Strength in Unity: Support Michael's Battle of Stage4 Cancer

I am Michael Callen. In mid-February 2024, I was diagnosed with esophageal/upper stomach Stage 4 cancer. We started Chemotherapy in March. I have gone through 5 rounds so far, each having interesting side effects, primarily fatigue, walking 10 feet can be a real challenge some days, I pretty much live in my recliner. intestinal issues are sometimes debilitating, and changes in the taste of food. It amazes me what tastes good one day doesn't the next.

Because of my LACK of energy I need help with all the additional costs of Life, extra supplies that you normally don't need, paying for normal home upkeep that I can no longer do, and transportation to Chemotherapy / Radiation since in my weakened state I cannot drive safely. It is amazing what you go through. Your donation will help during the many months of Chemo, Radiation and Surgery and Recovery.

Update: With your help we have been able to pay several bills that we have been holding. We have been able to setup transportation for when I start Radiation Oncology, 5 days a week/6 weeks.

5/31/24 Update: We are completing round 6 today. Next is a new PET-Scan on 5/6/24 to see what progress has been made in shrinking the tumors and lymph nodes.

June 10 update, even though chemo treatment has ended the after effects still increased. Balance has been effected and I have taken two bad spills, nothing broken but lots of bruising and broken skin. I don't look handsome anymore...LOL. We are going to activate our long term care policy as standing and walking is a struggle and that includes showers etc. We want to thank the many who have donated so far. So Bless all my supporters. I do get my PET-CT results tomorrow, we are hoping for GREAT news.

June 12 Update.... We had our PET-Scan on Saturday and yesterday we got the results ......... the 6 rounds of chemotherapy has worked. The lymph nodes adjacent to the cancer are clear. and the cancer in my esophagus and stomach is smaller. So I am able to take off the month June as my strength is pretty much gone, lost 50 pounds since December....

YEA NO CHEMO! Some time in July they will set up my schedule for radiation treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

That... creates a new set of problems .... Transportation, My Radiologist Oncologist is 40 minutes away.... one way! So the cost of a Uber is not in our budget. Lorna cannot afford to take anymore time off work to take me to and from. We are looking at more affordable ways but nothing has surfaced so far.

So... again I am asking for any financial support that you can provide. We are so thankful to those friends, family and those who we don't know who out of their hearts gave ... some very generously. .... photo is of me getting extra fluids

June 26 Update

It has been a little over 2 weeks since my last chemo treatment and have had a PET SCAN to see what improvements have happened. There appears to be no cancer present in the lymph nodes in the adjacent area and what cancer is contained to my esophagus and upper stomach. It looks like I will be moving onto radiation therapy soon. Our transportation issue MAY BE solved with help via Collier County Transit for Caner Patients or via volunteers with the American Cancer Society but that is still wailing approval.

Overall my apatite has improved greatly but no significate weight gain. Energy levels are still low as is stability. We have ordered a walker with a seat to help me get around better.

Our biggest concern is not Medical in nature. We had planned to get a generator this early summer because of hurricanes. That is now not possible. While we are not in a flood zone, we actually are in the area where they evacuate to. But Power can go out very easily and living with the summer heat and humidity life for me will be difficult. So anything that can be sent will be tagged towards a Generator, one that can GIVE US 18kW. Not concerned about the pool or guest house, just our home, air conditioner and refrigeration.

My next DR appointment is July 7 + 8 seeing both chemo and radiation Oncologist .... an update will be on the 9th of July.