Jayson's Kellermans Battle with Cancer
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Jayson Kellerman's Battle with Cancer
High-Level Summary shown below with detail following.
Diagnosis/Status
Diagnosed with stage 3/3 aggressive rare form of multiple myeloma in Feb 2019. Average life expectancy is 5 years max at diagnosis.
Discovered brain lesions in June 2020.
Was on short-term disability from November 2020- Feb 2021, and then released from my job after 15 years. Primary breadwinner for my family; wife, Teresa, and three children; Jade 18, Sage 16, and Lars 15.
Next Steps
Oncologists are reviewing my brain MRI’s as it relates to my new symptoms. Team will be determining the risk vs. reward of various treatments to stall my cancer growth. Maintenance meds only last so long before the cancer grows back.
During this time, I will be unable to enter the workplace while we plan and implement a strategy to deal with my cancer and brain lesions. It is undetermined if/when I may be able to return to work.
Looking Ahead
With medical expenses, household bills, car payments, a son in need of braces, 2 new drivers to insure (soon to be three), and 3 kids headed to college in 2021, 2022, and 2024, I feel hopeless.
Asking for your help
I have reached a time in my life where I have been humbled to ask for help. Any assistance you could provide, whether is by prayer or financially would be greatly appreciated. Any financial assistance will be used to pay for medical expenses, housing, and routine family expenses. Supporting my wife and children who have been supporting me is my greatest concern. If you are able to hand and/or reach out to others to assist that would be greatly appreciated.
For my battle details, please read below.
At 46 years old, I was going day to day, experiencing life’s journey without much worry about what tomorrow would bring. Surrounded by my wife and her passion for teaching, Jade (our oldest daughter, 18) embroiled in sports and her academic path focused on future goals of nursing, Sage (daughter, 16) filling her days and weekends with homework and competitive gymnastics with college dreams, and Lars (our son and youngest, 15) finding his goals and a life of contentment. I was working a job I loved as a project manager, had triathlons, a marathon, and a handful of other physical and mental accomplishments in my recent repertoire. Then in November 2018, the pain started, and no one expected what was to come or how things would change.
After months of visiting doctors trying to find a root cause for severe back and chest pain, still no discoveries or relief were found. Finally, as dealing with the ongoing back and chest pain, as well as fatigue became unbearable, I went to the emergency room at the hospital. I underwent a series of tests/scans, one of which was a CT scan that revealed several bone lesions. I was immediately admitted to the hospital and met with an oncologist where a bone biopsy was performed. Results from the biopsy came back after several days and it was confirmed that I had multiple myeloma (MM).
I as diagnosed with stage 3 of 3, MM in February 2019. I was informed my myeloma is a rare form in which only 3% of those with MM have. In addition, further testing revealed that my MM is extremely aggressive. There is no reasoning behind why I have this cancer as nobody in my family has been diagnosed with any kind of cancer before. Treatment for my cancer is merely to delay the inevitable and hope for medical advancements in the interim that may lead to a cure. My current life expectancy is becoming shorter.
Details.
-2019. My treatment begins. Radiation for the worst of my bone lesions was the first treatment. This treatment was approximately two weeks. Once this was completed, I met with a different oncologist to undergo chemotherapy treatment. I began chemotherapy in March 2019. At the beginning of my treatment, I could barely move without excruciating pain. I was also sleeping in a recliner so that I could move or get-up if necessary. Having assistance to get dressed and performing basic functions was a must. Detailed bone scans showed the extent of my bone lesions, and it was discovered that I had two compressed disc fractures. These fractures, as a result of my MM, caused severe pain and limited me to not lifting heavy objects. The solution to ensure these compressed disc fractures would not get worse was to basically have them cemented with a procedure called kyphoplasty. This was an outpatient procedure that I completed and seemed to help with a portion of my ongoing back problems. During this time, chemotherapy continued. At one point, the cancer stopped responding to the current chemotherapy, so a switch of treatment drugs took place. With the switch, my cancer numbers started to drop again and went low enough to consult with a transplant oncologist regarding longer term treatment such as a bone marrow transplant. Having consulted with the local oncologist and specialist it was clear that to put the cancer in remission with hopes to keep it there for several years a bone marrow transplant would be the way. The next step was the harvest of my own bone marrow for transplant, undergo very strong chemotherapy and return the harvested bone marrow back to myself. During the year I landed in the hospital two separate times for stays of a week or more each due to high fevers, pneumonic and cold symptoms.
All of the prep-work was completed, and I was scheduled for the bone marrow transplant in early December 2019. December arrived and I went to the hospital, had a successful BMT, and was released to come home after a several week stay -- just in time for Christmas. I lost my hair and felt pretty rough, but I was glad to be home and hopeful for years of cancer remission.
