Jason's Ongoing Battle with Cancer
Donation protected
Marie and I are thankful for all the support we have received from family and friends. We can't thank you enough. It is never easy to ask for help especially when you know that others have their own health/work issues.
Here is my history for those that do not know or who have missed updates over time.
In May 2007 I went in due to a swollen left leg and after many doctors and different tests it was determined I had a very large mass growing from the muscle that connects the left leg to my pelvis. The doctors in Des Moines, IA attempted to remove it in June but did not feel they had the skills because of the complexity of the blood vessels surrounding it. Eventually I was able to be seen by the doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN about three and a half hours north of Des Moines. On November 5, 2007, they performed a 16 hour or so surgery to remove an 8 LB tumor. They were able to keep the leg but I lost many nerves so at least half the leg is nonfunctional and requires me to wear a brace for support to walk outside the home. Long journeys require a wheelchair or scooter.
Stayed cancer free for at least three years during check ups but stopped due to out of pocket expenses. In August 2013 I went to doctor due to a bulge near my belly button that had grown and become firm. A quick scan and it was determined my cancer had returned. I quickly went back to Mayo and they said for the best chance of getting all the cancer involved removal of the left leg and part of the pelvis. After a delay due to short term disability coverage with work, surgery was set for early March 2014. The day before they had a consult set up and said they were canceling because scans showed new tumors and growth from January to March. They said the surgery would be of no benefit and more detrimental to my life. The only option was to try chemotherapy and see if it worked. I started treatment in late March in Des Moines so I could be home and close to friends and support. With some short breaks to physically recover I have been having treatments from March 2014 to January 2015 and to keep the cancer ‘stable’ or from growing and spreading will continue until either it no longer effective or I can no longer physically tolerate them. I have not had any nausea but have had physical weakness, achyness, fatigue, loss of appetite and taste as well as other things I won’t mention, lol. I have lost nearly all hair on my body, and have many bruises and chemo burns from treatments. I soon will have a port installed due to my veins becoming harder to use.
To sum up there are many outstanding bills from Mayo and local doctors offices. These are the ones not covered by insurance that I am responsible to pay. My father has been making monthly payments for the largest one so that I am not blocked from visiting Mayo. I would like to get rid of that one so he does not have to make any further payments as my parents are retired and he is taking care of my mom who has worsening dementia. Marie is working full time at Chick Fil A, is very happy there and they have been very supportive over the years. I have been receiving Social Security Disability payments since July as I can no longer work my old call center job due to unpredictable effects of chemo. This has cut my income in half making things tight but manageable so far. We just stared paying for insurance in January outside of work. That is roughly $750 a month for both of us but is the best we can get for the price that gives us the what we need. I am looking for part time work that I can do from home. I would love to be able to do woodworking and think that be a good supplement but will take time to get established as well as the needed tools and place to do the work. It has been a great way to relax and brings me great satisfaction as I know that what I build or repair will be around for a long time.
Well, that is about it. I hope it answers questions but if you have any please contact me as I will gladly answer them. I humbly ask that you share this with anyone that you know who may be willing to help. While I do not expect those that have previously given to give more I cannot stop what you feel you need to do. Things are very difficult for many of us as I know many of my friends are dealing with their own severe health issues that include cancer battles in some cases. Marie and I thank you for reading this and sharing this, and if you chose to donate we thank you for your generosity as well.
Update Nov 2016
My recent check up has discovered a new tumor on right side of my abdomen. I speak with surgeon soon and oncologist but it looks like surgery then chemo. Still unable to work and no reserves left nor can family help anymore.
Live Strong and Live Well.
Love,
Jason & Marie
Here is my history for those that do not know or who have missed updates over time.
In May 2007 I went in due to a swollen left leg and after many doctors and different tests it was determined I had a very large mass growing from the muscle that connects the left leg to my pelvis. The doctors in Des Moines, IA attempted to remove it in June but did not feel they had the skills because of the complexity of the blood vessels surrounding it. Eventually I was able to be seen by the doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN about three and a half hours north of Des Moines. On November 5, 2007, they performed a 16 hour or so surgery to remove an 8 LB tumor. They were able to keep the leg but I lost many nerves so at least half the leg is nonfunctional and requires me to wear a brace for support to walk outside the home. Long journeys require a wheelchair or scooter.
Stayed cancer free for at least three years during check ups but stopped due to out of pocket expenses. In August 2013 I went to doctor due to a bulge near my belly button that had grown and become firm. A quick scan and it was determined my cancer had returned. I quickly went back to Mayo and they said for the best chance of getting all the cancer involved removal of the left leg and part of the pelvis. After a delay due to short term disability coverage with work, surgery was set for early March 2014. The day before they had a consult set up and said they were canceling because scans showed new tumors and growth from January to March. They said the surgery would be of no benefit and more detrimental to my life. The only option was to try chemotherapy and see if it worked. I started treatment in late March in Des Moines so I could be home and close to friends and support. With some short breaks to physically recover I have been having treatments from March 2014 to January 2015 and to keep the cancer ‘stable’ or from growing and spreading will continue until either it no longer effective or I can no longer physically tolerate them. I have not had any nausea but have had physical weakness, achyness, fatigue, loss of appetite and taste as well as other things I won’t mention, lol. I have lost nearly all hair on my body, and have many bruises and chemo burns from treatments. I soon will have a port installed due to my veins becoming harder to use.
To sum up there are many outstanding bills from Mayo and local doctors offices. These are the ones not covered by insurance that I am responsible to pay. My father has been making monthly payments for the largest one so that I am not blocked from visiting Mayo. I would like to get rid of that one so he does not have to make any further payments as my parents are retired and he is taking care of my mom who has worsening dementia. Marie is working full time at Chick Fil A, is very happy there and they have been very supportive over the years. I have been receiving Social Security Disability payments since July as I can no longer work my old call center job due to unpredictable effects of chemo. This has cut my income in half making things tight but manageable so far. We just stared paying for insurance in January outside of work. That is roughly $750 a month for both of us but is the best we can get for the price that gives us the what we need. I am looking for part time work that I can do from home. I would love to be able to do woodworking and think that be a good supplement but will take time to get established as well as the needed tools and place to do the work. It has been a great way to relax and brings me great satisfaction as I know that what I build or repair will be around for a long time.
Well, that is about it. I hope it answers questions but if you have any please contact me as I will gladly answer them. I humbly ask that you share this with anyone that you know who may be willing to help. While I do not expect those that have previously given to give more I cannot stop what you feel you need to do. Things are very difficult for many of us as I know many of my friends are dealing with their own severe health issues that include cancer battles in some cases. Marie and I thank you for reading this and sharing this, and if you chose to donate we thank you for your generosity as well.
Update Nov 2016
My recent check up has discovered a new tumor on right side of my abdomen. I speak with surgeon soon and oncologist but it looks like surgery then chemo. Still unable to work and no reserves left nor can family help anymore.
Live Strong and Live Well.
Love,
Jason & Marie
Organizer
Jason Keller
Organizer
Des Moines, IA