Justin's Kick Cancer in the Butt
Donation protected
Update August 25, 2017
On August 17th Justin went to the Imaging center in New Bern, NC to have his 2nd post Surgery MRI. Justin and family received results On Thursday August 24th from the Dr. at the New Bern Cancer Center. They stated Justin has what they deem to be pseudoprogression (“radiographic findings raise the possibility of tumor progression, but they may also reflect the biologic effect of chemoradiation on the tumor and the tumor microenvironment, typically referred to as “treatment effect” or tumor “pseudoprogression.”). This means the area around the resection of the tumor is still too cloudy to completely 100% verify if its cancer, or effects of treatment. But the good news is there was improvement in this “grey area’s” size from the last MRI done at Duke Tumor Center. So overall, the doctor was happy with the results because nothing seems to be growing back at this point in time and hopefully never will. Our goal is to keep Justin on the Chemotherapy of 440mg a day, 5 days out of every month for the next year to continue to trim down this “grey area” all together. If the next MRI in 2 months shows that this area is growing or not shrinking more, they will then decide with the doctor's advice the best route for Justin in terms of treatment. Justin, his family and friends are all very relieved and beyond blessed with the results today.
The Gifford's expressd that the "hundreds, maybe even thousands of prayers and good vibes that have been sent our way is what is keeping Justin strong and fighting this battle. The continued outreach from everyone is actually jaw dropping We are surrounded by some truly amazing people."
In the mean time Justin has outstanding medical bills with CVS Specialty for monthly chemo pills, Duke Medical, New Bern Cancer Center, Vidant Oncology, Vidant radiology, East Carolina Anesthesiology and, last but not least, Vidant Neurosurgery. They are grateful for all donations and say “keep the prayers coming!”
Update 7/5/17
On June 29th Justin and Jenna traveled to Duke for the follow-up MRI, two weeks after the final day of radiation treatments. The MRI was not expected to show much as the brain is still extremely swollen from radiation, but what they did see was exactly what was expected. The doctors were pleased.
They doctors were amazed with Justin’s state of health and positivity and told him to keep up the good fight.
So, for the next two months, until the next (more accurate) MRI, Justin will continue with his adjusted diet, water intake and exercise as directed by the doctor. Because Justin's brain tumor possesses one of the genetic markers that reacts best with the chemotherapy pill, it is the best course of action to help prevent further growth at this time.
So, as of July 3rd, Justin began taking a double dose of chemotherapy pills, 5 days out of every month for at least one year. This may cause additional discomfort but they are hoping not. He will be traveling to Duke once a month for follow up blood work and MRIs.
If, or when, his tumor grows back, they will follow up with the research institutes for the best clinical trial out there for him.
Justin and Jenna are so thankful for your support. “We are staying strong and positive because of the amazing support system from our friends, family and community. We continue to pray, fight and win this war. Thank you all again for all the love.”
The Gifford's
Update 5/22/17
Halfway! This past Friday marked the mid-point in Justin’s radiation treatment and Justin has handled it like the champion that he is. For three weeks, Justin and the amazing people who have stepped up to drive him to Greenville for his treatments, have met at 6:50 a.m. and made the 50 mile trip to Vidant Medical Center and back. For most of the three weeks, a slight loss of appetite and a need to get to bed a little earlier than normal, were the only symptoms of the treatment. Justin has even been able to work in the afternoon when he returned from his treatments in Greenville. He loves his job, his boss, and his co-workers who have been so supportive of him during this process. Toward the end of this past week he began noticing more fatique and this past Saturday his hair began coming out in clumps.
While they knew it was coming, it was a tough dose of reality. So, Justin shaved his head!
His Chemo treatments will last eight weeks, so he will be halfway through Chemo this coming Friday. When both Chemo and Radiation treatments are over, he will take a short break and then head back to Duke to determine the next course of action.
They were also informed this past week, that they must pay a $40 co-pay for each radiation visit, plus a co-pay of $40 each when he visits his two doctors every Monday. That’s $280 per week in co-pays during the six weeks he is getting radiation. These co-pays do not count towards their $5500 deductible. Further, they were informed that they must pay a $100 a day “facility fee” for each day they go to radiation which adds another $500 a week to their expenses. They do not yet know if this applies toward their deductible.
Getting answers to basic insurance questions from their insurance provider has proven ridiculously difficult. One “customer service” rep actually told them that they should read their insurance manual. Should we really expect people going through this type of crisis to have to read a huge legal document they call a “manual” to get answers on how to be treated fairly and humanely?
Yet, in spite of the financial and emotional challenges, the Gifford family is facing these challenges with courage and the belief that they can beat the odds and overcome the challenges before them.
