Mary-Ann's New Normal

UPDATE AS OF MARCH 25, 2019:   As you know, I've been having problems with my back due to Disc Disease and Osteoarthritis.  I started working part-time (3 & 1/2 Hours a Day)  at an elementary school in my area.   The doctors told me that walking around would make it better but in reality it has become worse.  Today I saw my general doctor who said that I might have to stop working.  However, I need to work and bring in money for bills, medical, etc.  I am seeing the back/pain doctor tomorrow to see what they say.   I'm sure they will have to repeat the MRI to see how bad it has become.  From what I'm being told, I cannot collect Disability because I haven't been back to work enough in order to collect.  I'm trying to get a full-time office job, but with all this pain that might be out of the question too because of all the limitation I will have.  No one is going to hire me with limitations.  I was lucky to get the job I have now and I keep it to myself about my back problems in order to keep the job.  So here I am, back at square one.  It seems I just can't catch a break.  Please read my story with Joe and continue to pray for me and him in Heaven.  

UPDATE AS OF JULY 27, 2018:  Joe passed away on July 27, 2018 in Seattle, WA.  He and Mary-Ann were trying to take one last trip together
and with help of family they scheduled an Alaska Cruise.  However, when they arrived in Seattle day before sail, Joe became very ill and was 
rushed to the hospital.  There they learned that the cancer had spread to his stomach and he was bleeding internally.  There was no more that
could be done.  They put Joe on comfort care at that point, with Mary-Ann and his mom by his side the whole time.  His 3 children also flew to 
Seattle to say their goodbyes.  Now Mary-Ann is going through the financial hardships a new Widow faces.  She has some health issues now her-
self and is on disability without the benefits.  Since she took care of Joe for the last 2 years she did not qualify for disability benefits.  She also
does not qualify for Joe's Survivor disability benefits due to her age (she is 58 and you have to be 60 to collect).  She is currently living with
her mother-in-law but has $0 coming in.  Any contributions would greatly help her during this time of need.  

Four years ago, Joe and Mary-Ann found true love in each other and were married.  They dreamed of a good long life together and had the future in their sights.   What they didn't count on would devastate them financially and emotionally, but true love is strong.....

 In March of 2016, Joe learned he had Pancreatic Cancer, one of the top killers.  Joe & Mary-Ann decided to not give up hope and seeked out the most qualified, respected doctors, surgeons and oncologists.  Joe had surgery at UCLA and learned that with chemo he has a very good survial rating.  Shortly after surgery, he aquired Autonomic Neuropathy, which delayed the start of chemo treatment for nearly 3 months.  The start of chemo is a key piece in beating the disease.  His blood pressure would drop and he would pass out when he stood up.  Many doctors from UCLA to Downey to UCI were seen to find a fix and fast because of chemo.  He got the fix at UCI.  Once he was able to stand up again without passing out, he had to learn how to walk again as his legs were very week.
Finally chemo was to start and so did more issues that came up during chemo.  He had chest pains and had a block which required him to have a stent put in.  He had a blood clot in his lung and had to be hospitalized for a few days.  He has had cellulitis in his legs and hands several times, with several ER visits and hosptial stays.  
He is still in chemo treatment and will have a ct scan soon to see if all other organs look ok.  

With all this going on, finances have been on the back burner and worried about.  Mary-Ann is unemployed at the moment and Joe's job laid him off.  The only money coming in is from disability which is almost at its end.
We hope you can help our fight.

UPDATE AS OF SEPT. 20, 2017:  They found more cancer on Joe's Pancreas, which is on a vein to his heart.  Since he already had radiation once, that is not an option again.  He is now on another round of chemo, this time with two types of chemo.  His hair was falling out so he decided to shave it off.  This chemo, since it is stronger, makes him very tired.  

UPDATE AS OF NOV. 2017:  Another CT Scan showed the cancer grew again and now showed up on his back lymph nodes.  He will be started another type of chemo which will require him to be a City of Hope for about 8 hours.  Then he will come home with a pump to home infuse for another 46 hours.  Then go back to have the pump removed and do it all over again in two weeks.  This will continue for 3 months and then another CT will be done to see if this is working.  We are trying to stay strong and positive.  Joe continues to be active as much as he can with AYSO. 
He is also now a Downey CERT member and loves to help them and will continue until the end.

UPDATE AS OF FEB.  6, 2018:  Not Good......The latest CT Scan showed the cancer is STILL growing.  Indications now are showing in Liver and Lungs, however, he has no symptoms yet in those areas.  His oncologist is starting a new chemo regimen today for 6 infusions.  At the 6th infusion another CT will be done.  If still growing at this time, the next step will be clinical trials.  This chemo will continue with 4-5 hours at City of Hope and then take home the pump for 2 days, every two weeks.  Our faith is straining, however, our fight is still strong.  Joe continues to do what
he can for AYSO and continues to attend Downey CERT meetings.  These are the two things that mean so much to him, next to Mary-Ann.

UPDATE AS OF JULY 27, 2018:  Joe passed away on July 27, 2018 in Seattle, WA.  He and Mary-Ann were trying to take one last trip together
and with help of family they scheduled an Alaska Cruise.  However, when they arrived in Seattle day before sail, Joe became very ill and was 
rushed to the hospital.  There they learned that the cancer had spread to his stomach and he was bleeding internally.  There was no more that
could be done.  They put Joe on comfort care at that point, with Mary-Ann and his mom by his side the whole time.  His 3 children also flew to 
Seattle to say their goodbyes.  Now Mary-Ann is going through the financial hardships a new Widow faces.  She has some health issues now her-
self and is on disability without the benefits.  Since she took care of Joe for the last 2 years she did not qualify for disability benefits.  She also
does not qualify for Joe's Survivor disability benefits due to her age (she is 58 and you have to be 60 to collect).  She is currently living with
her mother-in-law but has $0 coming in.  Any contributions would greatly help her during this time of need.