Let me tell you about my friend Andy Swan. He is something short of a big deal. He is an award winning director, editor, writer, the works. He lives in LA with his beautiful wife and his 3 year old son. Andy is only 34 years old. Andy is quite physically active. He enjoys cycling and rides in Bike MS every year. Andy has never smoked a cigarette a day in his life.
Recently Andy was diagnosed with stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma. He has a tumor on his lung that caused it to collapse and it has spread to his ribs and even broken one of his ribs. Andy started chemo yesterday and he has a long road ahead of him.
When I received the news that Andy was sick I think I went into shock. My brain could not process the information that my friend, who has a sweet little boy to raise and a wonderful wife who needs him, was sick. Sick with cancer. That bastard who takes away so many people that we love.
After the shock wore off I was simply pissed. I went to the store and purchased a card. All the cards were so sappy and lovey and I hated all of them. Finally I found one that fit my mood, my Cancer Is A Bastard, mood. Something that really said the way I felt. It made me feel better, but not by much.
Team Andy is going to fight this and Team Andy is going to win. For Andy I would walk in one of those awareness walks. This is a big deal as not many people can move me to exercise. It’s simply not my thing.
Andy has gone above and beyond for me more times than I can count. Big things too, not just small things that friends do for each other. I rarely have a chance to do anything for him. Now I can.
I am asking you to pray for Andy and his family. If you don’t pray please think positive thoughts. Do whatever it is you do that brings positivity into the world. Help me tell him that people care and people are thinking about him every day.
If you would please leave a comment below just saying something nice so he has something to read at his next chemo session.You can even tell an motivational survivor story of your own, or a funny joke or anything.
UPDATE: Andy Swan passed away on February 8, 2011, barely one year after his diagnosis. His memory lives on in our hearts.
The Greatest Healing Therapy Is Friendship and Love. Hubert H. Humphrey
MySentimentExactLee
Andy you can do it. I know you’ve heard it a thousand times, but as the spouse and daughter of men who were told to pack it up, and call it a day – let me tell you both of them have come out the other side and are in the best health of their lives. My husband Joe was diagnosed with stage 4 just 3 years ago when he was just starting his 40′s. Chemo was tough, radiation tougher – but Joe was tougher still. You can do it. Kick Cancer’s Butt, take it’s name – We are here for you. If you ever need someone who has been there & done that -I can lend you my husband’s e-mail.
Oh I almost forgot the funny – after the first time he did radiation he noticed that it smelled like microwave popcorn. After the second time he asked about the funny smell. Sure enough: the techs had been making microwave popcorn in there just before. Oh my.
this was his care page (and the savior of his mom & I)
https://www.carepages.com/carepages/tongueofjoe
Chin up Andy. Cancer can be beaten with a positive will and a courageous heart.
We are all pulling for you, Andy! Stay strong and possitive. You’ll be in our prayers.
Andy:
I don’t know you and I’m sorry to hear about your cancer. But you can do this. My dad just went through 4 months of chemo at age 77 and is still hitting the gym every day. I can’t even motivate myself to do that. Plus he’s on vacation now and just sent me a photo of him dressed up in a crazy 1800′s general uniform with flowing long hair. Sometimes I wonder where he gets the energy and the will. But he does and you will, too. I know it
Team Andy is going to fight ! We’ll get you through this, all you have to do is to stay strong and I know you can do that. If you ever need someone to talk to, you know I’ll me there! *hugs* :-*
Hey Andy you are going to be fine. I kicked Cancers butt in 09 I know you will kick it in 10. Stay positive and have a goal. I am getting ready to run a 15k race on the 1 year anniversary of my diagnosis with Advanced Testicular Cancer. I had a heart attack from a clot cause by the chemo had my left kidney removed and left testical but I am doing great and I know you will also. I am back at work full time and kicking ass and taking names. I had times I didn’t think I would make it but knew I had to for my son who will be 3 in April. I brought my laptop with me to chemo because they had wifi where I had it done. If you have a laptop bring it. I watched movies and did stuff while I sat there. If you want you can contact me on twitter I am browncoatmarc
I hope you feel better soon. I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Els
Sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers… I hope you get through this soon… love to you and your family… xox
Hey Andy, sending you tons of prayers, thoughts, and vibes as you go through the treatments. Stay positive and surrounded by love as you are not alone.
