Hi everyone

ethan31kayla35

Idk where to start. But I will start with please pray for my family. My 31 yr old boyfriend was diagnosed with 3 different cancers almost 3 yrs ago its in his brain lung an bones. He has stage 4. He had full brain radiation about a yr ago. He struggles with remember anything . He thinks he can still do everything like before an when his sickness stops him you can see his spirit crush little by little. He was always a hard working able bodied adult. He provided loved an took care of us all. He started chemo 8 days ago. An he says everyday seems worse. I pray all the time. We all do.. I ask people where to help find things or how I can get medical equipment needed if his medicaid dont pay for it. I am working as much as I can in between caring for him our kids an drs.apts its hard to be there everyday. An we are struggling bad. I just simply need help finding resources to help with medical things everyone I call won't help an sends me in a circle which is even more frustrating. I love this man with all my heart an it hurts when he needs something an I cant help him with it. I am so greatful to be apart of a community that are facing the same struggles we are. I just feel alone an lost.

eDivebuddy

I can really feel how much love and strength you have for Ethan and your family. You have both been through so much already and I want to start by saying that you are doing exactly what anyone could ask. You are standing by him, holding everything together, and searching for help even when it feels like you are out of options. That takes real courage.

From what you shared, it sounds like Ethan’s cancer began in the lungs and spread to the brain and to the bones. That is something we see often with advanced lung cancer. The pain, fatigue, breathing issues, and memory changes are all common in people going through what he is facing, especially after treatment to the brain. None of this is his fault and none of it reflects weakness. The fact that he keeps fighting shows exactly how strong he is. I have or had lung cancer that spread to my liver, neck, and brain. I also had head and neck cancer that may have been a misdiagnosis.

Here are a few resources that may help take some weight off your shoulders. These organizations are used often by people in your situation and they can guide you to financial help, emotional support, or practical aid.

American Cancer Society Helpline1 800 227 2345Available at any time. They can help you find local support programs, churches that help families in crisis, oxygen supply programs, and other services in your area.

LUNGevity Caregiver Support
forums.lungevity.org
They have an active online community where many caregivers share what has helped them. It can be powerful to talk with people who truly understand what you are going through.

CancerCare
www.cancercare.org
They have social workers who specialize in helping families with limited insurance or Medicaid. They can assist with transportation, medication support, and counseling.

Also check with the financial counselor or oncology social worker at your treatment center. They can often help with copay assistance, explain what resources might be available near you, and connect you with smaller local programs. My financial counselor helped me receive copay assistance from two different drug programs that covered up to fifty thousand dollars a year. These local contacts can be extremely valuable.

If you want, let us know which chemotherapy he is on. Many of us have been through the same medicines and can share what helped with side effects and with pain management. I also have a post on LUNGevity with my best tips for getting through chemotherapy. It is here:https://forums.lungevity.org/topic/53856-my-best-tips-for-getting-through-chemo/

You can also read the beginning of my cancer journey here:https://forums.lungevity.org/topic/53203-the-real-new-normal/

I am keeping you, Ethan, and your children in my thoughts. You are not alone, even if it feels that way right now.