WE HAVE REACHED THE GOAL!
Today, I received an email from a great friend informing me that a check for $250 is in the mail. That puts us over the top at $1540! We could not have reached the goal without your help.
You have all been so great! Abraham and I are so grateful for every kindness you have extended to us and your magnanimous generosity in our times of need. We will continue to pray for you all that God will bless you all with the overflowing of His very best for every area of your lives!
Our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude!
Mary and Abraham
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
TOTALS AS OF SUNDAY 07/20/08
MORE GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $1290! We are almost there!
STARTING CHEMO AGAIN
Friday, I had the first chemo treatment. I had the Avastin infusion in the office and I will take Zeloda tablets twice daily for two weeks. One possible side effect of the tablets is upset stomach, so I am trying to minimize that. So far, so good!
Check daily for the latest update!
So far, we have received $1290! We are almost there!
Needed: -$1500Thank you all for you kindness and generosity in helping us pay the August COBRA premium!
Received: $1290
Still Need: -$210
STARTING CHEMO AGAIN
Friday, I had the first chemo treatment. I had the Avastin infusion in the office and I will take Zeloda tablets twice daily for two weeks. One possible side effect of the tablets is upset stomach, so I am trying to minimize that. So far, so good!
Check daily for the latest update!
Friday, July 18, 2008
THURSDAY’S TOTALS
MORE GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $1040! We are almost there!
I want to tell you about a foundation which has offered to help with a portion of the COBRA premiums for the next couple of months.
CANCER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF TEXAS
CERFT provides programs and services for cancer patients, their families, physicians, and other medical professionals Our focus is an offering of solutions for those affected by cancer.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
CERFT is currently exploring programs to:
I have added a link to their website in the “Links to Life” section on the right. Please visit their site for more information about CERFT and how to make donations.
Check daily for the latest update!
So far, we have received $1040! We are almost there!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium.
Received: $1040
Still Need: -$460
I want to tell you about a foundation which has offered to help with a portion of the COBRA premiums for the next couple of months.
CANCER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF TEXAS
CERFT provides programs and services for cancer patients, their families, physicians, and other medical professionals Our focus is an offering of solutions for those affected by cancer.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
CERFT is currently exploring programs to:
1. Raise awareness and advance cancer education, prevention, detection, and treatment for underserved populations.CERFT is funded privately by caring individuals, doctors, medical professionals, and others who want to see people get assistance if they need it. They specifically have a program to help pay COBRA premiums to keep the patient’s insurance in force so they are not saddled with medical bills which could not be paid.
2. Provide financial assistance to patients and their families who cannot afford medical, emotional, or psychological care.
3. Offer continuing education to medical professionals.
I have added a link to their website in the “Links to Life” section on the right. Please visit their site for more information about CERFT and how to make donations.
Check daily for the latest update!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
WEDNESDAY'S TOTALS
GOOD NEWS!
So far, we have received $440! We are that much closer!
So far, we have received $440! We are that much closer!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium. Check daily for the latest update!
Received: $440
Still Need: -$1060
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
STATUS REPORT
THE LATEST TOTALS
Abraham and I want to thank those of you who have already responded to our call for help! You are the best! So far, we have received $290! We are that much closer!
For those of you who have not yet responded and want to, please use the "Donate" button on the right or mail a check payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala
MEDICAL DONATIONS ACCOUNT
3719 Pacific Court, #175
Benbrook, TX 76109
God bless you all for your kindness and generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Abraham and I want to thank those of you who have already responded to our call for help! You are the best! So far, we have received $290! We are that much closer!
Needed: -$1500Thanks for helping us pay the August COBRA premium.
Received: $340
Still Need: -$1160
For those of you who have not yet responded and want to, please use the "Donate" button on the right or mail a check payable to:
Mary L. Weeks-Ayala
MEDICAL DONATIONS ACCOUNT
3719 Pacific Court, #175
Benbrook, TX 76109
God bless you all for your kindness and generosity!
Mary and Abraham
Friday, July 11, 2008
SCAN RESULTS AND CONCERNS
PET SCAN RESULTS
We saw Dr. Xiong yesterday to get the results of the PET scan I underwent last week. The PET scan is a little like a CT scan with a couple of exceptions. First, instead of picture “slices” taken from front to back through my body, these are taken from head to toe parallel to the floor. Second, a radioactive isotope is used to show where the most rapid new growth is taking place. Cancer grows quickly and absorbs a lot of the isotope so it shows up as a “hot spot” on the scan.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Dr. Xiong was concerned by the results. He said the scan shows cancer cells that were dormant in the lymph nodes at the base of my lungs and toward my back are now showing “activity.” These nodes are usually so small that they are not visible on the scan. He found several on the scan that are the size of grapes. He said that indicates that tumors have begun to grow there. He also said that, because these were not an issue before, he believes tumor growth was being held in check by the chemotherapy and wants to restart chemo in the next few weeks.
We are surprised, concerned and a bit disappointed. I feel a little overwhelmed. Abraham was not happy with the doctor’s report. However, we choose to believe that the devil is a liar, that I am cancer-free and that I will remain cancer-free.
