Joe Richey's Cancer Journey

As most people know my sweet husband, Joe Richey, was diagnosed with colon cancer January 23, 2023 and underwent a 5 hour surgery just days later, on February 3, 2023. With that surgery, came the news that it was in fact stage IV and he would need additional treatment. To say that 2023 has been a trying year is a complete understatement. Between the chemothereapy treatment, complications from chemo, several ER visits, many hospital stays, and so much time spent away from our jobs, home, and our children, it all takes a toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Even though this year has been tough, we have so much to be thankful for. For one, we literally live in the best community and have the best of friends and family that have joined together to show us love and support. Whether that be by prayer, words of encouragement, hugs, or financially, everyone that has crossed our paths has been a blessing to us one way or another and that does not go unnoticed.

I am happy to announce that Joe has finished his chemotherapy treatment and his numbers are way down compared to where we have started. Chemotherapy treatment did its job, but not 100%. Tests and scans have revealed we are faced with yet another tough journey ahead of us. On Friday, November 10 Joe will undergo another five hour surgery at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. This surgery will be designed to clear the remaining cancerous tumors that are in his stomach lining. The surgeons will perform a thorough exam of all of his organs to make sure there are no signs of tumors that went undetected (scary, right?).

We have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him all things are possible and it is our prayer that after this surgery our family will be free of cancer forever. We give all of our glory to God and through this difficult year of pain and anguish we have remained faithful to His plan for our lives. We are motivated with the hope of a cancer free 2024.

Joe will have a 5 day recovery in the hospital post surgery and will need to stay in Houston for a week to be close by to MD Anderson Hospital. Joe has a 10 inch incision in the middle of his stomach from the first surgery and this will be the same incision that his doctors will reopen for his second surgery. Joe will be unable to handle any physical activity for at least 6 weeks. With that being said, Joe has to take a 30 day unpaid medical leave from his work and he will not receive another paycheck until January 1, 2024.

We have no choice but to reach out to our loving community to set up this GoFundMe for financial help, since my income alone cannot carry the monthly bills or expenses while we are in Houston. Again, we are so thankful for all the love and support that everyone has shown us through this trying year. If you cannot help financially, that is ok. I ask for you to continue to pray for us and to send my sweet husband some kind, uplifting, and encouraging words to help keep his spirits lifted in order to get through the remainder of this year.

For those of you who would like to send us something in the mail:

276 Pipers Lane

Sulphur, LA 70665

Also, here is Joe's Venmo if you would prefer to use this:

@joerichey12

With SOOOO much love and appreciation to everyone,

Chantelle Richey

XOXOX