E-hugs to you and yours,
Joanne
As a cervical cancer survivor (found when I was 11 weeks pregnant), you can beat this. It’s tough and there are times you will want to give up because the suckage factor has reached maximum density, but don’t do it.
You and your family are in my prayers.
You WILL survive. Your little boy and wife need you. And apparently so does Hollywood.
hey andy, do not give up, i am sure you will beat this. besides, you have to beat it because we need more unauthorized documentaries posted on youtube of MGG. those docs make me laugh every time i see them. so dont give up. i am sending you lots of love and positive thinking your way.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend, Lee.
Andy, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I will send you positive vibes everyday when I visit the oncology ward (I work in a hospital). I know it’s tough – it’s horrible and nothing’s right anymore but people can do amazing things – overcoming stage 4 small cell cancer is just one of them! Patients amaze me everyday with how far they have come and how vital humor and positivity are to the process.
Here’s a funny story for you. So I walked into a guitar store (I know very little about guitars) and I asked one of the sales clerk if one guitar was better than the other when it came to small hands (I have ridiculous small hands) and he held up his fingers and said, ” I am also a member of the small fingered club – I’m surprised I haven’t seen you at the meetings. . . . “. So, maybe he deadpanned it and I didn’t pick up on it because the idea of a guitar store hosting meetings for the small fingered and then the mental image of all those people lamenting such small hands at the meetings caused me to be both amused and creeped out. Anyway, maybe I got a small chuckle here.
Good luck Andy!
Andy you are in my thoughts and prayers. You don’t know me, but when Lee found out you were sick she was devastated. She has been waiting to be able to blog about this and I’m glad she finally did. She is blessed to have a friend like you and you are in turn blessed to have a friend in her.
Gina.
Andy you are in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
lots of prayers for you Andy! I wish you all the best – kick cancer’s ass!
Andy, I wish you nothing but the best!! Lots of luck and PRAYERS coming your way!! ((HUGS))
Lots of well wishes and prayers to you Andy!!!! You can do it!
Prayers being said that he beats this and comes out stronger! ((hugs)) to you, him, his family and friends! Miracles happen every day and I believe he will get his! God bless!
prayers here from the Ward house. Be strong. You can do it!!!
Hey Andy,
Hope you get better dude. Lee said I need to say something and I’m not so quick on my feet. I am rooting for you though. Hope to see you at Lee’s party in LA.
Tim
aka Lee’s husband
I’m joining Team Andy. Having faced the “Bastard (cancer)” and beaten him… I am here to tell you it’s all about attitude. Andy, stay focused on kicking cancer’s ASS and we’re here to make sure you know you’re not alone.
Lee – you are an awesome friend to post this for Andy and we know you are pissed and that’s what it’s gonna take to help….
(oh and I’ll be praying too… cause you need help from heaven and earth!)
Oh yeah… I finished chemo (8 rounds) and 33 rounds of radiation Spring of 2006…. so – YOU can do it Andy!
Andy, I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I can’t even imagine, and I’m not even sure what the right words are. Either way, I will continue to pray for you. I’ll send many positive thoughts your way. I have faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with your friend Andy
Andy – you are in my thoughts & prayers. Stay strong, you can fight this.
Praying for you Andy. God bless!
Andy, it sounds like you are a wonderful man, husband and father. Many many prayers and positive thoughts coming your way!
I’m here too.
Very sweet post! Good luck!
Hugs & best wishes – a lot of people are sending love your way.
I send you love and good fortune in facing this ordeal! I shall pray for you and yours!
Hey Andy. Many prayers for you and your family. Stay positive. Cancer is a suck ass disease and can be beat!!
