The Carey Family

On May 23, 2023, Chris was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. The cancer has spread throughout his liver, abdominal wall and possibly his lungs.

Chris lives at home with his wife of 15 years and his 3 daughters, ages 14, and 11 year old twins. Prior to his diagnosis, Chris was a hard working master plumber with a love and passion for the profession. That passion and drive lead him to pursue his dream and open his own plumbing and hvac company in May 2021. Unfortunately after only 2 short years, Chris had to put that dream on hold due to the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the pain he has been experiencing because of it.

The fact that he found out about this cancer now is a miracle. Chris was a very active young husband and father, who in late February 2023 was told that he had Lyme Disease. We thought that he would take the 21 day antibiotics and then be on his way, as he had no symptoms whatsoever. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Chris started having stomach pain mid-way through his Lyme treatments. After informing the Infectious Disease doctor about this on several occasions, we were told that “stomach pain is to be expected and could last for weeks.” Chris continued to have stomach pain and then eventually low back pain as well. Chris knew deep down that something more was going on. He was in and out of urgent care a few times, but nothing came about. It wasn’t until he was referred to a Gastroenterologist that he was taken seriously, who immediately wanted to see more of what was going on. He scheduled Chris for a colonoscopy 4 days later. Unfortunately, Chris never made it that far. While taking the colonoscopy prep, Chris’ colon ended up blocked and he was rushed to the ER. After enduring an NG tube, CT scans and an MRI, we were given the news that he likely had cancer and would need to have surgery to deal with the blockage in his colon. After a week of trying to get transferred to another hospital that would be better equipped for the procedure he needed, Chris’ team was able to get him in with an outstanding surgeon who performed his resection surgery with a colostomy, as well as the biopsy. As of now, Chris will be receiving chemotherapy every 2 weeks for a 3 day cycle. We recently learned that his cancer has a mutation that will require an additional medication added to his chemo cocktail.

We have heard and read many successful Stage IV Colon Cancer stories, and we pray that Chris’ story can be added to them.

Chris and I have always been the “we’ll figure it out” kind of couple. But this whole experience has been extremely humbling, and we’ve definitely leaned on our friends and family a lot during the last 6 weeks. Bless them all!

We appreciate any donation you are able to give our family in order to offset the costs of treatments, medications and all the other financial burdens that come along with this horrible disease.

Be well and thank you,

Ashley and Chris Carey