Chris's Battle
Donation protected
As some of you may know Chris was diagnosed with stage 3 inoperable Pancreatic Cancer. The tumor is wrapped around the major artery "Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA)that supplies blood to the other organs such as the liver, kidneys etc. The location means that the tumor cannot be surgically removed.
Chris had hopes of qualifying for a clinical trial called Photo Dynamics. This innovative treatment has been used quite successfully in other cancer tumors but never before tried on the pancreas. Unfortunately he did not qualify for the study.
Chemo is the next option. Chris had a port placed recently to start his treatment. Each session is once every two weeks. We have no idea how many session it will take.
Nancy and Chris have been completely overwhelmed with the love and support of everyone. This has been a whirlwind to say the least. The doctor was originally looking for a hiatal hernia when they happened upon the mass on his pancreas. Chris has unfortunately had many experiences with cancer in his family prior to his own diagnosis. His mother died at 41 years old of breast cancer as did her mother before her and subsequently all of his aunts as well. His brother passed away from pancreatic cancer 13 years ago at the age of 50. Needless to say there is a grave concern for his daughters and nieces since this seems to be linked back to his mother's side of the family.
Chris is in good spirits and his family is strong. He is blessed to have a 30 year marriage and the love and support of his daughters. He is not about to give up and he hopes all of you will never give up either.
Chris has worked for a great company, Eli Lilly / Elanco for the past 26 years. This company and the people working there have always been a huge inspiration to him. Unfortunately due to treatment he will be taking some time off, and his pay will be decreasing quickly and this is making it difficult to stay on top of bills and provide for his family.
Chris and Nancy feel blessed with all of the support that they are receiving both emotionally and financially.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Chris had hopes of qualifying for a clinical trial called Photo Dynamics. This innovative treatment has been used quite successfully in other cancer tumors but never before tried on the pancreas. Unfortunately he did not qualify for the study.
Chemo is the next option. Chris had a port placed recently to start his treatment. Each session is once every two weeks. We have no idea how many session it will take.
Nancy and Chris have been completely overwhelmed with the love and support of everyone. This has been a whirlwind to say the least. The doctor was originally looking for a hiatal hernia when they happened upon the mass on his pancreas. Chris has unfortunately had many experiences with cancer in his family prior to his own diagnosis. His mother died at 41 years old of breast cancer as did her mother before her and subsequently all of his aunts as well. His brother passed away from pancreatic cancer 13 years ago at the age of 50. Needless to say there is a grave concern for his daughters and nieces since this seems to be linked back to his mother's side of the family.
Chris is in good spirits and his family is strong. He is blessed to have a 30 year marriage and the love and support of his daughters. He is not about to give up and he hopes all of you will never give up either.
Chris has worked for a great company, Eli Lilly / Elanco for the past 26 years. This company and the people working there have always been a huge inspiration to him. Unfortunately due to treatment he will be taking some time off, and his pay will be decreasing quickly and this is making it difficult to stay on top of bills and provide for his family.
Chris and Nancy feel blessed with all of the support that they are receiving both emotionally and financially.
Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Organizer
Chris Gartrell
Organizer
Greenfield, IN
