Selman's Liver& Kidney Transplant
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This Go Fund Me Campaign is for me, Selman Altun. This fund raising effort is to help offset the medical bills, lifelong medications, travel expenses and living expenses that are occurring in order to get me a liver and kidney transplant.
I was in my early thirties when cancer struck. I had just moved to Northern Virginia for an engineering job and was pursuing a part-time MBA degree at Georgetown University.
I had tons of energy and a positive attitude towards life. On January 6, 2011, I went to the ER with vision problems (blurred and turning sight) and severe shortness of breath. I was told that my lungs were full of blood clots and suspicious nodules. My doctor was surprised I made it alive to the hospital. More scans revealed that I also had a 10x10 tumor in my retroperitonium completely blocking the flow of blood in my IVC and liver lesions. I was diagnosed with Stage 3C testicular cancer. I was immediately taken to surgery. A few days later, I started chemotherapy. I had lots of complications because I was too sick. After finishing my chemo, I went to Indiana to remove the remaining mass in my abdomen, known as an RPLND surgery.
Unfortunately, my remission only lasted 20 months. I was devastated once again when I learned that cancer was back at my regular check=up with my oncologist. I started a different chemo regimen this time, but it failed. After visiting two centers of excellence, I found out that my only option left was to have High Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Transplants. On December 22, 2013, I enrolled in a research trial and started my treatment in Houston, TX. Unfortunately, the treatment was so toxic that I lost my liver, kidneys and almost my mind with hallucinations and toxins in my body. I developed sepsis right around Christmas, said farewell to my dear parents, and closed my eyes.
Miraculously, I did not die. But, I was totally and permanently disabled with end-stage liver and kidney disease, for which, I had to do dialysis three times a week. I subsequently had two lung surgeries since cancer kept coming back. Since my last surgery, it has been almost three years that I am cancer-free. Unfortunately, I could not really enjoy life with my disabling conditions, too many to write here. Cirrhosis led to significant ascites that had to be removed by the gallons.
I finally got listed for a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant. My score is relatively high that I am at or near the top of the list depending on the week's blood work results. I may finally be able to get back to a relatively normal life and perhaps even work again. However, not having worked for five years, my condition has put me and my parents in a financial constraint. The costs associated with a transplant are very high, particularly with the life-long expensive medications one needs to take.
So, with all that, I and my family would appreciate your support. It is fairly difficult for me to write openly about myself and ask for help. If you are not able to make a donation, please send your good thoughts and encouragements. We appreciate all your kindness and support at this difficult time. I look forward to becoming a healthy and productive member of our society once again.
Last Update
I was in my early thirties when cancer struck. I had just moved to Northern Virginia for an engineering job and was pursuing a part-time MBA degree at Georgetown University.
I had tons of energy and a positive attitude towards life. On January 6, 2011, I went to the ER with vision problems (blurred and turning sight) and severe shortness of breath. I was told that my lungs were full of blood clots and suspicious nodules. My doctor was surprised I made it alive to the hospital. More scans revealed that I also had a 10x10 tumor in my retroperitonium completely blocking the flow of blood in my IVC and liver lesions. I was diagnosed with Stage 3C testicular cancer. I was immediately taken to surgery. A few days later, I started chemotherapy. I had lots of complications because I was too sick. After finishing my chemo, I went to Indiana to remove the remaining mass in my abdomen, known as an RPLND surgery.
Unfortunately, my remission only lasted 20 months. I was devastated once again when I learned that cancer was back at my regular check=up with my oncologist. I started a different chemo regimen this time, but it failed. After visiting two centers of excellence, I found out that my only option left was to have High Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Transplants. On December 22, 2013, I enrolled in a research trial and started my treatment in Houston, TX. Unfortunately, the treatment was so toxic that I lost my liver, kidneys and almost my mind with hallucinations and toxins in my body. I developed sepsis right around Christmas, said farewell to my dear parents, and closed my eyes.
Miraculously, I did not die. But, I was totally and permanently disabled with end-stage liver and kidney disease, for which, I had to do dialysis three times a week. I subsequently had two lung surgeries since cancer kept coming back. Since my last surgery, it has been almost three years that I am cancer-free. Unfortunately, I could not really enjoy life with my disabling conditions, too many to write here. Cirrhosis led to significant ascites that had to be removed by the gallons.
I finally got listed for a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant. My score is relatively high that I am at or near the top of the list depending on the week's blood work results. I may finally be able to get back to a relatively normal life and perhaps even work again. However, not having worked for five years, my condition has put me and my parents in a financial constraint. The costs associated with a transplant are very high, particularly with the life-long expensive medications one needs to take.
So, with all that, I and my family would appreciate your support. It is fairly difficult for me to write openly about myself and ask for help. If you are not able to make a donation, please send your good thoughts and encouragements. We appreciate all your kindness and support at this difficult time. I look forward to becoming a healthy and productive member of our society once again.
Last Update
Organizer
Selman Altun
Organizer
Potomac, MD
