I was diagnosed with cancer, ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) in October 2018. I was given a prognosis of 70% survival long term, on a clinical trial of chemo therapy, assuming my treatments go well and I do not relapse. My survival rate, should I relapse, is 50%. By the end of November 2018, I was already in remission and there were almost no cancer cells found in my blood, bones, or central nervous system.

Treatment is broken down into four major parts. The first three are Induction (to kill the cancer cells in my blood and prevent my immediate death), Intensification (combined with Induction to put the cancer in remission), and Consolidation (to kill any largely remaining cancer cells that may repopulate my system). These three phases make up the first year or so of treatment. The last phase and 2.5 years is the Maintenance phase.

I have been very sick through treatment, on and off with different symptoms. Some of them include:
-nausea
-vomiting
-weakness
-massive muscle loss/wastage
-extreme heartburn and indigestion
-diarrhea
-massive weight gains and loss
-skin marking
-liver-heart-and organ damage
-swelling causing damage to nails and ribs and muscles
-mental changes including mood swings, taste changes, extreme panic and anxiety, depression
-anemia (low red blood cells causing me to pass out from not enough oxygen)
-neutropenia (hospitalized twice for low white bloods cells causing dangerous fever and infections)
-thrombocytopenia (low platelet count meaning I cannot stop bleeding and cannot shave, etc)
-insomnia
-fatigue (weakness and lack of energy that sleep won't fix)
-nerve damage (loss of feeling in my extremities and to my eyesight)
-extreme pain
-constipation
-possible lung damage
-gum recession and tooth damage

So far, my treatment has been going stellar. I should be finished Consolidation and entering the Maintenance phase in the beginning of 2020. Maintenance consists of treatment every three months, and I should only be sick for about 2-7 days.  I will not be 100% until I stop chemo entirely, but I'm getting excited to return to a more normal life. I should be able to return to work and a more independent lifestyle very soon!

During the past year I have survived financially on EI, disability, and the previous GoFundMe raised by Dave. The funds have allowed me (with some trimming) to cover my bills, pay my rent, feed my cat Tony, and cover new medical costs.  Without the previous funds raised, I'd already be homeless.

I am starting a new GoFundMe to make it until after I've returned to work, which I expect I should be February. In order to pay my bills until then I need to quickly raise about $4,000.

In stretch goals, I'm also hoping to raise enough money to cover:
-dental surgery to repair my gums and remove my wisdom teeth. $1500
-Vet visit for Tony as he's got lumps forming on his abdomen. $1500 (guessing)
-Repair costs on my computer. $700

I cannot explain in words how much support I received already, or how thankful I am.
It has changed how I feel about the world, and the people in my life. I literally could not have survived without friends and family like you helping me day in and day out over the last year; People who visit when I'm sick, help carry me up stairs because I'm not strong enough; People driving me to and from appointments; People helping cook me meals and do laundry and clean.

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me, and continues to be there for me, through this chapter of my life.

-Nathan