News/Updates Archive

The following are the News/Updates that were made prior to the move to a blog to handle future updates....

May 7th, 2009
Update from Richard

I saw a new primary care doctor today in this area who should be able to help me since we just moved. On top of everything else going on, he said I've got a hernia as well. We're thinking that the pains I keep having in my groin area might be from that. It seems like I feel pain at random times, from just walking to picking up stuff, but it's really sporadic. One day could be good, the next - ouch - so it's been hard to pin down. At least now we know what the probable cause is. The doctor also said that there could just be general pain anyway from the surgery as the muscles are weakened there. He recommended we bring it up to the UofM doctors the next time we're there, since UofM likes to have 'control' of the total healthcare.

We're still waiting on my medical records as well. We put in the request in March and between them sending the info to the wrong address and poor customer service, I still am having a hard time getting them.

Oh yeah, we brought up getting my port flushed and blood work also. I want to find someplace around here that can do it, so I don't have to drive to UofM for that - it's about a 7 hour round trip. The doctor said Gerber Hospital in Fremont should be able to. I'm going to call them in a minute to see.

April 4th, 2009
Update from Brianne

Due to the financial struggles Richard and Brianne have faced, March 2009 they surrendered their home. They now live with family on the east side of the state. This move not only aides in financial situations, but also increases Richards quality of life.

Richard is now off Chemotheropy, but has to undergo tri-monthly tests to observe the growth of his tumors. If and when there appears to be changes, he will again start his chemotheropy again. Richard also needs monthly power port flushes. Brianne and Rich are in the process of finding a new Dr. in their area that is capable of taking on this rare cancer. Please keep God leads them to the right Dr.

April 7th, 2008
Update from Corey

A special thanks goes out to Allison LeVeque for setting up a benifit on April 26th, at the Sawmill Saloon in Big Rapids, Michigan. The show will feature live performances by T. K. Kelly, Kheperu, and Doctor Bob’s Medicine Show. Show starts at 9pm and there is a $3 cover. All proceeds will go to support Richard.

April 4th, 2008
Update from Brianne

Richards surgery was a success. The port will be used today for the first time for his CT scan.

March 29th, 2008
Update from Brianne

Medical Bill Frustrations!
We got another bill from U of M, but the $25 monthly was for the physician.... we now owe them $2,500, but now we still owe the hospital $29,000 and we are trying to set up a payment plan.

March 20th, 2008
Update from Brianne

April 1st Richard has to go to U of M to get a PORT placed. This port will allow them to take blood and do injections. it is permanent and will be under his skin.

April 4th Rich has to get CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis as a guide to help them see if the treatments are working.

On Richards birthday, April 10th he has his first chemo and infusion treatment. All together this will take 9 hours. Yes, Richard will be losing his hair due to the chemo. We will also have to get him masks to wear a day or so after treatment cause his immune system will be lower. He will have to get this done every other week. Chemo will be done the same appointment, but only once a month.

But there is Good news!!
U of M is now covered under Richards insurance, so they are working out a plan to get everything resolved. They approved us for $25 monthly payments. The amount we owe them as stated on our most recent bill ( March 18, 2008) $7023.30 for the physician bills.

Richard has also been approved for disability ($1400/monthly) He gets it the second wed of the month. Although he can not get Medicade until her has been disabled for a year. So we have to pay $767.67 monthly to keep COBRA going for a year.

February 2008
Update from Brianne

During his Dr. appointment with the surgeon Feb. 22nd the Dr. said that the surgery was not a cure, but to buy Richard time. His lymph node shows that his cancer is more active now that three months ago. We are waiting to hear from the oncologist on when he is to get another scan to show how active it is and to see if the treatment will even be taken in by the tumors.

The tumors are in his lungs and also in his lymph nodes.

March 19th Richard has an appointment with the infectious disease Dr. the one who is taking charge over the kidney infection...His surgeon is also concerned about the tumor attacking Richards left kidney since it was touching it prior to removal....

Dr. Hafez agreed with the oncologist about the prognosis of 5 years.

January 2008
Update from Brianne

Richard was in the hospital from January 8th through the 12th due to a kidney infection. He has been on Amoxacilin since. They said he will need to stay on this for another 6 months at least.

Bowling Fundraiser
Friday October 19th, 2007

A fundraiser was held for Richard at Sunnybrook Lanes in Sterling Heights, Michigan on 10/19/2007. In total $5,500 was raised. The event was put together by Robin Gladki (Rich's Aunt) and Chris Ramos (Rich's Mother). Many thanks go out to all who attended and contributed to the Richard Manetta fund!