Well, Nuts, It's Cancer. (For the Eldred Family)

I'm sad I have to share this. This is the family that created a go fund me for Justin and I. Please read about this wonderful family and how you can help them.

6.24.23

This is Chris. He’s a proud, active member of IBEW Local 38, as well as an Instructor for the Union, and motorcycle and kayaking enthusiast. Most of all, he’s a dedicated, loving husband, and an adored father of two beautiful, young children.

On May 9th, Chris discovered a lump in his groin, and after speaking with his physician, received a STAT ultrasound three days later. Upon results of the ultrasound, Chris was referred to Urology who reviewed the lump was a tumor, and that surgery would need to take place (known as a radical orchiectomy) to remove the entire testicle and review the tumor cells. Chris underwent surgery on May 23rd, his daughter’s 4th birthday, and recovered well; though he had to miss three weeks of work for recovery based on the physical nature of his job. On June 5th, during his healing from surgery, it was reviewed by his physician that unfortunately, the tumor removed was malignant, labs continued to show elevated marker numbers, and a CT scan would need to take place to see if the cancer had spread. Chris and his family were now facing a fight with testicular cancer. He is 43. Chris was able to complete an abdominal and pelvic CT scan on June 19th. Results were received the next day that depicted a “massive enlargement” of a lymph node on the left side, as well as a separate, unknown mass on the left, pelvic wall. The cancer had metastasized, and Chris was immediately referred to Oncology to develop a treatment plan.

On Friday, June 23rd, Chris and his wife met with Oncology through the Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, OH. Here, the formal diagnosis was given: Metastasized Testicular Seminoma, Stage 2c. It was reviewed that first steps would include additional CT scanning of the chest to review for spread to the lungs, as well as lab work for additional marker reads, and an audiological hearing test. This CT scan is scheduled for Monday, June 26th. Chris’ Dr. noted that should the lungs show evidence of cancer, he would be “downgraded” to Stage 3, and pulmonary tests would be given if any inflammation was shown. Then, the treatment plan of chemotherapy was discussed. Chris will be receiving 3-4 cycles of BEC Chemotherapy, with infusions beginning July 10th. Each cycle will last 3 weeks, with the first of each 3-week cycle being the most intensive: 5 consecutive days of infusions, each day lasting 8 hours. Side effects were all reviewed, noting the severity of some that could occur, including secondary cancers and severe infection. The hearing test was ordered to get a baseline on Chris’ hearing, as one of the drugs used in treatment could cause permanent loss and/or ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and neuropathy. Radiation was not an option due to the size of the lymph node. When looking at the initial CT images, the Dr. showed that the node was almost 7cm at its largest point, almost reaching the size of his left kidney. The node would need to be smaller than 5cm to even consider starting with radiation. The pelvic mass was closer to 3-4cm, which was better, but still questionable based on it being atypical for this type of cancer.

This has all been a lot for Chris and his family to take in. In only 6 weeks, he went from having a concerning area to having a full-blown cancer diagnosis, requiring intensive chemo treatment. Testicular cancer can be very treatable, and in a lot of cases, curable, but there are a lot of variables in play. Plus, there is a lot to consider following treatment regarding long-term side effects and reoccurrence. The first two years are critical. Chris is the sole provider for his family, as his wife, Devan, takes care of their two children, including the youngest who has unique medical needs of her own. Devan is looking into supplemental employment, and Chris will use his remaining 3 weeks of short-term disability, but Chris deserves the opportunity to focus on his healing and receiving the love and support of his family, not the impending cost of treatment, loss of wages, and ongoing monthly expenses. Please consider making a donation to help support this family. Every cent given will go to Chris’ care and the stability of his family during this intense and emotionally difficult time. No donation is too small. Can’t donate at this time? Consider participating in the Meal Train that has been set up for them through a friend of the family. That information can be found here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/dz7gnv In the least, I ask that you share this link and Chris’ story with all you may know, so that we can make this campaign of love and support as successful as possible for this family. I will make sure to give updates as information is given, per the family’s timeline. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.