Support Mikey On The Journey Of Beating Cancer
Donation protected
On August 15th my brother got the worst news that anyone wants to hear. Many people don’t know, but Mikey was recently diagnosed with Olfactory Neuroblastoma, a VERY RARE form of cancer.
I’m sure everyone's thinking… what the hell is Olfactory Neuroblastoma? In summary, it’s a cancer that originates in the tissue surrounding the Olfactory nerve, the nerve that controls the sense of smell. Mikey has an extensive mass located in his nasal cavity. It is progressive and has already begun to effect his overall health and well-being. Due to the fact that this cancer is so rare (only accounts for less than 3% of just nasal cancers) his treatment will require a special team of doctors and specialists to formulate an aggressive and complex game plan. Treatment will involve a series of chemotherapy cycles, targeted radiation and possible surgery.
About 2 months ago, Mikey began experiencing what he thought was allergy symptoms; watery eyes, sinus pressure, and congestion. Like anyone would, he started taking allergy medication. One month of trying different regimens and nothing relieved the symptoms all the way. On August 9th, he went to his primary doctor to be evaluated. He was treated with oral antibiotics and eye drops. 6 days on antibiotics and he was still having the symptoms and they were worsening. It was August 15th. The right side of his face and neck were severely swollen, his vision started to change, and he started having a lot of head pain and pressure. His lymph nodes flared instantly and became larger than golf balls. Mikey headed to the ER because he knew something wasn’t right. They gave him steroids to help manage the symptoms and performed blood tests, CT scans and MRI. It wasn’t long after the doctor reviewed everything, when she came in and was told “I have bad news, you have cancer. Sorry.” You can only imagine how he felt receiving such devastating news. Our hearts broke and our stomachs were in our throats. Mikey has cancer. He was informed that due to the severity and location of the mass; his best option is to be transferred to University of Penn in Philadelphia for immediate further evaluation and treatment.
Mikey was admitted and treated again to control his worsening symptoms. After 3 long days of emotions, anxiety, shock and confusion. He underwent surgery for a biopsy. He was sent home to wait for pathology report before we had any answers at all. All we knew was that he has some type of nasal cancer and it was not good. Then... we had to wait even longer for any type of news. It took 10 DAYS to get the results. The pathology report came in, the doctor called and confirmed the nightmare. It now makes sense why it took so long; they went through the biopsy with a fine comb for an accurate diagnosis. Olfactory Neuroblastoma is a VERY RARE type of cancer and the pathology report is overwhelming to say the least. He scheduled a consult appointment with an oncologist for September 10th but with hope to get in sooner and get a treatment plan started asap.
The cancer had its own agenda. On September 9th, Mikey ended up back in the ER at University of Penn. He was starting to become confused, off balance from his equilibrium, chronic nose bleeds, increased neck and face swelling, terrible headaches and not acting himself at all.
At 4:23 AM this morning, I got a text message to find out that the mass is rapidly growing and applying pressure on his brain and eye. Time to gear up. Oncology, Radiation Oncology, ENT Surgeons, Ophthalmology, Neurology and other expert doctors immediately teamed up to put together the best treatment plan to attack and kick this cancer’s ass!!! Mikey started his first round of chemotherapy last night. His treatment plan is extensive and aggressive. He has more cycles of harsh chemo, extremely focused radiation and complex surgery to come in the near future.
A quick glimpse of Mikey's recent journey; he moved and landed in New Jersey in May with an excellent job opportunity and only two hours from family. He was employed just long enough to initiate health care coverage. Unfortunately, his health care coverage was not sufficient, and he had to seek other healthcare options. Before he could get anything established, cancer decided to show its face. Now he is in the need of life depending medical care with no insurance.
Within the past 25 days, Mikey has been thrown so many challenges and obstacles. Unable to work, no health coverage, extreme financial burden and the hardest of all… coping with a new diagnosis of cancer. His spirits have been positive and has shown strength, but the reality is becoming raw. Mikey has a long road ahead of him. This is the beginning of his fight with cancer.
As his little sister being geographically hundreds of miles away from each other, my promise to him is, to know I will ALWAYS be there for him and will do WHATEVER I can to help. Sadly, sometimes we have to face the reality of things that are out of our control. His support system is good but for Mikey, I don’t want just good. I want his support system to be extraordinary!!
My last piece of words. I want to thank every single one of you for taking the time to read about Mikey. I am asking for all friends and family to please help in your own way. Whether it is to share his story, donate, or show support in your own unique way; it’s very much appreciated. Donations will go directly to his living expenses, medications, and rapid growing medical expenses!
In the meantime, Mikey will continue to fight hard and do what’s necessary for success. He won’t allow cancer to win! With positive thoughts and positive vibes Mikey WILL WIN!
