Join Jeff's Journey: Fighting Cancer Together

Early spring of 2021 Jeff Cavazos received the news, Stage 1 Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) cancer. GIST is a rare cancer originating in the GI tract which includes the stomach and small intestine. Treatment for the cancer began immediately with a surgical plan to remove the tumor following initial medication to reduce the size for surgery.

In April of 2021 Jeff wheeled in for surgery. During surgery the tumor burst, spreading the cancer throughout his abdominal area. The surgical team proceeded with another surgery to remove all the cancer possible. Another surgery followed where 60% of his stomach was removed, along with his spleen, gall and a portion of his pancreas. The recovery from surgery came with many obstacles and kept him in the hospital for 3 months. Jeff would relocate to another hospital in Orlando for further care inside this time. During transport Jeff coded multiple times, one of which stopped his heart for 10 minutes before he was resuscitated.

Near the end of June 2021 Jeff was finally released from the hospital with a long road of recovery in front of him. The recovery process was slow with regaining strength, feeding 24/7 from a special food source carried in a special backpack connected to a feeding tube. Imagine 3 meals a day for $10K! Not even a 5 course meal. But it was survival and that's the path taken. Jeff had lost 100 lbs at this point and was months away from going back to work. Like I said, the long road in recovery.

The word medication became a normal word from day one. The number of drugs and medicines is simply astounding. Doctors became extended family, hospitals and medical centers became second homes. This is the new life of a cancer patient.

Jeff and his wife Royce Ann relocated to Atlanta, GA where they would continue Jeff's cancer treatment at Emory-Winship Cancer Center. Additionally, Jeff and Royce Ann would have myself (Greg Davis) and my wife (Ginny) to support trips to doctor, chemo, provide meals, provide laughs and really just fill-in where we could. Their fight became our fight, no questions asked. Our friends adopted Jeff and Royce Ann and support where able.

In Atlanta progress toward a cure flatlined. More drugs tried, meds taken. So many! Yet, few only offering a glimpse of hope, not enough to ring the bell. The checklist of failed drugs grew to where Jeff turned to trial chemo to reduce the cancer as options decreased. Sadly, the trial had to stop due to another cancer being found around his colon. The trial was working to reduce the cancer, at the same time creating a new.

Fast forward to December 2024, meeting with his Oncologist, a meeting that brings us together today. There are no words to describe hearing "no more options". All hearts sank heavily that day, not a dry eye in the room (even the doctor's). There is one last chemotherapy option available to Jeff. However, it is not proven to work with GIST, and if administered would bring tremendous side affects and sickness. We left the hospital that day praying we could have one more Christmas. As Jeff always does, he delivered. He gave us Christmas and New Years. An over achiever.

Today, the tumor continues to grow. Jeff receives weekly blood transfusions which leads to several days in the hospital each time. Jeff has always been full of energy, a person always available to anyone he could help. At work a colleague of his keeps a list of "Jeff-isms" from all the crafty sayings Jeff throws out in conversation. Jeff is a man who so many have come to adore and love. He has fought cancer with courage, strength, determination, and faith. It appears God has another plan for Jeff, we're just not ready to share him.

Sitting and writing on behalf of Jeff, Royce Ann, and family is a heavy hearted challenge. It's always been the Jeff and Greg show, forty years of friendship. (people who know, know). Inseparable! In fact many don't know but Jeff wouldn't be happy with this GFM request as he never asks for help. Ever! His pride is bigger than the Grand Canyon, he wouldn't think of it. Ginny and I will bury pride to ease his pain, their pain. Jeff is a worker, always willing to do on his own and not ask. When he moved here he outworked 90% of the people around him, younger people without cancer. It wasn't smug, just his style and ethic to deliver. So we'll ask him for forgiveness with this posting for support.

We know hospice will be soon, and the day will come when Jeff is no longer suffering, no longer hurting, living with us in spirit. He'll be starting a new version of Jeff-isms in heavenly light, and my money is on Jeff he'll make God laugh, a lot.

We thank you, in advance, for any contributions extended to Jeff and Royce Ann that will bring heartwarming relief as donations will be applied to medical bills, mortgage relief, daily amenities such as groceries, supplies, continued health insurance, utilities, and more. It is said it takes a village, and no words ever ring so clear. Please pray for comfort and strength, for Jeff and Royce Ann, as we make each day forward the best day possible.