Reaching Out

It has been 15 long months since the diagnosis, but he is still here fighting with everything he's got! The recent update from Oncology was not what we expected, and we are feeling a bit overwhelmed. The Prostate Cancer was in the bones at diagnosis in 5 spots, the most recent bone scan completed last week indicates numerous new spots in the ribs, spine, shoulder blade, right arm, right leg, and back of the skull. The bone metastasis in the right femur is being evaluated to determine if he will need a rod placed to prevent spontaneous fracture. We are awaiting the results of an x-ray completed yesterday afternoon. In addition, he has a tumor in his bladder that led to deteriorated kidney function, so kidney tubes have been put in place to assist until radiation can be completed. We meet with the radiation team on Tuesday. His current treatment plan is not working to slow the spread, so they are taking some medications off the plan and adding some new ones. His PSA at diagnosis was 6, and we saw a drop just after he completed chemo, but now it is back with a vengeance at 19.

 

We have had so many prayer warriors beside us on this journey. Please, please don't stop praying! We have been blessed with a beautiful support system in our friends and family.

 

Complete transparency: Tim has always been our primary source for finances. The doctor's appointments are often lengthy, packed with information and opportunities to ask questions. Tim is a highlight guy, and he hears about 25% of what is said-it is one of his endearing qualities. Unfortunately, that leaves out a lot of valuable, necessary information. I have had to step away from working full time to accommodate his appointment schedule; my position offered little flexibility. I will work part-time as often as possible with a previous employer willing to let me set a schedule according to his appointments. This will help-but......we have exhausted our flex spending on medications, copays, and other expenses. The doctors are prescribing new medications on top of the ones he is on continuously, from pain medications to blood thinners.

 

So we are asking for help. Tim is attempting to return to work, but this could be sporadic at best. He has applied for Short Term Disability, but the decision is still pending with no anticipated approval date. We have exhausted our savings over the 15 months picking up where the flex spending and insurance have not covered. We have agonized over the decision to ask for help because we know this is a financially challenging time for everyone, from gas prices to groceries and to be honest, it is a hard thing to do. We are usually on the other side of this scenario, but we find ourselves in need today. This fundraising site requires a goal to be set, and we have no clue where to set it.

 

All Our Love,

 

The Stoners