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Welcome to Jess' Cancer Support Team!
On September 4, 2020, Jess was diagnosed with GIST, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor.
We're here to help Jess in her journey in any way we can! As we know, cancer treatment and all that goes along with it - surgeries, medical tests, hospital visits, medication, and more - creates a financial burden no one should bear alone.
Because Jess won't be able to work as she undergoes treatment, we're raising $15,000 to cover the costs of her treatment as well as living expenses and special comforts (fuzzy blankets! Meal deliveries!) during this time.
Let's Go!
Jess is already beginning treatment and can use any help you can afford to give. We know that Jess has an army of loving friends and family who would love to come alongside her and make a huge difference! Give what you can and read the beginning of Jess' story below. For current updates, visit Jess' GIST cancer awareness blog here: https://www.justjessly.com/
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!
Here's her story:
FIRST DAY
On Saturday, August 15, Jess went into the ER because she was not feeling well, having extreme abdominal pain, and experiencing “stomach-dropping” sensations. Hours and many tests later, doctors confirmed that the CT scan showed a mass measuring at 8.6 x 9.6 x 11.8 cm in her small intestine.
Based on CT scans, the radiologist reported the tumor showed signs of lymphoma, carcinoid tumor or GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors). Radiologists from two different hospitals and a Tumor Board were confident that it was lymphoma due to appearance, location, described symptoms, and also that Jess fit the profile. Early on, doctors ruled out GIST because it's uncommon for young adults to have it and Carcinoid Tumors are very rare.
BIOPSY
Finally, doctors performed a biopsy procedure on the mass in Jess' small intestine. After many days anxiously waiting for the results, the pathology report determined that it was, in fact, GIST, not lymphoma.
From Jess: Diagnosis & Treatment
On September 4, I spoke with my oncologist. I've been officially diagnosed with GIST, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. We discussed possible treatment plans and next steps. She wanted me to have a CT Scan of my chest to make sure the cancer hadn't metastasized. And she also put in an order for genetic screening to better understand my genetic make up.
SURGERY
We plan to surgically remove the tumor from my small intestine on Friday, September 18. I have a couple options to think about. Should I attempt to shrink the tumor (currently 8.6 x 9.6 x 11.8 cm) before going into surgery? Or should I go straight to surgery? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Regardless of the path I choose, chemotherapy will take place post-surgery. There's a lot to consider.
CHEMO
My treatment plan will involve chemo. My oncologist recommended Gleevec, which is usually what they offer as the first line of agent when someone gets diagnosed with GIST. Gleevec is chemotherapy in pill form that is taken to slow/stop the growth of cancer cells. This type of medication is used to treat GIST, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases.
9.22.20 UPDATE
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who have donated and give a quick update! We just passed the $10k mark and we couldn't be more excited to see how Jess's community has stepped up to show her their love and support.
- SURGERY | Jess went into surgery on Friday. The surgeon reported that the surgery went well and that the tumor came out in one piece and there was no major damage taking the mass out. (Hooray!!)
- RECOVERY | So far, Jess is tired but recovering well and is in good spirits. She's starting to eat more and sitting up and taking steps - all good milestones for surgery recovery!
PHOTOS
Getting ready for surgery on Sept. 18
On September 4, 2020, Jess was diagnosed with GIST, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor.
We're here to help Jess in her journey in any way we can! As we know, cancer treatment and all that goes along with it - surgeries, medical tests, hospital visits, medication, and more - creates a financial burden no one should bear alone.
Because Jess won't be able to work as she undergoes treatment, we're raising $15,000 to cover the costs of her treatment as well as living expenses and special comforts (fuzzy blankets! Meal deliveries!) during this time.
Let's Go!
Jess is already beginning treatment and can use any help you can afford to give. We know that Jess has an army of loving friends and family who would love to come alongside her and make a huge difference! Give what you can and read the beginning of Jess' story below. For current updates, visit Jess' GIST cancer awareness blog here: https://www.justjessly.com/
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!
Here's her story:
FIRST DAY
On Saturday, August 15, Jess went into the ER because she was not feeling well, having extreme abdominal pain, and experiencing “stomach-dropping” sensations. Hours and many tests later, doctors confirmed that the CT scan showed a mass measuring at 8.6 x 9.6 x 11.8 cm in her small intestine.
Based on CT scans, the radiologist reported the tumor showed signs of lymphoma, carcinoid tumor or GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors). Radiologists from two different hospitals and a Tumor Board were confident that it was lymphoma due to appearance, location, described symptoms, and also that Jess fit the profile. Early on, doctors ruled out GIST because it's uncommon for young adults to have it and Carcinoid Tumors are very rare.
BIOPSY
Finally, doctors performed a biopsy procedure on the mass in Jess' small intestine. After many days anxiously waiting for the results, the pathology report determined that it was, in fact, GIST, not lymphoma.
From Jess: Diagnosis & Treatment
On September 4, I spoke with my oncologist. I've been officially diagnosed with GIST, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. We discussed possible treatment plans and next steps. She wanted me to have a CT Scan of my chest to make sure the cancer hadn't metastasized. And she also put in an order for genetic screening to better understand my genetic make up.
SURGERY
We plan to surgically remove the tumor from my small intestine on Friday, September 18. I have a couple options to think about. Should I attempt to shrink the tumor (currently 8.6 x 9.6 x 11.8 cm) before going into surgery? Or should I go straight to surgery? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Regardless of the path I choose, chemotherapy will take place post-surgery. There's a lot to consider.
CHEMO
My treatment plan will involve chemo. My oncologist recommended Gleevec, which is usually what they offer as the first line of agent when someone gets diagnosed with GIST. Gleevec is chemotherapy in pill form that is taken to slow/stop the growth of cancer cells. This type of medication is used to treat GIST, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases.
9.22.20 UPDATE
Hey Everyone! Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you who have donated and give a quick update! We just passed the $10k mark and we couldn't be more excited to see how Jess's community has stepped up to show her their love and support.
- SURGERY | Jess went into surgery on Friday. The surgeon reported that the surgery went well and that the tumor came out in one piece and there was no major damage taking the mass out. (Hooray!!)
- RECOVERY | So far, Jess is tired but recovering well and is in good spirits. She's starting to eat more and sitting up and taking steps - all good milestones for surgery recovery!
PHOTOS
Getting ready for surgery on Sept. 18