History In 2007 I was diagnosed with stage IV NHL (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma) which means that my cancer had spread to my bone marrow. It took several months to recognize and diagnose since I wasn’t familiar with cancer or its warning signs. Once it was absolutely determined that I had cancer then I was ready to tackle it. Being the positive, forward-thinking person that I am I went through the necessary chemo (R-CHOP) to eradicate it. My attitude was – “Let’s get going and do whatever it takes to get rid of it.” After 4 months of treatment my scans showed no traces of cancer. Hurray!The 7 years (2007-2014) that I was cancer-free I had been feeling (for the most part) great and healthy. In those seven years I was able to live a normal life. I love traveling, meeting new people, exploring different cultures, going out for diverse ethnic cuisines, cooking, chocolate, listening and playing music, the Dallas Arboretum (my favorite place) and enjoying cultural events.I thought I was free of cancer permanently, but that was not to be the case. Seven years later in March of 2014 it was determined that I had a relapse of my NHL. The first week in April (2014) I started chemo for my NHL. Three days of R-ICE chemo every 3 weeks. Afterwards, they did another bone marrow biopsy and PET scan which no longer showed any instance of lymphoma which was the expected outcome. This set me up for a stem-cell transplant a month later which is prescribed for relapsed NHL and they do this after they get rid of the initial cancer in the hopes of never having cancer again. They harvest your stem cells and then put them back. After 21 days in the hospital I then returned home. Which Brings us to now – cancer again!This past summer (2015) I was diagnosed AGAIN with Stage IV cancer but this time it is much more complicated and critical. I suffered severe liver malfunction caused by the cancer and my skin and eyes turned orange. They put me in the hospital for close to a month. It was, needless to say, a horrible experience. I decided that I had to fight and do whatever it took to get through. I have too much too live for and the alternative was unacceptable to me. Also my cancer has morphed to what's known as "gray zone lymphoma" which is complicated, rare and difficult to treat. So far none of the treatments seem to work but my doctor keeps on trying. My platelet count is steady at around 4,000 which is critically low. My bone marrow and immune system are shot.One of the main problems now is that I currently weigh about 107 lbs. This has caused me to be very weak with virtually no strength so simply getting around is a difficult endeavor. I use a cane when necessary or a walker. I am now looking at approx. 4.5 months of intense chemo that if it works I hopefully will be cancer-free next year! Eventually, however I will need another stem-cell transplant (stem-cells from someone else) but I have to wait until I am a lot stronger and heavier. The other big issue that I’m facing is a financial one. Our insurance has a high deductible as well as drug, office visits ($700 a month in co-pays going 3X per week) and peripheral costs associated with my care further add to the burden. My step-son suggested starting a LFEBridge.com effort and after some consideration I thought it would be a good idea. My only income is SS Disability which is not close to meeting my financial needs.So if you or anyone you know is inclined to help financially rest assured it is most appreciated and is one more stress factor that would be greatly lessened. I would be very grateful for any help offered.I am so grateful and thankful for all my wonderful friends and family members who have rallied to my side. I am blessed with a wonderful wife who, when not working as a high school teacher is by my side, caring and lovingly administering to me. I am blessed with an amazing and supportive family who is there for me 100% all the time. It is with everyone’s love and support that I will get through this and heal back to normalcy. I have always been one to stop and smell the roses. I would like to continue to do so.I love you all. Richard
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