Cody Chandler was admitted to the UT Health Tyler emergency room for pneumonia in both lungs when he received another, unexpected diagnosis: acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
If left untreated, AML is usually lethal within months, according to Dr. Bob Droder, an oncologist at UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center. The time to act was now, and so Dr. Droder started Cody’s treatment right away.
An aggressive form of cancer called for an equally aggressive treatment with intravenous chemotherapy. As a result, Cody’s immune system was weakened, and he spent the next month in the hospital.
“The first month was crazy,” Cody said. “I was completely helpless. It was a remarkably humbling experience.” And when he needed care most, his nurses at the cancer center were there for him.
“My nurses on 6 North, especially Candice (Freeman) and Renee (Gilbreath) were amazing,” Chandler said. “They were so protective and would do everything they could to make the process easier, better, and faster. Candice will still go out of her way simply to check on me.”
The hardship of his treatment paid off, and he went into remission—but his journey wasn’t over yet. There was still residual leukemia left in Cody’s body, meaning further doses of less intensive, but still aggressive chemo were needed. Cody made frequent visits to the hospital during the rest of his treatment.
Through it all, Dr. Droder and the rest of the staff at the cancer center were attentive to Cody’s condition.
“ [The hospital] became the only place I felt safe and eventually felt like my second family,” Cody said. “The nurses on 6 North and at HOPE helped me through the most difficult thing I have ever experienced.”
Over time, Cody built strong, lasting relationships with his care team at the cancer center. Dr. Droder and his nurses were there every step of the way, providing care that went above and beyond.
“Dr. Droder is not just my doctor,” Chandler said. “To this day, Dr. Droder sits with me, talks to me, takes time to counsel me, and supports me with what I continue to face. He truly listens and I know he cares tremendously. He will always be ‘my’ doctor. He is truly special.”
Today, Cody is considered cured and his chances of relapse are low. Although his immune system has not fully recovered, he leads a happy, healthy life with his family. Since the end of his treatment, Cody has completed several triathlons and running events, including a marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. He and his wife, Jodi, also welcomed a baby girl to their family.
“I’m absolutely thankful I landed at UT Health and HOPE when I was diagnosed,” Chandler said. “There are so many stories, but at the end of the day, Dr. Droder and all the nurses on 6 North and at HOPE Cancer Center saved my life.”
At the Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care, nothing inspires us more than hearing about the difference that caring healthcare workers make in the lives of patients every single day. Will you share your story with us?