The most exciting news is that Justin received his DNA genome report indicating that he has two of the specific genetic markers that make him eligible to participate in more clinical trials when his radiation and chemo treatments are over and are linked to a longer survival rate for this type of cancer
Jenna and Justin were greatly encouraged by this news.
They are so thankful for the support of everyone who have helped them in their fight. Seven amazing friends have answered the call to drive Justin to and from his treatments and then to his job at Cherry Point. Others have rearranged their schedules and lives to take Miles to Daycare and to help Jenna while she continues to work. Still others bring Justin home from work at the end of the day. Your prayers and your continued financial support have been a huge encouragement.
Justin and Jenna share this:
Please continue to send prayers and love our way...it's what keeps us going!
Thank you so much for everything, we can't say thank you enough.
Love- The Gifford's
Update 4/29/17
In the last update I indicated that Justin would begin radiation and chemo treatments the following week which would have been this past week. Since then, they contacted Duke to inquire about a second opinion. The medical team at Duke requested that they delay beginning the treatment until they could meet with them. In the meantime, Justin and Jenna decided to take some time to be with each other, process, research alternatives, and plan and prepare for the challenges ahead. Jenna’s mother and grandmother took Miles, their 2-year old son, while Jenna and Justin spent some time alone together to process and to plan.
This crisis has significantly changed their lifestyle, their diets, and just the way they see and live each day. Jenna is reading everything she can about how to help Justin beat this. They have completely changed their diets from processed foods, sugars, etc. which can feed the cancer’s growth to more healthy foods. She is researching and calling doctors all over the country to determine the best path to follow.
This past Friday, April 28th, they met with doctors and medical staff at Duke. Jenna said they were very inspired by the things they heard. Duke is at the forefront of treatments for this type of cancer. Current cancer treatment protocols take into account the very specific treatments that match most favorably with your specific genome analysis. In other words, your DNA determines the type of treatment that has proven to be most effective in treating your type of cancer.
Unfortunately, the two clinical trials that Justin might have qualified for in Phase A, to go along with his radiation treatment, are closed. So, they are beginning radiation and chemo treatments this coming week in Greenville. This Phase A treatment will consist of treatments, five days a week, for six weeks.
After Phase A is finished, they will wait three weeks and go back to Duke for another MRI. This will determine the success of Phase A and guide them in recommending ongoing clinical trials (at Duke or elsewhere) that he might qualify for.
One of the things one of the staff members at Duke said was that the people who face this type of cancer with the best attitude are the ones who are most successful in fighting it. Your support has been so encouraging to Justin and Jenna. That support has given them the positive determination to face this and overcome.
Jenna and Justin are so thankful for all the love and support from their friends, family and all the people who care and have heard about what they are facing. Please continue to support them. They have a difficult and challenging road ahead but they are determined to fight this cancer with everything they can find to fight it. Please continue with your prayers and support. Their fight is just beginning.
Original Post
Life can change so quickly. For Justin, Jenna and Miles life turned upside down in just one short visit to the doctor. Justin had faithfully served his country as a Marine. After leaving the Marines in 2016 he got a job on base at Cherry Point. Married to Jenna, manager of Jan’s Hallmark in New Bern, they welcomed their son, Miles into their family April 1, 2015. Exactly two years later they were back at the same hospital, in Greenville, NC. But this time the circumstances were very different.
In February 2017 Justin began to experience severe headaches. He had suffered with migraines as a child but they had stopped in his teens. In February he thought the migraines were coming back, a painful annoyance but something he could handle. But the headaches got worse and in March he made an appointment with his doctor in New Bern to get a CAT scan. He met with his doctor Thursday, March 30th. One look at the CAT scan and his doctor sent him to Greenville for an MRI. The MRI showed a large tumor in the front left part of his brain, with two parts that had grown into the area of the brain that affects speech. The doctor urged surgery as soon as possible. On Tuesday, April 4th they operated, removing most, but not all, of the tumor. While the pathology report has not come back yet, the doctor thinks the tumor is stage 2 or 3 cancer and will require further treatment.
What does this mean to the Gifford family? Obviously the uncertainty is frightening, but we often forget about the day-to-day needs that continue even after a serious diagnosis. Justin has insurance, but as with most insurance there are deductibles and expenses that will not be covered. Justin will not be able to work for the near future, leaving the family with more expenses and less income to cover them. They will have additional travel expenses to get treatment and an increased need for childcare and babysitting to care for Miles. Those are just the expenses they know about. Anyone who has been through something like this knows that there are expenses that they haven’t considered.
