Torrey Chadwick

In April, Torrey Chadwick noticed a swollen lymph node and went to his doctor to have it checked out.  After many tests, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to his lymph nodes.  Torrey is only 44 years old.   They advised him it’s highly unusual for someone his age to be diagnosed with this type of cancer. 
 
His cancer team suggested a treatment plan of chemo to shrink the tumor, followed by surgery at a later date. He started a regimen of chemo pills and chemo through IV every 2 weeks. A few days after his second IV treatment, on May 9th, he fainted 3 times and ended up being taken by ambulance to St Al’s ER.  They admitted him to the cancer unit the next day.  Torrey is still at St Al’s.  Initially, he had severe dehydration and low blood pressure.   They provided him fluids and his blood pressure came to normal levels.  He was going to be discharged a few days later, but then his heart rate increased to alarming levels.  They couldn’t find a cause.  He was moved to telemetry.  They said everything looked ok, but he was moved again to ICU due to possible risk of seizures from low sodium levels.  He was also put on antibiotics for an infection.  After a few days, Torrey was moved back to the cancer ward.  His first night out of ICU, he coded and had to have CPR to bring him back, putting him back in ICU.  
 
Torrey is now back in the cancer ward and is slowly getting better.  His heart rate and blood pressure have started to lower.  His appetite is improving and he is working with physical therapy to get his strength back.   The nutritionist told him today that if he eats well on his own, they will stop his nutrition through the IV. 
 
The doctors have determined that the cancer pills he was taking caused a severe side effect in Torrey.   His body was unable to metabolize the chemo pills due to a gene mutation or missing enzyme in his liver.   He now has extreme colitis from the chemo pills.   
 
Once Torrey is out of the hospital, he will have to look at what options are available for treating his cancer.   Torrey has worked at Winco for the past 26 years.  It is not known when he will be able to return to work.   
 
I have created this Go Fund Me page in the hopes it will help Torrey focus on his recovery, but still be able to cover some of his medical expenses and lost wages.  Any amount, no matter how small, will help.    

Torrey has been a part of my family for the last 5 years.  He is one of the most kind, generous and optimistic people I know.  He has brought such joy to my sister that I have not seen in a long time.   He is not only a father to a beautiful 14-year girl but he has also become a father figure to my nieces. 
 
Torrey and Heather are appreciative of the visitors, prayers, support and kind words expressed by so many. It has given them strength as they begin what will be a long process as they explore the best medical options available.