CarNel's Journey Against Cancer
Donation protected
In January 2008, we heard the scariest "c" word, CANCER. Nelson-husband, son, brother, friend, hero, and soon to be uncle was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma. How could this be, we thought?! How could someone so young have cancer? But cancer DID NOT define him! From that day forward, Nelson became the strongest fighter we know. Him and his wife Carla, made the scary first trip to the Cross Cancer institute to meet the oncologist that treats Nelson, Dr. Chua. There, they were told that Hodgkins lymphoma is the easiest to treat and cure. After all, it was caught early....
That year, Nelson was treated with chemotherapy and seemed to fight off this disease. There were dark days, but there were more awesome days. You know why, because Nelson never let cancer bring him down.
In August 2009, he got married to the love of his life, Carla. It was the most special day, it was unforgettable. They were made for each other, Nelson was safe with her. ❤️
In 2009-2010, Nelson was still being treated with chemo, but now radiation too. It was a hard year for them, the cancer did not seem to fuck off and it was not being "easily treated".
What were the next options? Stem cell transplant....in June-July of 2010, Nelson spent 30 days, in isolation at the Cross, this will be it, this will work they said....
It did! It worked! Thank you God!
That was a short win, regardless, we were all so happy, and he was determined....like always.
In November of 2010, Nelson and Carla learned that the the stem cell transplant was not successful in removing all of the cancer. Now what?! God... Could you give him a break please?
After researching other options and treatments, the Frias' decided that they would try a world renowned holistic Doctor in Meh-hee-ko. (Mexico). Dr. Castillo was it, he would help Nelson fight this war against cancer. Carla and Nelson traveled to the USA, together, to San Diego, where they would cross the border everyday to receive treatment. There, they spent 1 month going back and forth to the clinic. There were good and bad days, especially being away from home, but they pulled through....survivors.
Until there was a check up. After going through a PET scan, there was indication that maybe the holistic approach did not work as well as we thought!
Throughout 2011, 2012, 2013, Nelson went throughout various forms of treatment including chemo, radiation, vitamin C injections, hyperbolic chamber, holistic, each showing a hope of remission. He didn't feel sick, but cancer had a different choice for him.
In the end of 2014, beginning of 2015 after extensive research, Nelson and Carla had to leave again. This time for a clinical trial in Vancouver. They would travel to Van city on a week to week basis, sometimes just for 1 day. This lasted for months, at least they were close to home.
Holy shit! For the first time ever, Nelson did not show any sign of cancer! That was the happiest day of our lives, this is it, he's done!
Was it?
In February of 2015, the stupid lymphoma was back, this time more aggressive than the last. This chemo would make him more sick, more dark days. His wife, his soldier, always by his side, as well as his army-parents, family and friends.
He worked with his family, he loved it, he loved seeing and talking to people, but now he couldn't, cancer made him a little bit weaker, but it never dulled his spirit, he's still the strong person we know and love dearly.
During that year, he was back and forth at the Cross, for hours a day, sometimes every day fighting, and fighting hard.
In October 2015, we heard the worst news....
Nelson was now diagnosed with leukaemia. Seriously?! How could this even happen? How does one person end up with two forms of cancer? One that was supposed to be easy?
The hematologist carefully explained how things would be, what could happen and what to expect. They decided to try 2 chemotherapy treatments, together. One to fight each of the cancers. Since January 2016, Nelson has spent his days, with all of us behind him at the U of A, 5th floor, hematology, and 3rd floor, intensive care. He is so sick, so weak, but yet so determined. Despite spending 3 months in a place he doesn't call home....he continues to fight, our hero.
#fuckcancer
This gofundme page goal is to raise money for this fight against cancer, by helping with transportation, accommodations, lost wages, food, and any medical expenses incurred on this journey.
That year, Nelson was treated with chemotherapy and seemed to fight off this disease. There were dark days, but there were more awesome days. You know why, because Nelson never let cancer bring him down.
In August 2009, he got married to the love of his life, Carla. It was the most special day, it was unforgettable. They were made for each other, Nelson was safe with her. ❤️
In 2009-2010, Nelson was still being treated with chemo, but now radiation too. It was a hard year for them, the cancer did not seem to fuck off and it was not being "easily treated".
What were the next options? Stem cell transplant....in June-July of 2010, Nelson spent 30 days, in isolation at the Cross, this will be it, this will work they said....
It did! It worked! Thank you God!
That was a short win, regardless, we were all so happy, and he was determined....like always.
In November of 2010, Nelson and Carla learned that the the stem cell transplant was not successful in removing all of the cancer. Now what?! God... Could you give him a break please?
After researching other options and treatments, the Frias' decided that they would try a world renowned holistic Doctor in Meh-hee-ko. (Mexico). Dr. Castillo was it, he would help Nelson fight this war against cancer. Carla and Nelson traveled to the USA, together, to San Diego, where they would cross the border everyday to receive treatment. There, they spent 1 month going back and forth to the clinic. There were good and bad days, especially being away from home, but they pulled through....survivors.
Until there was a check up. After going through a PET scan, there was indication that maybe the holistic approach did not work as well as we thought!
Throughout 2011, 2012, 2013, Nelson went throughout various forms of treatment including chemo, radiation, vitamin C injections, hyperbolic chamber, holistic, each showing a hope of remission. He didn't feel sick, but cancer had a different choice for him.
In the end of 2014, beginning of 2015 after extensive research, Nelson and Carla had to leave again. This time for a clinical trial in Vancouver. They would travel to Van city on a week to week basis, sometimes just for 1 day. This lasted for months, at least they were close to home.
Holy shit! For the first time ever, Nelson did not show any sign of cancer! That was the happiest day of our lives, this is it, he's done!
Was it?
In February of 2015, the stupid lymphoma was back, this time more aggressive than the last. This chemo would make him more sick, more dark days. His wife, his soldier, always by his side, as well as his army-parents, family and friends.
He worked with his family, he loved it, he loved seeing and talking to people, but now he couldn't, cancer made him a little bit weaker, but it never dulled his spirit, he's still the strong person we know and love dearly.
During that year, he was back and forth at the Cross, for hours a day, sometimes every day fighting, and fighting hard.
In October 2015, we heard the worst news....
Nelson was now diagnosed with leukaemia. Seriously?! How could this even happen? How does one person end up with two forms of cancer? One that was supposed to be easy?
The hematologist carefully explained how things would be, what could happen and what to expect. They decided to try 2 chemotherapy treatments, together. One to fight each of the cancers. Since January 2016, Nelson has spent his days, with all of us behind him at the U of A, 5th floor, hematology, and 3rd floor, intensive care. He is so sick, so weak, but yet so determined. Despite spending 3 months in a place he doesn't call home....he continues to fight, our hero.
#fuckcancer
This gofundme page goal is to raise money for this fight against cancer, by helping with transportation, accommodations, lost wages, food, and any medical expenses incurred on this journey.
Organizer
Sonia Correia Rahbani
Organizer
Edmonton, AB
