My name is Melissa Broyles, and I am creating this GoFundMe for my dad, Kevin Meine. He has had a very eventful and trying past month. On March 4th, 2025, my dad went into the emergency department at Progress West Hospital with abdominal pain and multiple episodes of dizziness. He had thought it was related to a UTI that he had been treated for multiple times over the previous weeks. While he did have a severe UTI with fluid building up around his kidneys, the doctors also found an abdominal mass. At that time, my dad was admitted to the hospital to await a bed downtown at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, to see an oncology team, get a biopsy of the mass, and exchange the stents he had previously placed in his ureters to try and help the fluid building up in his kidneys.

After 2 weeks of waiting, he finally got a bed on the oncology unit at BJH! Once downtown, he underwent a lot of testing, but many were also unsuccessful due to other circumstances. The doctors were unable to do a biopsy of the abdominal mass due to his previous abdominal surgeries, scar tissue, hernias, and anatomy. After many consults, a PET scan was obtained on March 25th, which did not bring good news. It identified the mass in my dad's abdomen as well as two additional spots on his pelvic bone and two additional spots on his liver. A liver biopsy was unable to be obtained due to his risk of bleeding due to the spot's location; however, a bone biopsy was finally obtained. We are still waiting for the complete results of the biopsy; however, on April 2, we did get a preliminary result of metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Once the final result is complete, oncology, who is following my dad, will start discussing possible treatment options. This starts a long road for my dad, Darlene, and our family.

While the previous diagnosis is more than enough, my dad is also battling kidney issues. He underwent bilateral ureteral stent replacements to try and help drain the urine that was backing up into his kidneys, causing kidney failure. The first few days after the stent exchange went well, and we thought the stents were helping; however, after many more days, Kevin's creatinine level continued to increase and got as high as 4.9! Due to the worry for his kidney function, bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes were placed, and since this procedure, his kidney numbers have been improving!

On April 4th, Kevin was finally discharged from the hospital! However, after being in the hospital for over a month, he is very weak and unable to fully care for himself at this time. Pain control is proving to be a problem, as well as his ability to eat without experiencing more pain. During this past month, Darlene also lost her job due to extended absences while supporting Kevin in the hospital and coordinating his care.

This is just the start of a long journey. Prayers are needed most that God will provide healing, comfort, and support during such a difficult time. If desired/able, donations are welcome to help support Kevin's care. If unable to donate financially, as we understand it is a hard time for most currently, donations of time, groceries, or meals are also greatly appreciated! Please reach out to me (Melissa Broyles), Darlene, or other family members if you wish to help in any way.

Thank you for the continued prayers and support!