As most of you know, CJ became sick right before Christmas this past year.  We knew something was not right with the issues he was experiencing so he went to urgent care right away.  Urgent care was not able to help so they sent him to the ER.  Further tests were done and it was determined that he needed to have a colonoscopy to see what was going on.  The results of the colonoscopy came back showing a tumor in his rectum and another polyp that was removed during the procedure.  The doctor pretty much told us then that it was a really good chance that the tumor was cancerous.  Once biopsied, the results came back that the tumor was in fact cancer.  At that point we needed to find out if it had spread and what stage it was at.  CJ underwent more tests consisting of an MRI and a CT scan.  He was assigned a multidisciplinary team of doctors for his treatment.  We met with the surgeon who gave CJ the diagnosis of Stage 3B Rectal Cancer.  At this point the tumor has spread beyond the rectum wall and has effected 3-4 lymph nodes.  The good news is that nothing has spread to any major organs like the liver and lungs so at least we have that on our side.  We were provided 2 different treatment options and decided on the one that the doctor's recommended to have the best outcome.  This is called TNT (total neoadjuvant therapy).  In a nutshell, CJ will undergo chemo treatment for 4-6 months, followed by radiation with a chemo pill and then surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding infected issue and lymph nodes.  We are praying that the chemo and radiation will completely shrink and kill all the cancer so surgery is not needed but there is only a 30% chance of that happening so at this point we are assuming surgery. We are completely in shock and heart broken that this has happened.  We are having a hard time grasping onto the reality of all of this just trying to understand why all this is happening only 4 months after our marriage.  There is no doubt in my mind that he will WIN this battle.  Losing is not an option.  He is strong and a warrior and so determined.  His strength and positive attitude are already shining through! We are asking for all your prayers, support and encouraging words during this very difficult time.  CJ has a long road ahead of him and it is not going to be an easy one.  This year is going to be extremely tough but we will get through it because of our faith in God and the power of prayer.  We love you all and can't thank those enough who have already showed us their outpouring of love and support.    As overwhelmed as we are, it's even hard to imagine what all the treatment is going to cost and the financial burden it is going to cause. Treatment will consist of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, blood tests, scans, medications, ongoing checkup's and hospital visits. Every trip to the cancer center will add up quickly. As hard as it is to ask for financial help, we are reaching out to those who might be able to give whatever they feel comfortable with. Any little bit will help and be extremely appreciated. We have no other choice but to move forward and do whatever we can do to save Chris's life and beat cancer without it ever coming back!! It's time to kick cancer to the curb!!! #CJ STRONG