Dear Friends, **see end of post for mid Sept 2024 update :) ** (original post) I'm writing to let you know that I drew a short health straw this spring. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Synovial Sarcoma. Before diagnosis, I had virtually no symptoms and no idea this was waiting behind the prize curtain for me. At this point, my sarcoma is considered incurable. I immediately started an aggressive chemotherapy treatment in April that includes residing in the hospital for a week and then home for 2 weeks. This initial treatment consists of six, 3-week cycles which I should finish at the end of August. After that, a CAT scan will determine my next course of treatment. While my side effects have been lower than other people battling this advanced stage of cancer, it has affected me. I have been working for a specialty chemical distributor running their US business. However, the circumstances and effects of my care are causing that to change. I am moving to a disability status to allow me the time and dedicated strength to continue my fight. I do anticipate returning to full-time work in the not-too-distant future, depending on treatment outcomes and how I feel. This, however, brings me to the humbling part of this message. For several reasons, I find myself in the position of asking for financial help. Disability status and insurance are covering only a portion of my family's needs right now. I certainly wish I had planned better for this black swan event in my life. I am asking my friends for any help you can offer. Regardless of the outcome of this appeal, know that I am extremely grateful for your support and love already given; and that is of immeasurable worth. After some careful number crunching and advice from close friends, I am targeting a raise of $75k. This will allow me to bridge the gap to the end of 2024 and a little beyond if needed. Our classmate and brother-in-arms, Nick Steele, has kindly offered to act as a ground guide and Point of Contact for you. Nick can be reached at: [email redacted]. This LFEBridge link < LFEBridge.com/f/rob-butler-cancer-bridge > should hopefully make this gift-giving easy for you. Likewise, I am available and happy to connect with anyone via Facebook or email. Thank you so much for your friendship and support! **14Sep2024** Oncology treatment update: First things first; my hair should grow back, but my Dr. couldn't confirm I'll eventually look like Bob Ross... my recent scan showed continued shrinkage of overall tumor mass including lung tumors. Next course of treatment is a daily pill I'll start taking in 2-3 weeks. Follow-up blood work and CAT scan frequency will adjust as my body adjusts to new treatment. While I'm very encouraged by these results, I practice equanimity by reminding myself that I still do have a Stage 4 cancer currently described as incurable. That cancer is now moving to a new phase of treatment. I am grateful every day for my fantastic support network of family and friends. I aim to control what I can; which is the battle space between my ears. Breathe in courage, breathe out despair. Breathe in love, breathe out anger. Thank you for your support and love ❤️ No Task Too Great! Rob Butler [email redacted]
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