Support for Sammy & Gwen DiStefano
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Dad's story
I know this is long, but it will get you caught up and help you understand the gravity of the situation!
On August 28, 2013, Dad had surgery to remove a cancerous colon tumor. The surgery was a success and the cancer was not in any lymph nodes. On the fourth day after surgery he developed a massive infection and became septic. He then had to be intubated and sedated quite heavily.
While he was sedated he had a massive left side stroke. Following the stroke he had to have part of his skull removed to help with the pressure. The stroke left him paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak clearly. He spent 23 days in ICU, then transferred to the first of many LTAC hospitals.
He was in a hospital or facility continuously until September 29, 2014, when insurance benefits ran out and he was sent home. He requires care 24/7 as he is bedridden and unable to care for even his basic needs.
Currently medical bills are piling up as well as those bills associated with everyday living.
Mom took unpaid leave from work and is his constant caregiver at home. Since insurance won't pay for home health aides, Mom doesn't see how she can go back to work. She may be forced to take extended UNPAID leave and have to cover insurance costs out of pocket.
Doctors want to perform surgery on a large sacral wound but he was only 110 lbs when he was released home and he needs to be much stronger before they can do the surgery.
He is currently doing well at home but there is still a long road ahead with surgery and recovery, as well as rehabilitation, once he is able to tolerate sitting for extended periods of time.
While we are extremely grateful that the cancer had not spread, we are left to deal with the aftermath of substandard care and its' consequences.
Your prayers and any help you give would go a long ways toward helping my Mom and Dad keep moving forward in this fight.
Thank you and God Bless You!
I know this is long, but it will get you caught up and help you understand the gravity of the situation!
On August 28, 2013, Dad had surgery to remove a cancerous colon tumor. The surgery was a success and the cancer was not in any lymph nodes. On the fourth day after surgery he developed a massive infection and became septic. He then had to be intubated and sedated quite heavily.
While he was sedated he had a massive left side stroke. Following the stroke he had to have part of his skull removed to help with the pressure. The stroke left him paralyzed on the right side and unable to speak clearly. He spent 23 days in ICU, then transferred to the first of many LTAC hospitals.
He was in a hospital or facility continuously until September 29, 2014, when insurance benefits ran out and he was sent home. He requires care 24/7 as he is bedridden and unable to care for even his basic needs.
Currently medical bills are piling up as well as those bills associated with everyday living.
Mom took unpaid leave from work and is his constant caregiver at home. Since insurance won't pay for home health aides, Mom doesn't see how she can go back to work. She may be forced to take extended UNPAID leave and have to cover insurance costs out of pocket.
Doctors want to perform surgery on a large sacral wound but he was only 110 lbs when he was released home and he needs to be much stronger before they can do the surgery.
He is currently doing well at home but there is still a long road ahead with surgery and recovery, as well as rehabilitation, once he is able to tolerate sitting for extended periods of time.
While we are extremely grateful that the cancer had not spread, we are left to deal with the aftermath of substandard care and its' consequences.
Your prayers and any help you give would go a long ways toward helping my Mom and Dad keep moving forward in this fight.
Thank you and God Bless You!
Organizer
Shonna DiStefano Jenkins
Organizer
Galena Park, TX
