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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 19, 2013 12:16:24 GMT -5
I'm in crisis mode now. As those over at CSI know, I discovered last month that I have cancer. Specifically basal cell carcinoma. This on top of everything else, I do not need. I'm frightened. I've set up a fundraising website which tells more about what's going on. www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/you-can-help-paul-beat-cancer-/118349Yes, I'm begging. I apologize for that, but I'd like to keep living for a few more decades. If you can help, I would appreciate it. Paul |
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Post by dookcitygang on Dec 20, 2013 11:15:52 GMT -5
And I'll donate sales of a few calendars to help out. It's Jeanne's last calendar. I'm asking 25. in donation for a calendar.   |
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Post by huronna on Dec 20, 2013 23:43:41 GMT -5
Been on and off the computer all day...going to the other site now
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Post by huronna on Dec 20, 2013 23:48:46 GMT -5
that site is charging 5 % extra for the web site?
If the 50,000 was raised, $2500 would go to the website???
That is quite a bit for admin costs.
Paul if you would PM me with your snail mail address, I will gladly mail you a donation.
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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 21, 2013 14:49:42 GMT -5
As I understand it, Youcaring isn't charging a fee for the website. Paypal, on the other hand, charges 2.9% plus 30 cents on each transaction. I'm going to have to live with that.
Paul
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Post by Lily on Dec 22, 2013 16:53:51 GMT -5
I'm sorry for what you're facing Paul. I've donated what I can and hoping it adds up to some help for you. You've graced us with your creativity for so many years now, you stay strong and fight the good fight. You are in our prayers ~
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Post by furdawg55 on Dec 23, 2013 14:41:09 GMT -5
Paul, I too will get your snail mail address from Heidi and send a donation the third of the month to help out. God Bless you this Christmastime as we are all thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers.
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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 26, 2013 14:43:11 GMT -5
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Post by huronna on Dec 26, 2013 19:50:47 GMT -5
Paul I stuck the thread to the top
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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 26, 2013 20:42:59 GMT -5
Oh, I'd forgotten about that option. Thank you!
Paul
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Post by pauljmsn on Feb 20, 2014 19:28:31 GMT -5
Just to let you folks know that this is still going on. I've posted a couple of pictures to the fundraising site, including one of the affected area. It's ugly.
The link is in the signature below.
Paul
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Post by res0a47 on Mar 10, 2014 5:26:23 GMT -5
Paul I am so sorry to hear this. I have some friends that had cancer or has it now. All I can say is put your full trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. All you have to do is just talk to him. He is alway with us. I know you are scared it is in us to be. That is what Satan wants us to be. There are some really good hospital out there too bad you couldn't come to Champaign, ILl we have some really good drs. I know I think Wis. has a hospital. Just look on the internet for speclest. Alway get that 2cd and 3 advice don't take it just from one dr. I wish I could help you with them money I have nothy to sell and I am on a fix income. All I can do is add you to my pray list and tell other to pray. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love in Jesus name. Sheila
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Post by pauljmsn on May 18, 2014 17:58:48 GMT -5
I wanted to touch base and say that the fundraiser is still ongoing. I have a birthday in four days and a donation, however small, would make a good present. Thank you.
Paul
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Post by pauljmsn on Sept 8, 2014 12:14:48 GMT -5
I just wanted to post a reminder that this fundraiser is still going on. A donation in nay amount would be appreciated. If you can think of any place to share this, please let me know.
Thank you.
Paul
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Post by res0a47 on Oct 6, 2014 23:57:04 GMT -5
There is another website it is gofoundme. My daughter used it to help with cermaion of a freind that passed away. Paul I wish I could help. You are in my prayers. Love and God bless Sheila
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Post by pauljmsn on Oct 20, 2015 23:28:28 GMT -5
I just realized that it's been a long time since I've posted here. Mea culpa.
What prompts this now is to let people know that I will be traveling up to Kansas City a week from Friday for surgery on the thing on my neck. This is the University of Kansas Medical Center, which has an excellent reputation for this sort of thing. Still, it sounds complicated.
I'm nervous about this, and not a little scared.
Keep me in your thoughts. Thank you.
Paul
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Post by smokeyoshi on Nov 9, 2015 12:24:42 GMT -5
HOw did you make out, Paul?
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Post by dookcitygang on Nov 13, 2015 12:51:01 GMT -5
He's in a recovery care place now. Surgery went well, but he will need radiation. That's all I know for now.
