"I like the way my doctor framed it by stating I was as cancer free as the general population after the surgery and following treatments. The scans and blood work would eventually support that claim. You go with what you feel. Like…"
A community for those affected by colorectal cancer.
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Andy Grimes
- 49, Male
- East Berlin, Pennsylvania
- United States
- Blog Posts (25)
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- Groups (4)
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Andy Grimes posted a status"Just coming upon four years from diagnosis. Still here. God is good everyday."
Profile Information
- City:
- East Berlin, PA
- Relationship to disease: [select only one]
- Patient/Survivor
- Race and Ethnicity: [select only one]
- White (non-Hispanic)
- (Patients/Survivors Only) Type of Cancer: [select only one]
- Rectal Cancer
- (Patients/Survivors Only) What stage were you diagnosed? [select only one]
- Stage 3
- (Patients/Survivors Only) Diagnosis Date:
- February 27, 2008
- (Patients/Survivors Only) Chemotherapy Received:
- Fluoroucil (5-FU), Avastin (Bevacizumab), Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin)
- (Patients/Survivors Only) If you have metastates, please note where:
- right iliac node
- About Me:
- I am 45. I have three children. 9, 7 and 2. Understandably, I also have a very busy wife.
February 27, 2008, I had a colonoscopy and learned from the pictures (and a terrific Dr. Speranza and his staff) that there was a 2cm growth very low in my rectum. Now we begin to learn how to listen, love and keep laughing.
Looking back is always clearer, but I had attributed the symptoms to other things and kept dealing. Stress had caused this, or years of heavy lifting caused that. Driving for hours and 'roids and too much coffee and sleeping too little - all rationalizations to tidy the signs away.
I was out in my barn/workshop working another night after midnight and wasn't feeling too well but thought it was just a touch of what the kids had gone through - some sort of bug and an upset stomache. I had run to the house to make it to the bathroom and saw the bright red in the bowl. Even as I was staring at the vivid red I denied it was more than hemmoroids and only could think how hemmorhoid surgery would interfere with getting more work done.
Typical male behavior, I am told.
For the next two hours (until nearly 3 am, it was endless and I began to realize that hemmorhoids would be a blessing. That moment of acceptance marked a pivotal milestone for me, and all that follows is how I will mark the days.
I of course downplayed the severity to my wife and got an appointment with our family physician the following morning. An anuscopy revealed the hemmorhoids, but the length of the scope fortold a greater blood source higher up. (It would not be known until the later tests that the growth was only 3cm above the muscle tissue). Immediately, the office arranged for a colonoscopy, but immediately is a relative term. It was not until February 27th, nearly two weeks later, would I be able to have the colonoscopy performed.
The probe would confirm the fear, with a 2cm growth just past the muscle tissue, and while still resurfacing from the haze of the sedation, the pictures were revealed and the scramble to find facilities accepting of my insurance went into motion.
From the Gastro folks to the potential surgeon I went. From there I had blood work and CT scans of my pelvis and abdomen. The lab CEA revealed a level of 8.6. (CEA is the term for a "marker" relaying imune activity to combat this type of cancer.) When I asked if an 8.6 was good or bad, the RN said it was bad but not the worst. They were all forthright with their answers and I can appreciate their situation.
I saw a Urologist about my prostate and that blood work was a bit of good news, though the doctor was not. End of career medical professionals have lots of experience but it appears the thrill has gone for this guy. I would, however, take his bit of positive news.
I then met with a terrific radiation oncology doctor, who finished her residency in the year before I was born, 1961. Her grace and attitude toward her mission set this whole thing in a comfort level I did not expect. She took great lengths to show me all that was going on with the cancer, what could be done about it and what she felt was right for me. I then knew that this was not a one person fight.
I will follow up with more as I am able.
For those who asked for proof, here is that crazy field trip and a shot of "Polypman with EneMan" The shots at the bottom are of my kids - Three reasons this is worth every ounce of energy...
Andy Grimes's Blog
Happy New Year, enjoy the gift
Posted on January 12, 2009 at 11:26pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
I have heard that today is called the present because it is a gift. Gather up all of the days since you learned of your very own cancer and there's wrapping paper knee deep as far as you can see. This Christmas was supposed to be a lesson in moderation, with fewer… Continue
Starting to seem like normal - Thanks to all.
Posted on October 2, 2008 at 10:00am 1 Comment 0 Likes
Starting to like the hospital too much?
Posted on September 19, 2008 at 8:14am 2 Comments 0 Likes
ANdy has been in since Friday with a pelvic infection stemming from an abcess. The fever and night sweats and pain were unbearable for days. When they finally got that under control, they found an intestinal blockage. They are trying to work out the kinks with a nasal-gastric tube which has been tortuous, but better than more surgery (an option at this point). THey have started him on a feeding tube as he is unable to have solids and obviously he is getting very weak. His spirits reman high. He… Continue
Amazing gifts and bittersweet blessings - Thanks, we are grateful
Posted on August 25, 2008 at 8:07pm 3 Comments 0 Likes
August 25, 2008 - Eve of the hospital stay...
