Team Tochtrop- Leo's Fight Against Cancer

On December 1st, 2021, our world turned upside down. After multiple doctor/ ER visits for severe back pain, our dad, Leo Tochtrop, finally got the appropriate imaging he deserved to begin with, with life-changing results: prostate cancer with extensive metastasis to the spine and lung. A couple of lumbar vertebrae were almost completely disintegrated by cancer-causing compression of the spinal cord. He went in for emergent surgery the following day to remove as much tumor as possible and decompress the spinal cord. This was a MASSIVE surgery requiring transfusion of 8 liters of donor blood. (For context, the average human body only carries around 5 liters. God bless those who donate. You have no idea the difference you make and the lives you save.) He did as well as possible for a day or two after surgery before decompensating. He stayed in a confused and altered state with multiple medical setbacks. He could not walk or feed himself; he was a mere shell of the man he once was just two weeks prior. The doctors tried talking to my mom about hospice (not able to find answers). We weren’t having it! He walked into the hospital a brilliant and capable husband and father, and he sure as heck wasn’t leaving the way he was. The hospital again tried to discharge him completely confused, unable to speak or mentate, and unable to move muscles with no answers. Momma Toch, the fearsome tiger she is, formally contested the discharge to the hospital and won. With some family medical knowledge, family collaboration, and definitely help from above, we were adamant he have specific testing done. Turns out miracles do happen. The testing proved worthwhile, and he was finally given the appropriate treatment. One day later, on January 26, he could speak, mentate, and move his arms! He continued to progress. A blood clot to the vessels of one eye with permanent blindness, a few UTIs, and almost 3 MONTHS later, he finally kicked that hospital to the curb and entered a skilled nursing facility on February 25th for his rehabilitation to come home.

He continues to be a fighter and incredibly hard worker, as he always has been! The facility he is in raves about his positivity and eagerness to improve, saying how they wish all their patients had this outlook! He is now starting to use his legs again and walking small distances with assistance and a walker. Overall, his cancer treatment is going well at this point. He could potentially transition home in about 2 weeks! He will still require major continued treatment for cancer, PT, OT, and assistance. Dad continues to fight and work hard without “can’t” in his vocabulary. Although this is a long read, we promise you it’s the short version.

This is where you come in... Anyone who has met my parents knows they would give you the shirts off their backs. They are the most kind and welcoming people who will never ask for help. In the next couple of weeks, they will need MAJOR modifications to the house and a new vehicle to accommodate my dad (lifts, ramps, doorways widened, bathroom modifications, laundry switched to first floor since neither can do stairs, and many other unforeseen challenges ahead, on top of the current overwhelming medical bills and other financial burden already incurred). I know dad would, without hesitation, help out his family/ neighbor/ friend as I’ve seen many times in the past. If you have the ability, contributions to help out would be greatly appreciated. All funds will go directly to home and vehicle modifications and other medical bills. If you can’t, we welcome all thoughts and prayers.