- K
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FALL 2019 UPDATE: Derek is continuing to recover at home from his life-saving surgeries this spring and after enduring rounds of chemotherapy and radiation this summer, Derek received the good news that his tumor had shrunk and there were no new signs of growth!!! This news was a miracle and blessing and Derek, Abby and family are elated. Derek continues rounds of chemotherapy at home each month but has been able to return to work a few days a week. He is taking it one day at a time and keeping his spirits up and thoughts positive!
SPRING 2019:
On April 24, 2019, Derek’s life forever changed. At just 37-years-old, he collapsed and began to have a seizure during the love of his life Abby son’s baseball game. He was assisted by a doctor and nurse who happened to be on scene and transferred to the hospital in Billings, MT, where he resides. After controlling the seizure, Derek was rushed to have a CT scan of his brain. The results quickly revealed a golf-ball sized tumor to his right frontal lobe. This part of the brain controls language, personality and ability to interpret information (and more) and can vary in deficits depending on extent of damage to that brain region. We didn’t know what to make of any of this, and we were shocked and afraid. A neurosurgeon joined the case and begin the conversation about surgical removal of this tumor as soon as possible.
Follow up studies on Thursday April 25, revealed a blood clot in Derek’s lungs. This was actually a fortuitous finding, and a filter (kind of like a strainer) was placed in his vein to assure that this clot would not travel to his brain and assuring he would not have a stroke during the tumor removal surgery (or after), which was impending. We knew God was watching out for Derek, and had faith that neurosurgeon was competent to preform this operation after many conversations with him which alleviate some stress.
As family arrived, Derek, Abby, his parents Deb and John, sisters Jennifer, Nikki, and Jill prepared for brain surgery and the implications that Derek may never be the same again (paralysis, loss of judgment, change of personality were some of the concerns).
On Friday, April 26, after his surgeon opined it as safe as possible, Derek was brought to the operating room, and his brain tumor was removed—with the hope that it had been fully eradicated. This was expected to be a 4+ hour surgery, however the Derek was out of surgery much sooner! He quickly awoke up from this operation and rapidly his consciousness, memory, and loving personality surfaced. He did have issues with movement involving the left side of his body (namely the limbs), but over the next several days made promising progress. He was quickly transitioned to a rehabilitation facility in hopes of regaining strength, involving his left arm (which was not moving), as well as some left leg weakness which persisted. The therapies offered would hopefully optimize preparation for the ensuing and intense therapies which were likely to be prescribed as a next step after a brain tumor removal. Samples of the tumor were sent to Mayo Clinic to help direct treatment and prognosis (would take days to receive results).
Things seemed to be moving along, with encouraging progress in regards to Derek’s physical impairments. We continued to pray, and tried to keep a hopeful and positive attitude as we awaited the results of his biopsy. Finally, the biopsy results arrived about a week after he was admitted for the seizure, and the results were stupefying. Derek was found to have glioblastoma cancer; the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. This setback was shocking and emotionally devastating to all of Derek’s loved ones, though Derek persevered. His insistence that he finally feels settled, has found the love of his life, and possesses a strong desire to fight this diagnosis without hesitation prevailed. He remained in good spirits and emotionally strong as the world around him forever changed in a moments time.
Unfortunately, following a few successful days at rehab, and signs of regaining strength, Derek had a life-threatening complication.
On the evening of Friday, May 3, Derek complained of severe head pain and was violently ill. After a CT scan, he was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance. Nearly unconscious from the pain, Derek was found to have bleeding on his brain and a blood clot where the tumor had been removed one week prior. With his family standing by, Derek was admitted for his second major brain surgery in a week. He nearly escaped death that night. Thankfully, after the operation was through, Derek once again woke up from anesthesia, with memory, the ability to speak, and his life intact. This was truly a miracle.
Although he was back to having limited mobility, after a few days, he was up and walking, conversing, and again fearlessly ready to take on what is the merciless diagnosis of glioblastoma.
As the days passed, discharge planning was arranged. Upon the family's insistence and Derek’s desire to return home, he was discharged to his home rather than in-patient rehab for recovery. This allowed him to be with Abby and her beloved children 24/7, receiving care and therapy in a more restful and peaceful environment. Another blessing. Several of his dearest friends arrived, helping him adjust to life at home with his post operative impairments.
Over the past 6 weeks life has been turned upside down for Derek, Abby and Derek's family due to this horrific diagnosis. Because of this life-changing prognosis, Derek is unable to work and the probability of him earning a living in the near future is unlikely. Due to this and Derek's fiancé becoming his full time caregiver (also unable to presently work as a therapist), Derek and Abby need our assistance at this pivotal time. Presently, we are asking for monetary support from anyone who is able to participate.
On Monday, June 3, Derek will begin chemotherapeutic and radiologic interventions as the next step towards treatment of his Glioblastoma diagnosis.
Currently, Derek is living at home where he continues to participate in physical therapy for the paralysis and mobility issues which have been brought on by the tumor and its subsequent removal. As Derek’s loved ones continue to wrap their heads around this awful situation and shocking diagnosis, we as Derek’s friends and relatives hold one another up and continue to support Derek in all ways; emotional, physical, and spiritual as his therapy and healing journey unfolds. He remains optimistic as he moves forward into uncharted territory and has every intention to live out his dreams of marrying his love and building a home for them in the mountains of Montana.
