Loss of Speech, But Not My Spirit
As I begin my second week of unexpected unemployment, I continue pushing through my daily speech therapy exercises, hoping to regain some strength in my voice. Mornings are the hardest. My throat and lungs are congested, and it takes a good cup of coffee in the morning sun before I can speak. Even then, my voice is strained. As the day goes on, my left vocal cord tires. By evening, I can barely whisper, and speaking becomes painful.
My career as an IT project manager relied on my ability to lead meetings, guide teams, and communicate clearly. Right now, that part of my life is on pause. I continue working closely with my speech therapist and have a follow-up appointment on August 11. I’m not giving up. I’m doing everything I can to get my voice, career, and life back. Until that time, I have applied for Social Security Disability. I also plan on doing interior painting to make some money.
Trying to Make Ends Meet, One Brushstroke at a Time
If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable interior painter with decades of experience, I would be grateful for the opportunity to help. My voice may be quiet, but my work ethic speaks for itself.
My son Gregory and I are now planning on working together through his small business, GJ Hospitality LLC. Painting has been unexpectedly therapeutic. It keeps me active, gives me time with my son, and helps support our family. We take pride in every job, never rush, and always use high-quality brushes and materials. We double-check every wall for drips or missed spots, treating each home like it’s our own.
If you or someone you know needs a room refreshed, please send them this link. It truly makes a difference.
Scan Day is Set — September 8
On July 31, I met with my oncologist and received another infusion of Keytruda, the immunotherapy drug that is part of my treatment plan. We also scheduled a CT scan for September 8.
That scan will reveal whether the cancer is shrinking or growing. It is a huge moment. If the tumors are smaller, it means the treatments and lifestyle changes are working. If the cancer has progressed, the scan may also help estimate how much time I have left. That is a tough possibility to face.
Still, I am holding onto hope. I believe that what we focus on grows. I am choosing to focus on healing.
High-Dose Vitamin C (HDIVC) Infusions — Halfway There
So far, I have completed 12 of the planned 24 High-Dose Vitamin C infusions through The Drip Bar in Edina, Minnesota. It is a clean, welcoming place that offers wellness treatments for all kinds of people, not just cancer patients.
They have not been able to use my infusion port like the hospital does, which means they have to use my veins the traditional way. Most of the time it goes well, but one difficult session left a painful bruise. Still, I show up, because every infusion matters. Thanks to your support, I have now reached 79% of my GoFundMe goal for these treatments.
Here is how your donations help
Every dollar you give supports my ability to keep going: Donate Now
- HDIVC Therapy ($9,000): 3 months of immune-boosting, cancer-fighting infusions
- Botox Injections ($8,000 annually): Targeted treatment to reduce neck spasms and daily pain
- Copays and Coinsurance ($10,000 annually): Out-of-pocket expenses for ongoing cancer treatment
- Lost Wages: I can no longer work as an IT Project Manager due to my damaged vocal cord and cancer fatigue
This is the hardest chapter yet.
Not just because of the pain, but because I still want to be a dad, a husband, a provider. I want more time. I want a chance.
If you’ve ever wondered whether one share, one prayer, or one donation makes a difference — I promise you, it does.
Thank you for walking beside me.
With gratitude,
Wayne
Medical bills are piling up as cancer treatments continue. Wayne cannot fight this alone. Please, if you’re able, donate to his GoFundMe and help lighten this heavy load.