Let’s lift Lee up, while he continues to fight!
Let’s lift Lee up, While he continues to Fight!!!
As many of you know; In September 2017, Lee was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer with a Metastasis to his liver and kidney. As most can imagine, this news was devastating for our family and friends!!! It was a very long and rocky road for Lee once treatments began and a roller coaster of finding the right fit of Chemo, Insulin for properly managing his diabetes as well as the proper care for his glaucoma. He started with Chemo every other Monday with him wearing a pump; which they removed every Thursday. This was reduced to every other Monday about a year ago without the pump; which made an incredible difference in just being able to not have the pump strapped to him for days! The chemo formula has changed as his body accepts and rejects certain formulas they prescribe. He has had trouble regulating his blood sugar, which early on resulted in a 3 day ICU stay for Ketoacidosis. Due to glaucoma the cancer and chemo treatments have resulted in a major loss of vision. He has undergone 2 separate eye surgeries to help bring some of his sight back, however these were unsuccessful and even caused his vision to be worse with it being nearly gone from his left eye.
The cancer and the vision loss has resulted in Lee not being able to drive, which early on caused him not to be able to work. The result of the loss of income for the past 2 years has been taking its toll on Lee & Connie for quite some time now. Connie did start 2 part time jobs to help supplement some of the medical bills, medications and loss of income, however due to increased treatment schedules and many doctors appointments; these often interfered with her schedule and that resulted in her having to quit one job and now she is down to a couple days a week. Connie has been the main caregiver for Lee and is always putting herself last; which recently resulted in her having heart health issues due to the stress and anxiety, leading to additional income loss.
Since this news over 2 years ago, Lee has been doing surprisingly well and the cancer has been responding how it should to the chemo; even the doctors are happy with his progress; however recently it was discovered that the cancer has spread to a lymph node in his chest just above his heart. They are continuing to monitor the cancer in his kidney and liver. The next step for Lee is to start Radiation on the lymph node in his chest to prevent it from spreading to the other lymph nodes. In early December he will undergo 2 radiation treatments a week for 5 weeks on top of his regular scheduled Chemo treatments every other Monday.
During the past 2 years, Lee has kept an amazingly positive outlook always saying “it could be worse” and saying he Thanks the good lord for all he’s been blessed with! Throughout Lee’s life, he has been a very positive person always looking on the bright side, however in the recent few months his health has been deteriorating with the progress of his cancer. Over the years Lee has been there for so many, donating his woodwork to many local benefits. There is a huge amount of kindness in his heart, always there for the ones in need. He has been down a long road so far and still has a ways to go!!
Although our Parents do not believe in asking for help; nor do they receive any assistance; our Family is doing all they can. Tony and I have taken it upon ourselves to create a go fund me a account to assist with the financial pressures this has caused. Please consider donating to Lee’s cancer fund to assist with the offset of some of the costs of his battle, such as mounting medical bills and medications.
Your prayers and generosity are appreciated beyond measure!!
God bless!
