Austin's Conquer Cancer Fund

Short Summary about Austin's Cancer Treatment:

Austin was recently diagnosed with Cancerous stage III Hodgkin's- Lymphoma. While undergoing the first rounds of chemo therapy, Austin had several potentially permanent side-affects from his treatment, including damage to his heart and circulatory system from one of the drugs which was administered to him called "Doxorubicin". Despite battling cancer, doctors informed Austin and his family that it appears that Austin's heart's ability to pump blood was greatly damaged from admission of Doxorubicin . Austin will now be going to Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, on July 22, 2021 for further treatment and medical advice on this unfortunate situation. Austin and his family would appreciate any shares or donations about Austin's story. Thank you for your help and support- Levar Family

Full Story about Austin's Cancer Treatment:

It was the week of Thanksgiving 2020, when Austin started reporting that he was exhibiting symptoms of sudden weight loss, extreme fatigue, fever, nausea, and chills. The symptoms lasted through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, prompting Austin to get two Covid-19 rapid tests, both thankfully coming back as negative. With Covid ruled out, Austin then scheduled a checkup with his general physician. Upon meeting with the physician, it was discovered that Austin had multiple swollen lymph nodes in his neck and under his left arm. The Physician decided to send Austin to a lab for bloodwork, thinking that the swollen lymph nodes were due to an immune response from a virus. When Austin’s bloodwork arrived a few days later, it indicated that he had abnormally low hemoglobin count. The physician suggested again that Austin’s low hemoglobin count could be Influenza or another type of virus. Austin was put on antibiotics and told that he can return to work.

On December 12, 2020, Austin was at work, driving his company’s delivery truck when he suddenly experienced stroke-like symptoms, including loss of vision, chest numbness, slurred speech, and loss of feelings in his arm and hand. Austin was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital emergency room and later admitted to the hospital. As medical staff evaluated Austin and conducted various CT and MRI scans, as well as blood tests to determine what was causing his symptoms, the CT scans revealed there was swollen lymph nodes, and fluid in his pericardial sac, causing swelling around his heart. The lymph nodes were excised and the fluid drained, both were sent to the lab for a cytology work up. On December 17th, 2020, medical staff cleared Austin for discharge.

For the next few days, Austin reported feeling better, so that he was able to return to work. With Christmas approaching and Austin feeling better, it seemed the worst was behind him. On December 24th, 2020, Doctors from Sarasota Memorial Hospital called to tell Austin the results of his cytology tests. The diagnosis, Hodgkin’s-Lymphoma, and it seemed aggressive; the doctors recommended immediate treatment of chemotherapy, which they scheduled to begin on January 29th, and possible radiation therapy to follow. As you can imagine, the news was devastating, but with Austin’s positive mindset, he began rallying support to confront Hodgkin's-Lymphoma and to conquer the unconquerable. Unfortunately, Austin had to resign from his position, after his diagnosis and the unknown demands of his rigorous treatment.

Austin met with a team of oncologists, who told him what to expect for the upcoming chemotherapy and possible radiation treatments. The Oncologist was able to determine that the Lymphoma was mainly isolated in Austin’s upper body, on his left side, near and around his neck and heart regions. Oncologists warned that the particular type of chemotherapy that Austin would undergo had a chemical in it called Doxorubicin, which could negatively affect the heart's ability to pump blood; however it is rare for this to happen, apparently affecting only 5% of all patients who receive chemo including Doxorubicin. Austin accepted the risks and replied, “What are you going do, let's get it over with”. In that moment, the strength of my brother brought tremendous confidence that he was prepared for the long road ahead.

As of the completion of his third cycle of chemo it was recommended that he complete an echocardiogram. The base line revealed an ejection fraction of > 60. The results of this echocardiogram reported a decrease in his ejection fraction of less than 40. This was the first negative complication related to Doxorubicin also known as the “Red Devil”. It turns out that the chemotherapy had affected his heart and the ability to pump effectively. The local oncologist now concerned, asked that Austin be evaluated by Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. As this is rare side effect of the treatment, the local oncologist felt he needed to seek higher level of care. On March 8th, Austin was given an echocardiogram before he could continue his next round of chemotherapy treatment. Cardiologists diagnosed that he now is experiencing weakening in his heart’s ability to pump blood. Alterations in his treatment including additional medications to protect his heart from Doxorubicin were recommended. Moffit also recommended that he see an oncology cardiologist to monitor the effects of the continuation of the use of Doxorubicin. In addition, his local cardiologist has added cardiac medications and is titrating them to control his heart rate and blood pressure. Austin experiences fatigue and elevated heart rate with minimal exertion. Hope is that upon completion of his treatment the heart will recover. Unfortunately, Austin is in the 5% of people in which Doxorubicin has decreased the hearts ejection fraction leading to side effects. Cardiologists told Austin that his heart “may never fully recover, though there is a chance”. Hope is that upon completion of his treatment the heart will recover.

Austin’s first visit to see the Moffit Cancer Center oncology cardiologist was on July 22, 2021. Scans were taken of Austin, thankfully showing that he is in remission. Austin will be going to more follow-ups to monitor his heart.

As of now, the total out of pocket financial costs are well over $20,000

Austin’s treatment and related symptoms are continuous, making it impossible for him to keep employment. It is uncertain as to when Austin will be able to return to work or his normal life. Our family would greatly appreciate any financial support at this time. Thank you.