Eric's Crew Against Colorectal Cancer!
Donation protected
Hi everyone. I am Eric’s sister and I wanted to fill you guys in on Eric’s cancer journey; how it started, where we are & what the future looks like.
March 5th or so, Eric began feeling some gut discomfort with cramping & bloating. Eric saw his doctor who felt that he had some kind of bacterial infection that would resolve itself with an antibiotic. Once the antibiotics were finished, the issues quickly returned and were getting more intense. Eric headed back to the dr & was sent for a colonoscopy.
April 9, Eric was diagnosed with colorectal cancer (adeno carcinoma).
April 13 Eric was feeling too uncomfortable to sleep and was instructed to head to the ER at Cooper Camden. Also, I should mention Eric’s insurance is via his job in NJ so although he lives in Philadelphia, he must receive care in NJ to be covered. Tests at Cooper also revealed lesions on Eric’s liver.
The week that followed is a bit of a blur, but Eric opted to have surgery to have a liver biopsy & colostomy bag placed April 16th in preparation for chemo (if the colon tumor became to obstructive, chemotherapy would have to be halted to have the colostomy bag placed later).
May 5th, eric was cleared by the surgeon to begin (6 months of) chemo on the 7th & we also found out the the liver lesions are cancerous. Eric had intense nausea & fatigue until the 12th, but the last couple of days he has been feeling better besides the ongoing cramping & gas.
May 15 (TODAY) we are one week into the first chemo cycle & medical bills are already showing up. In the future, we may need to find treatments that aren’t covered by insurance or require long traveling distances.
Adeno carcinoma cells are known to respond quite well to the specific chemo regimen Eric is on, but the cancer on the liver will be ongoing as it is not curable just yet.
At 36, Eric is joining the world of chronic appointments & ongoing treatments. He has submitted paperwork for short term disability.
Eric is is great hands at Cooper & has an amazing attitude. His easygoing & positive nature haven’t been compromised whatsoever.
So what can we do? Let’s get Eric adjusted to his new normal without taking away the normalcy he needs so much; living in his favorite city, keeping his apartment with his kitties, & having his vehicle to make it to said appointments. All I want is for him to focus on getting better & not have to worry about all the other things that are being thrown at him.
Eric has an awesome support system (you guys!) & we are so thankful for your prayers & encouraging words. He may be 36, but he’ll always be my baby brother & I will do whatever I can to lift him up ❤️
#ericsgrittycrewagainstcancer
March 5th or so, Eric began feeling some gut discomfort with cramping & bloating. Eric saw his doctor who felt that he had some kind of bacterial infection that would resolve itself with an antibiotic. Once the antibiotics were finished, the issues quickly returned and were getting more intense. Eric headed back to the dr & was sent for a colonoscopy.
April 9, Eric was diagnosed with colorectal cancer (adeno carcinoma).
April 13 Eric was feeling too uncomfortable to sleep and was instructed to head to the ER at Cooper Camden. Also, I should mention Eric’s insurance is via his job in NJ so although he lives in Philadelphia, he must receive care in NJ to be covered. Tests at Cooper also revealed lesions on Eric’s liver.
The week that followed is a bit of a blur, but Eric opted to have surgery to have a liver biopsy & colostomy bag placed April 16th in preparation for chemo (if the colon tumor became to obstructive, chemotherapy would have to be halted to have the colostomy bag placed later).
May 5th, eric was cleared by the surgeon to begin (6 months of) chemo on the 7th & we also found out the the liver lesions are cancerous. Eric had intense nausea & fatigue until the 12th, but the last couple of days he has been feeling better besides the ongoing cramping & gas.
May 15 (TODAY) we are one week into the first chemo cycle & medical bills are already showing up. In the future, we may need to find treatments that aren’t covered by insurance or require long traveling distances.
Adeno carcinoma cells are known to respond quite well to the specific chemo regimen Eric is on, but the cancer on the liver will be ongoing as it is not curable just yet.
At 36, Eric is joining the world of chronic appointments & ongoing treatments. He has submitted paperwork for short term disability.
Eric is is great hands at Cooper & has an amazing attitude. His easygoing & positive nature haven’t been compromised whatsoever.
So what can we do? Let’s get Eric adjusted to his new normal without taking away the normalcy he needs so much; living in his favorite city, keeping his apartment with his kitties, & having his vehicle to make it to said appointments. All I want is for him to focus on getting better & not have to worry about all the other things that are being thrown at him.
Eric has an awesome support system (you guys!) & we are so thankful for your prayers & encouraging words. He may be 36, but he’ll always be my baby brother & I will do whatever I can to lift him up ❤️
#ericsgrittycrewagainstcancer
Organizer
Lauren Caparbi
Organizer
Mount Holly, NJ