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Dave's Struggles Against Cancer

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My name is Debra, Dave's wife, and I want to tell you about Dave's fight against cancer and all of his ongoing medical problems. As I write this, Dave is in the hospital and may be there for awhile.
Dave was having breathing difficulties in June of 2015
which sent us to the emergency room where we were told he had a large mass in his lung. After a battery of tests we received the diagnoses of small cell lung cancer, a highly aggressive and incurable form of lung cancer. It had metasticized to his lymphnodes and bone in his spine. We were devastated by the news as this came out of the blue! He was given an 18 month prognosis for life expectancy. Chemotherapy began almost immediately and the complications began. Dave was hospitalized 3 times during the course of his chemotherapy for issues of low sodium, which could trigger seizures. The chemo treatment made him quite ill at times but it has been very effective in reducing the mass. He underwent an outpatient hernia operation earlier this week and wasn't feeling well so off to the ER we went. And once again his sodium level was dangerously low and he is once again hospitalized. We received the diagnosis of SIADH (symptoms of inappropriate anti diuretic hormone). Cancer, especially lung cancer, is the most common cause of SIADH.
This has put a tremendous financial burden upon us. I work a couple of part time jobs and while I was able to be available to care for him I have missed a lot of work while he was undergoing treatment, tests and hospitalizations. Additionally, we  had some costly auto repairs in December. I am experiencing some health issues now that need attention. We simply have been unable to get back on our feet financially.
So, reluctantly, I am asking for help. We have a consultation set for next week to investigate possible trial studies for continued treatment of Dave's lung cancer. However, this will require traveling and staying overnight out of state. Your contributions would help defray the costs of this current hospitalization, the upcoming visit, tires for our vehicle and help us get current with past due bills.
We are blessed to have a church family that has helped us tremendously! We have a strong faith in our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, and know that He has been with us throughout these trials and will continue to be. I would be most grateful if you would consider helping us. Thank you.
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Donations 

  • Astrid Saylors
    • $50
    • 9 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 9 yrs
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Organizer

Debra Bryan Patten
Organizer
Seneca, SC

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