Sigmund Strong!

Hello, my name is Ashleigh Sigmund. My husband is Andrew Sigmund. I'm trying to raise the funds needed for a complete oral extraction. He was officially diagnosed with stage 4B Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma on May 2nd, 2023 after a biopsy that was completed a week prior during a dental surgery to extract 2 teeth. These teeth are what we believed to be what caused major sinus cavity infections, but it was not the case. On April 15th, Andrew was on his way to work as a full-time Certified Nurse's Aide. Drew has been our sole income due to me being a full-time Nursing student. He lost complete vision in his right eye while driving down the interstate. He safely made it the rest of the way to his workplace's parking lot where he called me panicked. We agreed he needed to go to the emergency room. Drew then immediately called his employer and informed the evening on-call supervisor of the incident in which he was told if he did not go inside for his shift he did not need to return as he was unreliable. Thank goodness he chose his health, but from this moment on our world spiraled into what feels like a messed-up nightmare. The ER doctor believed it was a bad tooth infection and that if a dentist extracted the teeth it would stop everything. He also started us on antibiotics for the first time. We immediately found a dentist that didn't require insurance and let us self-pay; Aspen Dental. They completed the first set of xrays of Drew's mouth and saw what they believe to be a very large sinus cavity/maxillary bone infection. They referred Drew to another dentist at Allington Dental and increased the antibiotic dose. Another week of waiting for new patient appointments and more xrays. The dentist at Allington said he believed he could remove them without any issue but he did not feel comfortable because of the size of Drew's infection. So another referral this time to an oral surgeon at AOMS here in Amarillo. That appointment took place on April 25th, 2023 and finally, he thought he would get some relief. We met the doctor and discussed his xrays and she decided she needed to do a biopsy. Our hearts sank.. after discussing the plan for same-day surgery we found out the price. The last of any money to our name was now gone. The biopsy came back and he was referred to a hospital in Fort Worth. At this point, I had applied for Medicaid because we had no income and no insurance. We didn't qualify for any government insurance based on income but Medicaid. The hospital in Fort Worth told us they didn't offer any type of financial assistance so Drew's mom helped with the doctor's visit...which no labs were drawn, no images were done, and the only thing they did was his blood pressure and listening to his lungs. No one could tell us how far along in staging he was or any true details. So they told Drew, myself, and his mom that we could go back home and have an MRI done locally. Once the results were back they would call us immediately. After jumping through more hoops Drew's MRI orders were sent to BSA Hospital. Now we had to find a way to get funding for an MRI. BSA informed us of a financial program to assist us which was able to be approved. Only after fighting to get check stubs from his previous employer. This program only covers certain medical areas as well. After completing his MRI, the results were read first thing on June 1st, 2023. We waited and waited for the hospital in Fort Worth to call, but nothing. A week later we finally reached someone after being thrown in every direction and fighting to advocate for my husband. Drew's mom, Sandy was finding out as much information from co-workers, friends, and family. Anyone who could help us get any information? The doctor finally called back, but he informed us that they could not do surgery and that it progressed to stage 4B. Chemo and radiation would only provide Drew comfort. Our world was truly crushed over the phone, alone in our bedroom, with our children just on the other side of the door. Drew agreed to do the chemo and radiation if it means more time with all of us. Sandy got a second opinion on the records we can access from our MyChart. The agreed surgery wouldn't be an option but did believe that radiation and chemo could give him a fighting chance. Harrington Cancer Center was already trying to get Drew in with them from the start when we began at Fort Worth but hadn't been successful at getting anything from them either. After jumping through hoops we finally got the referral and we met the cancer doctor and radiation oncologist this last Tuesday, June 13th, 2023. Drew's tumors are covering the entire right side of his face. As of right now if we can get all of his teeth removed we can begin radiation within the next two weeks to save Drew's vision and help kill off these masses! I know it's a lot to read and a lot that is just overall shocking, but please know that any help or prayers, or good vibes are so appreciated by us. It's been quite overwhelming to thank everyone individually but we are trying our best! If we missed you again thank you from all of us!