James Simmons

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This is Melissa, I am a law enforcement wife, mother and work outside the home.  I like to paint, craft, read, dance, watch movies and spend time with friends.  My husband of 20+years was diagnosed with colon cancer January of 2017, had surgery and started chemo. 



2018 didn't bring much relief, three tumor surgeries (lung, brain, spine), radiation and more chemo.  They also mentioned a small bump (visible to us) that they would deal with later.  I asked at that time why they didn't take it then, they responded, they didn't want to tax his system.



2019 was tolerable with indefinite chemo every three weeks until December 18.   The bump (tumor) on the outside of the skull had attached to the skull and he had to have the tumor and a piece of the skull removed. He came home and started rehabilitation therapies Monday.  In February the incision opened, he had to return to the hospital because it became infected.  He stayed for 5 days and returned home to do infusion antibiotics.  When they removed the stitched they said there was still a small opening but it would heal on it's own.  I asked if they shouldn't put one stitch in, again they said it will heal on it's own.  It then opened up like a zipper over the next 6 weeks and again became infected.  He had to go back in during this Corona Virus lock down.  They had a plastic surgeon help them close it up.  He has been home about 8 days now and just spoke to his oncologist. 



Today is 5/12/2020 and was told there is a 2mm size grown again on the outside of the skull.  This is so frustrating.  The "board" is going to meet about a treatment plan.  They have him off the chemo pills until done with infusion antibiotics again.  Yesterday the home health nurse couldn't get the port cannulated, she was here to change the dressing and needle.  Not sure if it wansn't the right size needle or if she was just inexperienced, she was young and new.  Love our nurses but frustrated the company sends someone inexperienced with no supervision.  Another nurse came out about 6:30pm and she got it to work with the last needle we have. 



So, to say the least, we think it is time to go to Mayo. 



Thank you for reading this and any prayers you can say for our family.