Pauls Cancer Relief Fund

Hi. This is a story about wanting to move forward and take a leap of faith.

My name is Paul. I live in Sioux Falls. I moved back here to my hometown 7 years ago in 2007 to be with family. I had been having pain in the "lower" region for several weeks. My dr. recommended a colonoscopy. The report didnt look good, they wanted more biopsies. Then I heard the diagnosis:  Anal cancer. A malignancy that starts in the anus, the opening at the end of the rectum. Im praying for a miracle. I have a team of physicians, my Medical  oncologist and surgeon. I'm  inviting you to be a part of that miracle team. 

1. I worked in the advertising dept at major newspaper in Texas since I was a young man of 19,  but at 35, due to non Hodgkins lymphoma, and aids I couldn't work anymore. The drs did chemotherapy then, and I was better, except a few years later I had back problems and then part of my disc was removed. I was able to work for a while. Just lately both of my hips were replaced. Well, my monthly disability income is  $1448. That was also what I made 24 years ago.  As life goes on, I appreciate things that are not material,  still I have to live in the physical world. This leaves little left  for my nutrition needs, Rx copays, or routine maintenance on my 10 yr old car with 90,000 miles. I had even been considering moving before I had this diagnosis, now I have this on my plate.   
2. The dr. is going to insert a picc line where I can  get my chemotherapy. I will have  chemo/radiation therapy. The treatment can have serious and difficult side effects,  long term fatigue, low blood counts and nausea. The dr is treating it as stage 3.. The dr. later wants to do surgery for a temporary ileolostomy, to minimize scar tissue due to radiation burns and inflammation of the tissues. 

I feel this ordeal may be a result of inner turmoil and stress  I have been having. My desire to move to Palm Springs offers several opportunities that are not available here in Sioux Falls. This will offer not only the healing of my body but my soul.  The loneliness and lack of fulfilling activities in Sioux Falls is unbearable. I have a need for greater fulfillment and after living here 7 years  I feel stagnant. That  is long enough for me.  A friend of mine jokingly tells me that even convicts get a reprieve.

The  (desertaidsproject.com) provides comprehensive medical care and support services such as: * Housing {I'm on a waitlist} and Nutrition Assistance, * Health and Dental Care programs,  * Yoga classes,  acupuncture)  and opportunities to volunteer & socialize with my LGBT community. As a 28 yr survivor of hiv/aids, I can mentor to a client  who may have just found out their test results and offer hope.comfort and courage. 

360 sunshine will lift my depression.   I may be able to work part time, and perhaps if I fully recover, a full time opportunity may develop there. I can swim daily, which will help strengthen my back & my 2 brand new hips.  My Mom used to tell me she felt like she was dying on the vine. Now I know what she means. If a plant becomes rootbound, and requires repotting, so can people.  I want to be a channel, not a reservoir and discover, learn and explore.

I hope everyone will recognize their own inherent creative power as a child of God and uncover, pursue and joyfully realize your long-cherished dreams. My best friends motto is: "If you dont like the scene, change the scenery." Now that's what I'm talking about. 

"If the mountain wont come to Muhammad then Muhammad must go to the mountain" 

I will be sending updates. Thank you for taking your time to read my story.