Help us win the fight against Cancer!

Cancer is trying to destroy our family and we need your help to fight this deadly foe and save our family.

A year ago, I began helping my husband and best friend, Walt, as he entered into the fight of his life battling squamous cell carcinoma cancer at the base of his tongue and, later, his cavernous sinus. During this past year, he has undergone major surgery, chemotherapy and countless targeted radiation treatments. And just as we thought we could see light at the end of this very dark and terrifying tunnel, we encountered a host of unwelcome surprises.

The most jolting of these was my own cancer diagnosis. With no family history of breast cancer, I was stunned to discover that I have bi-lateral breast cancer. I went in for a routine mammogram and my life’s trajectory changed practically overnight. I will be undergoing a double mastectomy next week. My doctors have told me to prepare for a six- to eight-week recovery period. Friends who have been down this lonely road tell me that it’s a rocky one. It’s a good thing I’m a fighter. Additionally, until the pathology is done on what is removed, I will not know if I need radiation or not.

Making this road even more burdensome is the fact that I am the primary caregiver for my elderly Mom and our teenage son, Liam, who is on the Spectrum. Liam is an “Aspie” (Asperberger’s). He is phenomenal with facts, detailed artwork, computers and so much more. He is, however, easily blindsided by emotions and social interactions. We are there to help him overcome any hurdles that would threaten his path to success today and tomorrow. Our eldest, Lilly, has flown the coop but is still in NOLA. (I am so blessed she stayed!) She’s a gifted teacher, a loving daughter and an amazing Big Sister.

With all that is on our plate as a family, we didn’t think it could get any worse. Unfortunately, we were wrong. Approximately three weeks ago, Walt stopped being able to swallow anything and began losing those precious pounds he fought so hard to regain in the wake of his previous treatments. He was rushed into surgery to outfit him with a feeding tube that now enables him to receive vital nutrition. At first, we thought it was perhaps trauma caused by radiation to this throat. Soon though, we were given news that pushed our family and our Faith to its very limits.

Walt’s cancer has returned and is currently in the process of destroying the essential nerves found within his cavernous sinus. One of these nerves controls the ability to swallow. Further radiation of the affected area is not possible, and chemotherapy is not recommended. Immuno-Therapy is his last remaining option to possibly stop disease progression. As I write this, he is waiting for a spot on the infusion schedule.

Unfortunately, I used all of my sick and vacation leave when taking care of Walt this past year. He had to do the same. In order to care for him these past two weeks, I began my Family Leave from work early. I was intending to start my FMLA directly before my surgery. Now, we are both looking at extended time away from work and those essential paychecks that make the world go round. Previously, while Walt was going through his surgery, chemo and radiation, we drew upon our reserves to see us through. There was NO WAY we could have envisioned or prepared for BOTH of us having cancer, though.

Aside from the day-to-day household/family expenses, we now anticipate new budget items such as medications and other health-care related items not covered by insurance, a part-time caregiver, and transportation services. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We were told that Walt’s immuno-therapy is to be a marathon and not a race. Translated: we’re about to begin a long and arduous journey with somewhat of an uncertain outcome. As long as there is Hope, this family will persevere.

I ask for your compassion and generosity to help our family navigate the challenges that lie ahead. We have learned much about humility, gratitude and acceptance along the way. And I am sure we will continue doing so going forward.

I close by thanking you for the time you have taken to read this. If you have the wherewithal to assist us during this time, you have my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. If not, we welcome all prayers, as we firmly believe in the power of prayer in our lives.

I’ll do my best to issue timely updates on our progress.

Until then, God Bless.