Support Jeff Michaud's Battle Against Cancer

My name is Alicia Kavajecz, and I am making this GoFundMe on behalf of my father, Jeff Michaud…

My Father’s Cancer Journey

Hello, my name is Jeff Michaud and I have been battling cancer for the past few years….

In the Spring of 2021, I was diagnosed with High Grade Leiomyosarcoma after I presented with progressive right knee pain. For those of you who don’t know what type of cancer this is.. Leiomyosarcoma or LMS, is a rare, aggressive type of cancer that generally forms in the smooth muscles of the body with an estimated 1,200 cases in the U.S each year.  

Given the tumor's rapid growth, I had to undergo 5 weeks of radiation and had to choose between surgery or amputation; to which I chose surgery. On 12-03-2021 (my daughter’s birthday) I underwent surgery on my right knee in hopes of successful removal of this tumor. Metastasis found in my right lung nodule, to which was later resected, left lung nodule, and liver were biopsied and were consistent with LMS; diagnosis being Stage 4 Metastatic Leimyosarcoma. 

Thus starting, “AIM” a heavy inpatient chemotherapy treatment that glued me to a hospital bed for 3 days every 21 days for approximately 4 months. After completion of this treatment, my wife, daughter, and myself sought out a second opinion from Dr. Scott H Okuno M.D ( a medical oncologist with specialty interest in bone and soft tissue sarcomas ) at Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately, his course of action aligned with what my oncologist‘s treatment plan was; more chemo. 

In early July, I started again with chemotherapy every 21 days with a metastasis found in my left arm, and was given a terminal prognosis on 10-10-2023. I was told my medical diagnosis had no expected recovery or remission. It is incurable, and my estimated survival time is between 6 and 12 months.  

CT confirmed progression of my tumors found in my lungs, lower back, left arm, and elbow to which I started radiation with no success. Out of options and looking to prolong my life, I started an oral chemotherapy drug. This too did not work for me. Even with pain management, every day it gets harder and harder to do the things that I used to do so easily; making me unable to go to work.

I would like to spend the remaining time that I have left surrounded by my family and friends, so any funds raised would be going towards copays, medications, transportation costs to and from appointments, and other miscellaneous medical costs that put an added strain on our limited finances as my wife stopped working because of my health. Myself and my family are immensely grateful for any support offered and we absolutely don’t want anyone to give more than they are able to. 

Thank you again, 

Jeff Michaud and Family