A cure for Chris!! Cancer: Round 2

We are raising money to assist our brother, who is currently fighting his second battle with cancer in less than a year. 8 months ago, we celebrated, as we thought this battle was won.  On December 21, 2016, we received devastating news; the cancer was back and extremely aggressive.  His team of doctors have said unfortunately, this time the cancer is incurable, inoperable, and traditional chemo is not an option. The goal now is to contain the cancer and keep it from spreading any farther. He has an incredible uphill battle ahead of him. Christopher has never been the type to ask for help, but the cost of his meds, tests, scans, and trips to the specialists continue to add up and we want to do whatever we can to keep his focus on fighting this terrible disease and not on money!

It’s hard to describe exactly what Chris means to our family. He’s the guy who’s always smiling, always joking, or trying to gross you out… basically whatever it takes to get a laugh! His no boundaries, no holds barred approach to life and humor definitely make him a favorite among his nieces and nephews! (and he’s Mom’s favorite…everyone knows it) Chris has always had our backs, as a brother, a friend, and even as a father figure when needed! Now it’s time for us to return the favor!! We need to keep this guy around for a long, long time! Anything you can do for our family during this time, whether it be sharing this post or donating, would definitely be appreciated!! Please take a minute to read Christopher’s story below!

 

Here is his story in his own words:


On April 29th, 2016 I had the tumor surgically removed. It measured a MASSIVE 14cm. Also removed were a 7" length of my intestine, and a portion of my colon. I was initially diagnosed as having a GIST, however after genetic testing at Sloan Kettering in NYC, I was re-diagnosed as Malignant Fibrous Sarcoma. At the time I was told I would not require chemotherapy or radiation, and was placed on a medication called Gleevec.

It was a long, difficult, painful recovery, and as of August 2016 I was 100% cancer free. That brings us to present day. I began having abdominal pain once again in November.

After a few tests, a CT scan, and a liver biopsy, I was diagnosed on December 21st, 2016 with Stage 4 Malignant Fibrous Sarcoma, however this time there are 6 scattered tumors rather than 1 large one.

At this point in time, I am diagnosed as incurable, inoperable, and chemotherapy is not an option for me. I have 3 tumors on my liver, 2 in my abdomen (1 of which is already 5cm in approx. 2 months), and another tumor in my pelvis. In order to assist in keeping the cancer from growing or spreading, I was prescribed a medication called Sutent, whether it will work or not remains to be seen. I was also put on Lovenox injections, as blood clots were discovered in my lungs.

A little about myself - I am 41 years old, and a US Army veteran. I received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 1998 after 2 enlistments. I served as a 12B / Combat Engineer. I was with 82nd Engineer Batallion in Bamberg, Germany, and 43rd Combat Engineer Co in Ft Carson, CO.

Since my time in the Army, I have mostly been involved in retail management for several years. I have to say, I've lived a pretty full life. I've served my country, travelled the world, made friends in several countries, I've been a successful businessman, I also have been dedicated to rescuing, adopting & rehabilitating Boxers, however the life achievement I am most proud of, is being an Uncle of 3 beautiful nieces and 6 kick-ass nephews. They mean the world to me, and I'd like to be around for them as long as I can.

As of right now, I have not been given a prognosis as extreme as a certain time period to live, and I don't intend to give up or quit fighting at any time, ever. I will never, ever allow this disease to have power over me. I firmly believe that the mind keeps the body strong, and in my case, cancer has found one of the strongest minds it could ever encounter. I will remain positive, strong, hopeful and vigilant. As far as I'm concerned, there is no other option!

Thank you for your time, thank you for reading, and know that any amount received goes directly toward my medical expenses, past, present and future. You can feel confident that you are investing in someone determined to win!!

I will update this campaign as new information comes to fruition, my first follow-up is January 6th, 2017.

**WARNING** some of the accompanying photos are not for the squeamish!!!