Dear friends,
On June 24, 2026 Andy was diagnosed with not one but two cancers; myelo fibrosis (a disorder of the bone marrow) and indolent b-cell lymphoma.
Andy is rare in this way; these two issues developed independently of each other and with genomic mutation called TET2.
The most common mutation is JAK2, for which many people take Jak-inhibitor drugs. This disorder has caused his spleen to enlarge to almost 3 times the normal size (the largest the hematology/oncology fellow had ever seen) Although, she did tell us a colleague of hers said he saw one a smidge larger. (*Andy was sad he had been de-throned as "SPLEEN KING"!)
His prognosis is 4.5 years if the treatments are ineffective.
However, we refuse to believe it will go that way, and we know he can beat this.
Our family is dealing with this as best we can, and the boys and their wives are being supremely strong about the situation. Our friends and community as well, for which we could not be more grateful.
I'll continue to update here.
Many people have generously asked how they can help - and we are more appreciative than words can express for that sentiment.
Andy’s GoFundMe:
In the meantime, as in Andy's boxing days, and when he used to coach at the Boys & Girls Club, we will keep fighting and keep our chins up.
Please keep him in your prayers and much love to you,
Thanks again,
Veronica (& Andy) Fish
PS
My previous blog was deleted in the big Google-purge of 2022, which made me sad because so many memories from as early as 2007 were in there, and I wish now in light of recent circumstances I could go back and relive them. Especially since the first post was a date night at a fast food place across the street from the hospital we now find ourselves living in periodically. Being in this club is not one he wants to be in, but we will appreciate every moment, and stick together.
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