Jermaine Marsh Fight Cancer

Hello, my name is Jermaine Marsh. I’m 36 years young and I have been diagnosed with Leukemia (cancer). My fiancé and I was informed of the devastating news in September of this year and it has been a true nightmare. I have not been able to work since May. My fiancé has been doing the best she can but the bills keep piling up. Unfortunately, we had to move out of the house we were renting because the owners decided to sell it. She’s also 6 months pregnant and we need to find a place before the baby comes. We could use all the prayers and donations we can get.

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Here’s my story:

In December of 2022, I had my very first health scare. I sought immediate medical care as medical professionals stated I was merely dealing with pancreatitis. Although I was unfamiliar with pancreatitis at the time, it was far easier to deal with mentally, but surely not physically. The pain was excruciating, and no one understood the cause of it because I, for one, did not fit the bill. I didn't drink excessively, in fact, I hardly ever drank, i.e. occasionally. Also, a series of lab work and imaging determined that it wasn't any gallstones located in my bladder. The team of doctors was perplexed at the thought of my unusual case. I became aware of the severity of pancreatitis and was treated with a few pain medications, along with steroids to treat the massive

inflammation. I was discharged while still dealing with this unbearable pain. For the next few months while being at home, I began to notice a difference in my everyday activities, i.e. refusing to eat and lack of sleep due to the onset of pain, turning down jobs because of the inability to move as normal, etc.

On Sunday, June 18th, which was Father's Day, my fiancé and I got ready for church as normal. We immediately noticed a difference in my appearance. My eyes were extremely yellow, and I'm not going to lie, it concerned me A LOT!! Without me having to mention anything, my fiancé surely noticed it but didn't say much about it because I could tell she didn't want to make me feel uncomfortable. We proceeded to go to church together, and I so desperately wanted to avoid any eye contact. After church, my fiancé posed the question about the yellowing of my eyes and mentioned how bad it looked. She thought it was best to seek medical help once again. So, before we even decided to go home, we went straight to another hospital.

Once again, the doctors determined it was pancreatitis and expressed the severity of my peculiar case. Not only was I informed of pancreatitis, but I also quickly learned of jaundice, hence the yellowing of my eyes. During yet another extensive hospital stay, the team of medical professionals were unsure of what might have caused the pancreatitis because AGAIN, I did not fit the usual criteria. They began to question why there was such a large amount of inflammation and couldn't understand why my liver and pancreas ducts were blocked. As for the jaundice, I was now faced with the thought of my liver being affected and growing knowledge of the buildup of bilirubin in my bloodstream. After a week of being admitted and because the doctors didn't seem too sure of things, I agreed to being discharged and understood that the goal for treatment was to rest the pancreas and let it heal, and that the jaundice would go away over time with plenty of fluids. I want to make note that during this time, the doctors had ruled out any cancerous cells (specifically Pancreatic Cancer). That gave my fiancé and I some hope and relief to know it wasn't cancerous.

During later hospital visits, I've had multiple procedures completed, such as metallic stents inserted to help treat my bile duct in order to rid the blockage. The metal stents caused an infection over a short period of time, which then sparked yet another problem we had to face. The metal stents were removed and replaced with plastic ones instead. At this time, the doctors have also mentioned blood clots that were now forming throughout my body, including my lungs, and the urgent need to receive blood thinners to alleviate the spread.

Nothing the doctors were doing seemed to help; it was almost like a chain reaction, which brings me to my next procedure. I had to undergo another surgical procedure in which my gallbladder was partially removed. With the partial removal, there was still a huge amount of bile that had to be removed using a drainage catheter. This onset more pain and discomfort. My body was undergoing a lot, and I started to grow weary. Not only was I physically exhausted, but I was mentally and emotionally drained from all of this. Everyone kept stating how young and strong I was, but truthfully I didn't feel as if I was, any longer. In and out of the hospital, suffering in pain, not eating, and not doing my normal routine was all hitting me hard.

There was this one particular doctor assigned to my team of physicians who studied my case closely and made me aware that in addition to what was already happening, there was something else that was being overlooked. She dedicated so much of her time and was very adamant about figuring out the root cause of everything. After some time of further research, I quickly became aware that I had leukemia. After months and months of hospital visits, my health was declining in the hands of medical professionals. I had and still question how something like this could be overlooked or misdiagnosed. My life drastically changed after receiving the horrific diagnosis.

Soon after the unforeseen diagnosis, I was then transferred to critical care to be treated by a team of oncologists and hematologists.

On September 22, 2023, I begin chemotherapy. Within a week of receiving my first cycle of treatment, the medicinals were so intensive that it sent my body into respiratory failure. I was transferred to the ICU, where I later learned I was in a medically induced coma for over a week. After waking up from the coma, I found myself in a state of confusion and disorientation. The medical team explained to me what had happened and the complications that arose from the intensive chemotherapy. It was a difficult pill to swallow, knowing that the treatment meant to save my life had also caused further harm. The team of oncologists and hematologists has worked tirelessly to develop a new treatment plan tailored to my specific case. They took into account the complications I had experienced and adjusted the chemotherapy accordingly. It's been a delicate balance between fighting the leukemia and minimizing the risk of further complicationes.

Being heavily sedated and in a paralytic state has now caused physical impairments. I'm now having to regain my strength and mobility with services provided by PT/OT.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy is now a part of my daily routine. The therapists push me to my limits, helping me regain my strength and mobility. The road to recovery has been long and challenging. It's a slow and painful process, but I'm determined to overcome the obstacles in my path.

As I continue my journey, I'm learning to appreciate the small victories and celebrate every milestone. I have gained a newfound perspective on life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The experience has taught me resilience, strength, and the power of hope.

While the physical impairments still linger, I am determined to overcome them. With the support of my medical team, therapists, and loved ones, I am confident that I will regain my full strength and mobility. The journey may be long, but I am ready to face it head-on.

Leukemia may have changed my life, but it will not define me. I am a fighter, and I will continue to fight until I am cancer-free. With each passing day, I am one step closer to reclaiming my life and embracing a future filled with health, happiness, and endless possibilities.

Throughout this journey, my fiancé has been my rock. She has stood by my side, offering unwavering support and love. Together, we faced the uncertainties and challenges that came our way. She became my advocate, ensuring that I received the best possible care and hasn't given up on finding answers. Through the ups and downs, you've stood by my side, cheering me on every step of the way. Your faith in my abilities has given me the strength to push through the toughest challenges. Your words of wisdom and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today.

To my family and friends, I want to express my deepest appreciation. Whether it was lending a helping hand or providing emotional support during stressful times, it has helped me to keep pushing.

Thank you God for your unwavering love and countless blessings. I continue to put my trust in you & know that this too shall pass. This is my testimony, my story to tell. I’m honored to testify your marvelous work.