Sometimes when you think about all of the folks you have known, some casually, some for brief moments over several years, you never know what you mean in their lives. We have been making and painting furniture in a folk art style for almost ten years and the people who make me smile at shows and through conversations on the phone were always there. It didn't matter if they bought a piece but seeing those folks in those markets meant that… Continue
Sometimes when you think about all of the folks you have known, some casually, some for brief moments over several years, you never know what you mean in their lives. We have been making and painting furniture in a folk art style for almost ten years and the people who make me smile at shows and through conversations on the phone were always there. It didn't matter if they bought a piece but seeing those folks in those markets meant that… Continue
Comment Wall (49 comments)
- At 12:27pm on November 14, 2011,
Jeannie Moore said… thanks for the update Andy! So happy you are doing well.
We have a small problem with some spammers that we are dealing with as quickly as they join, but if you don't mind, I'm going to ask that you use your page here as your contact info other than your personal email.
We do our best to protect your privacy here.
thanks,
jeannie
- At 2:04pm on August 10, 2009,
Nancy Butterfield said… - Hi Andy,
You have a way with words! Just a note to see how everything is going with you and if there is anything we can do to help!
Nancy - Patient Support - 877-422-2030
- At 1:26pm on September 1, 2008,
Andrew said… - Andy
Thinking about you and jane every day! Hope you are doing well. Would love to talk to you when you feel up to it.
Andrew
- At 3:59pm on July 17, 2008,
Keith Millspaugh said… - Hi Andy,
I just read your birthday blog and found the depth of your being. Its easy for us to get lost in the day to day of the furniture business and never take the time to appreciate the craftsman. Your contact page is very informative and inspirational. Becky had told me of your condition some time ago which added you to my family's dinner prayer list. This site turns those prayers to an initmate understanding rather than just a passing thought. Your ability and perserverance to turn weathered wood into beautiful furniture certainly will strengthen your will to see yourself through your treatments to recovery to wholeness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Keith and all of us at Millspaugh Furniture
- At 8:32pm on July 16, 2008,
Karen said… - Hi Andy - we learned of your condition at the Marlboro show in April - we pray daily for your speedy recovery - it is not without faith in God that we are all able to get through the things that he hands to us - you have talents far beyond many other people and we know you will in time be creating and making your awesome designs - after all where are we without Andy and Good Intent Farms - your smile and friendly handshake at each shows keeps many of us going to get through yet another gruling show - your creativity and talent allows all of us to prosper and we all pray for a speedy recovery. We will see you in February - take care, keep strong and God Bless.
Hugs
Karen & Rich Boulay
Primitive Thymes
Spencer, MA
- At 4:27pm on July 13, 2008,
Ross said… - Hello Andy ~
Just wanted to drop you a line and say howdy! I hope you and your family are doing some fun & silly-crazy (that's right up my alley!) things together this summer. The pics of all of ya'll are fantastic! Your kiddos are cute, cute & more cute. Years down the rd., like when you are teaching them how to drive (ahhh!) or for the next one when getting ready for their prom, I hope you appreciate and *enjoy* the fact of what a super job you & your wife have done raising them.
I checked out your blog - which btw is bigtime awesome - and saw that you have surgery scheduled for later this summer. You'll definitely be in my thoughts & prayers. I wish you peaceful thoughts and moments, loud electric funfilled get togethers and as many calm cool summer breezes as possible for the rest of the dogger days of summer. Take good care of yourself ~
- At 4:24pm on July 9, 2008,
Ashleigh Frazier (Barbour) said… - Hey Andy - I finally figured this thing out!! You are in our prayers and we will be following along with you on your journey. WE LOVE YOU - GIVE IT HELL!!
- At 12:41pm on July 6, 2008,
Michele Horwitz said… - Go For It
- At 4:39pm on July 5, 2008, Michele Horwitz said…
- Hi Andy,
My name is Michele. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 CC in August '06 at age 41. I had surgeries (one planned, one not so planned) and 6 months of chemo. Just when I thought I was done...Clean Pet and Clean CAT scan, the pesky CC decided to metastate to my right ovary. More surgery and another 6 months of chemo. I finished chemo in April and am coming up on my 3-month scan.
Enough about me but just wanted to let you know my story and that we are part of that same "under 50 - who would have thought....group" Anyway, I am sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Be strong.... Your pics show a beautiful family and they need you and you need them.
Kudos for putting Ripple up on website. One of my very favorite tunes.
Michele
- At 2:06pm on June 22, 2008,
John Grimes said… - Congratulations, Campbell!!! (and proud parents Andy and Jane)
Wow, what an honor. You are so talented (as are your amazing brothers). Please send us a copy of your story.
Love,
John and Robin
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