Fighting to Survive Stage 3 Rectal Cancer
Donation protected
On April 2nd of 2020 Paul was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer.
After the MRI, MRV, Cat Scan and many other tests, the treatment plan was approved by the tumor board. Aggressive treatment is necessary!
Radiation begins on April 27 for 5 days and two weeks afterwards Paul begins 3-4 months of chemotherapy. During this time, they'll test again to see if the tumor has shrunk enough for surgery to even be possible. That's the goal here - to get the tumor to shrink so he can undergo surgery. Without this surgery, his life expectancy is about a year or two.
Once we make it to the surgical stage (and we will - positive thoughts here) and Paul undergoes surgery to remove the tumor and lymph node, he will then need weeks of recovery time (the new plumbing takes a while to heal). This long recovery time also means Paul will be out of work for quite a while.
Unfortunately insurance will not cover all of the tests, treatments, radiation and chemo. Not to mention the doctor visits or medications that are critical to keeping him safe when he no longer has an immune system.
We've tried to estimate the expenses, copays, prescriptions, time off work, etc. and was quickly overwhelmed by the short-falls. Now we're doing the only thing we can....we're asking for help. Nothing is too small and everything is appreciated.
To make sure Paul gets additional help needed during his fight, he's moved back home with Jennifer and the boys where they'll take extra special care of him. (We'll make sure to post the video of the boys shaving his head too!)
Paul is young(ish) and otherwise in good health. We are hopeful for a complete recovery, and we would love if any and all of you can be a part of that story.
Please share some warm thoughts and encouragement with Paul as he battles this not so silent killer.
After the MRI, MRV, Cat Scan and many other tests, the treatment plan was approved by the tumor board. Aggressive treatment is necessary!
Radiation begins on April 27 for 5 days and two weeks afterwards Paul begins 3-4 months of chemotherapy. During this time, they'll test again to see if the tumor has shrunk enough for surgery to even be possible. That's the goal here - to get the tumor to shrink so he can undergo surgery. Without this surgery, his life expectancy is about a year or two.
Once we make it to the surgical stage (and we will - positive thoughts here) and Paul undergoes surgery to remove the tumor and lymph node, he will then need weeks of recovery time (the new plumbing takes a while to heal). This long recovery time also means Paul will be out of work for quite a while.
Unfortunately insurance will not cover all of the tests, treatments, radiation and chemo. Not to mention the doctor visits or medications that are critical to keeping him safe when he no longer has an immune system.
We've tried to estimate the expenses, copays, prescriptions, time off work, etc. and was quickly overwhelmed by the short-falls. Now we're doing the only thing we can....we're asking for help. Nothing is too small and everything is appreciated.
To make sure Paul gets additional help needed during his fight, he's moved back home with Jennifer and the boys where they'll take extra special care of him. (We'll make sure to post the video of the boys shaving his head too!)
Paul is young(ish) and otherwise in good health. We are hopeful for a complete recovery, and we would love if any and all of you can be a part of that story.
Please share some warm thoughts and encouragement with Paul as he battles this not so silent killer.
Organizer
Jennifer Robertson Huffmon
Organizer
Florissant, MO