Justin and Jenna are bravely facing this crisis, determined to fight this thing and “Kick Cancer in the Butt.” Cancer can be treated, but sometimes it’s the other things of day-to-day life that take their toll. We can help them in this fight. Please contribute to “Justin’s Kick Cancer in the Butt” fund. Your gift will help more than you can imagine.
Update 4/13/17
First of all Justin and Jenna are so grateful for the amazing show of love and support over the past week.
This past Wednesday, April 12th Justin and Jenna met with his oncologist. Justin has been diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma. This is a very aggressive tumor with a 100% reoccurrence rate, with essentially no cure.
This next week Justin will begin a combination of radiation and chemotherapy designed to inhibit the growth of the tumor and enable Justin to live a longer and healthier life. Five days a week, for the next six weeks, Justin will need to be driven to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville (approximately 50 miles from New Bern) for the treatment. After the six weeks, they will take another brain scan and decide the next course of treatment. Most likely, the next round of treatment will be more expensive and farther away from home.
Because of the treatments, Justin will be unable to work leaving them with significant ongoing financial challenges. Not only do they have thousands of dollars in medical deductibles to pay, travel expenses for treatment, and other related costs, but they have their regular day-to-day bills and obligations (i.e. mortgage, special dietary needs, utilities, car payments, etc.), all that must be paid from one income.
It is truly amazing what you all have done this past week in giving financially to support Justin and Jenna through this difficult time. One week into the campaign you had raised over two-thirds of the goal.
I set an initial goal of $15,000, without any idea of the real financial challenges that they might be facing, and with the hope that $15,000 would be more than enough. Unfortunately, now that we know more of what they will face, it is clear that the goal I set will not be nearly enough to meet their needs.
Please, share this story with as many people as you can. Justin and Jenna have sacrificed much in service to their country and community. Whether people know Justin and Jenna or not, people everywhere will be honored to help this family fight this disease.
And please consider, as you are able, to give again. One person told me, “I don’t have a lot to give right now, but I plan to give again when I can, to help them through this.”
Jenna wanted me to include this in this update: “We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, every prayer sent in our direction just makes Justin that much stronger to fight this unfathomable disease. Everything you all have done and continue to do is appreciated more than we would ever be able to put into words.
Thank you,
Justin, Jenna and Miles
On August 17th Justin went to the Imaging center in New Bern, NC to have his 2nd post Surgery MRI. Justin and family received results On Thursday August 24th from the Dr. at the New Bern Cancer Center. They stated Justin has what they deem to be pseudoprogression (“radiographic findings raise the possibility of tumor progression, but they may also reflect the biologic effect of chemoradiation on the tumor and the tumor microenvironment, typically referred to as “treatment effect” or tumor “pseudoprogression.”). This means the area around the resection of the tumor is still too cloudy to completely 100% verify if its cancer, or effects of treatment. But the good news is there was improvement in this “grey area’s” size from the last MRI done at Duke Tumor Center. So overall, the doctor was happy with the results because nothing seems to be growing back at this point in time and hopefully never will. Our goal is to keep Justin on the Chemotherapy of 440mg a day, 5 days out of every month for the next year to continue to trim down this “grey area” all together. If the next MRI in 2 months shows that this area is growing or not shrinking more, they will then decide with the doctor's advice the best route for Justin in terms of treatment. Justin, his family and friends are all very relieved and beyond blessed with the results today.
The Gifford's expressd that the "hundreds, maybe even thousands of prayers and good vibes that have been sent our way is what is keeping Justin strong and fighting this battle. The continued outreach from everyone is actually jaw dropping We are surrounded by some truly amazing people."
In the mean time Justin has outstanding medical bills with CVS Specialty for monthly chemo pills, Duke Medical, New Bern Cancer Center, Vidant Oncology, Vidant radiology, East Carolina Anesthesiology and, last but not least, Vidant Neurosurgery. They are grateful for all donations and say “keep the prayers coming!”
Update 7/5/17
On June 29th Justin and Jenna traveled to Duke for the follow-up MRI, two weeks after the final day of radiation treatments. The MRI was not expected to show much as the brain is still extremely swollen from radiation, but what they did see was exactly what was expected. The doctors were pleased.
They doctors were amazed with Justin’s state of health and positivity and told him to keep up the good fight.
So, for the next two months, until the next (more accurate) MRI, Justin will continue with his adjusted diet, water intake and exercise as directed by the doctor. Because Justin's brain tumor possesses one of the genetic markers that reacts best with the chemotherapy pill, it is the best course of action to help prevent further growth at this time.
