Hello Community <3
It is with a humble and heavy heart that I share that my amazing partner Mike is currently undergoing treatment for Stage IIIB Metastatic Testicular Cancer.
About a year ago, Mike started experiencing symptoms of pain and minor swelling in his groin and abdomen and sought out the help of a local specialist to find the issue. At the time, the doctor believed that he had suffered a workplace injury that caused an inguinal hernia and suggested eventual elective surgery to repair it, although he felt the hernia was still minor.
After months of symptoms increasing, Mike returned to the specialist who scheduled him to receive laparoscopic surgery for the hernia at the beginning of May 2021. To prepare for the surgery, Mike would need to get an ultrasound on the area to view what they believed at the time was a testicular hydrocele, which was consistent with the hernia diagnosis.
During the ultrasound, it was discovered that Mike's pain and inflammation was not due to a hernia, but rather something more serious.
Mike was given an initial diagnosis of testicular cancer mid May, and his blood tests and following scans confirmed the diagnosis. On June 8th ( 1 day before Mike's 39th birthday), he had radical orchiectomy surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and surrounding lymph nodes.
Since Mike is in great health, his doctor was hopeful that this surgery would put him into remission quickly, but while in surgery the operating surgeon discovered that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in Mike's abdominals.
Following the biopsy of the removed tumor and additional CT scans and blood tests, Mike was formally diagnosed with Stage IIIB Testicular Cancer. He currently has a chain of tumors in his lower lymphatic system, one of which is pressing on the iliac artery and causing him significant pain. Due to the severity of this discovery, he will begin 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment on Monday, July 5th.
In the biopsy most of the cells were found to be seminoma, which responds well to this treatment regimen, however some cells were non-seminoma, showing possible resistance to chemo and a chance of returning post-treatment.
Because of this, we are hoping to take an integrative approach including holistic medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, herbs, and other alternatives to modulate his immune system and ensure a strong and steadfast recovery.
We are seeking support from our loved ones to assist us with the following:
- Out of pocket medical expenses for chemotherapy, blood work, and prescriptions
- Integration of holistic medicine and nutrition to support his healing process.
- Follow up treatments such as surveillance scans and potential surgeries
- Supplementation of wages during Mike's chemotherapy treatment
My prayer is that we will be able to take some financial stress off of Mike's shoulders so that he can focus on what's most important, which is rest and mind + body healing during this incredibly difficult time.
All donations will go directly to Mike's treatment and our expenses while we navigate this road to recovery together.
If you are unable to contribute anything at this time, please share this fundraiser with your networks.
I love this man immensely and we are endlessly grateful for our support system that is helping us survive this. Mike is an inspiration and a true warrior, and together we are holding the vision that through compassion and community we will come out of this journey even stronger.
With love and gratitude,
Madeline
