My Brother in Law and Family’s Story

#AndyStrong #FightAgainstColonCancer

Andrés Santiago

Husband to Abigail Santiago

Father to four sons

Former Coach at Dunnellon Little League & Travel ball

2nd Battle with Colon Cancer

How Cancer Changed Our lives!

Our cancer fight began in June 2019, after returning home from a baseball tournament with our son. We had dinner and Andy quickly complained of terrible tummy ache and discomfort. The next morning he decided to go to the Emergency Room because things didn’t change. Once he was brought in they began to run tests and his white blood cells were alarmingly elevated. At that time the doctor sent him for a CT Scan and the doctors determined he had a blockage and advised him it was possibly cancer. Within a few hours Andy was admitted to the hospital for further testing. The next day a colonoscopy was performed and at that time colon cancer was confirmed and surgery was required. He was hospitalized for 11 days which included 3 days in icu. During that time he had surgery to remove the tumor and begin his recovery. It was very difficult for Andy and our family to accept that he had cancer. As a family we stood strong in our Faith, trusting God to give his doctors and nurses wisdom and knowledge. God really saw our family through this difficult time. Andy then came home to continue healing for six weeks. After that he did six months of oral chemotherapy which caused many side effects, yet Andy pushed through and went back to work. At that time he was able to work through his treatments and at the six month mark Andy rang the bell of remission.

How His Remission Worked!

Once Andy completed his treatment he was still required to see his oncologist every three months for continued evaluation and blood work to make sure the BIG C didn’t return. For two years Andy followed this process. However, in February of this year while on a routine it was determined that his tumor markers began to go up. The doctor was a bit concerned but because the numbers were not over the required testing levels the doctor chose to continue to monitor him closely. Moving forward to May’s visit the tumor markers went up even more but still not at the levels required for further testing. His oncologist out of abundance of precaution sent him for a CT Scan, which showed a new tumor behind his abdomen. It was then determined a PET Scan was needed to verify it was a tumor, which in turn confirmed the tumor and its location. He was then sent for a biopsy. Andy’s words “ I never want to do that again!”

After waiting over a week we received that dreadful call and the doctor confirmed

“The cancer is back.” It was also confirmed that it was the colon cancer but in a different location which was a rare location.

His New Journey

So, with the confirmation of Colon Cancer and its rare location he was referred to Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa Florida. This hospital is almost 2 hrs away. After waiting 2 months, on Friday we finally saw the oncologist at Moffitt and he determined that chemotherapy is needed ASAP and then surgery. He will be working closely with his local oncologist to get him the best treatment possible. They determined aggressive chemotherapy is needed and Andy is healthy other than the cancer so he can tolerate. Therefore, Andy will be receiving aggressive chemotherapy (3) to be exact every two weeks for two months and then possible surgery and back to chemotherapy. This process will take over 6 months to a year. He will need all your prayers and God’s help to get through this.

Why we are asking for help??

Andy has been the sole provider for our family. I personally battle lung disease and receive treatment every three months to help me breath. We also have two sons. Joshua graduates high school in June 2022 and Jonathan will be attending college in the fall and continue his education and baseball career. Our boys depend on us for everything as they continue their education. We know God is able, we know that God healed him the first time and He can do it again! We trust that the Lord has it all under control. With this we humbly ask that if you can 1. Keep Andy and our family in prayer as he begins chemotherapy on 07/28/2021 2. If you are over 40yrs old, ask your doctor about having a colonoscopy. There is great treatment with early detection & 3. If you can donate and share our cause.

We greatly appreciate all who have taken the time to read and donate as all donations will go toward medical costs and provide for our family with daily needs.

I leave with you this:

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV