Our dear friend Branden Jensen has terminal end-stage Metastatic Prostate Cancer that has spread thru the majority of his skeletal bones.

 

To all my cherished friends…like me, I know in your lifetime you have been blessed with many friend groups consisting of people you hold dear to your heart. Eight years ago my Vancouver team of friends was devastated to learn that one of our members was suddenly fighting for his life. Our friend Branden was diagnosed with terminal cancer and doctors didn’t expect him to live a year. Thankfully Branden’s body responded extremely positively to his initial treatment and to the following eight years of treatments which further extended his life. He is supported by a core team of friends who help manage his home needs, transportation, nutrition, and other critical aspects of care when needed. Like all of us Branden wants to be self-reliant as much as possible and a reliable vehicle is currently his most pressing need.

 

Thank you, Amy

Watch Branden’s story:

How you can help…

 

There are so many costs associated with managing Branden’s diagnosis that are not covered by insurance. As these costs arise our fundraising goal may change. The most critical need we are currently raising funds for is the purchase of a reliable vehicle to be used as transportation for medical appointments as well as daily transportation. Any donation you are willing to contribute would be greatly appreciated and also we ask that you would please share his story with your friends.

 

Read Branden’s story:

 

After eight months of symptoms, I was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer on August 25th, 2013. Tests and a biopsy were scheduled three weeks out. I was admitted to the hospital in Astoria the afternoon of my biopsy and transferred that night to OHSU in full renal failure. There I underwent three surgeries and spent the majority of 11 days in ICU. The medical professionals advised me to transfer home to family and arrangements were made to see an oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City. In their care, I had several more surgeries and radiation therapy. By January 2014 my kidneys had healed and the basic treatment I received for advanced prostate cancer began to slow down the progression. My doctor was very open with me and I never expected to live more than a year. I had metastatic disease to the majority of my skeletal bones and pelvic lymph nodes.

 

 

In May of 2014, I made the decision to come back to my home and friends in Washington State only returning quarterly to SLC for cancer treatments. This schedule continued until May of 2016. I had survived longer than my medical team thought possible. I attribute that to the love of friendship.



As with all terminal illnesses, cancer gets smarter and begins to change. With the new progression, I moved treatment to SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) in June of 2016. I experienced another wonderful team of doctors and enjoyed great success with second-generation drugs. Things change as they do and I lost my wonderful medical team just as my treatment was beginning to fail for the second time which was earlier this year. I have experienced much physical illness and have recently decided to transfer my care back to where it began at OHSU. It has been a journey of eight years. Eight years of therapy with harsh drugs which I am very grateful for but there is a price. They are hard on the body and the mind. So now I am in a place once again filled with the unknowns. Next level of treatment, how will I respond? How will I pay for it? How do I navigate my new level of treatment?

 

I’ve been on Social Security disability for eight years which is barely enough to live on. I have relied tirelessly on friends for help and they have shown their love for me in many ways. At this point, I live remotely and without a reliable vehicle which I desperately need.

 

I begin this new chapter of my life filled with hope and filled with love.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are unable to donate financially I humbly ask you to please bless me by sharing my story with your friends.

 

Your friend,

Branden