I have Stage 4 melanoma. I found out about two months ago. It started on my arm, moved to a lymph node, and then moved into part of my spine as well as my sternum. Luckily it’s not in my nervous system or anywhere else. Stage 4 sounds horrible but I know I can beat it.
I have started immunotherapy, which has been shown to be the most effective treatment for melanoma. The idea is to shrink the cancer in my bones and cut out the mass in my lymph node. The treatment will last a year.
Immunotherapy wipes me out. I have a constant fever and aches that prevent me from working as a USPS mail carrier. Hopefully my body adjusts to the therapy. When the fever started on Sep 21, my oncologist said I should go to the ER. They couldn’t figure out the cause of the fever so they kept me in the hospital for eight days and ran every possible test (MRI, blood tests, CT scan, …). They eventually concluded continual use of Tylenol is the best that can be done while my body fights.
Why I Need Support
I have never created a Go Fund Me or asked for charity, but anyone who knows about the US healthcare system can predict the struggle ahead of me. My wife and I have jobs and insurance, and my first treatment of immunotherapy cost me virtually nothing. But the ER stay, future MRIs and CT scans, surgery, probably the next treatments, and who knows what else, will not be free. Of course I won’t know the cost until probably a month after each test and treatment so I cannot say what the final damage will be. Based on some internet research I expect to have to pay tens of thousands of dollars possibly close to a hundred thousand over the next year.
In addition to the treatments and medical costs, I’m presently unable to work due to the persistent fever. So monthly bills are the immediate concern.
My wife and I deeply appreciate any support you can give to help me overcome this challenge. I’ll keep this page updated so you can watch my progress. Thank you!!
-Dusty, Kimberlee and Huckleberry