So, as of July 3rd, Justin began taking a double dose of chemotherapy pills, 5 days out of every month for at least one year. This may cause additional discomfort but they are hoping not. He will be traveling to Duke once a month for follow up blood work and MRIs.
If, or when, his tumor grows back, they will follow up with the research institutes for the best clinical trial out there for him.
Justin and Jenna are so thankful for your support. “We are staying strong and positive because of the amazing support system from our friends, family and community. We continue to pray, fight and win this war. Thank you all again for all the love.”
The Gifford's
Update 5/22/17
Halfway! This past Friday marked the mid-point in Justin’s radiation treatment and Justin has handled it like the champion that he is. For three weeks, Justin and the amazing people who have stepped up to drive him to Greenville for his treatments, have met at 6:50 a.m. and made the 50 mile trip to Vidant Medical Center and back. For most of the three weeks, a slight loss of appetite and a need to get to bed a little earlier than normal, were the only symptoms of the treatment. Justin has even been able to work in the afternoon when he returned from his treatments in Greenville. He loves his job, his boss, and his co-workers who have been so supportive of him during this process. Toward the end of this past week he began noticing more fatique and this past Saturday his hair began coming out in clumps.
While they knew it was coming, it was a tough dose of reality. So, Justin shaved his head!
His Chemo treatments will last eight weeks, so he will be halfway through Chemo this coming Friday. When both Chemo and Radiation treatments are over, he will take a short break and then head back to Duke to determine the next course of action.
They were also informed this past week, that they must pay a $40 co-pay for each radiation visit, plus a co-pay of $40 each when he visits his two doctors every Monday. That’s $280 per week in co-pays during the six weeks he is getting radiation. These co-pays do not count towards their $5500 deductible. Further, they were informed that they must pay a $100 a day “facility fee” for each day they go to radiation which adds another $500 a week to their expenses. They do not yet know if this applies toward their deductible.
Getting answers to basic insurance questions from their insurance provider has proven ridiculously difficult. One “customer service” rep actually told them that they should read their insurance manual. Should we really expect people going through this type of crisis to have to read a huge legal document they call a “manual” to get answers on how to be treated fairly and humanely?
Yet, in spite of the financial and emotional challenges, the Gifford family is facing these challenges with courage and the belief that they can beat the odds and overcome the challenges before them.
The most exciting news is that Justin received his DNA genome report indicating that he has two of the specific genetic markers that make him eligible to participate in more clinical trials when his radiation and chemo treatments are over and are linked to a longer survival rate for this type of cancer
Jenna and Justin were greatly encouraged by this news.
They are so thankful for the support of everyone who have helped them in their fight. Seven amazing friends have answered the call to drive Justin to and from his treatments and then to his job at Cherry Point. Others have rearranged their schedules and lives to take Miles to Daycare and to help Jenna while she continues to work. Still others bring Justin home from work at the end of the day. Your prayers and your continued financial support have been a huge encouragement.
Justin and Jenna share this:
Please continue to send prayers and love our way...it's what keeps us going!
Thank you so much for everything, we can't say thank you enough.
Love- The Gifford's
Update 4/29/17
In the last update I indicated that Justin would begin radiation and chemo treatments the following week which would have been this past week. Since then, they contacted Duke to inquire about a second opinion. The medical team at Duke requested that they delay beginning the treatment until they could meet with them. In the meantime, Justin and Jenna decided to take some time to be with each other, process, research alternatives, and plan and prepare for the challenges ahead. Jenna’s mother and grandmother took Miles, their 2-year old son, while Jenna and Justin spent some time alone together to process and to plan.
This crisis has significantly changed their lifestyle, their diets, and just the way they see and live each day. Jenna is reading everything she can about how to help Justin beat this. They have completely changed their diets from processed foods, sugars, etc. which can feed the cancer’s growth to more healthy foods. She is researching and calling doctors all over the country to determine the best path to follow.
This past Friday, April 28th, they met with doctors and medical staff at Duke. Jenna said they were very inspired by the things they heard. Duke is at the forefront of treatments for this type of cancer. Current cancer treatment protocols take into account the very specific treatments that match most favorably with your specific genome analysis. In other words, your DNA determines the type of treatment that has proven to be most effective in treating your type of cancer.
Unfortunately, the two clinical trials that Justin might have qualified for in Phase A, to go along with his radiation treatment, are closed. So, they are beginning radiation and chemo treatments this coming week in Greenville. This Phase A treatment will consist of treatments, five days a week, for six weeks.
After Phase A is finished, they will wait three weeks and go back to Duke for another MRI. This will determine the success of Phase A and guide them in recommending ongoing clinical trials (at Duke or elsewhere) that he might qualify for.