Lee, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I remember you talking about him many a time… I know how much he means to you. Andy and his family will be in my thoughts.
I will keep Andy and his family in my prayers! You can do this!
You got a crazy Canadian rooting for you from Ontario so you can’t fail!
If you ever need a quick smile and laugh, I suggest http://www.icanhascheezburger.com
they got lots of funnies in all kinds of categories cause it’s always better to laugh <3 it really is the best medicine.
Sending you and yours all my love
Andy,
I know this is something HUGE you have been given no choice to deal with, but please try everything you can *not* to get discouraged. This sentiment is easier said than done, but try nonethless. Some say cancer is tough, but prayer, hope and love are tougher. I’m sure you have a lot of that in your life.
We need to see you and Matthew make more Unauthorized Doc’s…we need to see more of you period! You’ve only just begun and you have so much more to accomplish. I firmly believe you will. So kick cancer’s ass and we’ll see you back in business very soon!
You don’t know me and probably don’t know a lot of the comments leaver… I am french and only want to give you some support to fight, to find enough force to fight against this cancer… even if the therapy is hard you can make it !
All my support to you Andy…
Carine from France
Andy, we are thinking of you and ROOTING FOR YOU TO WIN. You can beat this! You can do it. You have so many people wishing you all the best.
Hey Andy
There is more than one Canadian rooting for you.
Just in case you weren’t aware, if Lee is on your case you have no choice but to beat cancer, she has ways, its creepy
<3 & prayer coming at you
Hi there! I just would like to share this info. There is a hospital in China that does cryosurgery on inoperable tumors. I think it’s called Fuda Cancer Center. I have a friend whose mother had recently (December 09) undergone the same surgery for stage 4 lung cancer and so far she’s doing well and her pain had lessened considerably. Prior to the surgery, the tumor in her lungs had already replaced a portion of her spinal column and she was in so much pain and could barely move anymore. Doctors here in Manila and even in the US were saying that surgery wasn’t an option anymore but my friend and his family tried their luck in China. Apparently what they do is they freeze the tumor and then melt it slowly. If I remember correctly there were 2 or 3 cryo sessions, and some chemo sessions afterwards. Costs were roughly US$30,000.00 but I’m not too sure.
God bless and I’ll be praying for you Andy.
hi Andy!
i’m with you and your family! cancer is a bastard! i fight against breast cancer since 5 years ago and i’m fine!
the chemo, X-ray are so hard but they killed my cancer! i’m sure it will be the same for you!
you’re young you’re sportive guy! you have beloved wife and an adorable little son! they will fight with you!
if you will have sometime bad mood (it’s normal) think to your family, friends and a lot of fans of you! you’re so sweet and talented! may be soon you will visit “the Mont St Michel” and i’ll be happy to be your guide!
Matthew said ” the second star on the right shines in the night for you” i think this messages was for you! i say : ” every day is a victory against cancer!” this was my motto during my fight!
i’m french and my english is short to tell you all my feelings! good vibes Andy and you’re in my pray!
bisous (kisses)
Chantou
Please read the post to you on the my space blog.
Alternative healing works. My Paternal Grandmother died of lung cancer when I was 1 year old so I feel the emotions you are going through.
Vitamin C, Green Tea, amino acid Proline & Lysine. Dr. Matthias Rath in Santa Monica.
Chemo kills you because the protein that cancer is made of is stronger than the normal cells and chemo seems to kill all.
Royal Jelly helps with the nausea.
Sending Light, strength, love to you and yours.
Keep strong…
Know that prayers are being said for you…
So sorry to hear about your ordeal… my heart goes out to you and your family. sending love, hugs and positive thoughts your way. I will be rooting for you to win this fight. You can do it! I know you can!
remember that you have youth, health and the love and support of many who know you well and those who know your energy….i left you that other long prayer on the other blog and some fun stuff, too…
amy
Andy, I want to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there and keep the faith, You can make it through this! You have lots more docs of Matthew to make! Love and Hugs ! Cindy
stay positive Andy. You have people you know who are there for you and even people you don’t. We’ll be praying for you
Andy.. You don’t know me, but I am sending lots of positive healing thoughts your way. Take it one day at a time and beat the hell out of this thing..
