The Keefe Family

It feels unreal that I am writing this but unfortunately after nearly two years of remission, Chris’s cancer has returned. He went into the ER on August 15th for chest pain and ended up needing a pericardial window to drain fluid from around his heart. During our 11 day stay in the CVICU, he had arrhythmia and had to have his heart shocked back into rhythm and we also found out his lymphoma had returned. He was out on some heavy-duty heart medicine when discharged. That medicine might have done more harm than good. We ended up back in the CVICU Sunday and Monday where he now has a long-term catheter for us to drain and fluid build-up at home. We had appointments at Moffitt and now knowing his lymphoma was likely causing this heart issue we knew getting it addressed was a big priority. We went in today 9/6 to see a cardiologist and do a biopsy, they called me back during it and he was surrounded by nurses and doctors we rushed down to their urgent care center where between respiratory, cardiology, and hematology, they’re trying to come up with a plan. They believe there is a pulmonary embolism but will not be able to tell for sure without a CT with contrast which they can’t get with Chris’s breathing issue so they’re trying to figure out another way. I left my job back in February to go back to school and Chris was working. Obviously, I’ll return to work as soon as possible but being with Chris and seeing him get stable before anything else is the priority. Everyone has been so amazing past and present and we thank you for your continued support.

I am Chris’s wife for those who don’t know we have been battling Chris’s cancer since 2018. He completed two stem cell transplants in 2020 and has now just relapsed and while we have been trying to put our lives back together the last two years while he was in remission we were nowhere near ready for this to happen again. I am in school and Chris was the only one working so I could better myself and actually be able to provide for our family in the future. As soon as Chris gets stable and treatment going I’ll return to work but obviously, bills still have to be paid. We greatly appreciate everyone’s help even if you can just share the right person can see it and help.