-2020. Monthly visits to the doctor’s office continued where my cancer levels were checked (in my light chains). Everything was going as planned, I felt good, and my hair grew back (curly!- I never had curly hair). May/June came around and I was having new symptoms that I never experienced before; black spots in my vision, short term memory loss, trouble concentrating, numbness in the right side of my face and in my hands and feet, some dizziness, tinnitus, headaches, and fatigue. I went to the oncologist where they ordered a Brain MRI and possibly thought this could be related to MS or some other underlying condition. The brain MRI came back as showing that I have approximately 40-50 brain lesions, the size of a pencil eraser. The oncologist could not definitively say if it was cancer related and felt that I should follow up with the neurologist. The neurologist ordered a lumbar puncture to see if this was multiple sclerosis. The results from the lumbar puncture were inconclusive and the neurologist did not have any answers. We now have discovered that I have brain lesions with additional symptoms, and nobody can cell me how or if anything is related. Shortly after having the lumbar puncture and MRI’s I met with the oncologist for a scheduled appointment to become re-vaccinated. During this visit it was discovered that my cancer had come back, therefore, there would be no vaccinations. Cancer coming back a mere 6-7 months after a bone marrow transplant was not a good sign at all. The quick regrowth of the cancer verified how extremely aggressive the cancer is, and it was time for chemotherapy again.
I met with the local oncologist and we began another chemo regiment. The first cycle passed and my cancer numbers more than doubled. I was also having problems with blood counts and my calcium level was extremely high. Medicine/treatment to lower the calcium was performed regularity: shots, receiving blood, etc.… The calcium numbers continued to rise, and my cancer was continuing to multiply at a very fast rate.
During this time, it was communicated that my position with my employer was being eliminated. My original termination date was pushed back while my employer let me gather more information regarding my health and next steps. As if that was not enough to worry about, my blood counts, calcium numbers, and high cancer rushed me to the emergency room in November 2020. I was quickly transferred from the local hospital to Beaumont Hospital and placed in ICU while the doctors worked to get my numbers and body systems in check. After a week in ICU, I was sent to the cancer floor where I had another brain MRI (was experiencing several mental/physical issues) and was evaluated on what the next steps should be to lower my cancer numbers. After consultation with the resident oncologist along with my local and specialty oncologists, it was determined that I would try a new treatment. The medication that they decided to try me on was approved for a different type of cancer, however, this drug had some evidence of success treating MM. My insurance approved the medication, and we began treatment in the hospital. After successfully receiving the drug without any major complications I was able to be discharged and go home. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital and was incredibly lucky to have survived the incident. The local oncologist said the odds were against me based on how sick I was. Finding a plan of action and determining the next steps was stressed by the doctors and determined to be crucial due to a what is called an 11/14 translocation in my cells, which makes the cancer immune to treatments. I was incredibly grateful that I was able to spend another Christmas at home with my wife and three children. Work had to be set-aside and I went on short term disability to figure out what the next steps would be: short-term and long-term treatment.
-2021. The new year rolled around and so did a houseful of COVID. My wife and girls caught COVID and I ended up contracting the virus as well. I had multiple symptoms for about a week before my fever started to really spike. Upon consultation with the oncologist, they wanted me to go to the emergency room. I went to the hospital where I tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted. It was discovered that even though I did not have a cough or cold symptoms that I had a spot of pneumonia on my lungs which was treated with antibiotics. After several days of battling the virus, receiving IVIG, and daily steroids my fever subsided, and I was able to go home and continue a steroid treatment. During this time, my chemotherapy was halted so it did not further suppress my immune system.
The up and down battle for my life led to further discussion with my employer, it was determined that my employment end date would be end of February 2021 when my short-term disability expired. My employer had been good to work with during my health crisis and I am very thankful for that. Outside of that, I now find myself unemployed after working tirelessly for 15+ years for the same company of which 10 years was converting customers and systems for a dozen + or so acquisitions/mergers/deconversion sales (It was fun!). The loss of my job is a hard hit. My wife’s teaching salary is not enough to sustain our family given the circumstances. Currently without clarity on my brain lesions or a plan of attack for my MM, my health and availability for employment are uncertain. As the main breadwinner for the family, I fear what the future holds in this time of need. My wife and children have been extremely supportive of me and your assistance would give them what I cannot during this difficult time and the unknown to come.
Looking ahead
With medical expenses, household bills, car payments, a son in need of braces, 2 new drivers to insure (soon to be three), and 3 kids headed to college in 2021, 2022, and 2024, I feel hopeless. Please help and engage others to assist if you are able.
Desperate and scared,
Jayson
High-Level Summary shown below with detail following.
