Chemotherapy for Steven

STEVEN WELLS, 27, DIAGNOSED WITH NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

My story begins with a routine visit to the Doctor, I was having problems with my shoulder. I am a musician and my instrument of choice is the guitar, my thinking was that the years of strumming possibly had something to do with it. Turns out the pain I was experiencing was because of a growth that was forming. My Doctor referred me to a specialist who sent me for an MRI scan – the scan confirmed that the growth was a tumour. I was told at that time by the Specialist that according to what was seen on the scan I had one of 2 types of Cancer and that I may possibly lose my arm. I was admitted to Hospital to have the tumour biopsied and also to determine if the Cancer had caused damage to my bone. After all the tests came back its been determined that I have what they call Non Hodgkins Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma, also scans have shown I have more than one tumour.

The diagnosis has left me dumbfounded and very scared, dare I say it. I really didn't think it was possible that a nagging pain in my shoulder could actually be advanced cancer. I am a 27 year old young man, and thought, healthy. I was living what I considered to be a good life. I have loving friends and family, a kind and caring girlfriend, a great job and I’d just been promoted. Within a matter of days my life had changed . Looking from the outside in, it's played out like a trailer for a Drama Movie - average young man, guitarist in a band, living his best life suddenly has his world flipped upside-down - pain in his shoulder turns out to be a growth then referred to as a malignant tumour which may mean possible amputation of his arm and then the shocking reality which is now my life - with CANCER. Yes it does not define me and I try to keep a positive perspective on it all but it is still fresh and new, and rather overwhelming.

My journey thus far has led me down a road that I can best describe as tormenting. The fear of the unknown is a killer in itself. I haven’t started my treatment as yet and its daunting to think of what may lie ahead for me.

Medical costs to date from prognosis to diagnosis have been exorbitant and are depleting our families financial resources rapidly. These bills include but have not been limited to Doctors visits, MRI & CT scans, Radiology and Oncology Specialists, Ampath Labs and Hospital admissions for biopsies and most recently the insertion of a chemo port. Medical Insurance contributions have been minimal and as such resulted in unpaid bills piling up. The chemotherapy treatment is going to cost in excess of R 270 000.00 and with current mounting medical bills still to be paid being just short of R 100 000.00 we are in dire need of financial support.

Any donations made would be greatly appreciated:

MR SJ WELLS
CAPITEC ACCOUNT
1431794439
Branch
470010

MY DIAGNOSIS EXPLAINED:

NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

TYPE - DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA

This is a cancer that forms in the white blood cells called Lymphocytes. These are the cells that fight bacteria and viruses. When you have B-Cell Lymphoma your body makes too many abnormal B-Cells which make them unable to fight infections. They also spread to other parts of your body through your Lymphatic system.