Significant and ongoing expenses for cancer diagnosis, treatments, and related services. While basic medicare helps, my limited SS income, inadequate savings, and absence of other assets poses a big challenge.
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More good news to report. Bernie's most recent PET-CT scan from 5/10/24 showed no new lesions. The primary right lung mass remains largely unchanged, and no suspicious masses or abnormal areas appear in the abdomen, head or neck. The oncologist says we're entering a "maintenance phase" and removing the chemo drugs from the regimen, while keeping the immuno infusions going.
Dad is no longer anemic and has put on a few lbs in the past month. Blood pressure is in a good range. Bernie's pals in the apt complex say that his demeanor is more consistently positive and less irritable. Yay!
We thank all of you for your support and well wishes.
xoxo, Doug and Jeff
Our dad has been a South FL resident for almost 70 years. During a twisting life journey, as it is for many, a few things remain consistent. Bernie is a champion of the underdog, he makes friends with strangers quicker than most anyone on earth, and he loves his family and close friends with vigor.
Bernie is blessed with two daughters-in-law (Amy in South FL; Reyni in Oregon) and five grandchildren (Jarod, Justin, Talia, Aaron, Micah), along with his brother (Howard in Philly), nieces, nephews and lots of cousins.
Cancer diagnosis
The latter half of 2023 brought significant health issues, punctuated by facial melanoma and a subsequent diagnosis of lung cancer. To dad's delight, the care team at Baptist Health did a super job of resection and plastic surgery on his chin tumor.
Lung cancer came as a total surprise, since he hasn't smoked in 50 years and is zealous about remaining in excellent cardio shape. However, multiple bronchoscopies and biopsies revealed Stage 4 adenocarcinoma with cancerous tissue in both lungs. The largest mass is located in the right upper lobe. The team at Miami Cancer Institute led by oncologist Paul Kaywin has mapped a treatment plan with a combo of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, delivered in 'cycles' via a port in Bernie's upper chest. If you're interested in the pathology reports or treatment specifics, give a holler to Doug or Jeff.
Financial situation
Though Basic Medicare covers 80% of most procedures and medicines, the 20% co-insurance ("out of pocket") requirement poses a huge challenge. We are looking into a number of resources including philanthropies and gov't assistance (e.g. Medicaid). Please know that any contributions are targeted to specific costs associated with medical care not covered by insurance or other available channels.
Current and anticipated out-of-pocket medical costs include:
The fundraising goal can help defray a good portion of the financial burden that simply cannot be met by family resources. We welcome one-time or recurring contributions of any amount whatsoever.
The decision to reach out via 'crowdfunding' is uncomfortable, yet necessary. We know that Bernie has plenty left in the tank, he is energized to put this cancer into remission, and the support of our extended community is absolutely invaluable.
Hugs from all of us!
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More good news to report. Bernie's most recent PET-CT scan from 5/10/24 showed no new lesions. The primary right lung mass remains largely unchanged, and no suspicious masses or abnormal areas appear in the abdomen, head or neck. The oncologist says we're entering a "maintenance phase" and removing the chemo drugs from the regimen, while keeping the immuno infusions going.
Dad is no longer anemic and has put on a few lbs in the past month. Blood pressure is in a good range. Bernie's pals in the apt complex say that his demeanor is more consistently positive and less irritable. Yay!
We thank all of you for your support and well wishes.
xoxo, Doug and Jeff
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Good news from the recent PET-CT scan! To summarize, Bernie's body was scanned from head to mid-thigh with the diagnostic goal of comparing tissue and organs to late October. The brain did not reveal any suspicious lesions, nor was unusual activity seen in the base of skull or neck. Abdomen and pelvis look healthy. The largest cancerous mass in upper right lung stayed the same size / shape. Smaller lobes did not show appreciable change. No new suspicious lesions or nodules were found.
Hence, the medical recommendation is to proceed with cycles 3 and 4 in very similar fashion as before. There could be micro-adjustments as we learn more from ongoing blood testing. His oncologist says that 'short of remission, this is really positive news'.
Kudos to Doug for walking side by side with dad.
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Early January 2024:
The carrier port is in my chest and treatments have started. The young fellow is a violinist and musical therapist at Miami Cancer Institute.
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