Matthew's Medical Assistance

Hello everyone, as most of you know, Matthew has been diagnosed with Adult T-Cell Lymphoma. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare and often aggressive (fast-growing) T-cell lymphoma that can be found in the blood (leukemia), lymph nodes (lymphoma), skin, or multiple areas of the body. Over the past few months, he has been struggling to not only feel well with little knowledge until now, but also has not been able to work. Even with the diagnosis that was just confirmed the other day, there is still very little information around Adult T-Cell Lymphoma. There are not many statistics around this rare disease, as it is a very rare form of cancer. When speaking with the doctor, he had only 2 options he was given as treatment. 

The first option is to be placed on a medication called Cyclosporine. This is not a cure for this disease but is to regulate/normalize his T-Cells. He has to see his doctor every week for blood work to make sure the medication is working properly and is given the proper dosage that his body needs. This medication costs around $600 dollars (a month) without insurance/pharmacy discounts. With the ability to use a pharmacy discount, after much detailed research and multiple phone calls, the cheapest price that was found is just over $300 dollars (a month). This medication is very rare, and not just sitting on the shelves, it must be ordered which could take 3-7 business days to arrive.

The second option that was given is a very intense/aggressive amount of Chemo treatments for about 4 months. But theres more, after this extensive amount of Chemo, he would then have to go through a procedure to basically have a bone marrow transplant through hiself. In this process, they would collect stem cells from his body and freeze them. After this, they would go into his body, extract all his bone marrow and again give a very intense blast of Chemo to hopefully wipe out any Cancer cells. Then, they would immediately replace his stem sells and bone marrow back into his body to hopefully generate non-cancerous cells. After this procedure, Matthew would be bed-ridden for atleast a month. This treatment is what would be needed to possibly cure the disease, but there are no statistics to how effective this treatment option actually is. 

As you can see, either procedure is very intense and not affordable. The doctor has suggested the medication be the first step we take as it is the cheapest method and he would like to see how the medication takes affect on his body before looking into the long, grueling process of intensive Chemo/Bone-Marrow treatment. 

At this time, we are working hard to find available options for medical assistance that could help out with the cost of either treatments. Without medical insurance, it is extremely difficult. Matthew has been denied for many programs, and continues to look into many other options. This entire process is taking a toll on him not only mentally but physically. With me starting a new job a couple of months ago, I've taken a pay decrease. I have aquired a second job to help with living expenses and medical costs. I have maxed out all credit cards and we're doing everything that we can. We have no other options but to reach out to all of our friends, family, etc.

Thank you to everyone for all you love, support, and any contributions you have provided to him over the past couple of weeks. It has meant a great deal to both of us. As you know, we never ask for anything from everyone, but we are seeking any and all assistance possible. Every dollar contributed will be used for medication every month, medical bills, and Matthews living expenses.

All I ask is that everyone please share this as time is very prescious.