May of you know that Rob found a lump in his leg months ago, and that a biopsy in April revealed that it was melanoma. It was very painful and the original plan was to remove this inflamed cancerous lymph node surgically, as well as the next set of lymph nodes. The week before the scheduled surgery he had a pet scan and head MRI. We learned the next day the cancer had spread to his lungs. However, a few days later Rob had a major shift in his pain level (reduced) and the size of the lymph node (also reduced). We felt he should not have surgery until we knew more and had done some research. He then developed a gastrointestinal issue that landed him in the hospital. He has had 9 ER visits and 4 hospital stays for inflammation in his bowel.
He had one treatment with the study drugs OPDIVO and YERVOY; and then has treated with High does Vit C (75,000 mg) and Mistletoe (A European Treatment). We are doing well on these two treatments. To date the lump in his leg is 90% smaller, and we believe the lungs are doing better. He is still having troubles with the Inflammation in his bowel.
Many of you have help with meals, gifts of money and prayers, and we love you for that! Others have asked us about a "Go Fund Me" account, because they know Rob has been unable to work since mid April. As a self-employed electrician there is no sick time, no disability insurance (which we looked at personal... unfortunately we put it off a bit and then he had the lump, and it was too late to get a policy). We are applying for SSDI, have gotten rid of our newer vehicles (2004 for Rob, 2014 for me) and are driving older vehicles (1997 for Rob, 2004 for me). We are trying to refinance the house. We've done all we can to tighten the budget. People have been very generous with meals, cash, gift cards, etc.
However, we could still use a little help. The alternative treatments are expensive and are not covered by insurance. We feel the traditional treatment would be very detrimental to Rob's health (ask about the stories we have of others who have done the treatments). Rob plans to try and do some jobs as soon as he's able, but recovering from losing 40lbs, when you didn't have 1 lb to lose; as well as 5 and 1/2 months in bed is difficult. Some days he feels he's getting stronger and then the next he feels so weak he worry's about going downstairs to the basement.
We are so very grateful for all the prayers, all the help; and we know God has veen very, very faithful in our journey. We know that we will spend the rest of our lives helping others who have a major illness or want to learn about being healthy and preventing illness.
We also know that every dollar adds up. So, we thank you if you are able to contribute just a bit to help.
He had one treatment with the study drugs OPDIVO and YERVOY; and then has treated with High does Vit C (75,000 mg) and Mistletoe (A European Treatment). We are doing well on these two treatments. To date the lump in his leg is 90% smaller, and we believe the lungs are doing better. He is still having troubles with the Inflammation in his bowel.
Many of you have help with meals, gifts of money and prayers, and we love you for that! Others have asked us about a "Go Fund Me" account, because they know Rob has been unable to work since mid April. As a self-employed electrician there is no sick time, no disability insurance (which we looked at personal... unfortunately we put it off a bit and then he had the lump, and it was too late to get a policy). We are applying for SSDI, have gotten rid of our newer vehicles (2004 for Rob, 2014 for me) and are driving older vehicles (1997 for Rob, 2004 for me). We are trying to refinance the house. We've done all we can to tighten the budget. People have been very generous with meals, cash, gift cards, etc.
However, we could still use a little help. The alternative treatments are expensive and are not covered by insurance. We feel the traditional treatment would be very detrimental to Rob's health (ask about the stories we have of others who have done the treatments). Rob plans to try and do some jobs as soon as he's able, but recovering from losing 40lbs, when you didn't have 1 lb to lose; as well as 5 and 1/2 months in bed is difficult. Some days he feels he's getting stronger and then the next he feels so weak he worry's about going downstairs to the basement.
We are so very grateful for all the prayers, all the help; and we know God has veen very, very faithful in our journey. We know that we will spend the rest of our lives helping others who have a major illness or want to learn about being healthy and preventing illness.
We also know that every dollar adds up. So, we thank you if you are able to contribute just a bit to help.