Cancer fight fund.

          After serving in police, fire, and emergency services, and working in ministry for 40 years, writing a story about myself is extremely difficult. So-- here goes. Last year, I injured my shoulder. I figured it would heal by caring for it at home. It started healing, and life seemed to be returning to normal. Then this past summer, I reinjured it. I tried, for several months, to nurse it back. For a time, it improved. But then the pain started to increase and mobility decreased. I finally agreed to see a doctor.

          In December, I went in to the doctor. He ordered an MRI and connected me with Hope Medical Outreach Coalition for financial help. I had the MRI on a Tuesday. That Friday, I was back in the doctor’s office. The MRI showed a minor tear in the rotator cuff. The MRI also showed two lesions-- one on the scapula and one of the collarbone. To say the news was a blow is an understatement. We didn’t have a complete picture, and wouldn’t, for awhile yet.

          After getting connected to Dr. Hawke, he started mapping out what the next steps would be. Lessening the pain was priority one, and diminishing the two tumors with radiation was number two. The biopsy was performed, and radiation was scheduled. I found this concerning-- how quickly things were happening after some tests. I didn’t get much of a chance to process what was being thrown at me. The biopsy showed that I had adenocarcinoma-- lung cancer. I had no clue I had lung cancer! Radiation started, and we still had an incomplete picture of the battle I was facing.

          The radiation did lessen my pain to a more manageable level. Next, a CAT scan from head to pelvis was done. That’s when we found out how widespread the cancer was, and it hit me really hard. I received a call the next day-- they wanted to do an MRI on my head-- with and without contrast. The following Monday, the picture of the battle was complete-- and we definitely wanted a different picture. They found two tumors in my head, the one on my scapula and collarbone, at least one in the lower right lobe of my lung, a small one on my liver, one in a lymph node in my chest, and a small one on my T5 vertebrae. That alone was a lot to handle. What was a bigger blow was the time frame given me. Short of remission, I am looking at best at 6-18 months. If I qualify for a study that includes immunotherapy, I am looking at 18+ months. That is the doctor’s diagnosis.           My concerns are not for me. I am concerned for the rising costs and the burden that will place on my wife and family. We found out that I have initially denied by Medicaid. While this may change, this is a big concern for me. Seeing the costs for my treatment rise causes my concerns to rise as well.

          Any money donated is greatly appreciated. The money would be spent prayerfully and carefully. I do not take your generous gift lightly. The majority would cover my medical expenses. Since I am unable to work and cannot get disability, it would also go towards some of my living expenses. I do get $674.00 Social Security per month, but with co-pays and prescription costs, it doesn’t go very far. My wife and I are living with friends, so our housing costs are covered. If possible, I would like to use some of the funds go to Texas to see my daughter and her family. If you make special note as to how you would like those funds spent, I will honor your wishes.

          The latest test results: after having a CAT scan and MRI, the results were not good. I have two brain tumors, the scapula, the collarbone, in a lymph node in my chest, at least one tumor in my lower right lobe, and also a small spot on my liver. I am undergoing radiation treatment right now on the brain tumors. If they can completely destroy the tumors, I qualify for a clinical trial. I would receive chemo along with immunotherapy. If I do not go into remission, they estimate I have about 6 months. With chemotherapy, they estimate I have 6-18 months. With this clinical trial, they estimate I have 18+ months. I know God’s in control of this battle-- I just want to do all I can to do all I can.

          A note about Hope Medical Outreach Coalition. It is a group of medical personnel who waive their fees so patients can receive quality care. I do have to go through their channels to insure that certain medical costs are covered. They have also paid for several tests and procedures. They don’t cover all costs-- like MRIs, for instance. I’ve had two so far at a cost of over $450 each. I am very grateful for Hope’s and all the doctors and staff. I can see God’s hand working through them. They don’t pay for prescriptions or MRIs.

I realize this may be a long battle. I am more concerned for my wife of 16 years being saddled with medical expenses for years to come. I am trying to plan so that does not happen. I know God has His own plan. If God chooses to show His glory in erasing all the tumors, then we will rejoice and praise Him. If He chooses to manifest my healing by bringing me home to Him, then we will rejoice and praise Him. I know He is with me throughout this process. Without His gift to me of salvation through His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, I would not have the confidence to fight this battle. I know He is by my side, and will give me the strength and courage to do the work. I thank you for all the support you’ve given me through this time, and I thank God for each and every one of you.