Tony Lemire
Donation protected
The overwhelming support of all our family and friends is truly humbling. Not only can we feel the prayers and well wishes, but Tony and Phet have been blessed to be able to partner with the Angel Foundation this summer to help Hunter and Haley learn more about cancer and the impact. Also, Cody and Kyler have been amazing this past year. Cody continues to help daily and Kyler has moved to the University of Minnesota – Duluth for the start of his next chapter. I am sharing their story here because so many have asked how to help. Due to Tony’s low immune system and low bone strength, we decided not to hold a benefit for them at this time. Your prayers, well wishes, texts and calls mean the world to them, and as they enter the next phase of this journey, we are looking to raise $12,000 to help with medical expenses and everyday living expenses.
Tony’s Journey:
Tony’s journey started in October of 2017. After having some pain in his leg, he finally went in to get checked out by the doctors. They found two blot clots and three days later the clots had moved to his lungs. As the doctors worked on the clots, Tony started going through tests upon tests to better understand where they are coming from. Two weeks before Christmas of 2017, the doctors decided to do a bone marrow biopsy. The test results came back two days before Christmas…. Tony was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (Plasma Cancer: https://g.co/kgs/k7SH6T ).
Tony’s new year for 2018 started with his first chemo (along with all the other medications necessary) on January 1st. There are many things your body goes through with the number of drugs being pumped in you to kill off this disease. Tony got neuropathy in his hands and feet and suffered from a severe panic attack. His numbers and body were not reacting well, so they changed out his medication and added in a bone strengthening drug. Due to the number of trips to the hospital and blood draws along with the medication, Tony decided to heed the doctor’s advice and have surgery to place a power port in his chest for the duration of the treatment. The trauma was more than anticipated for this type of surgery, but once again he made it through and gained an easier way of having his medications delivered weekly.
We had great news in the middle of August – His numbers were low enough to move forward with the treatment!! During the final blood work and tests, the doctors discovered another area of concern that shook us. Tony’s heart has an irregularity. While his heart should be at 50%-60% for a return flow on the left side, it is only operating at 40%. As I type this up, he is sitting at yet another doctor’s appointment to test his heart and determine next steps for his full procedure. The next few weeks are critical as they determine the best course of action to take with the new information. I will be able to continue to update as he will more than likely be staying at the Hope Lodge at the U of M.
Here are some selfies of his journey....
Tony’s Journey:
Tony’s journey started in October of 2017. After having some pain in his leg, he finally went in to get checked out by the doctors. They found two blot clots and three days later the clots had moved to his lungs. As the doctors worked on the clots, Tony started going through tests upon tests to better understand where they are coming from. Two weeks before Christmas of 2017, the doctors decided to do a bone marrow biopsy. The test results came back two days before Christmas…. Tony was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (Plasma Cancer: https://g.co/kgs/k7SH6T ).
Tony’s new year for 2018 started with his first chemo (along with all the other medications necessary) on January 1st. There are many things your body goes through with the number of drugs being pumped in you to kill off this disease. Tony got neuropathy in his hands and feet and suffered from a severe panic attack. His numbers and body were not reacting well, so they changed out his medication and added in a bone strengthening drug. Due to the number of trips to the hospital and blood draws along with the medication, Tony decided to heed the doctor’s advice and have surgery to place a power port in his chest for the duration of the treatment. The trauma was more than anticipated for this type of surgery, but once again he made it through and gained an easier way of having his medications delivered weekly.
We had great news in the middle of August – His numbers were low enough to move forward with the treatment!! During the final blood work and tests, the doctors discovered another area of concern that shook us. Tony’s heart has an irregularity. While his heart should be at 50%-60% for a return flow on the left side, it is only operating at 40%. As I type this up, he is sitting at yet another doctor’s appointment to test his heart and determine next steps for his full procedure. The next few weeks are critical as they determine the best course of action to take with the new information. I will be able to continue to update as he will more than likely be staying at the Hope Lodge at the U of M.
Here are some selfies of his journey....
Organizer
Tracy Hanson
Organizer
Dassel, MN
