Jen Herman
Donation protected
Jen Herman is an outstanding 3rd grade teacher at Tritt Elementary of East Cobb in Marietta GA. She and her husband, Mike, also have a 10th grade daughter at Pope High School in East Cobb. Jen faces a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer that is hopeful. Here is her story:
In June, Jen started feeling discomfort in her chest. After weeks of no improvement, she made a trip to the ER on June 21st. After testing, she was admitted to the hospital, remaining there nearly 3 weeks until July 10th. While in the hospital, Jen underwent multiple x-rays, CT Scans and blood tests to determine the primary cause of what was diagnosed as Pancreatitis.
The X-rays and CT scans did not reveal any clear cause for the Pancreatitis. Her gall bladder was removed, but the problems persisted. Jen was allowed to go home with a follow up procedure scheduled to check progress. That follow up procedure identified an area of concern in the pancreas that was still inflamed.
A biopsy of this area was taken and was identified as Pancreatic Cancer.
Jen received the news at school on August 2nd. This was the 2nd day of a new school year and she was eager and excited to pour into a new group of students. However, plans changed quickly. Jen met with the surgeon on August 3rd and due to the amount of imaging and testing that had already occurred, the surgeon was comfortable operating quickly.
She underwent an intense Whipple Surgery on August 9th, taking 5 1/2 hours. Then, complications from the surgery would require close watch on Jen’s condition and make for a slow recovery in the hospital for an unexpected full month. Though still facing complications, the doctors felt it best to send Jen home from the hospital. However, she was still unable to eat solid food. Once home, daily nutrition came in the form of overnight supplemental IV infusions and over the next couple weeks, Jen began to slowly investigate basic foods that would allow her to eat and eventually shed the IV nutrition.
In order to provide the best chance of long term remission/survival, Jen has started an aggressive course of chemo therapy. Jen’s chemo therapy began on October 8th and is scheduled for approximately 12 cycles over the next 6 months. Due to the risk of infection, she will not be able to work during this time.
As you can imagine, the bills are incredible. This GoFundMe is simply an effort to assist and relieve some of the substantial financial burden of the uncovered portion of medical expenses. With almost 50 days in the hospital, 2 surgeries, medications, upcoming 6 month chemo etc., the expenses are daunting, even with medial coverage. That being said, we are thankful for any consideration as we help support this wonderful family and East Cobb teacher. She is certainly a very special lady. Both of my girls had her in 3rd grade and now my son is a part of her current classroom. Please join us as we pray for her complete healing and recovery. And, as you are compelled, we would appreciate your support to help this sweet family. Thank you for every consideration!
In June, Jen started feeling discomfort in her chest. After weeks of no improvement, she made a trip to the ER on June 21st. After testing, she was admitted to the hospital, remaining there nearly 3 weeks until July 10th. While in the hospital, Jen underwent multiple x-rays, CT Scans and blood tests to determine the primary cause of what was diagnosed as Pancreatitis.
The X-rays and CT scans did not reveal any clear cause for the Pancreatitis. Her gall bladder was removed, but the problems persisted. Jen was allowed to go home with a follow up procedure scheduled to check progress. That follow up procedure identified an area of concern in the pancreas that was still inflamed.
A biopsy of this area was taken and was identified as Pancreatic Cancer.
Jen received the news at school on August 2nd. This was the 2nd day of a new school year and she was eager and excited to pour into a new group of students. However, plans changed quickly. Jen met with the surgeon on August 3rd and due to the amount of imaging and testing that had already occurred, the surgeon was comfortable operating quickly.
She underwent an intense Whipple Surgery on August 9th, taking 5 1/2 hours. Then, complications from the surgery would require close watch on Jen’s condition and make for a slow recovery in the hospital for an unexpected full month. Though still facing complications, the doctors felt it best to send Jen home from the hospital. However, she was still unable to eat solid food. Once home, daily nutrition came in the form of overnight supplemental IV infusions and over the next couple weeks, Jen began to slowly investigate basic foods that would allow her to eat and eventually shed the IV nutrition.
In order to provide the best chance of long term remission/survival, Jen has started an aggressive course of chemo therapy. Jen’s chemo therapy began on October 8th and is scheduled for approximately 12 cycles over the next 6 months. Due to the risk of infection, she will not be able to work during this time.
As you can imagine, the bills are incredible. This GoFundMe is simply an effort to assist and relieve some of the substantial financial burden of the uncovered portion of medical expenses. With almost 50 days in the hospital, 2 surgeries, medications, upcoming 6 month chemo etc., the expenses are daunting, even with medial coverage. That being said, we are thankful for any consideration as we help support this wonderful family and East Cobb teacher. She is certainly a very special lady. Both of my girls had her in 3rd grade and now my son is a part of her current classroom. Please join us as we pray for her complete healing and recovery. And, as you are compelled, we would appreciate your support to help this sweet family. Thank you for every consideration!
Organizer and beneficiary
Heather Swilley Taylor
Organizer
Marietta, GA
Jennifer Herman
Beneficiary