We are unsure of what the future holds, but we are praying for healing, hope, and that God blesses each moment moving forward. Again, we thank you for taking the time to read about Derek’s journey thus far. We feel so grateful for all those who have already shown grace and loving support during this devastating situation. Please consider ways you can lovingly support Derek and Abby on this journey to healing. Each and every donation helps as we take one precious day at a time.
Thank you for your support and may God bless each one of you!
SPRING 2019:
On April 24, 2019, Derek’s life forever changed. At just 37-years-old, he collapsed and began to have a seizure during the love of his life Abby son’s baseball game. He was assisted by a doctor and nurse who happened to be on scene and transferred to the hospital in Billings, MT, where he resides. After controlling the seizure, Derek was rushed to have a CT scan of his brain. The results quickly revealed a golf-ball sized tumor to his right frontal lobe. This part of the brain controls language, personality and ability to interpret information (and more) and can vary in deficits depending on extent of damage to that brain region. We didn’t know what to make of any of this, and we were shocked and afraid. A neurosurgeon joined the case and begin the conversation about surgical removal of this tumor as soon as possible.
Follow up studies on Thursday April 25, revealed a blood clot in Derek’s lungs. This was actually a fortuitous finding, and a filter (kind of like a strainer) was placed in his vein to assure that this clot would not travel to his brain and assuring he would not have a stroke during the tumor removal surgery (or after), which was impending. We knew God was watching out for Derek, and had faith that neurosurgeon was competent to preform this operation after many conversations with him which alleviate some stress.
As family arrived, Derek, Abby, his parents Deb and John, sisters Jennifer, Nikki, and Jill prepared for brain surgery and the implications that Derek may never be the same again (paralysis, loss of judgment, change of personality were some of the concerns).
On Friday, April 26, after his surgeon opined it as safe as possible, Derek was brought to the operating room, and his brain tumor was removed—with the hope that it had been fully eradicated. This was expected to be a 4+ hour surgery, however the Derek was out of surgery much sooner! He quickly awoke up from this operation and rapidly his consciousness, memory, and loving personality surfaced. He did have issues with movement involving the left side of his body (namely the limbs), but over the next several days made promising progress. He was quickly transitioned to a rehabilitation facility in hopes of regaining strength, involving his left arm (which was not moving), as well as some left leg weakness which persisted. The therapies offered would hopefully optimize preparation for the ensuing and intense therapies which were likely to be prescribed as a next step after a brain tumor removal. Samples of the tumor were sent to Mayo Clinic to help direct treatment and prognosis (would take days to receive results).
Things seemed to be moving along, with encouraging progress in regards to Derek’s physical impairments. We continued to pray, and tried to keep a hopeful and positive attitude as we awaited the results of his biopsy. Finally, the biopsy results arrived about a week after he was admitted for the seizure, and the results were stupefying. Derek was found to have glioblastoma cancer; the most aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. This setback was shocking and emotionally devastating to all of Derek’s loved ones, though Derek persevered. His insistence that he finally feels settled, has found the love of his life, and possesses a strong desire to fight this diagnosis without hesitation prevailed. He remained in good spirits and emotionally strong as the world around him forever changed in a moments time.
Unfortunately, following a few successful days at rehab, and signs of regaining strength, Derek had a life-threatening complication.
On the evening of Friday, May 3, Derek complained of severe head pain and was violently ill. After a CT scan, he was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance. Nearly unconscious from the pain, Derek was found to have bleeding on his brain and a blood clot where the tumor had been removed one week prior. With his family standing by, Derek was admitted for his second major brain surgery in a week. He nearly escaped death that night. Thankfully, after the operation was through, Derek once again woke up from anesthesia, with memory, the ability to speak, and his life intact. This was truly a miracle.
Although he was back to having limited mobility, after a few days, he was up and walking, conversing, and again fearlessly ready to take on what is the merciless diagnosis of glioblastoma.
As the days passed, discharge planning was arranged. Upon the family's insistence and Derek’s desire to return home, he was discharged to his home rather than in-patient rehab for recovery. This allowed him to be with Abby and her beloved children 24/7, receiving care and therapy in a more restful and peaceful environment. Another blessing. Several of his dearest friends arrived, helping him adjust to life at home with his post operative impairments.
Over the past 6 weeks life has been turned upside down for Derek, Abby and Derek's family due to this horrific diagnosis. Because of this life-changing prognosis, Derek is unable to work and the probability of him earning a living in the near future is unlikely. Due to this and Derek's fiancé becoming his full time caregiver (also unable to presently work as a therapist), Derek and Abby need our assistance at this pivotal time. Presently, we are asking for monetary support from anyone who is able to participate.
On Monday, June 3, Derek will begin chemotherapeutic and radiologic interventions as the next step towards treatment of his Glioblastoma diagnosis.
Currently, Derek is living at home where he continues to participate in physical therapy for the paralysis and mobility issues which have been brought on by the tumor and its subsequent removal. As Derek’s loved ones continue to wrap their heads around this awful situation and shocking diagnosis, we as Derek’s friends and relatives hold one another up and continue to support Derek in all ways; emotional, physical, and spiritual as his therapy and healing journey unfolds. He remains optimistic as he moves forward into uncharted territory and has every intention to live out his dreams of marrying his love and building a home for them in the mountains of Montana.
We are unsure of what the future holds, but we are praying for healing, hope, and that God blesses each moment moving forward. Again, we thank you for taking the time to read about Derek’s journey thus far. We feel so grateful for all those who have already shown grace and loving support during this devastating situation. Please consider ways you can lovingly support Derek and Abby on this journey to healing. Each and every donation helps as we take one precious day at a time.
Thank you for your support and may God bless each one of you!