Rank: Newbie
Joined: 8/15/2008
Posts: 2
Location: Trout Creek, MT
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My name is Ronda and my family has been thru the ringer for about 9 months now. My parents were both almost killed in an auto accident just west of the 'Wye' in Missoula on December 21st 07' when a semi truck hit them in the rear. My Mom was thrown out of her seatbelt and recieved numerous injuries..broken, neck, back, nose, skull fracture, huge laceration on her forhead that almost scalped her, and her entire body was either bruised or scraped. My Dad had 7 broken ribs on the left side and head trauma. Now in August we thought things were looking up for them..the wounds have healed pretty well..On August 1st my Dad told Mom that his neck hurt..after being CT scanned we were told he had a cyst on his neck that was going to need surgery that night. ( We live 130 miles from Missoula and the nearest specialists) So I dropped everything I was doing to drive them, we arrived at 10:20pm and the Specialist came in the room, checked my Dad...and said, "I am sorry buddy, you have cancer!"
Mom and Dad are 73 and 75 years old respecively and live on less than 1250.00 per month. They are unable to drive any distance now also. So I am their primary caretaker. I am grateful to be able to be there for them. I do have 2 brothers and a sister but they are not or just wont lend a hand.
Now to get to my reason for joining this site. I am a bit overwhelmed with all the information I have recieved after the numerous Doctor appointments that we have had in the past week..and we are looking at a PET/CT scan on Monday morning and surgery on Tuesday to put in a feeding tube.
I have absolutely no idea where to start seeking aid for them.. The Montana Cancer Center has graciously given me this Sites Name..as a good place to start.
I will be submitting a Grant Request as soon as one of Dads' Doctors sign it. We are looking at at least 2 months of radiation therapy and I don't know how long the chemo is going to run.
I would Greatly appreciate any and All information on other ways I can get some help for My Parents to defray some of the costs associated with this awful disease. Thank You so much for giving me the opportunity to at least vent a bit..Believe it or not, it has been a bit of a stress reliever for me.
I look forward to all replies. Thanks Again,
Ronda
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 6/13/2008
Posts: 2
Location: Stevensville
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Hey Girl! Use this site as a vehicle to vent anytime. I realize that this disease is emotionally taxing. There are several resources beside us that can help with financial and emotional burdens of cancer. Please check our resource link at this site. Although I do not think that they have got around to updating it. So if you call me with your address, I can mail you an updated verision. The Patient Advocacy Program is a good prospect. Their website is www.patientadvocacy.org or contact Courtneyj@patientadvocate.org. I spoke to my bookkeeper and based on the application, we can award your father some money. Until then, try to think positively! Don't forget to call for that complete list of resources. Thanks,  Jacqueline Kakos
Jacqueline Kakos
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