Cody has been battling with brain tumors since 2014, at 19 years old; which was his first one. It was a WHO grade II oligoastrocytoma (IDH1 positive) which was almost all removed surgically at Mayo, but not cured/curable at that time. No chemo or radiation was done either. His tumor made itself known when Cody had a seizure, which is a common symptom of a brain tumor or injury.
Then in 2017, he had another seizure which, with follow-up tests and biopsy results, showed right front lobe Anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH mutant (WHO grade III). He had as much of that removed as was possible again at Mayo. He did have radiation and chemotherapy afterward. He breezed through radiation which was able to be done in Aberdeen; he even drove himself. The chemotherapy came in the mail, and he kicked butt!!! Every 4/6 months, blood work and MRIs with no changes, and every time was a victory. Then in 2024, an MRI showed a left frontal lobe Meningioma that was fast-growing and an Anaplastic astrocytoma of the frontal lobe. It was decided that it should be removed before it causes cognitive issues as it was growing quickly. He had it removed in Sioux Falls and was released the next day!! As he said, “another one bites the dust”.
This past summer of 2025, Cody started to have pain in his neck, back of his head, and it would come up over into his forehead on the right side. He would also get light-sensitive in his left eye, would start sweating, nauseous and burpy, and dizzy. This would last a few minutes, but it was very painful. It continues to get worse. He went to the chiropractor thinking it was his neck, and he would get momentary “relief”, meanwhile these episodes were getting worse. I knew something was wrong. His next two MRIs showed a very fast-growing Astrocytoma, IDH mutant, grade 3 inoperable tumor. Specialists in Sanford Oncology/Neurology Sioux Falls, Mayo Rochester Oncology/Neurology, and Oncology Aberdeen all collaborated and came up with a plan for a course of radiation treatment that would be strong enough yet careful because the tumor had spread right to left frontal lobes and fingered down behind his eyes. It also had spread to the core of his brain which is memory and cognitive functions. These areas, especially the eyes as to causing blindness, had to be exact during radiation. So radiation was set up in Sioux Falls at Sanford Oncology for five days a week for four weeks. He did so awesome!! But we were also told that this is when the side effects of radiation would begin. He had about a week of doing pretty good, and then the side effects hit hard. He had many seizures, a lot of ER visits, medications added and/or adjusted, and things started to slow down from radiation. He started chemotherapy today, April 1st as It comes right to the door. We are not quite sure the exact duration of the chemotherapy. He does 5 days to start the first round.
Cody always is grateful and can find something positive in any situation. My son Blaize helps get us to appointments in town, picking up meds, etc., all while getting me where I need to go. He is a blessing always. My kids; Briana, Karyssa, Cassidi, and Blaize are all very supportive and came to me about doing a fundraiser for Cody as they know how much he has done for me/us and their grandpa Ackerman. Also he has two little ones, Scarlett and Hazel, that call him “Grampa” and he loves them so much. He taught Scarlett (5) how to fish a couple of summers ago and this summer he would love to be able to teach Hazel (3). His nephew, Tristin, is going to graduate this spring and he is looking forward to that. He has always been close to his nieces and nephews & goes to as many activities as he can. He can’t wait to get better so he can go golfing, go fishing and throwing some discs !
Cody is my human. 8 years & forever to go. He would do anything for anyone. If you truly know him, you’re blessed. But you also know that this is very draining on him in many ways.
Relying on someone else. Asking for help. That’s not him, but at certain times you just know when you do need help and that’s ok!
The rental we live in currently is very small and crowded but we have made it work. After a few seizures and falls, we found out fast that this is not going to be conducive anymore. Also we have no laundry here and going to the laundromat is not at all convenient at this time. We have been looking for rentals and have reached out to a landlord/realtor that understands our situation. Cody and I both are on a fixed income. We will have moving expenses/deposit etc. We have our Fur-baby Nala, so finding rentals that take pets is hard to find. The right one will come along eventually !!
Cody is a fighter. He is positive and keeps me positive, always has. God made him special.
We have faith and we are in this together!!
We appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, messages, phone calls, and visits we have received. We love you all !! God Bless !!
♥️
Amber & Cody
My family/Supporters
Briana & Zack (Grandpups Knox & Guts)
Cassidi & Alex (Grandpups Ellie & Annie)
Karyssa & Spencer and Granddaughters Scarlett, Hazel, and baby Klein coming in November
Blaize (Grandpup Arlo)