Roger's Cancer Battle
Donation protected
About 6 months ago I got sick. Sore throat, coughing, etc. Went in to see the Dr and was told I had strep throat and bronchitis. Took antibiotics and seemed to get a bit better, but still had a scratchy voice and dull throat pain. I waited for it to get better, but it just never seemed to. In February I went to a different Dr and she had me get a CT scan.
I went to Sac and saw an ENT and was informed that there was a tumor. A biopsy confirmed throat Cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma p16 Negative of the larynx, to be exact. I decided to go home and be home with my loved ones while I undergo chemo, radiation, or possible surgery. After seeing a Dr in Az at the Banner Cancer center, we decided that as of now radiation will be the best option.
It will involve 6 weeks of radiation and require me to be out of work for around 3 months between treatments and recovery. As of now the Dr seems confident he can save my life, but unsure of whether he'll be able to save my voice box or not. The tumor is right in between my vocal cords. So far my breathing isn't restricted and I can eat, but aspiration and pneumonia are a concern. I go in for a swallow study the first week of April. If it requires surgery, that entire section of my throat will be surgically removed. I will have to do therapies, need a feeding tube to eat, and I'll have to learn how to talk again and may never be able to fully regain my voice. We're hoping that isn't going to be necessary, but scared.
During this time I will not be able to work and I am scared that we will not be able to keep a roof over our heads, let alone pay for my medical bills. With Melody already staying home to care for Daisy, and now me, I just don't know how we'll make it. We are downsizing and I'm letting go of my truck, and temporary disability will help but we still are going to be barely keeping our heads above water.
I'm embarrassed and hate this, but I'm letting go of my pride and asking for help if you are able to. I appreciate anything you can do and thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. Taking care of my family comes before my pride.
I'm sorry for not being able to reach out to you all by phone, but Facebook is the easiest way to spread the word and let everyone know everything at the same time. We'll keep everyone updated this way as my battle with this horrible disease continues. Please feel free to share. Thank you guys. We love you.
I went to Sac and saw an ENT and was informed that there was a tumor. A biopsy confirmed throat Cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma p16 Negative of the larynx, to be exact. I decided to go home and be home with my loved ones while I undergo chemo, radiation, or possible surgery. After seeing a Dr in Az at the Banner Cancer center, we decided that as of now radiation will be the best option.
It will involve 6 weeks of radiation and require me to be out of work for around 3 months between treatments and recovery. As of now the Dr seems confident he can save my life, but unsure of whether he'll be able to save my voice box or not. The tumor is right in between my vocal cords. So far my breathing isn't restricted and I can eat, but aspiration and pneumonia are a concern. I go in for a swallow study the first week of April. If it requires surgery, that entire section of my throat will be surgically removed. I will have to do therapies, need a feeding tube to eat, and I'll have to learn how to talk again and may never be able to fully regain my voice. We're hoping that isn't going to be necessary, but scared.
During this time I will not be able to work and I am scared that we will not be able to keep a roof over our heads, let alone pay for my medical bills. With Melody already staying home to care for Daisy, and now me, I just don't know how we'll make it. We are downsizing and I'm letting go of my truck, and temporary disability will help but we still are going to be barely keeping our heads above water.
I'm embarrassed and hate this, but I'm letting go of my pride and asking for help if you are able to. I appreciate anything you can do and thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. Taking care of my family comes before my pride.
I'm sorry for not being able to reach out to you all by phone, but Facebook is the easiest way to spread the word and let everyone know everything at the same time. We'll keep everyone updated this way as my battle with this horrible disease continues. Please feel free to share. Thank you guys. We love you.
Organizer
Roger Aboaf
Organizer
Mesa, AZ