#FUCKCANCER #FIGHTINGLIKEAPRO #YOUGOTTHIS #OLFACTORYNEUROBLASTOMA
-Love, JP
I’m sure everyone's thinking… what the hell is Olfactory Neuroblastoma? In summary, it’s a cancer that originates in the tissue surrounding the Olfactory nerve, the nerve that controls the sense of smell. Mikey has an extensive mass located in his nasal cavity. It is progressive and has already begun to effect his overall health and well-being. Due to the fact that this cancer is so rare (only accounts for less than 3% of just nasal cancers) his treatment will require a special team of doctors and specialists to formulate an aggressive and complex game plan. Treatment will involve a series of chemotherapy cycles, targeted radiation and possible surgery.
About 2 months ago, Mikey began experiencing what he thought was allergy symptoms; watery eyes, sinus pressure, and congestion. Like anyone would, he started taking allergy medication. One month of trying different regimens and nothing relieved the symptoms all the way. On August 9th, he went to his primary doctor to be evaluated. He was treated with oral antibiotics and eye drops. 6 days on antibiotics and he was still having the symptoms and they were worsening. It was August 15th. The right side of his face and neck were severely swollen, his vision started to change, and he started having a lot of head pain and pressure. His lymph nodes flared instantly and became larger than golf balls. Mikey headed to the ER because he knew something wasn’t right. They gave him steroids to help manage the symptoms and performed blood tests, CT scans and MRI. It wasn’t long after the doctor reviewed everything, when she came in and was told “I have bad news, you have cancer. Sorry.” You can only imagine how he felt receiving such devastating news. Our hearts broke and our stomachs were in our throats. Mikey has cancer. He was informed that due to the severity and location of the mass; his best option is to be transferred to University of Penn in Philadelphia for immediate further evaluation and treatment.
Mikey was admitted and treated again to control his worsening symptoms. After 3 long days of emotions, anxiety, shock and confusion. He underwent surgery for a biopsy. He was sent home to wait for pathology report before we had any answers at all. All we knew was that he has some type of nasal cancer and it was not good. Then... we had to wait even longer for any type of news. It took 10 DAYS to get the results. The pathology report came in, the doctor called and confirmed the nightmare. It now makes sense why it took so long; they went through the biopsy with a fine comb for an accurate diagnosis. Olfactory Neuroblastoma is a VERY RARE type of cancer and the pathology report is overwhelming to say the least. He scheduled a consult appointment with an oncologist for September 10th but with hope to get in sooner and get a treatment plan started asap.
The cancer had its own agenda. On September 9th, Mikey ended up back in the ER at University of Penn. He was starting to become confused, off balance from his equilibrium, chronic nose bleeds, increased neck and face swelling, terrible headaches and not acting himself at all.
At 4:23 AM this morning, I got a text message to find out that the mass is rapidly growing and applying pressure on his brain and eye. Time to gear up. Oncology, Radiation Oncology, ENT Surgeons, Ophthalmology, Neurology and other expert doctors immediately teamed up to put together the best treatment plan to attack and kick this cancer’s ass!!! Mikey started his first round of chemotherapy last night. His treatment plan is extensive and aggressive. He has more cycles of harsh chemo, extremely focused radiation and complex surgery to come in the near future.
A quick glimpse of Mikey's recent journey; he moved and landed in New Jersey in May with an excellent job opportunity and only two hours from family. He was employed just long enough to initiate health care coverage. Unfortunately, his health care coverage was not sufficient, and he had to seek other healthcare options. Before he could get anything established, cancer decided to show its face. Now he is in the need of life depending medical care with no insurance.
Within the past 25 days, Mikey has been thrown so many challenges and obstacles. Unable to work, no health coverage, extreme financial burden and the hardest of all… coping with a new diagnosis of cancer. His spirits have been positive and has shown strength, but the reality is becoming raw. Mikey has a long road ahead of him. This is the beginning of his fight with cancer.
As his little sister being geographically hundreds of miles away from each other, my promise to him is, to know I will ALWAYS be there for him and will do WHATEVER I can to help. Sadly, sometimes we have to face the reality of things that are out of our control. His support system is good but for Mikey, I don’t want just good. I want his support system to be extraordinary!!
My last piece of words. I want to thank every single one of you for taking the time to read about Mikey. I am asking for all friends and family to please help in your own way. Whether it is to share his story, donate, or show support in your own unique way; it’s very much appreciated. Donations will go directly to his living expenses, medications, and rapid growing medical expenses!
In the meantime, Mikey will continue to fight hard and do what’s necessary for success. He won’t allow cancer to win! With positive thoughts and positive vibes Mikey WILL WIN!
#FUCKCANCER #FIGHTINGLIKEAPRO #YOUGOTTHIS #OLFACTORYNEUROBLASTOMA
-Love, JP
Organizer
Jennifer Vega
Organizer
Knob Noster, MO