Rick Sciacca's Sudden Diagnosis-Part 3

***New update for 2024, Rick’s Lymphoma has returned for a third time, clinical trial eligibility and qualification process has started. More detailed updates posted below.

****August 2023 Update: Hi my name is Angie and I originally established this fundraiser for my dear friends Rick and Missy Sciacca back in the fall of 2021. You can read more details about that first diagnosis below. Unfortunately, his cancer has returned. They are once again facing the physical, mental, and financial hardships that come along with a devastating cancer journey. Rick and Missy were in the process of actively working through the financial hardship from all of his previous medical bills when this second diagnosis came crashing like a tsunami of doctor appointments, hospital admissions and staggering medical debt. Their health insurance barely scratches the surface. The new goal for this campaign reflects how dire the additional financial needs have become. The following is the original very first post I shared.**** In October 2021, Rick went to the doctor with some stomach discomfort and a low-grade fever. The first diagnosis was a stomach bug, a few days later, an ulcer. When after more than three weeks the fever had not gone away, the doctor ordered more testing, and after seeing the results, on December 1 told Rick to go to the ER immediately. While there, after a series of CT scans, MRIs and other tests, the doctors soon concluded that Rick did not have an ulcer, but rather cancer. It is Stage 4 Type B lymphoma to be specific, with masses not only in the stomach but scattered throughout the entire body as well. The doctors stated that this was an aggressive form of cancer and would require aggressive treatment. Rick quickly began to feel worse. The main symptoms were nausea and complete loss of appetite, a fever that would not go away and seemed to steadily climb to over 101 degrees, night sweats that left the sheets soaked, and he had almost no energy; he would get winded going up the stairs in the house. He also lost quite a bit of weight, approximately 15 pounds between October and the end of December. Thankfully, the first round of chemotherapy brought some relief. Rick’s appetite improved and he started to feel a bit better. They're of course hoping that as the treatment continues, he steadily improves.

 

As far as Rick’s work situation goes, his doctor has basically asked him to quarantine due to the fact that his immune system will be so heavily compromised. He will not be able to work for the next several months as he undergoes chemotherapy. He will also have multiple 5-day hospital stays as part of his treatment. In an effort to keep Rick as healthy as possible, Missy will be returning to a Zoom platform as much as possible for her tutoring sessions. With the shift to Zoom and Missy trying to accompany Rick to as many appointments as possible, they expect a noticeable drop in her income. Quite frankly, they are worried about the financial burden that comes with this diagnosis. The bills have not yet started coming in, but they know the insurance has already been billed over $100,000.

 

THANKFUL FOR THE LOVE – In spite of the current rough times, they have seen God working through a lot of this. One way is through family and friends. Missy’s mom, three older brothers and her sister-in-law who live locally have been absolutely amazing! So many friends have called, texted etc. with their support. The uplifting words have been so encouraging, often coming in at a critical time. They are especially thankful for the Front Porch at their awesome church, First Presbyterian in North Palm Beach, the staff and students at Jupiter High School, and the network of families through Grace Homeschool Connection and Parents Educating Children (PEC). They don’t know what they would have done without you guys. Seriously, Rick says he has never seen or felt so much love in his life. They are so very grateful that these folks are part of their lives.