Jeff deDelley

By now, most people have heard rumblings of Jeff’s current battle with Cancer. From day one, Jeff asked those who were aware of his diagnosis, to keep it silent and not tell others. Jeff said those who need to know, know, and those that don’t, he will tell when he gets better. Problem is that day keeps getting postponed or rescheduled.

In September of 2023, following a few months of concern, uncertainty and misdiagnosis, Jeff began experiencing some back pain. Jeff, being a hobby golfer, thought that his sore back was due to his +37 handicap, however that was not the case. After a couple phone calls and doctor visits, Jeff was scheduled for an ultrasound on September 4, 2023. On the day of his appointment, while walking out of his house Jeff’s legs gave out, causing him to fall down his front stairs. Jeff crawled back inside his house, called the ultrasound clinic, assuring them that he is coming but will be late. They replied that if he was late, the appointment is likely gone, and he would have to reschedule. Sensing urgency, Jeff called his family and suggested they come to Saskatoon right away.

On September 5, 2024, Jason (brother) and Linda (Mom) took Jeff to the ER. By 3:00 a.m. Jeff had not yet been admitted therefore suggested for his mom and brother to go back to his place, get some sleep and come back in the morning. Eventually, Jeff was admitted, completed some tests and by morning, Jeff was provided answers, an unfortunate diagnosis.

On September 6, 2023, Jeff was diagnosed with Cancer, the primary source being Testicular.

During the diagnostics, the doctors were able to determine that Jeff’s legs gave out because of a tumor found on his spine, causing a fracture on his vertebrae. Unfortunately, the diagnostics also found cancer on Jeff’s liver and his lungs. Jeff was unable to stand or walk. On September 8, 2023, Jeff started his first of four rounds of chemotherapy, which also included five radiation treatments on his spine. He took it like a champ with little to no side effects. No surprise for a guy who can house a 66 of whiskey, wake up, rinse and repeat. A seasoned vet.

The treatment proved beneficial; however, it was determined that surgery was the next step. On November 23, 2023, Jeff had surgery to remove the primary source of his cancer.

Jeff was in physio throughout the fall of 2023, his mobility improving and his cancer markers which once read 6000, were getting down to less than 5. Jeff was being Jeff. You would never guess he was sick and going through treatment. When you visit someone in the hospital, you expect to bring them joy and happiness. It was often said from family, friends, and nurses, that Jeff was the comic relief they needed. That he was the one bringing the laughter. Shocker, right?

Jeff was continuing to improve and as a result, he was discharged on December 21, 2023. Jeff was able to go back to Moose Jaw to spend Christmas with family, including his dog Seger. Following Christmas, Jeff was understandably excited to get back to Saskatoon, get back into routine and sleep in his own bed. This excitement took a quick turn. On the evening of January 12, 2024, Jeff suffered a major brain bleed. Jeff was alone at his home when this occurred.

On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Chad Ehrlich had plans to go to Jeff’s for coffee. Upon arrival, Chad rang the doorbell and when nobody answered, he assumed Jeff was sleeping and figured he’d come back later. After a couple hours, Chad started to worry. Chad went back, rang the doorbell… still no answer. With the help of another friend, Chad eventually got in the house and found Jeff lying in his bedroom, on the floor, with his dog Seger by his side. Jeff was alone for 15 hours, conscious, but unresponsive, non-verbal, and paralyzed on the entire right side of his body.

Jeff was rushed to emergency and then admitted to Neurology. Jeff had a significant brain bleed due to increased pressure in his head. Jeff was scheduled for a CT scan and an MRI. Jeff was non-verbal and completely paralyzed on the right side. You could see in his eyes that he was scared. For those who know Jeff, the guy is damn near invincible, so being scared or vulnerable is an emotion he rarely, if ever shows.

On February 5, 2024, Jeff received the results of the MRI. Two tumors found on his brain, both cancerous. Surgery not being an option, the doctors suggested radiation and chemo. By this time, the brain bleed was under control, the pressure lessening. Jeff started therapy again, which started with basic hand movements and speech therapy. Jeff’s speech and ability to talk improved day by day, his vocabulary mostly profanity, however his profanity was the reassurance we needed to know that things were going in the right direction.

On February 13, Jeff started 1 of 10 radiation treatments on his brain. This left Jeff with ongoing headaches, sensitivity to light and fatigue. He continued with physical therapy and occupational therapy and made progress. On February 27, Jeff rang the bell indicating his radiation treatment is complete. Chemotherapy next, along with stem cell treatment.

On April 9, Jeff had a Hickman implanted in his chest to collect stem cells. This really kicked his ass. Very fatigued and tired, however Jeff was able to rest at home during this time. On April 16, Jeff had a minor seizure, however, mild and caught early. No noticeable setbacks.

On April 23, 2024, Jeff started chemotherapy again, these rounds more aggressive than prior. The first round consisted of 6 treatments which went well. No adverse effects. On May 1, Jeff's stem cell infusion was completed. After all of this, Jeff started to feel the effects of treatment, developing a fever, aches, pains, fatigue and much more.

By May 11 Jeff was taken off IV and started eating solid food. All his counts were improving, and he was becoming more mobile and fortunately/unfortunately, more talkative…

Current day, Jeff is in hospital, awaiting round 2 and 3 of chemo. He is hopeful to get to spend some time at home on weekends, however unable because of some lingering side effects from treatment. Jeff has been through it all, but he has not done it alone. Kevin (dad) and Linda (mom) have essentially moved to Saskatoon to be with Jeff and Jason (brother) comes down regularly, adding some much-needed levity to the situation. The fellas have also snuck a few rum and cokes into the hospital, it helps Jeff… sleep…

If you know the deDelley’s, they don’t ask for much, so we are here to assist. Jeff was transitioning jobs when he got sick, therefore has no insurance available to him. He has accrued some medical costs related to prescriptions, rehabilitation and dental. Jeff also has some other financial responsibilities that he is struggling to maintain whilst in hospital. Jeff will continue to battle and shows no signs of giving up. He is requesting some support and hopes getting his story out, helps facilitate that.