Chad Bode Cancer Fundraiser

Chad was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago. In November 2012, he had a large tumor, the size of a small volleyball, removed with a kidney and adrenal gland. After that tumor was removed, and unbeknownst at the time, Chad was incorrectly diagnosed with kidney cancer. 

Less than 2 years later, in 2014, Chad developed a tumor in his spine. That tumor was surgically removed, his spine restructured and he received radiation therapy to remove any residual cancer cells.

In 2015, because the cancer had returned, Chad chose to undergo High-Dose IL-2 Therapy for kidney cancer at the University of Minnesota. IL-2 Therapy is a biologic therapy designed to help the body increase its immune system to help the body fight cancer. Because of the severity of these side effects, patients are hospitalized while the drug is being given. During this time, Chad was in the hospital for treatment and then out for recovery several times, over a total period of 3 months. This intense treatment contributed to Chad having a heart attack in 2015.

After the 3 months of of High-Dose IL-2 Therapy, some small tumors were found at the base of his lung. In 2016, after these tumors, along with about 75% of Chad’s right lung was removed, the cancer was identified as a different type of cancer, indicating that Chad was originally misdiagnosed in 2012. 

In 2017, Chad began receiving care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, his cancer diagnosis was correctly changed to adrenalcortical carcinoma (ACC) and he finally started reviving the appropriate care and treatment. ACC is a rare cancer, effecting only 1-2 people out of a million. Since receiving treatment at Mayo, Chad has completed additional chemotherapy, 7 months of immunotherapy, additional radiation therapy, and several off-label drugs approved for other types of cancers.

In June 2018, Chad began suffering from internal bleeding as a result of his cancer and almost lost his life.

Through his experience with cancer, Chad has done his best to remain active and serve in his community. He has continued to serve at his church, with the local Boy Scout Troop and with various veteran causes.

Chad is very thankful for the support he has received from his family, friends, co-workers and community dying his journey with cancer.