Boosie Ferguson’s Fight Against Stage IV Cancer

The Diagnosis 
We’re all in shock. In early April, Joe “Boosie” Ferguson, went to his primary care doctor with complaints of GI symptoms. His doctor felt something during a rectal exam and ordered an abdominal ultrasound and a referral to a gastroenterologist.  The ultrasound revealed a mass suspected to be a cancerous tumor. On April 15th, he had his first CT scan. The CT and colonoscopy the following day confirmed our worst fears: at the young age of 36, Boosie has been diagnosed with Stage IV invasive colorectal cancer, adenocarcinoma. A second CT on April 21st revealed the even more devastating news that the cancer has metastasized to both his lungs and liver. With the oncologist’s grim prognosis of “2 months to 2 years, maybe more, maybe less”, they were told that this cancer is not curable, only treatable with the hope of prolonging his life. Boosie and Natalie are understandably left reeling in the aftermath of the diagnosis and having to sort through the many unknowns to determine a path forward. 

Getting a Second Opinion
Not ready to just accept the diagnosis as final, they sought a second opinion. The oncologist referred Boosie to MD Anderson in Houston, TX, the largest comprehensive cancer center in the U.S., for a second opinion on treatment options and evaluation of possible clinical trial options. He was able to be seen at MD Anderson on May 21st, and today (May 24th) they reviewed their medical opinion with Boosie and Natalie. The doctors at MD Anderson agree that starting chemo without delay is the right first step as the mets to his liver have grown significantly in the month since his last scan. 

How You Can Help
The last month and a half have been a blur for Boo, Natalie, and our families. It still doesn’t seem real. Today (May 24th) is his 37th birthday, and we never could have imagined we would be spending this birthday asking our friends and family to join us as we hit our knees in prayer that he will have many more birthdays for us to celebrate with him. Boosie is strong, and he couldn’t have a better partner in the fight than Natalie, but, while they’d never ask for themselves, they need the support of their community. Please join us in supporting them as they embark on the fight of their lives. 

Prayer: 

The most important way to help is by storming heaven with prayer. Please pray for healing, for hope, for a joy that surpasses all understanding, for comfort, and for strength. The prayers that have surrounded Boosie already have been so evident, and we are so grateful. No matter the circumstances, we find comfort in the knowledge that:

1.  God’s love for us all is perfect, His heart is so so good.

2.  God is in control and is sovereign over our circumstances.

3.  God CAN and does heal, even miraculously.

4.  Whether or not God’s plan for Boosie involves a miraculous bodily healing has no impact on the truth of 1 and 2. 

 Financially: 

With a diagnosis like this comes unexpected costs. Thankfully, the oncologist at MD Anderson agreed with his local oncologist’s treatment plan, so he will be able to stay in Lafayette for chemotherapy. He will still be traveling routinely to MD Anderson for scans and appointments. They are being faced with costs for co-pays, treatment, and medication not covered by insurance, travel expenses associated with traveling to and from Houston, as well as bridging the gap created by reduced hours and time taken off work. Assisting financially if you’re able helps relieve some of the burden and stress on Boosie and Natalie and allows them to focus their strength and energy on Boosie’s fight.

Other Day-to-Day Help:

We will keep this updated as other areas of needed help become apparent. 

Get Screened:

And lastly, PLEASE talk to your doctor about getting screened.  In many cases, there are no obvious symptoms of colorectal cancer. However, if you experience a possible symptom at any age, please get screened. Routine screening is available and strongly recommended for those 45+, or if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Some warning signs include:

·       Any major change in bowel habits

·       Blood in the stool that is either bright red, black or tarry

·       Unintentional weight loss

·       Stools that are narrower than usual

·       Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

·       General abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps

·       Constant feeling of fatigue or tiredness

·       New onset anemia diagnosed on routine lab work
 


Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support. It means more than you know. We will keep you updated on Boo’s journey