Support and Care for Becky Fowler and family
Donation protected
I saw Becky one day in June, 2020. I hadn't seen her since our school closed on March 13 due to Covid. I was shocked to see how much weight she had lost, and when I commented on it she replied the weight loss wasn't from "anything good". I had no idea those words were the start to Becky's battle with cancer. The doctors at first believed that she was losing weight and always tired because of an iron deficiency and she received a few iron transfusions, which did make her feel a bit better for a day or two, but certainly not long term.
After several appointments spanning the next few months she finally had a doctor order a colonoscopy, but the appointment was set up for weeks later! Becky became an activist for herself and after several phone calls was able to get in for the colonoscopy pretty quickly. The results we all feared were confirmed..Becky was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.
Becky had been through 2 rounds of chemo, when on October 12th she was in so much pain that she had to go to the emergency, and was admitted to the hospital. The next morning she had surgery, and the doctors had to drain a "massive" blockage and attach a colostomy bag. A bit later the doctors had to go back in and work on another blockage. After this second procedure the doctors told Becky that they wouldn't be able to surgically repair anything else, and that they were now considering her to be stage 4. Becky was told that there was no reason to continue with chemo and that she would now be considered a palliative care patient. Becky was finally discharged and came home on November 10, just two days short of a 1 month hospital stay.
The week of Thanksgiving Becky was told she could start to introduce some "soft" foods to her diet. She was able to enjoy some clear soup from Kanpai for Thanksgiving! She has had some good days, and some bad days..but this week has been difficult. She is back on her TPN to administer nutrients because she is simply not able to eat food. She has been spitting up bile, and not only does this make her feel weak, and wear on her esophagus, is also means she isn't absorbing all her pain meds.
Brian has been a wonderful caregiver to Becky, and has taken many days off, which have resulted in a loss of income. Becky's family and friends don't want Brian to have to worry about money, we just want him to concentrate of spending time with his wife. Becky is fortunate to have medical insurance, but there are hospital and doctor bills to be paid, and there are going to be more expenses in the future. Any help you can give, so that the very last thing Brian and Becky have to worry about is money, will be greatly appreciated!
After several appointments spanning the next few months she finally had a doctor order a colonoscopy, but the appointment was set up for weeks later! Becky became an activist for herself and after several phone calls was able to get in for the colonoscopy pretty quickly. The results we all feared were confirmed..Becky was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.
Becky had been through 2 rounds of chemo, when on October 12th she was in so much pain that she had to go to the emergency, and was admitted to the hospital. The next morning she had surgery, and the doctors had to drain a "massive" blockage and attach a colostomy bag. A bit later the doctors had to go back in and work on another blockage. After this second procedure the doctors told Becky that they wouldn't be able to surgically repair anything else, and that they were now considering her to be stage 4. Becky was told that there was no reason to continue with chemo and that she would now be considered a palliative care patient. Becky was finally discharged and came home on November 10, just two days short of a 1 month hospital stay.
The week of Thanksgiving Becky was told she could start to introduce some "soft" foods to her diet. She was able to enjoy some clear soup from Kanpai for Thanksgiving! She has had some good days, and some bad days..but this week has been difficult. She is back on her TPN to administer nutrients because she is simply not able to eat food. She has been spitting up bile, and not only does this make her feel weak, and wear on her esophagus, is also means she isn't absorbing all her pain meds.
Brian has been a wonderful caregiver to Becky, and has taken many days off, which have resulted in a loss of income. Becky's family and friends don't want Brian to have to worry about money, we just want him to concentrate of spending time with his wife. Becky is fortunate to have medical insurance, but there are hospital and doctor bills to be paid, and there are going to be more expenses in the future. Any help you can give, so that the very last thing Brian and Becky have to worry about is money, will be greatly appreciated!
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Mitchell Bryant
Organizer
Greenville, SC
Becky Fowler
Beneficiary