After George Isabelle got COVID near the end of the lockdown period during the pandemic, he started to get pain in his stomach. Every time he would get sick, the pain would come and then go. Doctors didn’t notice anything too out of the ordinary at first. But it started to get worse, and eventually, George had to go to the ER.
George was told he likely had colon diverticulitis, inflammation in the digestive tract. He was in and out of the hospital for a few months and eventually got to the point of a colonoscopy and then a colon resection. About a week into his recovery, he got the call. Doctors had found cancer hidden in the mass they had taken out, only finding it during a post-surgery biopsy.
George’s team at South Coast helped get him into Dana Farber, and his treatment began with rounds of chemo every other week. Initial estimates for treatment were in the three-month range, but as happens, that timeline almost tripled.
The treatment and recovery process from fighting cancer is always top of mind, but the financial strain of a cancer diagnosis spares no one. George owns a tire business but hasn’t been able to work in over a year due to his diagnosis and limitations on how much he can lift. His fiancé is a schoolteacher. But trying to keep up with a blended family of five kids between ages 11-22 can take its financial toll on anyone.
George’s social workers introduced him to JAF, and he was able to get some help. It started with a gas card for trips back and forth from Rochester, MA, to Dana Farber. A Stop & Shop gift card to help keep up with the cost of food. And from JAF’s flagship Financial Assistance Program, a $650 payment towards George’s family utility bill.
“[The] utility payment came at a perfect time. Pretty much all the money [we] had saved had gone by then.”
With the treatment timeline extended, the utility payment came right when they were almost out. JAF also provided a week’s worth of meals through their partnership with Feast and Fettle when George underwent another surgery around the holidays.
“I appreciate JAF; they helped out tons.”
As of now, George’s prognosis looks promising. Since the surgery in December, his scans have looked good, and he will continue to get checked regularly. He’s back to playing basketball at the gym, swimming, and lifting light weights. He hopes clearance for lifting more than 25 pounds and returning to work will soon come.
George had some awareness of colorectal cancer, as his sister was also diagnosed around age 40. But it wasn’t top of mind, especially after more than 160 tests came back with no sign of it during the initial hospital stays.
“People should listen to their body because if something seems wrong, it probably is. [I] went two years with pain coming and going. Don’t wait as long.”
We agree, George. JAF is glad provide meaningful support during a patient’s cancer journey so they and worry less about their everyday expenses and focus on their health.