David’s Story
This blog was created so family and friends could follow David’s story. This post is written by his sister Keri.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 8th, David had a seizure. He was at the Starbucks in University Village meeting with a potential new client with one of the partners in his firm. We are so grateful that he was with people and in a safe place (i.e. not driving). He was rushed to the University of Washington ER. Initial tests showed nothing, and we were all hoping it was a one-time event. The doctor did request additional tests of course, including an MRI and EEG. The MRI was Sunday November 13th. The EEG was supposed to be Thursday the 17th. The doctor said to do both tests, and if all was clear he would not need to see him until after Thanksgiving.
David got the call Monday the 14th to come in the next day, and of course they couldn’t give any information over the phone. David and Jessica went in and met with Neurologist Tuesday the 15th and saw the MRI scan and the presence of a tumor in his right frontal lobe. The Neurologist immediately scheduled an appointment for the next day with a Neurosurgeon. The appointment was at 11:30 on Wednesday, November 16th, and Sue (David’s Mom), Gayle (Jessica’s Mom), and myself (David’s sister) went with them. They estimate the tumor to be 5 centimeters by 4.5 by 4.
David had surgery on Monday November 21st, 2011. They removed a tennis ball-sized tumor from his right frontal lobe. They could not get all of the “visible” tumor because it was too close to his right-side motor function control area.
Ten days after surgery, the official diagnosis was given- an Oligodendroglioma tumor. It is a grade two, which slower growing. It is considered invasive, meaning tumor cells exist beyond what is seen on an MRI, and they will keep trying to grow. David was on chemotherapy for one year from December 2011 to December 2012. He is now going in for regular MRIs and is actively involved in supporting brain tumor research and patient advocacy.
David’s tumor has been nicknamed “Goliath”. Please pray for miraculous healing for David, strength for David and his family, and a cure for all suffering from brain tumors.
DEFEAT GOLIATH!
davidheyting 
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Always know that you have outpouring love from the Jarett family.
God Bless You All. Love Barb
Prayers for continued healing for David, wisdom for the doctors and strength for all the family at this difficult time. Love, Cheryl
Sending good thoughts your way. My brother and I grew up with David and Keri and my dad works with Sue — this has really hits home for me. I’ve been thinking about this a lot over the last week and if there’s one thing I keep coming back to, it’s that as a kid — and in HS — David is one of those people who pushed harder than most, fights to the end, has always given 100%. He never, ever gives up. My heart goes out to you.
Hi David…randomly thought I’d check to see how some of the people from NSP were doing :)…and up came your blog! I am so sorry to see you are fighting the fight of cancer, especially as a father, husband and very active person. I cannot imagine! My prayers are with you; and I hope you continue the fight and give it a run for it’s money. You inspire me with your attitude! Joy Goheen
David,
Not sure what to say. You are so in our thoughts and prayers. As a cancer survivor I have an inkling of what you are going through. I know that my faith was a big help during my six mohths of a stem cell transplant at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. There always was a still small voice inside of me saying it is OK. We so appreciate all that you have done to support Rotary Club of Kirkland Downtown and we are so greatful to have you in our lives.
Sincerely,
Phil Smiley