Donation protected
This past August, Brother, Cousin , Friend Patrick was diagnosed with stage T2/3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his neck/ throat. After numerous tests and scans It was further discovered that the cancer had spread to some lymph nodes.
The tumour was too close to vital structures in the neck/throat which deemed it inoperable. After much consultation it was decided by the medical team that treatment would consist of 35 daily radiation treatments and weekly chemo treatments over a course of 7 weeks .
Both treatments have serious and debilitating side effects some of which have resolved and are improving with time others which are cumulative and worsen as the treatment progressed.
Due to the heavy radiation that his face and jaw would be exposed to Patrick met with an Oncology dental surgeon where they determined the need to remove 4-6 teeth prior to starting treatment. Patrick had all his remaining molars removed on the right hand (tumour) side but, not wanting to delay the start of treatment any longer, it was decided the left side would be extracted post treatment.
Unfortunately as a result of the radiation Patrick has developed a serious complication. He has been diagnosed with ORN (Orthoradionecrosis).
This is a result of starting the radiation 8 days (instead of the recommended 21 days) after they extracted his teeth. The radiation has compromised/damaged the blood vessels in his lower jaw. The treatment is a course of heavy duty antibiotics and drugs therapy.
If this therapy does not work the surgeons will have to remove the right side of his lower jaw and replace with it with bone grafts.
The prosthodontic surgery which is needed to replace his teeth now needs to be postponed until the jaw is healed or reconstructed.
Patrick has always been self-employed, his daily fight against cancer has made it impossible for him to work during this time as he continues to recover from the significant radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He is also facing extraordinary dental surgery costs to replace the extracted teeth previously removed (it is estimated to be approximately $10,000-$25,000 for the dental implant surgery). The cost of this surgery is not covered, further adding to the stress and hardship.
Through this campaign we are hoping to raise $35,000 to ease this financial hardship over the coming months and reduce the enormous emotional stress allowing Patrick to focus solely on getting well.
We are very grateful for any support you can offer to assist Patrick as he continues to fight through the next stage of this battle to regain his health.
The tumour was too close to vital structures in the neck/throat which deemed it inoperable. After much consultation it was decided by the medical team that treatment would consist of 35 daily radiation treatments and weekly chemo treatments over a course of 7 weeks .
Both treatments have serious and debilitating side effects some of which have resolved and are improving with time others which are cumulative and worsen as the treatment progressed.
Due to the heavy radiation that his face and jaw would be exposed to Patrick met with an Oncology dental surgeon where they determined the need to remove 4-6 teeth prior to starting treatment. Patrick had all his remaining molars removed on the right hand (tumour) side but, not wanting to delay the start of treatment any longer, it was decided the left side would be extracted post treatment.
Unfortunately as a result of the radiation Patrick has developed a serious complication. He has been diagnosed with ORN (Orthoradionecrosis).
This is a result of starting the radiation 8 days (instead of the recommended 21 days) after they extracted his teeth. The radiation has compromised/damaged the blood vessels in his lower jaw. The treatment is a course of heavy duty antibiotics and drugs therapy.
If this therapy does not work the surgeons will have to remove the right side of his lower jaw and replace with it with bone grafts.
The prosthodontic surgery which is needed to replace his teeth now needs to be postponed until the jaw is healed or reconstructed.
Patrick has always been self-employed, his daily fight against cancer has made it impossible for him to work during this time as he continues to recover from the significant radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He is also facing extraordinary dental surgery costs to replace the extracted teeth previously removed (it is estimated to be approximately $10,000-$25,000 for the dental implant surgery). The cost of this surgery is not covered, further adding to the stress and hardship.
Through this campaign we are hoping to raise $35,000 to ease this financial hardship over the coming months and reduce the enormous emotional stress allowing Patrick to focus solely on getting well.
We are very grateful for any support you can offer to assist Patrick as he continues to fight through the next stage of this battle to regain his health.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alison Link
Organizer
Burlington, ON
Patrick Earle
Beneficiary