a wonderful person he is.  Eddie and Trudy are soul mates and the salt of the earth kind of people; they have and will continue to give their shirts off their back to help anyone.  I can't count how many times I have called Eddie in tears and he always has put a positive spin on things, got me to calm down and by the end of our conversation, he had me laughing.  Trudy has supported and cared for Eddie during all of this.  She hasn't left the hospital and refuses to have him sleep without her in the room.  Eddie and Trudy have so many friends and family and usually are the center of entertainment.  Any support/well wishes they receive is very much appreciated.  Eddie's only daughter lives in Minnesota with her husband and their almost three year old daughter, Eva.  She is in her last year of nursing school and it breaks her heart to be so far away.  Jeremy lives on the other side of Texas and has a demanding job.  Jeffrey is local and helps out as much as he can.  He and Samantha are busy chasing after their one-year, Max.

Eddie is a self employed handyman (Big Ed's handyman service).  Obviously he has been unable to work and we are unclear as to when or if  he will be able to return.  Trudy is a retired Vet and RN.  To help with medical expenses, travel expenses, bills, travel, etc. we have set up a gofundpage.  Any donations would mean the world to our family.  Please continue to come back to Eddie's caringbridge site.  Amanda and I plan to provide weekly updates (at a minimum). 

Thank you so much for your continued support, prayers, and well wishes.  We love all of you.