Keytruda and brain tumors

[Pancake_Lefse]

The good news is that Jeff’s oncologist agreed to move forward with the Keytruda infusions.

We had another ordeal with insurance that we had to work through. Thank God that was resolved, but in lieu of getting the infusion today, he’ll receive it Friday morning.

However, unfortunately, there has been significant spread in Jeff’s brain.

Remarkably his brain was stable for months and months, but the MRI revealed tumors on his skull, the dura, and soft tissue of his brain.

None of the tumors are operable.

We have been referred to radiation oncology. Tentatively, Dr. Laack (radiation oncologist) is thinking she’ll do whole brain radiation.

I’ll know more after we meet with Dr. Laack, but from what I remember, there are more potential side effects and risks with whole brain radiation. Nonetheless, it’s better than the alternative.

Keytruda won’t necessarily help with the cancer in his brain. While Keytruda does penetrate the dura more than other various treatments, it’s likely not enough to do much good.

Radiation won’t get rid of the tumors in his brain, but should stop them from growing.

Jeff is adamant about continuing this fight. He’s not ready to give up, he’s not ready for hospice, he doesn’t want to die.

~ Stephanie

#teamjeffgallagher

(Our daughter, Channing, came to the appointment with us and is pictured in our waiting room selfie.)

[KocoPr]

Im pulling for you guys! Im glad he still wants to fight. I don’t know when I’ll be in this position but I hope i would have the advocate Jeff has, and as of right now I don’t want to give up. The thing that weighs on my mind the most is all the STUFF i have that my poor wife wouldn’t know what to do with. Don’t want to leave a burden for others to clean up. I also never had children but you to are lucky to have 4 to cherish!

[Hidden]

Oh Channing ! Love your dad mucho . Keep him up ! Steph , stay strong . How is the new pup? 😔🙏

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Hidden]

Maggie is doing great, she brings so much joy 🐾❤️

Maggie, smiling 😊🐾❤️

[Hidden in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

Maggie o Maggie! Luv that face! 😂

[KocoPr in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

If you want more laughter and love watch doggydaycare out of Australia

[Yadifan]

I admire him...and you and the kids. Stay strong Stephanie and Jeff. Hoping for good news.

[Wings-of-Eagles]

Team Jeff and Steph, Definitely praying for you, for healing ,for a turn around to better health, for change about to come. Keep the faith!!!

I was told 10 years ago I had 3 years left, currently in remission on Zytiga.

Wings of Eagles aka Dan in So Cal.

[Sisira]

Hope God will give him a chance to live.I pray 🙏.

Stay strong and don't give up the fight.

[j-o-h-n]

Jeffrey is my kind of guy. Teach those little bastards a lesson. Beat em......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Thursday 05/26/2022 6:25 PM DST

[Bunkerboy]

Praying for you both🙏🏻🙏🏻

[cancerfox]

Dear cancer, I hope one day you're just a zodiac sign..........curiano.com

Hang in there!

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to cancerfox]

Yes! ❤️❤️❤️

[Hidden in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

🙏❤️

[KocoPr]

Thinking about you today Jeff, good luck with keytruda

[Spyder54]

Press on Regardless Jeff ! At some point the PCa may just tap out, saying….who is this guy? Nobody has this much fight in them. Here is a toast to Jeff’s tenacity, and to his loving support Team, including Maddie !Heal well, Mike

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Spyder54]

❤️❤️❤️

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Spyder54]

Just prior to Jeff being diagnosed (Dec 2020) he started making long term plans for a family cruise.

He put money down, but gave himself ample time to pay (in full) for said cruise, airfare, and save for all the extra excursions and such.

The cruise is in February 2023.

At our last visit the APRN came in prior to the oncologist.

Towards the end of our visit with her, she leaned in close to Jeff and pressed, “so you want to continue with treatment?”

To my utter dismay, Jeff, with a stern voice and absolute disbelief he was even asked such a question, quipped, “I have paid for a family vacation that’s in February 2023 and I damn well intend on being there!”

The APRN, who was originally infringing in his personal bubble, suddenly sat back with a start.

For a moment, silence filled the room, with the exception of Jeff’s breathing which clearly conveyed how irritated, if not offended, he was.

If attitude can save this precious man, he’ll be on that cruise. ❤️🛳