Hi - My name is Mike MacDuffie. I would like to share with you my Dad's health story over the past year. Back in May, he was hospitalized from a rare kidney infection and was in critical condition. After running a myriad of tests, Doctors actually discovered he had a significant mass in his colon. They performed immediate surgery. The initial diagnosis was stage 3, and we thought we actually caught a lucky break. Not too long after, however, they found suspicious lesions on his liver that were determined to be metastases of his primary colon cancer. Stage 4 colon cancer has a 5yr survival rate around 11%.

 

His Oncologists decided that we should start with targeted radiation to the liver, to try to slow the growth of the lesions - Surgery to the liver was ruled out due to the size and frequency of the metastases.

 

He ultimately had 15 rounds of the radiation over a 4 week span. He actually tolerated the treatment very well. In fact, here is a direct quote from the progress notes of a recent visit:

 

'He is undergoing palliative radiation therapy for metastatic colon cancer to the liver. Patient does have some dementia. He is here with his son. He states that he is "enjoying radiation therapy."'

 

We have a scan next Wednesday to determine if the radiation treatment worked.

 

______________________________________________________

 

Additional to the cancer diagnosis this year, my Dad has also seen a steep decline in his mental facilities. So much so, that about 6 months ago we had to move him from an independent living facility to a more comprehensive memory care home.

 

As anyone who has been through this process is aware, these memory care places are extremely expensive. We feel lucky that we were able to find one nearby that is only about $4,500/mo. All others were going to be $6,000+. He does have fixed income via Social Security and a pension, but that is only about $2,800/mo.

 

Between the income/rent gap and his medical copay/coinsurance, we are struggling to keep up with all the costs. Any help you can provide would be much appreciated!

 

Bonus picture of Grandpa John and 2 of his Grandkids.

 

 

 

Dad and Joshua say... Go Padres!

 

 

Elliot seems to be more interested in his milkshake than taking a picture :p