Help Michael Fight Head and Neck Cancer
Hi,
My name is Michael Gerleve in 2015 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Head and Neck cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma). Treatment consisted of 35 rounds of radiation and 10 rounds of chemotherapy.
After all the treatment the cancer went into remission. Then in Oct 2018 I developed a lump on my chest that grew into my neck .
During the surgery to remove and biopsy the lump my airway collapsed and I was given an emergency tracheotomy
The biopsy came back positive for the same cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and my PET Scan showed what I and the doctors feared, the cancer had metastasized and spread to my Sternum, lung and lymph nodes. The tracheotomy was removed 5 days later, however, I could no longer swallow, so I was taken back into surgery and given a feeding tube.
I now receive immunotherapy treatment (Keytruda) every 21 days to help my immune system slow down or fight against the cancer. Recently I had 10 more rounds of radiation due to a lymph node under my left arm pit that had become dangerously infected with cancer and was 10x its normal size. During these past 2 years I have been unable to work. Insurance covers the majority of medical costs but, I am still responsible for 20%. Donations of any and all sizes are very welcomed.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story
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