Save Dave! He is fighting Cancer!

David Johnson aka Dave aka Bo is 53 years old. He went to see a doctor regarding some unrelated problems he was having and was sent to receive his first preventative colonoscopy in June 2023. An invasive adenocarcinoma was found.

After several doctor appointments and procedures, he received the diagnosis of Rectal Cancer. Stage 3c. Grade 3 tumor (cells which appear abnormal and may grow more aggressively) Locally advanced; it has spread to 11 lymph nodes. One of which, the largest node, is adjacent to the superior rectal vein. There was no spread to any other organs at that time (locally advanced). His team created the treatment plan of chemotherapy, followed by chemoradiation, followed by surgery.

David's treatments are every other week. He is being given 3 medications and it is 3 days long; 1 day at the cancer center, then 2 days with a pump, administering a 46 hour slow-drip, which he wears in a crossbody bag. The doctors suggest 8-12 rounds but are saying 8 may be enough.

Though the side effects of therapy have increased with each treatment, David continues to work full-time, wearing his fanny pack/crossbody bag to the office. He can sometimes be seen in the lab wearing either his Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, or Denver Broncos bag...right now it is Texas Rangers!!!! He is also taking several prescribed medications.

We have 4 adult children, 1 boy and 3 girls. Two of them are autistic, whom we care for and support. Bo has always been an excellent provider for our family. He is very committed to his career as manager of Laboratory and Field Testing in Geological and Construction Materials testing at a leading civil engineering consulting firm in 2 different locations in 13 years. Having been in the industry since 1993, he enjoys his field of work. He has always worked long hours to make sure everything is done correctly. Our children realize that everything they have ever had is the result of his time away from them, so they appreciate the gift of time. Cancer steals time.

If you know David/Dave/Bo (name depends on which stage of life you met him), then you simply know what kind of person he is. If you know him as a colleague, then you know that he is great at what does and he treats his people well. If you know our family, then you know that we are a tightly knit group and that we face everything together.

Watching him go through this is difficult. He prides himself on being the provider at home and being the person at the office you can count on.

This, having started at the 2nd half of the year, has resulted in his not meeting insurance max out of pocket for 2023.

In January 2024, we will begin again at $0, to meet deductible and max out of pocket. Surgery should be in March or April.

Given the kind of cancer he has, he also requires certain supplies that must be kept available now. There will be more following surgery.

When this began, we really thought it would be fine since we have insurance. There are many details. So many expenses. So many tests. So much monitoring...there will be a lot for the first year, following surgery. Then some for the next 5 years.

We have been surprised several times with having to pay large amounts in order to receive services, even with our insurance.

We were approached by a few friends about starting a GFM campaign. We appreciate any donation and all funds will go to Dave's medical bills, time off and supplies as we try to prepare for what is to come. We are only one third through this and March seems so far away.

We will accept donations via other platforms if you would rather...simply use the contact option or contact me directly.

Be sure to check your own insurance coverage for cancer services and get your preventative colonoscopy scheduled if you are 45 or older.

Thank you for your interest and please send positive thoughts our way. Melissa