Help Michael Get Treatment - Head & Neck Cancer
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Hello, My name is Michael Gerleve in 2016 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. In Oct 2018 I developed a lump on my chest that proceeded to grow into my neck .During 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 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.My Oncologist started me on immunotherapy (Keytruda) which I will receive every 21 days for the rest of life to help my immune system fight against and slow down the cancer. In late 2019 I had 10 more rounds of radiation due to a lymph node under my left arm that had become dangerously infected with cancer, it was 10x its normal size. Unfortunately in August 2022, the cancer has returned. After having biopsy surgery on my tongue and throat results came back positive. I’m now told by doctors I will need ‘flap’ surgery to cut out the cancer on the back of my tongue. The surgery according to doctors is 12 hours and could leave me permanently disabled. I will update this page after my 2nd consultation with the surgeon. Any size donation would be of great help and please share MyGoFundMe link on your social media and any groups and associations you my belong to.
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Michael Gerleve
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Huntington Beach, CA