My (Bob’s) journey started back in March when I was having trouble eating and keeping food down. An initial doctor visit brought a diagnosis of a hiatal hernia and a prescription for medicine that was expected to help. After a month with no improvement, a scope of my esophagus was scheduled to see what it looked like, assuming surgery would then be needed to fix the hernia.
On June 22nd, an endoscopy was performed and revealed a tumor in the esophagus which was then biopsied. On the 28th, we received word that the tumor was cancerous. The initial recommendation was to get radiation and chemo at a hospital 45 minutes away five days a week for six weeks. This was to be followed by surgery at a hospital in Pensacola.
When I stopped by We Care to speak with Don Metzler, the president, about my treatment plan and how that would impact my ability to work, he suggested that I consider Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Don’s father had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer about 9 years ago and was successfully treated by CTCA. He remains cancer free and is doing very well.
On Thursday, June 29th, Polly and I met with Don’s dad, Marlin Metzler, and his wife Bertha. They shared about their experience of chemo, radiation, surgery and recovery that they went through with CTCA. This is also the same hospital group that Polly’s friend Maria used during her recent bout with breast cancer. Polly had spent a week with Maria during part of her treatment a couple years ago and was impressed with the facility.
After calling to ask lots of questions, getting what we felt were good answers, and finding out that our insurance was “in network” with CTCA, we decided to seek treatment at their closest facility in Newnan, GA. One of the things we heard that impressed us was how they treat the body, soul, and spirit - - because it all works together.
Polly and I both traveled to the facility in Newnan (about 3 ½ hours away) on Wednesday, July 12th, and began the initial consult. July 13 - 18, we will filled out paper work, I underwent various tests, then we ended with a consultation where they gave us a recommended treatment plan. The treatment plan consisted of six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments followed by a time of healing before surgery to remove my esophagus. The chemo and radiation treatments began on July 26, 2017.
We ask for your prayers as I seek God’s healing though the staff at CTCA.
Sincerely,
Bob Depew
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If you want to give to support Bob and Polly financially during this time of extra cost for travel, lodging, food, and cancer treatment, here is how you can do that.
To give by check, send it to Grace Fellowship. This is the church that Bob and Polly attended before transitioning to his pastoral role in Mobile. Since Bob & Polly are still have strong connections in Atmore, Grace Fellowship has offered to receive funds for assisting the Depews with their out of pocket expenses during this cancer treatment journey. You can give a tax deductible gift made payable to Grace Fellowship by mailing it to 1412 East Nashville Ave., Atmore, AL 36502. Please write "Benevolence Fund" in the memo line and include a separate note with the check stating that it is for the "Bob Depew Expense Fund."
To give online, go to
https://app.mogiv.com/gracefellowship/give Be sure to choose the Bob and Polly Depew Medical Campaign.
Thanks for helping to share the financial burdens that Bob and Polly are incurring with the medical treatments his situation requires.
