Cancer WILL NOT kill me!

Hello. My name is John Schaefer and on June 14th, 2023 I was diagnosed with one of, if not the rarest, form of gastrointestinal cancers-adenocarcinoma of the duodenum (1st part of the small intestine). I spent most of June 2023 in the hospital and on June 16th I began what would be 8 rounds of chemotherapy that lasted several months. While in the hospital I had: 1 colonoscopy, 4 endoscopies, insertion of a nasogastric tube ( my stomach was severely dilated), insertion of a feeding tube ( see picture- the section of the duodenum affected was 50% narrowed so eating by mouth was impossible), surgical placement of a duodenal stent to prevent more narrowing of the duodenum and surgical placement of a chemotherapy port in my chest.

I survived the 8 rounds of chemotherapy but experience severe residual foot neuropathy as well as neuropathy of the hands.

Unfortunately, although the cancer has not spread, it is wrapped around the major artery that supplies blood to the intestines so surgery is NOT an option. I have consulted with a radiation oncologist but the best i can hope for according to him is shrinkage of the tumor- NOT eliminating it altogether. So I would still have cancer and most likely suffer from the severe side effects of radiation not to mention that it is a possibility that I would still require a feeding tube. And further chemotherapy at this point would not prove beneficial. I was given approximately one year to live.

So conventional cancer treatment has NOTHING further to offer me. I have extensively researched alternative cancer care and have committed to begin treatment at the largest alternative cancer center in the country located in Irvine, California. The problem is that insurance will not cover my care which will run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Not only that, but I had to give up my practice ( I am a chiropractor) and my 2 teaching positions so I have NO INCOME at this point. And yet the bills still keep coming in. Therefore, I have no choice but to ask for some financial assistance.

I have a beautiful girlfriend, an awesome brother and sister, great friends and the greatest dog ( Zoey) anyone could ask for. I want to be around for all of them!

If my story resonates with you I would be most grateful for any help you can provide. If finances are such that you are unable to donate then I simply ask for your prayers- duodenal cancer has a very poor prognosis. I appreciate all of you and thank you for taking the time to read my story.