Help Dylan, age 29, beat Cancer
Donation protected
With heavy hearts, we announce Dylan’s passing on August 10, 2022. Please check the updates section below to read his family’s latest post.
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Dylan had Stage 4 cancer at the esophageal-gastric junction as well as in his lungs, liver, and spine. He was formally diagnosed June 1, 2022, and was treated at City of Hope Cancer Center in California.
The diagnosis.
It all started around Christmas 2021, when Dylan assumed he’d eaten a little too fast and had to excuse himself from the table because he felt sick to the stomach. We assumed it was esophagitis (an inflammation of the esophagus that is short-term and treatable), which runs in the family. But his difficulty swallowing quickly became worse, to the point that he could no longer eat solid foods. This prompted a couple visits to the doctor.
The first time, they kept him overnight for a CT scan and IV treatment for perceived malnutrition/dehydration and cramping. He was advised to see a gastroenterologist.
A few weeks later, having lost a significant amount of weight, he scheduled an endoscopy — a procedure where the doctor puts a camera down your throat. Images showed evidence of a tumor in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The tumor was too large for the camera to pass; doctors were only able to capture images of the top of the tumor, but it scared them enough to advise immediate cancer care. Due to his young age and rapid weight loss — dropping from 205 to 150 pounds in about five months — doctors anticipated aggressive action would be required.
Dylan was formally diagnosed with cancer on June 1, 2022.
A second endoscopic procedure on June 8 used a smaller camera and successfully navigated around the tumor to view into the stomach and duodenum (part of the small intestine). Biopsies were taken to stage the cancer, and a treatment plan was developed. June 9, we received his results. Dylan has GE adenocarcinoma T3/N3, which is to say that his tumor is located at the gastric-esophageal junction — where the esophagus and stomach meet. The staging (T3/N3) indicates his cancer has invaded the esophageal wall and likely has lymph node involvement.
The treatment plan.
Because this has been so fast-acting, Dylan's treatment plan is evolving on a day-to-day basis. Please read the updates section for the most up-to-date information. As of July 5, he is receiving radiation treatments at City of Hope and is expected to begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy later this month.
Above: Dylan (far right) with his brothers.
The expected costs.
All donations will go toward Dylan’s medical expenses and will also help with his day-to-day needs, as he is no longer able to work.
Here are some of the items we know need to be covered:
- Emergency room visits prior to diagnosis: 3 x $1,800 each
- First gastroenterologist visit (for endoscopy referral): $300
- First endoscopy, off insurance (resulting in his positive cancer diagnosis): $2,980
- Preliminary post-diagnosis doctor visits and medication: $320
- Doctor visits ($85 copay) and additional tests, including PET and CT scans
- Deductible through June 30: $8,000
- Deductible beginning July 1: $8,000 (Dylan's insurance rolls over July 1 — this means the deductible starts over, and he'll be responsible for an additional $8,000, plus the cost of anything that insurance will not cover)
- 2 x Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (his second and third endoscopic procedures)
- Feeding tube
- Feeding tube nutritional "shakes": $1,000 for first two shakes, which insurance did not cover
- Radiation / chemotherapy treatment: Estimated $15,000–$30,000
- Transportation and/or gas money to and from appointments (it’s approximately 210 miles round trip to City of Hope); lodging for family that may stay overnight
- Specialty care and services
- In-home medical treatment (such as IV therapy)
- Electric bed
- Electric chair, to assist with standing
- Specialty foods and groceries
- Basic necessities, including the monthly cost of medical insurance ($387) and care for his dog
A little bit about Dylan.
A former personal trainer who loves to exercise and be healthy, Dylan enjoys eating and cooking delicious food (which unfortunately was the first thing affected by the cancer). He most recently was working in sales at an RV dealership when he received his diagnosis. He lives in Southern California, close by his parents, his brothers, and their grandma, who we call Grandy. He has one “fur child” — a sweet pit bull rescue named Cash. Cash is being cared for by family while Dylan receives his treatments.
On a personal level: Dylan is in great spirits, ready and equipped to fight this thing. His daily mantra as he embarks on treatment is, “A day closer to a Double-Double,” because we love In-N-Out Burger in this family! We all know that he has such a big heart and is always the first person to give of himself to others. So in this moment, we (his family) are unspeakably grateful to each of you who choose to support him, whether that’s through simple words of encouragement, helping us spread the word about this GoFundMe page, or by making a donation if you are so able. Every dollar helps.
Thank you for rallying around our Dilly Dog! ❤️
Behind the fundraiser.
This page is managed on behalf of Dylan by his sister-in-law, Emily. Feel free to send a message through GoFundMe with any questions. All contributions go directly to Dylan to pay his bills.
Updates will be provided by the family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Foster
Organizer
Palm Desert, CA
Dylan Foster
Beneficiary