Hi my name is Lisa.
Irvin Head is my husband. My heart.
He has recently been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung - Stage 3C. The primary tumor is in his right lung and he has tumors in 4 lymph nodes in his chest area right now. His last scan was Tuesday April 19th. We have been back and forth to Winnipeg several times already for the last 6 weeks, for blood tests, CT scans of abdomen, brain and to Brandon for a full body bone scan. For his last test he had a full body PETscan.
This is an aggressive cancer that unfortunately requires aggressive treatment. Irvin will undergo radiation treatments for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. He will also have chemotherapy treatments in combination with the radiation. Once his chemo and radiation is complete, he will be reassessed and likely will have maintenance treatment of oral immunotherapy medication.
He will start treatments on May 9th, but will be arriving on May 6th or 7th to prepare.
All of the medical care and treatments that are needed by Irvin, are in Winnipeg, MB.
As you know, we live in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba. This is at times (dependent on weather) up to an 8 hour drive one way.
His cancer team recommends that travel home on weekends will in all likeliness not be possible. Therefore he will need to reside in Winnipeg for the duration of his treatments plus one more week for reassessment. A total of 7 weeks away from the comforts of home and community is very difficult for anyone. Also being unable to do the work he so loves will be extremely hard for him.
His children, grandchildren and I will do our best to support Irvin on this journey. As will all of his sisters, brothers, sister and brother in laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and many who started as friends but are now family.
We will continue to come together and embrace Irvin and give him the strength and will he is going to continue needing throughout.
We ask at this time if the community of family and friends can come together to support us in any means you may have the ability to.
Irvin and his supports will be staying in an airbnb in Winnipeg for the 7 weeks he needs to be there. Others will travel back and forth from their community to come and share some time with him.
All who know Irvin will tell you he lives in humility and gratitude. This has been an extremely difficult decision to reach out to you for support, as we are often called upon to support others ourselves.
Any means of support you provide is so very appreciated and you have all of our most heartfelt gratitude.
Irvin can do this!!! We can do this!!!
**We will provide updates as regularly as we can**