Support Jared's Recovery After Surgery

UPDATE FROM JARED

For those who have had their appointments cancelled; I am sure you have been wondering what elaborate scheme I cooked up to have the entire holiday season off this year. (How convenient)

In all seriousness; (This is going to get personal)

In early November I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I underwent surgery to remove the traitor and have since been recovering at home awaiting further testing and information. Yesterday I met my oncologist and was informed that my cancer has spread to my lymph nodes and that my cancer is stage 2B.

Due to the news of metastasis my recovery and treatment timeline has been extended. I am currently waiting to start my first of three rounds cycles of chemotherapy which should hopefully treat me without any need for further surgeries.

I will likely be unable to re-open until the end of winter or early spring at the earliest. I am hopeful to return sooner but I don’t want to set unrealistic expectations.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I’d like to say why I am thankful today.

First, I am thankful for my wife Madeline. Although we only recently married, she has been my best friend and partner for almost 7 years. I am fighting the hardest for her.

I am thankful for my incredibly loving and supportive family and friends that are just as in this fight as I am.

I am thankful for all the support and understanding I received when I cancelled months of appointments.

I am thankful that despite the metastasis of my cancer I still have a very good prognosis. I have full faith that I will beat this and be back to seeing all of my cat friends very soon.

Finally (though I can keep going) I am thankful that in this time of reflection, I can confidently say I am so thankful for the career choice I have made and I cannot wait to see all of your cats as soon as I can return.

Thank you for your encouragement and support.

Your prayers, words of encouragement, and loyal patronage of my services are more than enough support. I can’t wait to see you and your cats in 2025.

-Jared

***UPDATE FROM MADIE***

Jared’s recovery from surgery is going really good! He’s moving around pretty much like normal and taking nice long walks. On November 26th we found out that the cancer spread to his pelvic lymph nodes, which clearly is not what we wanted to hear. Today, the 27th, he had his first appointment with his oncologist who confirmed he is Stage 2-B. We are hoping the chemo alone will be effective and he will not need surgery to remove the lymph nodes. Hopefully within the next week or so he will get his Portacath placed and then start his 3 rounds of chemotherapy the following Monday. Obviously we aren’t very excited but we are staying positive and focusing on keeping him as healthy as possible during this process. Thank you everyone for your love and support during all of this. I really only have one thing to say now…. Cancer can suck his ball!!!

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After floating on cloud 9 following their September wedding and honeymoon came a shock no one expected! Jared discovered a lump on his testicle. The ultrasound raised concerns, and his blood tests indicate elevated tumor markers. As a result, he is scheduled for surgery to remove the testicle on November 13th. We remain hopeful that the removal will suffice, sparing him the need for chemotherapy or further treatment.

Unfortunately, Jared will be unable to work until January, and he will need assistance with daily activities, as he won't be able to drive or lift anything heavier than a milk jug during his recovery. Madie will be increasing her work hours to help offset the dip in their finances, but Jared’s 6 weeks off is a heavy burden.

We ask for any help you can provide to this young family, so they can focus on surgery and recovery without the added worry of being able to pay household bills. Thank you for your support and encouragement during this difficult time.