04/22/2022
Allen Fisher update: Allen has been in a lot more pain over the past few days. He has been complaining of extreme liver pain, that he says, feels like he is being stabbed in the side. Hospice says that this is the natural disease progression. He has lost some weight recently (which he does not have to lose). Since Allen has been on hospice for 2 years (In August) hospice has made some talk about having him go in for blood work so they can see where his numbers are. This is something I have been requesting for months now, but because hospice is not "life prolonging" they have not seen a need for it. However, since it has been 2 years and he is due for reevaluation, they are considering it. A MELD score tells us how well (or not) a liver is functioning. The score runs from 6-40 and the last time Allen's was checked, prior to being admitted onto hospice, I believe his was a 28.
Since I have been back to work, he has been working with his CNA on trying to increase mobility and gain some weight back. They have started doing some light yoga, we he is up for it, Unfortunately, due to this sudden increase in pain, he has not even been able to eat much, let along get up and move around. His teeth are not helping, as we have been working on getting them fully removed, but we have ran into some issues and he has since been referred to a specialist. In the meantime, that is another source of pain and contributing to the weight loss, as it makes it difficult to eat.
We were super hopeful, when my boss mentioned an alternative, trial for treatment, that was in Panama. He said that if we could get approved for the treatment, he would work with us on raising the funds. Unfortunately, we got the news not too long ago, that Allen was denied for this experimental treatment option that looked super promising. We have since went back to the drawing board. There are a few other treatment options that we have found and are hoping to try if and when the funds are available to do so. We want to start with reflexology, local IV therapy ( we have done IV therapy in the past that was tailored to Allen's specific needs, However the clinic was out of state and extremely costly. Just the blood testing and initial round of treatment was $5,000 that we held a benefit to raise. But it became increasingly costly and difficult to expect him to travel out of state for the weekend for every transfusion and be away from the home and family. I have since found a place, that is local, that offers much of the same thing, but it is not tailored to a person's individual needs. It is more of a one size for everyone type of thing, but I still believe that this is a great option for him. The IV will ensure, that Allen is getting the optimal absorption, that he can from these much needed vitamins and minerals. By utilizing intravenous vitamins and minerals, we can bypass his liver and his body having to break everything down. losing much of their value. We are also interested in oxygen chamber therapy. If anyone has any referrals, or information on any of these things, I would not mind! I am doing what I can to save up to start some of these therapies. If anyone is interested in helping to get this process going funds can be donated to his life prolonging treatments through venmo -Fisher-2013 or Cashapp at $FisherFamilyHelp.
I am also working on putting together an online auction and possibly another benefit. If funds are not available positive energy, healing vibes, thoughts, visits and prayers are always welcome. Cards and pick me ups can also be sent to Allen at PO Box 35984 Des Moines, Iowa 50315. He absolutely loves receiving mail but he does have troubles with dexterity, making it hard for him to write back. Just know that we love and appreciate you all and all of the help. love, prayers and support we have received thus far. It means so much to us and our family.