Diagnosis/Status
Diagnosed with stage 3/3 aggressive rare form of multiple myeloma in Feb 2019. Average life expectancy is 5 years max at diagnosis.
Discovered brain lesions in June 2020.
Was on short-term disability from November 2020- Feb 2021, and then released from my job after 15 years. Primary breadwinner for my family; wife, Teresa, and three children; Jade 18, Sage 16, and Lars 15.
Next Steps
Oncologists are reviewing my brain MRI’s as it relates to my new symptoms. Team will be determining the risk vs. reward of various treatments to stall my cancer growth. Maintenance meds only last so long before the cancer grows back.
During this time, I will be unable to enter the workplace while we plan and implement a strategy to deal with my cancer and brain lesions. It is undetermined if/when I may be able to return to work.
Looking Ahead
With medical expenses, household bills, car payments, a son in need of braces, 2 new drivers to insure (soon to be three), and 3 kids headed to college in 2021, 2022, and 2024, I feel hopeless.
Asking for your help
I have reached a time in my life where I have been humbled to ask for help. Any assistance you could provide, whether is by prayer or financially would be greatly appreciated. Any financial assistance will be used to pay for medical expenses, housing, and routine family expenses. Supporting my wife and children who have been supporting me is my greatest concern. If you are able to hand and/or reach out to others to assist that would be greatly appreciated.
For my battle details, please read below.
At 46 years old, I was going day to day, experiencing life’s journey without much worry about what tomorrow would bring. Surrounded by my wife and her passion for teaching, Jade (our oldest daughter, 18) embroiled in sports and her academic path focused on future goals of nursing, Sage (daughter, 16) filling her days and weekends with homework and competitive gymnastics with college dreams, and Lars (our son and youngest, 15) finding his goals and a life of contentment. I was working a job I loved as a project manager, had triathlons, a marathon, and a handful of other physical and mental accomplishments in my recent repertoire. Then in November 2018, the pain started, and no one expected what was to come or how things would change.
After months of visiting doctors trying to find a root cause for severe back and chest pain, still no discoveries or relief were found. Finally, as dealing with the ongoing back and chest pain, as well as fatigue became unbearable, I went to the emergency room at the hospital. I underwent a series of tests/scans, one of which was a CT scan that revealed several bone lesions. I was immediately admitted to the hospital and met with an oncologist where a bone biopsy was performed. Results from the biopsy came back after several days and it was confirmed that I had multiple myeloma (MM).
I as diagnosed with stage 3 of 3, MM in February 2019. I was informed my myeloma is a rare form in which only 3% of those with MM have. In addition, further testing revealed that my MM is extremely aggressive. There is no reasoning behind why I have this cancer as nobody in my family has been diagnosed with any kind of cancer before. Treatment for my cancer is merely to delay the inevitable and hope for medical advancements in the interim that may lead to a cure. My current life expectancy is becoming shorter.
Details.
-2019. My treatment begins. Radiation for the worst of my bone lesions was the first treatment. This treatment was approximately two weeks. Once this was completed, I met with a different oncologist to undergo chemotherapy treatment. I began chemotherapy in March 2019. At the beginning of my treatment, I could barely move without excruciating pain. I was also sleeping in a recliner so that I could move or get-up if necessary. Having assistance to get dressed and performing basic functions was a must. Detailed bone scans showed the extent of my bone lesions, and it was discovered that I had two compressed disc fractures. These fractures, as a result of my MM, caused severe pain and limited me to not lifting heavy objects. The solution to ensure these compressed disc fractures would not get worse was to basically have them cemented with a procedure called kyphoplasty. This was an outpatient procedure that I completed and seemed to help with a portion of my ongoing back problems. During this time, chemotherapy continued. At one point, the cancer stopped responding to the current chemotherapy, so a switch of treatment drugs took place. With the switch, my cancer numbers started to drop again and went low enough to consult with a transplant oncologist regarding longer term treatment such as a bone marrow transplant. Having consulted with the local oncologist and specialist it was clear that to put the cancer in remission with hopes to keep it there for several years a bone marrow transplant would be the way. The next step was the harvest of my own bone marrow for transplant, undergo very strong chemotherapy and return the harvested bone marrow back to myself. During the year I landed in the hospital two separate times for stays of a week or more each due to high fevers, pneumonic and cold symptoms.
All of the prep-work was completed, and I was scheduled for the bone marrow transplant in early December 2019. December arrived and I went to the hospital, had a successful BMT, and was released to come home after a several week stay -- just in time for Christmas. I lost my hair and felt pretty rough, but I was glad to be home and hopeful for years of cancer remission.
