Cancer patient appreciates support

By Patsy Brandenburg

A benefit car show will be held for Marion resident Steve “Psycho” Norder at St. Mary’s Parish Car Show Grounds in Bear Creek on Saturday, July 15.

“The outpouring of help is just crazy,” Steve Norder said. “People you haven’t talked to in years are calling and wanting to help and volunteer for my benefit. It makes you realize just how many friends you’ve got.”

Norder has faced three types of cancer. His cancer journey started in 1985 when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer. At that time, the only thing they did was to cut the cancer away. He was told if he made it five years, he will have beaten it, and the chance of beating this type of cancer was only 5 percent. Norder said after that if there was a spot that looked suspicious they would cut it out. Last summer, he had a “bunch” taken out of his neck.

Then in 2005, Norder was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. At that time, he took six months of chemo, which put it in remission for five years the first time, and with more treatment, his cancer went into remission three or four other times.

In 2015, Norder’s appendix burst. That is when the doctor discovered he had colon cancer, for which he received more chemo.

Norder said when he woke up from that surgery, he discovered they had to do colostomy surgery. After about seven months, he then had the colostomy reversal surgery done, which was very painful. He was supposed to be in the hospital for seven days but stayed for 14, as his colon had been shut down for seven months. Norder said a hernia remained in the colon, which he had to live with.

About a year ago, it was discovered that Norder had liver cancer. The doctor at Marshfield Clinic decided to inject chemo into his liver by going through a big artery in his leg. This had to be done in two sessions. Norder said since this procedure was done, his liver counts have been good.

Six weeks ago it was discovered that Norder’s gallbladder was completely deteriorated and needed to be removed. The doctors were able to remove that with no problem and the gallbladder had no cancer.

However, this knocked him down, and it has been a living hell for him since. He has lost 36 pounds and has a tough time eating.

Norder continues to be on chemo pills, three per day for his CLL, along with some pain medications. Norder said he lives with severe pain in his back and stomach every day.

The doctors told Norder that what he is taking right now is where he is at until he gets worse. Then they would need to get hospice in as hospice knows how to manage pain.

The doctors have told Norder that very few patients with this type of cancer live 12 years.

Those who know Norder know that he has a passion for restoring cars. He has restored 13 cars in his lifetime from classics to hot rods. Norder has also restored more than 40 gas pumps. One of his favorite pastimes is hunting with his two sons, Shane and Shannon, as well as spending time with his grandson, Trayton.

Norder worked for Miron Construction for 15 years, but retired 2 1/2 years ago, as work was getting difficult for him. He also owned Steve’s Styling Shop on 9th Street in Clintonville.

“The biggest reason Steve has continued to defy the odds is because of his upbeat personality and positive attitude,” Marion Advertiser Publisher Dan Brandenburg said. “Always smiling and laughing, always coming up with witty remarks. He’s one tough dude who loves life to the fullest. I always enjoy chatting with him and wish him the best.”

The car show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Car show registration is from 9 a.m. to noon. The entry fee to show a car is $5. Spectator admission is free.

Along with the car show, those attending will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, bucket raffles and more. There will also be food, beverages and a bouncy house available for the kids, along with music.

To donate items for the silent auction or bucket raffle or make a monetary donation, contact Sue Mares at Premier Community Bank at 715-570-0531.