Michael Foutz /Medical /Living

You never know when your life can take a drastic turn. On April 25th 2014, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma Stage 2B. I went through chemotherapy treatments for eight months while trying to keep up with household bills and added medical expenses. After 8 months on chemotherapy , on December 23 2014, We got the report that I was cancer-free and I have remained so since then.

My battle with cancer left Mike and I with numerous medical bills. But we managed and were making ends meet despite this.

In May of 2016, the company Mike had worked for for three years,had laid him off. So, yet another bump in the road, but, fortunately, we were still able to get our household through this. Shortly after this, Mike started experiencing stomach pains, loss of appetite and related health issues. Never one to complain or let a pain stop him, he kept plugging away trying to help us make ends meet.

His condition worsened and he finally decided he had to see the doctor. He went through several different tests with no answers. Eventually, an MRI showed a small spot on his gall bladder. Arrangements were made to remove his gall bladder and we were so happy at the thought that this would resolve his problems and he would start feeling better.

Little did we know this surgery would change our lives forever. When the surgeon went to take the gall bladder it quickly become apparent there was a problem. They could see a large mass spread out of the gall bladder metastases to his liver and colon.A biopsy was taken right then. Doctor could not take the gall bladder out it was inoperable. Three days later,we found out Mike had stage four gall bladder cancer.

I feel like I haven't stopped crying since. I can't help it as I think about what my life without Mike would be. He's been in my life for the past 36 years, married 30 years in May,and through good and bad times, we have stuck together. Our fourth grandchild is on the way and I can’t imagine Mike not being with us to share in that joy. He’s a great husband, father, grandfather, friend, and my best friend.

So, I'm asking for your help. Mike will be unable to work during his very aggressive chemo treatments and I will be missing work as well in trying to get him everywhere and helping him as he recovers at home. We also know that the medical bills will start piling up as they did with my cancer even with good health insurance.

Anything you can donate will help. The money will be used for the bills as they add up and household expenses Mike's salary would be covering, nothing frivolous or unnecessary.

Also, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go down this unknown road together! We’ve done it once with the support of our family and friends and I know we can do it again and beat this disease. Thank you so much for all your love & prayers ❤️