Donation protected
How we wish there was a way to tiptoe around it, or to wish it away, or for it to not be true. Rich is fighting HPV P16 - Stage 2 Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cancer.
But, it is so heartbreakingly true. We have no doubt he will fight this victoriously.
September 2020 Rich had a tooth pulled that was severely bothering him. A week later he noticed that his right lymph node had swollen the size of a golf ball. An antibiotic was prescribed by the oral surgen and taken for a week. The antibiotic did nothing for the swelling. Weeks went by..
Rich then seen an ENT in January 2021, we were just hoping for another antibiotic... Nope.. They did an ultrasound and aspirated (needle biopsy of the lymph node.) The results a week later of the needle biopsy came back as inconclusive. So, the ENT recommended Rich was to get an MRI of the brain, ear and neck. The Results of the MRI showed 2 masses, Wow what a blow to the stomach!! Rich had a large mass in his lymph node on the right side of the neck, and also mass on the right back side of his tongue, right tonsil. Surgery was then immediately scheduled for March 5th, 2021.
March 5th, 2021 came quick! Day of surgery. Rich QUIT SMOKING! The ride down to the hospital was a silent one. The wait in the lobby was also silent. Surgery was 2 1/2 hours. They removed 11 lymph nodes from the right side of Riches neck. 1 lymph node was full of cancer. The other 10 were clear of cancer. The tongue/tonsil was biopsied froze and sent to the lab immediately, the diagnosis is HPV P16 Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Cancer. OMG! The C word.
Recovery was a couple of hours, he stayed over night for observation, went home the following day.
March 10th, 2021 Rich went for his follow up appointment with the ENT. Then he was referred to the radiologist oncologist at The Cancer Institute at Parkview North where he will be completing his Cancer treatments, for now.
March 12th, 2021 Rich went back to the ENT for a swallow study by camera ultrasound down his nose for a baseline to see if a feeding tube will be mandatory during his radiation and chemo treatments. Please pray not.
March 12th, 2021 Rich met with the radiologist oncologist and discussed his potential treatment plan. 6-7 weeks of radiation, with chemo a day or two. Radiation 5 days a week for 6-7 weeks. He was at this doctor appointment for 2 1/2 hours - I was in conference.
Along with radiation Riches neck & face can swell up, if this happens he will then see a physical therapist to help the swelling.
Rich has future doctors to see next week... this is what we know about, who knows what’s to come.
Rich needs to see an oral surgeon to have the remaining teeth he has removed. The reason for this is because, he has a type of gum disease that he has. If Rich needs a tooth pulled during radiation or after radiation, his gums will not heal properly and will cause jaw damage and he will then need surgery. He will get dentures months after radiation/chemo.
Rich meets with the medical oncologist for a petscan before radiation/chemo begins to see if there is HPV P16 Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma is anywhere in the body.
Rich also will meet with a nutritionist to maintain a healthy diet during treatments.
But, the raw and honest truth is that he needs help to win this battle. Rich is the sole provider for our family. He will need to take time off for his treatments. The medical bills along are going to get costly even with insurance.
We are asking you to please consider a donation for Rich. The road ahead is long and unknown, but we are damn sure not letting him travel it alone. Will you please help us walk with him on this journey?
We are humbly asking you to do this for Rich, my husband and father of 4.
If you have never met him, we ask you, our hearts filled with worry but also hope: will you please donate in honor of a man who’s impacted your life? Rich is a giver, he would do anything for anyone. Please think of a man who helped shape you into the person you are, and donate it in their honor?
And, of course, we ask for prayers. Will you please pray for healing and comfort, for understanding and courage and strength.
Everyone of us- Amy, Jacob, Mason & Chloe and the countless family & friends who is impacted send you our love and gratitude. Thank you, most especially, for your prayers.
We will continue to update this page with photos, news, and what we feel certain will be hopeful updates.
Thank you so much for your prayers, love, support and donation
Amy Silvarman & family.
Co-organizers (2)
Amy Silvarman
Organizer
Auburn, IN
Rich Silvarman
Co-organizer