William’s Story

Site created on April 11, 2022

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

As many of you know, Bill was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer in August of 2020. In the fall of 2020 he began gene therapy. His new medication worked well until March of 2022. Unfortunately, his cancer mutated. Though his old medication is keeping the cancer in his lungs at bay, the mutated form has moved to the plural lining of his right lung and formed a lesion at the top of his left humorous.

As disheartening as this news is, Bill’s oncology team in Rochester is very hopeful that a new chemo and radiation can stop the spread of the disease. He will begin radiation on his arm tomorrow in Eau Claire. This will consist of three treatments. Next week he will begin a three week long round of treatments on his lung in Rochester. We know this will be a trying time, But Bill is a fighter. He’s survived not one, but THREE liver transplants. He’s tough. We will provide updates as we get them and look forward to everyone’s continued support.

Newest Update

June 26, 2022

Journal entry by Samantha Luedtke —

Bill got to come home today! He still has a nasal feeding tube, mini chest tube, and a PIC line to take iv antibiotics at home. He will have to take the antibiotics until mid July. There is not much coming from the chest tube, so it will hopefully not be permanent! 
Unfortunately I was exposed to COVID, so Bill will be staying at his mom’s house for the foreseeable future. This actually works out for the best as he is still feeling a bit weak and the stairs up to our apartment are pretty daunting. He has several lab draws coming up to see how the infection is coming along. 
I was able to talk to him through the window and he seems in much better spirits than when I saw him last.  Overall, he says that he’s happy to be home and feeling better. Please enjoy this photo of our through the window reunion and remember to wish him a happy birthday tomorrow.
Read More of the journal titled "June 26, 2022"
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