Freefalling-Jay & Lori Houston’s Cancer Battle

Hello, my name is Cari Rizzato and I am reaching out to loving family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and other caring individuals to help raise money for cancer clinical trials for two wonderful people - my uncle and aunt Jay and Lori Houston.

I want to share a story of two amazing people and their courageous battle with cancer. As some of you are familiar, Jay was diagnosed with Metastic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stage IV in 2017. His battle began with chemo from 1/19/17-3/16/17. He had his first surgery (Left Marginal Mandibulectomy and Buccal Muscosa resection and left neck dissection) on 3/20/17, which was followed by 6 weeks of chemo and radiation.

The cancer continued to spread…so he had his second surgery on 8/3/21 where his entire jawbone was removed. A feeding tube was inserted into his stomach and he would no longer be able to swallow food or water for the rest of his life.

On 4/6/22 Jay had a third surgery to repair his mouth and reduce excess from his previous surgery. This surgery unfortunately was not as successful as they hoped. He then began Immunotherapy on 8/12/22 in addition to chemo beginning 12/29/22.

On 3/6/23 three weeks of a special radiation was approved due to a tumor now sitting over his carotid artery and his jugular vein. The tumor was extremely close to invading these areas which changed his prognosis to “weeks to live”.

Jay’s strength and willingness to live overcame that prognosis.

On 7/24/23 he woke to being covered in blood. He at this point went in for his fourth procedure where he had a Coil Embolism on his right carotid branch vessels to stop the bleeding.

Jay began a clinical trial chemo on 8/24/23 in efforts to prolong his life. He has completed the first round and it is imperative he continues these trials.

Lori has been by his side and has been an amazing support system for him through this entire battle. Unfortunately, in 2/23 Lori was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She originally thought her symptoms were due to the stress of watching the love of her life battle this terrible disease. Once tests were completed, we found out it was much more than that… she was diagnosed with Epitheliod Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage IV.

Lori had her first surgery on 2/20/23 to remove the tumor while at the same time Jay was rushed to another hospital for life saving treatment. Lori unfortunately developed an infection in her brain after the surgery. This infection would prolong her radiation and chemo treatment that was suppose to begin immediately after the surgery.

She had to undergo a second brain surgery within one month of having the first one. The second surgery was a revision of her scalp with washout due to the infection bone flap being removed. She at this point was sent home with a PICC line IV antibiotic that she had to remain on for 6 weeks.

In 4/23 Lori was finally able to begin her radiation and chemo treatment. She underwent 6 weeks of chemo and radiation simultaneously daily for 6 weeks. The radiation ended 5/12/23, but the chemo pill Temodar would still need to be taken 5 days per every 28 day cycle. Along with this chemo treatment she would have MRI’s every 2 months.

Lori had her second MRI after her surgeries on 8/28/23 where the MRI would show cancer progression. Surgery is an option again, but the disease will continue to return. She is now seeking a clinical trial that as of yet, insurance does not cover. This clinical trial is the only trial out there that has the capability of ending this disease.

They have been through so much and they are such a beautiful couple inside and out. They are amazing parents and grandparents that want to be here to watch their grandchildren grow.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to send all your love, prayers, and messages of strength.

Please follow the link below to make any contribution you can and/or share this page with others.

Thank you and God Bless!