I'm writing this at 2am so please excuse any mistakes, it has been a long day.



My name is Mary, I'm married to Stephen and we have 3 children ages 19, 15, and 10. We live in Mid-Missouri.



Stephen went to visit his sister in Bakersfield for her birthday, to date he has been gone 33 days. While he was there he got sick. He should have been getting better but then pain started in his appendix area. Stephen spent 4 days in the hospital, they were calling it diverticulitis and thought a course of antibiotics would bring the swelling down.



Then last Friday (March 24th) the pain doubled him over. Stephen went back to the hospital and was readmitted. Yesterday they preformed the colonscopy, and the findings were not good. He had a mass in his cecum, this is the bottom part of your colon by the appendix. They decided to do surgery yesterday (March 31). I believe the medical term is “right hemicolectomy”. From what the doctor said that part went well. Unfortunately the mass had spread outside of the colon, the doctor removed everything he could but was unable to remove everything he knew was there. An Oncology doctor is supposed to be reviewing his case today (April 1).



The doctor who preformed the surgery said he needs to wait two weeks before traveling.



Stephen needs his family with him now, I need to be with him, and the kids need their daddy. Right now the plan is for me and the kids to drive out to him, wait 2-3 weeks for him to feel better and then get him home to finish the treatment he needs. It will be very reassuring to have him home and getting treatment locally, we have great doctors in Columbia, Mo.



All of these unexpected expenses have drained our bank account. I need help funding our trip out to be with my husband during this time, and the medical bills that will be coming.



I have no clue what all this will really cost so I picked a number.



I am sorry, to family and friends who are finding out this way, I really am. We are heading out in the morning so that we can get there as soon as possible.



I have faith in Him that all our needs will be met and Stephen will have a testimony to share for years to come. Please continue to keep Stephen and our family in your prayers.



Thanks

Mary Jo

Read more