Chris’ 2nd tumor removal surgery
Donation protected
Chris Toft is a a dedicated and beloved educator, husband, and father of two. Now, for the second time this year, Chris will undergo laparoscopic surgery to remove a cancerous mass wrapping itself around his heart.
In January of 2023, despite maintaining a health conscious diet and rigorous exercise regime, Chris was alerted by his cardiologist of a cancerous mass surrounding his heart. A suspected thymoma, the mass was approximately the size of half a banana and had wrapped itself around his aorta and pericardium. The mass needed to be removed as soon as possible, so in February Chris underwent a robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery. The procedure involved deflating his left lung, going into his chest through his ribs, and delicately removing the mass. A later biopsy showed the mass was indeed malignant and, though it had spread into the pericardial fat, had been successfully removed. Chris recovered relatively quickly considering the procedure but still had to take almost all of his work leave for recovery. His wife Caitlin also had to miss work in order to care for him in the weeks that followed. His surgeon was pleased with the results but scheduled him for follow up scans every 6 months for the next 10 years, to make sure he remained cancer free.
Recently, on the very first follow up, a CT scan revealed another mass around Chris’ heart. The surgeon now suspects that Chris actually had two masses from the start, this one being hidden behind the other on previous scans. When the first mass was successfully removed, the second mass moved into its place on the other side of his sternum. Chris is now scheduled for the same exact procedure, this time from the right side of his chest instead of the left. It will require more down time, more missed work, and in general more of a burden of Chris and his family. Any contribution to assist them during this difficult period would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
In January of 2023, despite maintaining a health conscious diet and rigorous exercise regime, Chris was alerted by his cardiologist of a cancerous mass surrounding his heart. A suspected thymoma, the mass was approximately the size of half a banana and had wrapped itself around his aorta and pericardium. The mass needed to be removed as soon as possible, so in February Chris underwent a robotically assisted laparoscopic surgery. The procedure involved deflating his left lung, going into his chest through his ribs, and delicately removing the mass. A later biopsy showed the mass was indeed malignant and, though it had spread into the pericardial fat, had been successfully removed. Chris recovered relatively quickly considering the procedure but still had to take almost all of his work leave for recovery. His wife Caitlin also had to miss work in order to care for him in the weeks that followed. His surgeon was pleased with the results but scheduled him for follow up scans every 6 months for the next 10 years, to make sure he remained cancer free.
Recently, on the very first follow up, a CT scan revealed another mass around Chris’ heart. The surgeon now suspects that Chris actually had two masses from the start, this one being hidden behind the other on previous scans. When the first mass was successfully removed, the second mass moved into its place on the other side of his sternum. Chris is now scheduled for the same exact procedure, this time from the right side of his chest instead of the left. It will require more down time, more missed work, and in general more of a burden of Chris and his family. Any contribution to assist them during this difficult period would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Organizer and beneficiary
Oliver Lynch
Organizer
Frederick, MD
Chris Toft
Beneficiary