Andy Bidwell participates in a Spectrum Health cancer rehabilitation program.
Andy Bidwell participates in a Spectrum Health cancer rehabilitation program. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

To look at Andy Bidwell pull into the hospital parking lot on the motorcycle he built from scratch, probably the last description that would come to mind is “cancer survivor.”

But that he is.

Colorectal cancer profoundly affected and changed his life. His outward healthy appearance today masks the fact that he still feels the after-effects of the chemotherapy that drained his stamina and left him easily fatigued. So much so that, even now, a few hours of physical activity can leave him exhausted and “done in” for the day.

The 53-year-old former long-haul truck driver is slowly rebuilding his body and life after his successful cancer surgery in 2012, followed by difficult-but-essential chemotherapy. On Dec. 12, 2012, he hauled his last load as an independent owner-operator. He knew he had a serious medical issue. Two days later he saw his doctor and went straight to the emergency room, and soon was having life-saving surgery.

It’s been the most difficult road Andy has traveled, but he is making excellent progress. For surviving his fight with cancer, he credits his nurse navigator, Kay Kessel, RN, OCN, and the key members of his medical team, surgeon Bret Autrey, DO, and oncologist Carol Peterson, MD.

The other major factor, he says, is a cancer rehabilitation program at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital and his physical therapist, Christy Faust, PT.

The program is a collaboration between Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Cancer and Hematology and the hospital’s Rehabilitation Services department. It takes a multidisciplinary approach to improving outcomes for cancer survivors. The physical therapy aspects of the program, which are a primary component of Andy’s personal program, include various exercises specifically designed to help cancer survivors rebuild their stamina and regain their ability to function more effectively and improve their quality of life.

Each patient has an individualized program that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health services, dietary counseling, and ongoing physician and nurse consultations.

To hear their constant stream of banter as Faust leads him through various types of exercise equipment in the rehab gym, it’s easy to see the rapport she and Andy have formed as they pioneer implementation of the rehabilitation program.

While he still has a ways to go, Andy has experienced the benefits of the exercise program and has become an advocate, encouraging other patients to enroll in the program.

“I hope all patients will join … when they’re able,” he said. “I know how much it’s helped me. I encourage others to talk with the staff and get started as soon as they’re able. Resuming physical activity is so important to long-term recovery.”

“As Dr. Peterson says, ‘The stronger you are, the weaker the cancer is,’” Andy recalls. “I truly believe that. If one person joins (the rehabilitation program) because of me, I’ll feel I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.”

Andy’s infectious enthusiasm carries over to his relationship with his fellow cancer patients. His chemo experience and the friendships he formed during that time have given him a deep desire to help others along the same path he’s followed.

“He truly is a star patient, in every sense of the word,” Kessel said. “He is one of the most positive and determined people we’ve worked with. He works very hard at his recovery, with both diet and exercise, and sets an example for others. Andy not only helps counsel and lift the spirits of other patients, his self-discipline and optimism definitely have a positive effect on all of us who work in cancer and hematology.”

Hospital volunteer Mary Mortensen, Kay Kessel, RN, and Andy Bidwell pose for a photo together.
Hospital volunteer Mary Mortensen (seated) demonstrates how the boards created by Andy help patients with their meals. At left is Andy’s nurse navigator, Kay Kessel, RN. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

His caring attitude was expressed in a unique and creative way. Andy noticed that some patients, who need to have meals during long chemo treatments, struggled to manage the plates and utensils, especially bowls of soup. So he set about making custom boards that would balance on the arms of the patient chairs, providing a solid food tray that alleviated the problem.

He crafted eight boards, all with inspirational and encouraging messages chosen by the hospital staff, burned into the wood. For example, one board is inscribed with the Serenity Prayer about changing and accepting. Some include cartoons and are a bit humorous. As Andy observes, “…chemo is not easy and it can look pretty dark during those days; a bit of humor can really help.”

Each board was carefully coated with food-grade urethane to make them easy to clean to hospital standards. He donated them to the hospital in the name of his father, Maynard J. Bidwell, Sr.

“Spectrum Health offered this program for our local hospital and it was a dream come true for our staff to have this level of care available to our patients,” Kessel said. “Cancer and chemotherapy can significantly affect a patient’s life and this program adds more tools and resources to help people overcome physical and emotional barriers and empower complete recovery.”