OTHER CONCERNS
Although I think I have developed another blood clot, this one in my left inner thigh, the swelling has improved. And I am still experiencing some shortness of breath. Dr. Xiong stated that the scan also showed that I did have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion), but not so much that I would have to undergo the procedure to remove the fluid. (It’s a big, long needle inserted through the chest into the base of the lung which they then use to draw the fluid out of the lung sack. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?) He wants me to continue on the Lasix for another week. We will re-evaluate at that time. I have an appointment next Thursday at 9 a.m.
In the last week, I have been able to get closer to a regular sleeping and waking schedule that is more like normal. This is good.
COBRA INSURANCE PREMIUMS
I am very concerned about finances. I told you all before that my family could no longer help with medical expenses. They managed to pool their resources and pay our COBRA insurance premiums through this month. However, they have stated that they cannot help with August and September. The COBRA extension expires 09/24/08. Completing the full 18 months on COBRA makes me eligible to purchase insurance through the Texas Insurance Risk Pool (high risk insurance).
We need to keep the insurance in force:
SOME GOOD NEWS
We do have some good news, even though it comes kind of late. Although Abraham will finally start a new job Monday (Woo Hoo!), his first paycheck won’t be enough to cover the August insurance payment AND he won’t get it in time to even contribute toward the payment.
We need a miracle. It is critical that we keep the insurance in force, but we don’t have the resources, personally, to do it. Please be aware that asking for help is not something I do easily. I prefer to be the one providing the help, so being the one needing the help is very uncomfortable for me. That is why I sincerely hope this is the last time I must plead for help. We would like to, again, ask you to pray about helping financially with this urgent need.
If God wants you to give, please email me and let me know. You can make your donation through PayPal by clicking the “Donate” button in the right column.
We love you all and appreciate everything that you all have done to help us thus far—especially your prayers! Please let me hear from you soon!
Mary and Abraham
We saw Dr. Xiong yesterday to get the results of the PET scan I underwent last week. The PET scan is a little like a CT scan with a couple of exceptions. First, instead of picture “slices” taken from front to back through my body, these are taken from head to toe parallel to the floor. Second, a radioactive isotope is used to show where the most rapid new growth is taking place. Cancer grows quickly and absorbs a lot of the isotope so it shows up as a “hot spot” on the scan.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Dr. Xiong was concerned by the results. He said the scan shows cancer cells that were dormant in the lymph nodes at the base of my lungs and toward my back are now showing “activity.” These nodes are usually so small that they are not visible on the scan. He found several on the scan that are the size of grapes. He said that indicates that tumors have begun to grow there. He also said that, because these were not an issue before, he believes tumor growth was being held in check by the chemotherapy and wants to restart chemo in the next few weeks.
We are surprised, concerned and a bit disappointed. I feel a little overwhelmed. Abraham was not happy with the doctor’s report. However, we choose to believe that the devil is a liar, that I am cancer-free and that I will remain cancer-free.
OTHER CONCERNS
Although I think I have developed another blood clot, this one in my left inner thigh, the swelling has improved. And I am still experiencing some shortness of breath. Dr. Xiong stated that the scan also showed that I did have some fluid in my lungs (pleural effusion), but not so much that I would have to undergo the procedure to remove the fluid. (It’s a big, long needle inserted through the chest into the base of the lung which they then use to draw the fluid out of the lung sack. Doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?) He wants me to continue on the Lasix for another week. We will re-evaluate at that time. I have an appointment next Thursday at 9 a.m.
In the last week, I have been able to get closer to a regular sleeping and waking schedule that is more like normal. This is good.
COBRA INSURANCE PREMIUMS
I am very concerned about finances. I told you all before that my family could no longer help with medical expenses. They managed to pool their resources and pay our COBRA insurance premiums through this month. However, they have stated that they cannot help with August and September. The COBRA extension expires 09/24/08. Completing the full 18 months on COBRA makes me eligible to purchase insurance through the Texas Insurance Risk Pool (high risk insurance).
We need to keep the insurance in force:
1. So I am eligible for the high risk policyThe monthly premium is just under $1500 and is due by the last day of the prior month, so the August payment is due by 07/31/08. If we are late with the payment, the COBRA policy automatically cancels with no way to renew. We don’t have the money to pay it and we have no way of coming up with it. We need $1500 by 07/31/08.
2. To pay the doctor, prescription and chemo expenses for the next two months (Chemo can be $10,000 per treatment, depending on the drugs selected!)
SOME GOOD NEWS
We do have some good news, even though it comes kind of late. Although Abraham will finally start a new job Monday (Woo Hoo!), his first paycheck won’t be enough to cover the August insurance payment AND he won’t get it in time to even contribute toward the payment.
We need a miracle. It is critical that we keep the insurance in force, but we don’t have the resources, personally, to do it. Please be aware that asking for help is not something I do easily. I prefer to be the one providing the help, so being the one needing the help is very uncomfortable for me. That is why I sincerely hope this is the last time I must plead for help. We would like to, again, ask you to pray about helping financially with this urgent need.
If God wants you to give, please email me and let me know. You can make your donation through PayPal by clicking the “Donate” button in the right column.
We love you all and appreciate everything that you all have done to help us thus far—especially your prayers! Please let me hear from you soon!
Mary and Abraham
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