Cancer Recovery for Michael Evante'

Hi, My name is Joy. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 Head, Neck and Throat cancer 11 months ago. We were completely caught off guard and unprepared for what was ahead.

First and foremost, he has completed all of his radiation and chemotherapy. He has since had a PET scan, a CAT scan, a surgical biopsy and now an MRI was requested. That was 10 days ago.

Anxious to know the results of the MRI we checked his Patient Portal before meeting with the doctor. It reported cancer in the tongue. Wish we hadn't checked. The doctor is presenting his case before the Tumor Board this Thursday. We wait. The emotional trauma is overwhelming.

Now, why am I writing all of this........Self-therapy!!! And,

Michael has been self-employed most of his life and completes 90 % of his work over the phone.

The extreme radiation has left considerable damage to his speech and his tongue causing our business to be on Pause. He has tried, but people can not understand what he is saying. I am doing the best I can to step in, but in all honesty, I never knew how hard his work was. I am not "closing" the way he can.

We are having financial problems. From our monthly bills to the price of filling the gas tank for all of the hospital visits. The tumor in Michaels throat was so large that a PEG Tube was surgically placed in his stomach to feed. With all of the damage that has occurred, this is still the only way for him to receive any type of food or medicine. This expense alone is overwhelming and not fully covered through insurance. We have run through our savings and credit cards are reaching their limits. We are in need of help.

Michael is a proud man and it takes alot for him to reach out and ask for help. Truthfully, I did not even tell him I was going to do this.

That is how dire our situation has become.

Anyone who has been challenged by cancer and the after-effects can certainly understand the obstacles in getting back to "normal". We just need some help and will get back on our feet and Pay it Forward in Life.

Our absolute Thanks, for listening and any help you can offer.