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Post by huronna on Nov 14, 2015 0:16:06 GMT -5
thanks for the update Sandy
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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 19, 2015 14:15:17 GMT -5
It strikes me that I have been neglecting this group something terrible. I apologize. Facebook has become too addictive. I'll have to do something about that. But I want to post an update on my journey with cancer.
The surgery on the 30th of October was very complicated. They took out the cancerous mass on my neck, along with a lymph node, cut open my chest and folded part of the muscle tissue there up to fill in the cavity, and covered it with skin grafts from my leg. It all went as planned. That morning they stuck a couple of IVs in me, wheeled me into the operating room, and the next thing I knew it was over and I was taken to a private room. The University of Kansas Medical Center has a reputation for competency and excellence in what they do, and I'm here to say that I believe it.
I spent several days in the hospital. I could order my meals whenever I wanted, and I had a choice, which I liked. The nurses were very good at looking after me. I had taken my laptop along, and I found that the hospital had free WiFi access. This was the first time I realized that my laptop was WiFi capable. You learn something new all the time!
My dad arranged for me to go to a privately-owned care facility in Lawrence, which is near his farm, and I went there around the 3rd or 4th of November. The first few days were tough. I was still in pain in several places, and the first night I had to use a walker to get to the bathroom. But I got a lot better as time went on, and soon the walker was just a place to hang my clothes. A physical therapist came around and taught me a few exercises, which have helped.
I spent around three weeks in the care facility and then left to stay at my dad's farm for a few days. Sadly, I couldn't get on my computer at the care facility, and mt dad certainly had no computer access, so I was off the Internet for most of November. Dad doesn't have cable, either, so I got a lot of reading done.
Dad drove me back to my home in Wichita on the 1st of December, and that's where I am now. I was gone for over a month, and I came back to find my home safe and sound, just as I left it. My neighbor kept an eye on it.
The skin graft area on my leg has pretty much healed over and is pretty much just red. The spot on my chest is healed as well and is a scar. The surgical wound on my neck has mostly healed. It was left mostly open to drain and heal from the inside out. It's still draining now, but everyone that has seen it - it's not in a place I can see easily - says that it looks a lot better than it has. I still wear a bandage, but it's surely going to close soon.
As Sandy said, I'm going to go in for radiation. This is precautionary to take care of any tiny spots of carcinoma that they may have missed. On the 10th, I went to a radiation-therapy center here in Wichita, and they cast a mask to help in keeping my head still. They also did an MRI scan. They were concerned about me being claustrophobic, but I don't seem to be. The worst things were that the room was a bit chilly, and holding still for 15 - 30 minutes at a time will be boring. As soon as the doctor is finished "mapping" the radiation procedure, and as soon as they figure out what insurance will cover, I go back to start the treatment.
And that is that. I've started changing my own bandage. I do the exercises, if I don't forget. I still have aches and pains. It's gonna take time to heal. I'm taking it easy. But the worst part is over.
The fundraiser is still going on. I have no idea yet what insurance will or will not cover. The link is still in my signature.
Thank you, Sandy, for the update.
I'm back.
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Post by smokeyoshi on Dec 20, 2015 13:42:15 GMT -5
I'm glad it went well, tho I imagine it wasn't any fun. I hope the radiation finishes it off, and that the insurance gods smile on you, lol.
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Post by pauljmsn on Dec 20, 2015 14:28:32 GMT -5
I haven't heard a word about a bill from the hospital since the surgery,so I have no idea what I owe to who. All I have to go on is what I was charged for the chemo pills. As I understood it, they cost $8,000 (!) for a bottle of 30, but once my retirement insurance was done with its thing, the cost varied for me between $7 and &0. No, I didn't mistype that. Surgery costs are sure to be different.
It's cloudy and cold and windy here today, but I'm in a good mood. I went to a billiards place last night to see an ex-exotic-dancer friend who waitresses there and deliver her Christmas presents early. Two ferrety-themed calendars. One was from the California legalization crowd and the other was from Rescuer's Relief, so they were both for good causes. There were hugs and smiles, and that's always good for lifting spirits.
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Post by huronna on Dec 21, 2015 9:58:07 GMT -5
Sorry I have been remiss in reading your update.
I'm so glad to hear that surgery was a success. Radiation will be a breeze, just some redness, and dryness, make sure you have lots of skin creams. That is great about the insurance covering the bulk of the meds, now lets hope it does the same with the surgery.
Keep us posted, and it's great seeing you back!
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