Andy,
You and your family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Fight the good fight. Ye shall overcome!!
Team Andy Swan, get the banner to show your support! check out http://www.myspace.com/andyswanfans
Andy count me among those who will be holding you in the light of prayer and positive thoughts. Lots of people are rooting for you! Be Strong and cling to the love that surrounds you. God Bless you.
andy… there is ALWAYS HOPE! Its been almost 4 yrs now since the Drs told me I had maybe a month to live (my battle~journey is inoperable spinal tumors eating my vertebrate from the inside and compressing the cord)… it was Dec 2, 2006… today is july 8, 2010!!!! The Drs are a help, but the greatest physician of all is our Lord and maker. we each have to make our own decision on how to fight this battle… and pray for guidance and wisdom… and the COURAGE to battle and fight this dreaded disease. Each day is a precious gift. Learn to laugh, truly laugh, more than ever before.. and learn to relax more … even if you are the most relaxed person anyone knows..Treasure Life..embrace it… I chose to mostly go the integrative or alternative med and healthy living route… some choose otherwise. the important thing is be informed and to always research your options. Always… get 2, 3 , 4 opinions.. never settle on the first thing… detox, Drink superfood smoothies, juice as much as possible, high ph waters…and take the right supplements.I personally found some incredible healthy choice supplements these past 3 yrs that have helped me greatly. One of them actually helps anyone going through chemo or radiation,helping to detox the body of heavy metals and toxins and lessen the aftermath of cehom and radiation. I beleive there are more than 7000 people right now using it along with their choice of cancer treatments in clinical trials. You can read more about it at at http://www. myncd.com/724517 I know a few people who have absolutely incredible results and it has given them the opportunity to rid the body of its toxic body burden so the body can begin to heal itself. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I have also a couple friends that highly recommend Cancer treatment Centers of America… there are several around the country… When all the doctors around them gave them no hope,… cancer treatment center of america told them hop on a plane and get there as soon as possible… they have new hope, new treatments, and new journeys.. both of these people I know, now having gone far beyond what the local specialists predicted… They used the center in Philadelphia… but there are others. For your info they also have housing for you and your spouse for a few days right there at the center while a person goes thru tests etc… and if you cannot afford flights, there are relief efforts with different orgs that have flights of mercy for cancer tratment patients.
Please know you have my prayers for you and your family as you embark on this unchosen journey. My prayer is that you find strength and courage in the moments… Joy in the eyes of your loved ones,… laughter surrounding you… Dont give in or give up… Fight… for yourself and your loved ones!.. Know that He cares for you!
Graciously, Cathy B
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
@projecthope7 twitter
Ps… Humor is very important.. it has and is helping me deal with 24/7 pain.As a woman I have a great person to get me laughing… I turn on Anita Renfroes ALL THE WRINKLED LADIES… and it immediately gives me a kick… Find something you can identify with your family and all of you can share many new laughs!
.-= cathy B´s last blog ..projecthope7- RT -CymaxStores- Quote- All the great things R simple -amp many can be expressed in a single word- freedom justice honor duty mercy h =-.
Hey Andy! You don’t know me at all, but I am a huge fan of Criminal Minds, which is how I read about you. I pray you will seek out God and hold close to the hope we have in him. I know just hearing the word cancer is frightening, yet, there is a hope and a faith that will carry you through every step of the way.
My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight and will be in the days ahead.
My favorite quote is from Corrie Ten Boom, (The Hiding Place)
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Another quote by Corrie is: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
I thought since Criminal Minds usually ends with a saying or quote, you might like to share two of my favorites with me.
Ally
Thank you so much for your very wonderful post. I will include Andy in my prayers. God will always be with you. I hope everything will be alright soon. Regards Ten Boom