Support Fund for Jake Friddle's Multiple Myeloma
Jake Friddle is a 44-year old father/step-father of five children and my husband. Our world changed when he was diagnosed with stage 2 Multiple Myeloma on May 14, 2021.
This diagnosis has been very difficult for our family to process but, according to the doctors, Jake has an advantage over others to fight this horrible blood cancer due to his young age. Jake has a specialized team of myeloma cancer specialists working with him and he is scheduled to have a stem cell transplant this October.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple Myeloma originates in the bone marrow and is a cancer of the plasma cells. There is no cure for multiple myeloma but there are treatments to slow its progression. The cancer attacks the body's ability to create antibodies to fight infections. The average age of diagnosis is 70-years old and prognosis is generally less positive the older the age. Eventually the cancer moves out of the bones and attacks other organs in the body.
How was Jake's Multiple Myeloma diagnosed?
Jake had been experiencing random unexplained fevers for about 4 years. His doctor initially ran a series of scans and blood tests, but never found anything abnormal and never suspected multiple myeloma due to Jake's young age. In April of 2021, the symptoms finally manifested into flu-like symptoms and the doctor performed another round of lab work. The tests showed and increased "M-spike" indicating possible multiple myeloma. Within 48 hours, Jake was scheduled for a bone marrow aspiration/biopsy and a bone scan. Other tests included an MRI, PET scans, chromosome analysis, and DNA sequencing.
Based on the initial bone marrow biopsy, Jake's bone marrow consists of 40% abnormal plasma cells. His MRI and PET scans show 3-4 small lesions on his spine where the cancer has spread.
What do doctors have planned?
Jake is currently undergoing treatments that are preparing him for a stem cell transplant this October. Once these treatments are complete (in September), the doctors will "harvest" Jake's stem cells and store them until the time of transplant. In October, Jake will be admitted into the hospital for 14 days where he will receive a powerful chemotherapy medication to further kill the cancer. Afterward , his harvested stem cells will be put back into his body. Unfortunately, his immune system will also be affected and he will then be required to live at an apartment with 20 minutes of the hospital with a caregiver 100% of the time for an additional 14 days. He will require daily visits to the hospital for an unspecified amount of time and recovery may be long.
How will your support help?
We have mentally and financially planned as much as we can but the time has come for us to reach out to our community for support. Although Jake has medical insurance to help with medical expenses, all of these expenses are not covered. We are also preparing to supplement utilities, groceries, travel and other household expenses. I will not be able to work during Jake's upcoming medical procedures and Jake has a limited amount of paid time off so our income will be drastically affected during this time.