-2020. Monthly visits to the doctor’s office continued where my cancer levels were checked (in my light chains). Everything was going as planned, I felt good, and my hair grew back (curly!- I never had curly hair). May/June came around and I was having new symptoms that I never experienced before; black spots in my vision, short term memory loss, trouble concentrating, numbness in the right side of my face and in my hands and feet, some dizziness, tinnitus, headaches, and fatigue. I went to the oncologist where they ordered a Brain MRI and possibly thought this could be related to MS or some other underlying condition. The brain MRI came back as showing that I have approximately 40-50 brain lesions, the size of a pencil eraser. The oncologist could not definitively say if it was cancer related and felt that I should follow up with the neurologist. The neurologist ordered a lumbar puncture to see if this was multiple sclerosis. The results from the lumbar puncture were inconclusive and the neurologist did not have any answers. We now have discovered that I have brain lesions with additional symptoms, and nobody can cell me how or if anything is related. Shortly after having the lumbar puncture and MRI’s I met with the oncologist for a scheduled appointment to become re-vaccinated. During this visit it was discovered that my cancer had come back, therefore, there would be no vaccinations. Cancer coming back a mere 6-7 months after a bone marrow transplant was not a good sign at all. The quick regrowth of the cancer verified how extremely aggressive the cancer is, and it was time for chemotherapy again.
I met with the local oncologist and we began another chemo regiment. The first cycle passed and my cancer numbers more than doubled. I was also having problems with blood counts and my calcium level was extremely high. Medicine/treatment to lower the calcium was performed regularity: shots, receiving blood, etc.… The calcium numbers continued to rise, and my cancer was continuing to multiply at a very fast rate.
During this time, it was communicated that my position with my employer was being eliminated. My original termination date was pushed back while my employer let me gather more information regarding my health and next steps. As if that was not enough to worry about, my blood counts, calcium numbers, and high cancer rushed me to the emergency room in November 2020. I was quickly transferred from the local hospital to Beaumont Hospital and placed in ICU while the doctors worked to get my numbers and body systems in check. After a week in ICU, I was sent to the cancer floor where I had another brain MRI (was experiencing several mental/physical issues) and was evaluated on what the next steps should be to lower my cancer numbers. After consultation with the resident oncologist along with my local and specialty oncologists, it was determined that I would try a new treatment. The medication that they decided to try me on was approved for a different type of cancer, however, this drug had some evidence of success treating MM. My insurance approved the medication, and we began treatment in the hospital. After successfully receiving the drug without any major complications I was able to be discharged and go home. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital and was incredibly lucky to have survived the incident. The local oncologist said the odds were against me based on how sick I was. Finding a plan of action and determining the next steps was stressed by the doctors and determined to be crucial due to a what is called an 11/14 translocation in my cells, which makes the cancer immune to treatments. I was incredibly grateful that I was able to spend another Christmas at home with my wife and three children. Work had to be set-aside and I went on short term disability to figure out what the next steps would be: short-term and long-term treatment.
-2021. The new year rolled around and so did a houseful of COVID. My wife and girls caught COVID and I ended up contracting the virus as well. I had multiple symptoms for about a week before my fever started to really spike. Upon consultation with the oncologist, they wanted me to go to the emergency room. I went to the hospital where I tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted. It was discovered that even though I did not have a cough or cold symptoms that I had a spot of pneumonia on my lungs which was treated with antibiotics. After several days of battling the virus, receiving IVIG, and daily steroids my fever subsided, and I was able to go home and continue a steroid treatment. During this time, my chemotherapy was halted so it did not further suppress my immune system.
The up and down battle for my life led to further discussion with my employer, it was determined that my employment end date would be end of February 2021 when my short-term disability expired. My employer had been good to work with during my health crisis and I am very thankful for that. Outside of that, I now find myself unemployed after working tirelessly for 15+ years for the same company of which 10 years was converting customers and systems for a dozen + or so acquisitions/mergers/deconversion sales (It was fun!). The loss of my job is a hard hit. My wife’s teaching salary is not enough to sustain our family given the circumstances. Currently without clarity on my brain lesions or a plan of attack for my MM, my health and availability for employment are uncertain. As the main breadwinner for the family, I fear what the future holds in this time of need. My wife and children have been extremely supportive of me and your assistance would give them what I cannot during this difficult time and the unknown to come.
Looking ahead
With medical expenses, household bills, car payments, a son in need of braces, 2 new drivers to insure (soon to be three), and 3 kids headed to college in 2021, 2022, and 2024, I feel hopeless. Please help and engage others to assist if you are able.
Desperate and scared,
Jayson
Organizer and beneficiary
Jayson Kellerman
Organizer
Lexington, MI
Teresa Kellerman
Beneficiary