On February 14, 2019 Troy & Tracy received the news that Troy was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. Which means that 80% of the plasma in his bone marrow is cancerous. This is a cancer in which a group of plasma cells become cancerous and multiply. This cancer can damage the bones, immune system, kidneys and red blood count. Multiple Myeloma is not curable and will require a very aggressive treatment- for moments of remission.
Troy has been referred to St. Louis Barnes Hospital for a Stem Cell Transplant and will start with chemo in Decatur, while Oncologists from Decatur & St. Louis work together. Troy and Tracy will also travel St Louis every few weeks, until closer to time of transplant, which will involve staying in hospital for 4+ weeks & then twice a week for couple months, then weekly, then monthly. He will start be receiving chemo infusions once a week & a daily chemo pill for next 4-6 months. Somewhere between 4-6 months he will start receiving Stem Cell Transplant chemo, harvesting cells then transplant of new cells in St Louis, in hopes to put the cancer into remission while harvesting enough cells for his second transplant.
Not only has the devastation of the Multiple Myeloma been difficult for Troy and the family, he now is unable to work and provide for his family. If he is able to return to work, it will only be for a limited time with major limitations for a lengthy time, with time needed off work for weekly treatments and then extended time off for transplant & months for recovery from transplant.
We know that there are lots of you who are wanting to help the Bollinger’s during this fight, so if you would like to donate to the family they would greatly appreciate your generosity. The funds donated will be used to help with travel expenses to St. Louis, additional medical expenses, treatments and or medications not covered by insurance and Cobra insurance premiums. The Bollinger’s would like to thank you for your help and ask for continued prayers through this difficult time.
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