Well... surgical consult is April 6th and surgery is... April 7th. At Massachusetts General.
We are SO not prepared. But we're going to get it done anyway.
We're not ready when it comes to the house, or the transportation, or the financials... but we're going to do it anyway.
The surgery Chris will be going through is called a neck dissection. Essentially the neck is opened up and all of the offending lymph nodes (plus one set of lymph nodes beyond) are removed. Do NOT google unless you have a strong stomach.
The recovery will be what you'd expect from having your neck cut into, pulled apart, and sewn back together. Inability to use neck muscles. Inability to eat solid food. Inability to make sudden movements. Plus the threat of neck lymphedema (backup of lymph fluid causing swelling in the area). Since Chris already has neck lymphedema it's going to be a problem.
So... with limited ability to use his neck muscles, a necessary avoidance of sudden movement, and a need to stay upright, it's not exactly going to be life as normal here.
What we need:
- A recliner, to keep him upright and supported, as well as comfortable.
- Another bed, so I can sleep somewhere other than with him.
- Transportation to and from Mass General, for the consult, surgery, discharge, and visiting him while he's in the hospital for the 2 - 7 days necessary. We're almost certainly going to need a rental car.
- Cash to pay the bills. We are still short on rent and other bills, and food money will be an issue soon.
We really, really need your help. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. If you can't give please share this. It's not just about keeping Chris alive, it's also about making sure our 3 year old has a father. If you know anything about our 3 year old you know just how important keeping his dad around will be.
Any help you can give would get us closer to Chris surviving and our lives going back to normal.
I still have a GoFundMe set up, and PayPal to chris@chrisbyrne.com always works.
Thank you,
Mel
