Josh has been suffering from multiple cases of bronchitis and pneumonia for a while now. After his most recent case of this, the doctors decided to do an x-ray to see if they could figure out what may be causing him to have relapses all the time. The x-ray's they took showed what the doctor's thought was scar tissue in the lower left quadrant of Josh's lung. To be safe, however, the doctor's orderd a cat scan done on his lungs. The cat scan revealed a small cluster on his airway leading into the lower quadrant of his left lung. The findings from the cat scan led them to do a bronchoscopy in which they took a biopsy from the cluster of tumors. The biopsy confirmed the tumors to be carcinoid tumors, which are fairly rare, slow growing and non-invasive tumors.
On November 10, 2016, a PET scan and cat scan was done on Josh to see if the cancer was anywhere else in his body. The scans confirm that the tumor/cancer is isolated only in Josh's left lung, which is a PRAISE. (It is hard to find many praises when faced with something like this at such a young age).
The hard part now is the waiting game. Josh and Jackie met with a cardio thoracic surgeon today to discuss Josh's options. During this appointment, they were advised that the doctor would like to further review ALL the scans to determine the best course of action. On Wednesday, November 16th, the doctor will be taking Josh's scans to a meeting that is made up of multiple Pulmonary Specialists and Cardio Thoracic Surgeons and together as a group they will determine what type of procedure will be done to remove the tumor and whether or not the procedure can be done in Lincoln.
The tumor is taking up a great portion of Josh's airway leading into the lower quadrant of his left lung which is why they believe he is getting the bronchitis and pneumonia so frequently as the germs get stuck on the tumor and it grows bacteria.
Josh and Jackie were initially told that when they remove the tumor, Josh will be in ICU for 3-10 day and off work for 6-8 weeks. While the exact procedure to be done remains to be determined at this time, it is likely that it will involve several days in the hospital and a great deal of time recuperating.
Josh is 35 years old, husband, father of two and step-father of one. For any family, the word cancer is devastating news. As many of us know, cancer doesn't discriminate. It hits people of all ages. Unfortunately, this one has hit us all close to home as it affects a member of our family or a close friend.
I have told Jackie that I would help any way I could, and the biggest need they have is the financial need due to the medical bills that will be coming their way and just the continued day-to-day living with Josh not being able to work. Both Josh and Jackie have very little vacation leave remaining and so much of the time that Josh is off of work will be unpaid.
In times of need many always ask how they can help or they tell you just reach out if you need anything. It is not easy for anyone to admit when they need financial help in times like this. They are both already dealing with so many emotions due to the diagnosis of Josh, and I am starting this site so Josh and Jackie can keep you updated on his progress and status, but also so we can help support them financially.
If you feel you are able to help them, even a little, there is a GoFundMe site created for Josh and linked to this site. Anything you can give would be appreciated,
https://www.gofundme.com/joshs-medical-expense-fund, please feel free to share this link with family and friends.
Josh, Jackie, their children and their parents thank you in advance for all your support, prayers and kind thoughts as they are faced with and go through this very difficult time in their lives.
