In November I wrote a heart breaking story about our best friend, our crazy love square, and Jason’s
cancer. It did not look good; doctors were giving him a 3 month time line. This diagnosis was on a young man, with a young family, and no previous cancer history. An unexpected time card on your life is something no one is prepared for, but like many in this situation they didn’t give up. They ventured on and sought other opinions, and other treatment options. Some of these options were rather costly and it was through the generous donations and purchases of friends and strangers in our community that we are able to share good news.
By Kel-Cie Terpstra Fercho
cancer. It did not look good; doctors were giving him a 3 month time line. This diagnosis was on a young man, with a young family, and no previous cancer history. An unexpected time card on your life is something no one is prepared for, but like many in this situation they didn’t give up. They ventured on and sought other opinions, and other treatment options. Some of these options were rather costly and it was through the generous donations and purchases of friends and strangers in our community that we are able to share good news.
By Kel-Cie Terpstra Fercho
Jason has received 5 rounds of the new immunotherapy and still remains positive. In fact his attitude is getting better every day. He will have another treatment of February 18th and then approximately 7 more treatments. In his journey so far, he has encountered nausea, experienced some issues with heartburn and vomiting but still remaining positive and not giving up the fight…
We do have some really good news. First, his weight is up. Previously before treatment he was down to 111 pounds that is scarily small and very unhealthy, especially when he need all the energy possible to help fight the disease. Now he is up to 131 pounds! That's an added 20lbs in two months. He has a ton more energy. He is able to get up and do small amounts of grocery shopping. He is able to do a puzzle with Kisenya, and build Lego with Zack. Though this may seem like small feats to most of you, it is a vast improvement. His sores on his face have entirely healed up! Poof! They are gone!!!!
Jason feels more comfortable now that those sores are gone and doesn't feel so self-conscious going out in public. His CT scan results came back and although the official documentation is not in, the doctor who looked at his CT scan in Vancouver said that the cancer is shrinking, and is sure this immunotherapy is working! The cancer that was building in his neck is gone. The cancer at the base of his skull has shrunk down. This is just from the immunotherapy, think of what the individualized chemotherapy would do!
We were told, and if you've done any research on the immunotherapy, it is just to kick-start his own immune system to attack the cancer again. We were told that it would possibly slow down the progression of cancer. We were NOT told that it would shrink his cancer down so it no longer showed up on the CT scan!!!!
We still need to visit Arizona and do the individualized chemo that they offer down there in the hopes that it would eliminate the cancer that's in his body. We need roughly another $100,000 on top of the almost 70,000 dollars we have raised so far, which is amazing!!!! Thank you everyone for all your help so far!
These donations, large or small, make all the difference. Those unable to make a donation, but who share our story and contribute to getting the word out, you are helping more than you know! Also those who have helped fundraise or manage events have been a god send. Each and everyone one of you who has done any one of these things for our cause, know your contributions are realized and are what's furthering us to our goal.
You are all making a difference! Without your support, Jason could not have spent Christmas with his family, nor could he have been able to go back-and-forth between Vancouver and Red Deer because the flights are too expensive for him to come back-and-forth. We would have had a difficult time buying all his medications, and we would have difficulty getting him the proper nutrition that he needs with supplements.
Those who have donated; whether it be time, sharing his story or monetary, are the ones who are helping keep Jason alive. Without your help and your generous support, he would not be doing as good as he is doing currently. So thank you from the bottoms of our heart. Thank you for helping keep my husband, a wonderful son, a fantastic father and an amazing friend alive.
I know that so many people in our area need help, many from cancer, many from car crashes, drunk driving injuries, and terrible illnesses. We are blessed that so many people have taken the time to fundraise and support our cause. We are forever grateful to Momstown and their community for the out-pouring of support for our best friend.
Sincerely,
The Fercho Family
