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In late December/early January, Sandy’s exceptional health began to be interrupted by occasional headaches and dizziness. Then one afternoon, while working on the ranch (for which he has been caretaker over some 18 years), he collapsed for a short spell. This precipitated a trip to his chiropractor, and then to the emergency room, where he got a cat scan and MRI. These revealed a brain tumor, which was identified through biopsy as Glioblastoma (
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/cdc-20350148). As you likely know, this fast-growing cancer does not have a good prognosis.
With the help of several advocates, Sandy was transferred to UCLA’s Reagan Medical Center, where he was in the Neuroscience/Trauma Intensive Care Unit (
https://www.uclahealth.org/hospitals/reagan/our-units-floors/neurosciencetrauma-intensive-care-unit-6icu). His doctors determined that the tumor was “inoperable.” As Sandy put it: “The first week in the hospital was hard, and my partner Eve Rinehart and I were looking at moving into hospice. But after a week or so we changed our course, and are pursuing Chemo and Radiation Therapy, to give ourselves a chance to fight back. I am clear that this is a long process.” (He and Eve also looked at medicinal alternatives.) Sandy was at UCLA from around January 23rd to Feb 9, with his L.A. based family and a few close friends providing regular visits; his right side was mostly paralyzed, and he received limited physical therapy.
On Feb 9th Sandy was discharged and taken by ambulance back to his home near Santa Barbara. The owners of the ranch he was managing gave him use of the guest cottage, where he is was comfortably ensconced, just steps away from his and Eve's home. He began a Chemo regimen, and had a great group of caregivers.
Sandy settled in, received limited visits, and got around the clock care. He sent his heart-felt love, and invited prayers “for healing of mind body and spirit in the days that are ahead.”
On 3/16, with his condition deteriorating, Eve began hospice. A few days later Sandy began to experience severe pain, so wasreceiving pain managing drugs. A week later, on 3/22/23, he crossed over, with Eve at his side. May he rest in peace and rise in power.
Thanks for visiting this site. I encourage you to read the many comments and tributes, and enjoy the gallery of photos across the arc of his life. We invite you to support the CaringBridge site, which is a great help to so many on similar journeys.
