Roger's Cancer Fight
Donation protected
Hi Everyone- this is Deb, Roger's wife. As most of you have probably noticed, Rog has been absent from facebook for several months. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon cancer in early April. He had been suffering from severe back pain since February, and finally after a battery of tests, biopsies etc., we got the answer. The cancer had spread into his spine, and lymph nodes.
Roger had radiation treatment first, which somewhat relieved his crippling pain, followed by chemotherapy beginning Mid-May. He was secheduled to have 12 bi-weekly treatments, of which 6 have been completed.
On July 14, following his most recent chemo appointment, he suddenly could no longer walk. He was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital. After 5 days, he was transferred to a long-term care center for physical therapy, in hopes that he could walk again.
After being transferred, he developed a serious infection, was then on IV antibiotics and bedrest.
While Roger does have medicare, he does not have a supplement at this time. The medical bills have been phenomenal. For example, I was handed a bill for the first 12 days at the LTC center- what is our repsonsibility is over $4000. Add to that my loss of income. I do have a job, but have had to take so much time off. I began a new job in January, and did not have any paid time off to use. As hard as I have tried, I have gotten behind in some of our bills/expenses, and most urgent is rent. I am desparate to catch up on the rent- it is just not the time to move!!!
They are hoping to discharge roger this saturday the 19th. I am quite sure I will again have to take time off just for his physical care. Whether he will be well enough to return to his chemo treatments remains to be seen.
I am humbled and sad to have to ask for help. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks to everyone for being Roger's friends.
All the best,
Deb
Roger had radiation treatment first, which somewhat relieved his crippling pain, followed by chemotherapy beginning Mid-May. He was secheduled to have 12 bi-weekly treatments, of which 6 have been completed.
On July 14, following his most recent chemo appointment, he suddenly could no longer walk. He was taken by ambulance and admitted to the hospital. After 5 days, he was transferred to a long-term care center for physical therapy, in hopes that he could walk again.
After being transferred, he developed a serious infection, was then on IV antibiotics and bedrest.
While Roger does have medicare, he does not have a supplement at this time. The medical bills have been phenomenal. For example, I was handed a bill for the first 12 days at the LTC center- what is our repsonsibility is over $4000. Add to that my loss of income. I do have a job, but have had to take so much time off. I began a new job in January, and did not have any paid time off to use. As hard as I have tried, I have gotten behind in some of our bills/expenses, and most urgent is rent. I am desparate to catch up on the rent- it is just not the time to move!!!
They are hoping to discharge roger this saturday the 19th. I am quite sure I will again have to take time off just for his physical care. Whether he will be well enough to return to his chemo treatments remains to be seen.
I am humbled and sad to have to ask for help. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks to everyone for being Roger's friends.
All the best,
Deb
Organizer
Roger Kelly
Organizer
Barrington, IL