One of the things one of the staff members at Duke said was that the people who face this type of cancer with the best attitude are the ones who are most successful in fighting it. Your support has been so encouraging to Justin and Jenna. That support has given them the positive determination to face this and overcome.
Jenna and Justin are so thankful for all the love and support from their friends, family and all the people who care and have heard about what they are facing. Please continue to support them. They have a difficult and challenging road ahead but they are determined to fight this cancer with everything they can find to fight it. Please continue with your prayers and support. Their fight is just beginning.
Original Post
Life can change so quickly. For Justin, Jenna and Miles life turned upside down in just one short visit to the doctor. Justin had faithfully served his country as a Marine. After leaving the Marines in 2016 he got a job on base at Cherry Point. Married to Jenna, manager of Jan’s Hallmark in New Bern, they welcomed their son, Miles into their family April 1, 2015. Exactly two years later they were back at the same hospital, in Greenville, NC. But this time the circumstances were very different.
In February 2017 Justin began to experience severe headaches. He had suffered with migraines as a child but they had stopped in his teens. In February he thought the migraines were coming back, a painful annoyance but something he could handle. But the headaches got worse and in March he made an appointment with his doctor in New Bern to get a CAT scan. He met with his doctor Thursday, March 30th. One look at the CAT scan and his doctor sent him to Greenville for an MRI. The MRI showed a large tumor in the front left part of his brain, with two parts that had grown into the area of the brain that affects speech. The doctor urged surgery as soon as possible. On Tuesday, April 4th they operated, removing most, but not all, of the tumor. While the pathology report has not come back yet, the doctor thinks the tumor is stage 2 or 3 cancer and will require further treatment.
What does this mean to the Gifford family? Obviously the uncertainty is frightening, but we often forget about the day-to-day needs that continue even after a serious diagnosis. Justin has insurance, but as with most insurance there are deductibles and expenses that will not be covered. Justin will not be able to work for the near future, leaving the family with more expenses and less income to cover them. They will have additional travel expenses to get treatment and an increased need for childcare and babysitting to care for Miles. Those are just the expenses they know about. Anyone who has been through something like this knows that there are expenses that they haven’t considered.
Justin and Jenna are bravely facing this crisis, determined to fight this thing and “Kick Cancer in the Butt.” Cancer can be treated, but sometimes it’s the other things of day-to-day life that take their toll. We can help them in this fight. Please contribute to “Justin’s Kick Cancer in the Butt” fund. Your gift will help more than you can imagine.
Update 4/13/17
First of all Justin and Jenna are so grateful for the amazing show of love and support over the past week.
This past Wednesday, April 12th Justin and Jenna met with his oncologist. Justin has been diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma. This is a very aggressive tumor with a 100% reoccurrence rate, with essentially no cure.
This next week Justin will begin a combination of radiation and chemotherapy designed to inhibit the growth of the tumor and enable Justin to live a longer and healthier life. Five days a week, for the next six weeks, Justin will need to be driven to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville (approximately 50 miles from New Bern) for the treatment. After the six weeks, they will take another brain scan and decide the next course of treatment. Most likely, the next round of treatment will be more expensive and farther away from home.
Because of the treatments, Justin will be unable to work leaving them with significant ongoing financial challenges. Not only do they have thousands of dollars in medical deductibles to pay, travel expenses for treatment, and other related costs, but they have their regular day-to-day bills and obligations (i.e. mortgage, special dietary needs, utilities, car payments, etc.), all that must be paid from one income.
It is truly amazing what you all have done this past week in giving financially to support Justin and Jenna through this difficult time. One week into the campaign you had raised over two-thirds of the goal.
I set an initial goal of $15,000, without any idea of the real financial challenges that they might be facing, and with the hope that $15,000 would be more than enough. Unfortunately, now that we know more of what they will face, it is clear that the goal I set will not be nearly enough to meet their needs.
Please, share this story with as many people as you can. Justin and Jenna have sacrificed much in service to their country and community. Whether people know Justin and Jenna or not, people everywhere will be honored to help this family fight this disease.
And please consider, as you are able, to give again. One person told me, “I don’t have a lot to give right now, but I plan to give again when I can, to help them through this.”
Jenna wanted me to include this in this update: “We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, every prayer sent in our direction just makes Justin that much stronger to fight this unfathomable disease. Everything you all have done and continue to do is appreciated more than we would ever be able to put into words.
Thank you,
Justin, Jenna and Miles
Organizer and beneficiary
Paul Dixon
Organizer
New Bern, NC
Justin Gifford
Beneficiary
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