My name is Shawn DeBock. On December 30th, my life changed forever.
In December, I went to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for my regular 6-month pelvis to head CT scan, since I had a previous cancer in 2021. The scan showed what was suspected to be a large tumor in my colon. My oncologist told me they suspected I possibly had colon cancer.
Fast forward to February 2025. A colonoscopy was done, which confirmed that I had a 5cm tumor in the sigmoid section of my colon.
Fast forward to March, I saw a colorectal cancer surgeon where I was told I would need surgery.
On April 1st, I started my unpaid extended leave from my job. On April 2nd, I had successful surgery to remove the adenocarcinoma tumor from the sigmoid section of the colon, and my colon was resectioned so I wouldn’t need a colostomy bag. Two days later, I developed complications from the surgery and developed a blockage in my colon. They were able to locate and unblock it without surgery.
Upon coming home, I tried applying for disability, which was denied. The only way I could get short-term is if I knew I were dying or if I would be off work for a year.
Unemployment wasn’t much better. I needed to be available to work. My workplace has neither short nor long-term FMLA.
- At the end of April, I had my follow-up with the colorectal surgeon. The surgery was a success; they were able to remove all the cancer from my colon. But there’s always a but, the cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes, and they had to remove the four which were cancerous. I saw the colorectal cancer specialist the next morning. He told me that my colon was 100% cancer-free, but again, there’s always a but. They suspect there’s a 95% chance that I am actually cancer-free. I was told there was a high-risk possibility of a recurrence. I was told that I need 8 rounds total of oxaliplatin infusion chemotherapy and 8 rounds of capecitabine pill form. I’ve had 2 rounds of both so far. The oxaliplatin infusions have made it kinda impossible to go back to work. My next infusions are June 18th, July 9th, and July 30th. Three other infusions will be scheduled after my CT scan at the end of July. One of the side effects is severe pain flare-ups in the back and abdomen. If I had to describe that pain, it feels like being stabbed over and over. For pain management, I’m allowed extra strength Tylenol every 6 hours.
- The reason for this fundraiser is for the high deductible my insurance makes me pay, any medical issues which may occur due to the chemotherapies, and for any expenses which have occurred from not being able to work.
- No donation is too small, and if you aren’t able to donate, please share.
- My thanks and gratitude are in advance.
