Help Chris Conquer Cancer

Pray for a cure! God can do miracles! Believe! Fight! Keep the faith! 

Please Help Chris Buchanan fight Mucoepidermoid carcinoma for a 2nd time.

Intro from Jenny's bestfriend, ..

We’ve all heard and repeated these words of encouragement when hearing the news a loved one is diagnosed with the dreaded C word. We dig down deep, push away the fear, and say what we believe should be said to our devastated friend or family member. (Natalie McAlpine) I still remember the 1st words that came to mind, May 2016, when the initial text from Jenny read “At the hospital. Chris has lung cancer and it's bad!” Without hesitation I responded “Nope! We’ve got this! This is NOT how your and Chris’ story is going to end. Paisley will grow up with her daddy! We will not say Chris has cancer, we will say God has Chris!” 

 And the battle began. Everyone rallied, everyone prayed, Chris and Jenny fought, and they won darn it! Or so it seemed...Yet now, here we are, a year later - the dreaded word cancer is back and  with a vengeance. There is confusion, frustration, sadness, pain, and anger. Let’s just be completely honest...lots of ANGER! The clichés and words of encouragement don't’ feel they fit  in round 2. The enemy seems much more daunting. The phrases finding their way into our hearts and heads are words like .....Not fair! Are you kidding?! Hell no! Why them? Why now? Hey God, we are angry! While we may not speak these words as openly, it's okay, because they are true and real.  All the while, the truth is God still has Chris. God can handle our anger, He still hears our prayers, and more than anything, He is still stronger than cancer. So, Chris and Jenny will continue to fight! High School sweethearts at 14 reunited at 40 - together they will fight and we have the honor and privilege of fighting alongside of them. They need whatever you have to offer......An ear, a hug, a meal, a ride, a donation, an encouraging word, an “F you cancer!”.  Ff you are so inclined, or better yet, an honest prayer to our God who hears our requests, understands our fear and anger, and indeed does perform miracles!  .....Natalie McAlpine

Current Hospitalization
Since June 2017, Chris has undergone numerous ER visits and hospitalizations due to unknown severe hip pain.  This severe pain has left him unable to tolerate any physical activity or work and has resulted in three ER visits and hospitalizations at Enloe and UC Davis in the last 3 weeks. 

On July 15, 2017 tests revealed a new cancerous growth on his right hip bone and right shoulder bone.  Pain associated with cancer to the bones is the most extreme, leaving Chris unable to walk, move, or sit without agony. He has been forced to lie on his stomach for the last 3 weeks, and unable to work since July 14th. 

On August 2nd Chris was admitted to UC Davis Medical Center for control of his severe pain and consultations with an oncologist to discuss treatment options.

With Chris unable to work the expenses have been accumulating and the family’s financial situation is becoming increasingly perilous.  His wife, Jenny, is a stay at home mother to their 6 children, ranging in ages from 1 to 13 years.  In addition to the costs of raising a family, as his medical condition worsens and hospital visits increase, especially with the likely prospect of major surgical procedures ahead, we anticipate many more expenses in the upcoming weeks and months.

In this unfortunate phase, the family is reaching out and seeking any help possible. Chris and Jenny appreciate any amount you are able to donate to help during his battle with cancer.  Please keep Chris, Jenny, and their children (Jewel, Jessie, Jada, Joseph, Daniel and Paisley) in your prayers and help spread the word during this devastating time.

Chris is a young (43 yrs. old), modest, quiet, hardworking man who cherishes the simple things in life, his family, and finally being with the love of his life, Jenny. Please help Chris in any way possible.

The family wishes to thank you for your prayers and any help you may be able to offer. 
 

April 17, 2017. Chris and all 6 children (with Jenny taking the picture) enjoying a quiet evening around the family kitchen table.  

Back ground
Chris is a loving husband to Jenny, step-father to 5 beautiful children, and new father to long await daughter, Paisley. In the prime of this life, Chris should have the entire world and future to look forward to.  


Disneyland March 2016 before his original diagnosis with Mucoepidermoid lung cancer. Chris next to Jenny, who is 5 months pregnant with Paisley. The children: Jewel (13), Jessie (12), Jada (11), Joseph & Daniel (10, twins). 

However, May 12th, 2016, he was diagnosed with advanced stage Mucoepidermoid lung cancer. While Jenny was 8 months pregnant, and should be preparing for the joyous new arrival, they were instead blindsided.  Chris had no prior symptoms and suddenly began coughing up blood prompting emergency medical attention. With no history of smoking or known risks, the diagnosis of Stage 2 Mucoepidermoid Lung Cancer was a heart wrenching blow to the family, on the verge of welcoming baby number 6. 

"Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare tumor of the lung that accounts for 0.1 to 0.2% of all pulmonary tumors. Pulmonary MEC patients present with symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, wheezing, and pneumonia. The prognosis of localized cancer is usually good if surgical intervention is sought early.  However, it is so rare, treatments options if it prognosis are still questionable. "


May 2016. Chris and Jenny after an unsuccessful bronchoscopy attempt. The tumor in his lung was too bloody to get a clear sample, delaying accurate diagnosis

Chris was diagnosed at Enloe Medical Center in Chico, California, and then transferred to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California.  Unfortunately due to location, rarity, the prognosis ruled Chris as a poor candidate for traditional treatment options such as chemotherapy or radiation. Computerized tomography (CT) of the chest and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans showed a mass involving the entire left lung.  A decision was made to proceed with surgery by Dr. Leah Backus at Stanford Medical Center. 

Due to stress Jenny (8 months pregnant) was under during the progression of Chris’s illness, Jenny developed pregnancy related hypertension.  For Jenny’s own health and that of the baby, labor was induced. Jenn and Chris welcomed baby Paisley on June 30, 2016.  

On June 14, 2016, Chris underwent Pneumonectomy of the left lung....i.e. removal of the entire left lung field, leaving him with only 60% lung capacity.   Examination revealed the mass within the bronchial lumen did not grossly invade into the surrounding lung parenchyma, meaning curative prognosis was positive. The doctors felt they had removed all the cancer, and did not feel chemotherapy or radiation was needed.

With the grace of God, Chris and Jenny were able to enjoy the birth of their last child and the love of the family as he recuperated from the surgery.  

Sadly, the cancer has returned with a vengeance, leaving Chris with the greatest struggle of his life.  Please pray for Chris, Jenny and the family.