Tulsa Family Fighting Cancer Hopeful About New Treatment

A Tulsa family hopes the only thing standing between them and a cancer cure is a new treatment, but they’re running out of time and money.

“If he doesn’t get this treatment, he’s, it’s already been four months and they gave him six months to two years,” said Melissa Bowyer about her husband’s prognosis.

Johnny Bowyer is just 48 years old.  He’s celebrating his 49th birthday in a few days.

Bowyer has been fighting an aggressive form of cancer for six years and now he needs an $80,000 life-saving treatment.

“The cancer I’ve got can grow in three different spurts or speeds, so there are three types of neuroendocrine carcinoma in me and I’ve got a tumor they’re not able to get out,” he said.

When it comes to fighting, Bowyer knows how to fight back – he’s been beating the odds now for six years – but he says he’s running out of strength.

“I can already feel that it’s taking over by the tiredness and stuff like that,” said Bowyer.

Right by his side is wife, Melissa.

“This is pretty much his last hope because, you know, we’ve tried everything else,” she said.

They’ve gone for treatments in Oklahoma City, Chicago, and Houston.

“He’s had three major surgeries and four minor surgeries,” Melissa said.

But there is one more chance for a cure – a treatment the FDA approved this year called Lutathera.

“Those four treatments, there’s $20,000 a piece,” said Bowyer.  “Equals up to around $80,000 for the four treatments that I need to put it in remission.”

The Bowyer’s say their story is not just about his health, but about love – a love story that started at LaFortune park nearly 30 years ago.

They had their first date at the park and their love story quickly grew from there.

“I just love being in love,” declared Melissa.

“She’s my rock,” Johnny said.  “I couldn’t ask for a better caregiver.”

So one step at a time, not knowing what the next step will bring, they know they will weather the next storm together, hand in hand.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help with Johnny Bowyer's expenses.