Couple both fighting cancer

Many of you often hear me talk about our friends Barb and Les DeLorme, who we met during our stay at the Boston Hope Lodge in 2017. I was anxious and scared to be away from home to live in a cancer house. Barb’s initiative and and patience helped me acclimate, as I quickly settled in for my three month stay.

Even as I lost my voice they both still found a way to keep me company and support me through some really tough days, especially over the Christmas season.

Once we both completed our radiation treatments and transitioned back to our homes we made a pact to stay connected and indeed we did!

Barb and Les moved from Fair Haven, Vermont to Glens Falls, NY shortly after returning home. Sadly, her employer in VT was not supportive of her time away for recovery, so she and Les started a new life in NY. Nothing in life is a coincidence, Lake George is my happy place and Glens Falls resides in the LG region, so we get to see one another a few times a year while spending time with our "framily."

Like me, Barb’s cancer is a slow growing, aggressive type with no cure, but thankfully treatments that help slow the progression. Barb’s bone sarcoma is inoperable due to the functionality and mobility loss she would suffer so proton

radiation was her best viable option at that time.

I had the honor to accompany her to an appointment with her team at Mass General Hospital last week and learn more about her disease and therapies to help make her more comfortable and productive. Her team is recommending physical therapy and a new combination of drug therapies for her to maintain her mobility.

I mention this because typically Les was always by her side for her appointments.

A few weeks ago Les was experiencing symptoms that were misdiagnosed as the shingles virus but turned out to be a stroke and large tumor on his brain. He underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumor and was sent home to recover. Today they received the full diagnosis and plan of care.

Les has a stage four, high grade, aggressive brain gioblastoma. The treatment plan will be intense--a combination of radiation and chemotherapy while undergoing speech and physical therapy to regain his complete functionality and mobility.

I asked Barb and Les if I could share their story with my "framily" as they navigate through Les’ new diagnosis while balancing their financial resources to help Barb maintain her best health to be Les’ primary caretaker. They humbly agreed and appreciate any prayers, positive vibes and donations. I’ll also be going to see them in the next couple weeks if you’d like to donate gift cards, food or other items of care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.