Help Charlene Aslam battle cancer

In September of this year, my mum began to have trouble eating certain foods. They were getting stuck in her throat. At first, she didn’t think much of it. It was simple things, like meat would only go down part way. By the end of the month, it went from solids to liquids, and she began spitting up more than half of the liquids she drank. She went to urgent care, there the doctor said it was more than likely due to her stopping a stomach medication she had been on since the 90’s. She went back on the medication and went home.

On October 21st she was admitted to the ER. There doctors hooked her to IVs because she was completely dehydrated. It was not long after she received a feeding tube. They did a scan of her esophagus and found shadows. They knew it was closed off. On Monday, the 24th, they went in to stretch it open. This is when they found out it was cancer. Two days later though, she developed C. Diff. Colitis. This put everything on hold, and she was put into quarantine as the doctors did all they could to save her life. Finally, three and a half weeks later she was able to go home.

She has Malignant Neoplasm of Esophagus Unspecified, which is esophagus cancer. She is currently in treatment for it. She goes to radiation five times a week, Monday to Friday, and goes to chemotherapy on Thursdays after radiation. She is on a feeding pump still as well.

She is on Medicare and it only pays for so much. Between the $ 60-a-day treatments, the close to $1000 a month in medication and the gas getting there and back it adds up quickly. Not to mention the month-long hospital bills. My parents have a small family-run corner store, but due to having to shorten hours and close down often because of everything happening there isn’t money coming in. There is only so much my parents are able to do on their own to help keep up with the cost of her treatments.

Charlene is a wonderful, and kind woman. She is strong, but every day is a battle. The funds raised will go to her medical needs such as medication, treatments and medical bills. It will also go to help with transportation to and from where she receives her treatment.

Thank you