Lewis Family Support
Donation protected
On October 3rd Curtis was hauling corn and began having a headache with right sided numbness, tingling and was unable to see out of his right eye. He went to Lee's Summit Medical Center ER. They found a brain bleed on CT and immediately rushed him to Research Medical Center ICU. The follow up CT showed that the bleeding had formed a clot that needed immediate surgery (craniotomy).
While in surgery, they were able to get the clot removed but found that the bleeding came from a tumor. They were able to remove some of the tumor safely but unable to get all of it due to its growth and blood vessel involvement, thus making it inoperable. A biopsy was sent and Curtis has been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma.
There are multiple grades of gliomas -- grade II, III and IV, with grade IV being the most malignant. Glioblastoma, sometimes referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is considered a grade IV tumor. They are the most aggressive and are very infiltrative -- they spread into other parts of the brain quickly. Glioblastomas do not metastasize (or spread) outside of the brain. With standard treatment, median survival for adults with glioblastoma, is approximately 11-15 months. Important molecular markers are determined after biopsy or surgery, which provide information for diagnosis and prognosis. At this time it has been recommended by his neurology team to go to MD Anderson in Houston, TX for further evaluation, treatment options and possibly clinical trials. It is also recommended to start Chemo and radiation as soon as swelling goes down, approximately 2-3weeks. Chemo/radiation will be 5-6 days a week for 6 weeks. Neither Curtis or Angela will be working as his healthcare needs will take the highest priority. All funds raised will go directly to them and help pay for their day to day needs, living expenses, traveling expenses for his treatments and ultimately give them an opportunity to enjoy time together and make as many memories as possible. As you can imagine, they are all just beside themselves and taking this nightmare one day at a time. The Lewis’ would never ask for handouts, but I know there are so many friends and family that have asked how they can help. I believe relieving some financial burden during this difficult time for them, is a start.
While in surgery, they were able to get the clot removed but found that the bleeding came from a tumor. They were able to remove some of the tumor safely but unable to get all of it due to its growth and blood vessel involvement, thus making it inoperable. A biopsy was sent and Curtis has been diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma.
There are multiple grades of gliomas -- grade II, III and IV, with grade IV being the most malignant. Glioblastoma, sometimes referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is considered a grade IV tumor. They are the most aggressive and are very infiltrative -- they spread into other parts of the brain quickly. Glioblastomas do not metastasize (or spread) outside of the brain. With standard treatment, median survival for adults with glioblastoma, is approximately 11-15 months. Important molecular markers are determined after biopsy or surgery, which provide information for diagnosis and prognosis. At this time it has been recommended by his neurology team to go to MD Anderson in Houston, TX for further evaluation, treatment options and possibly clinical trials. It is also recommended to start Chemo and radiation as soon as swelling goes down, approximately 2-3weeks. Chemo/radiation will be 5-6 days a week for 6 weeks. Neither Curtis or Angela will be working as his healthcare needs will take the highest priority. All funds raised will go directly to them and help pay for their day to day needs, living expenses, traveling expenses for his treatments and ultimately give them an opportunity to enjoy time together and make as many memories as possible. As you can imagine, they are all just beside themselves and taking this nightmare one day at a time. The Lewis’ would never ask for handouts, but I know there are so many friends and family that have asked how they can help. I believe relieving some financial burden during this difficult time for them, is a start.
Organizer and beneficiary
Crystal McGinnis
Organizer
Independence, MO
Angela Lewis
Beneficiary
