The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Scott Leisy admits he was surprised when 22 members of the Summerland Bobcats girls basketball team and three co-coaches walked into the chemotherapy room at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill during a June therapy session.

"Surprised, but I wasn't surprised," the Clearwater Public Schools educator said. "It was good to know where their hearts are. To see them show up wasn't out of character."

That sense of character and community support aren't lost on Leisy, who was diagnosed with stage four Colon cancer in 2018.

"We have phenomenal kids. Their visit was very much appreciated," he said.

In 2018, a benefit for Leisy at Clearwater's American Legion Post drew friends and guests from across the region.

"Words can't describe it. Walking in was pretty overwhelming," he said. "People genuinely care. For a guy who is not from Clearwater, it shows how the community is."

It makes the fight easier.

As did the visit from the Bobcats.

Bobcats Head Coach Greg Appleby said the visit came before a summer league game in O'Neill.

"I know he enjoys having company while sitting in chemo all day and it was a small thing we could do to support him."

The transition from Cyclones and Tigers into the Bobcats has been a smooth one, according to Leisy.

"Watching them mold together is fun. They jumped on board day one," he said.

Appleby added, "We are all new coming together and half of the girls knew Coach Leisy real well while playing for him last year at O/C and those Ewing girls are just starting to get to know him. We are all coming together and we wanted to let Coach Leisy know that we are all supporting him and are all part of his family."

A new edition to Leisy's squad, cheerleaders offering encouragement to win the day.

"Our team realized how blessed we are to be able to play a game, while Coach Leisy is facing a much tougher foe than we will ever face on a basketball court. Coach Leisy is an inspiration to us all," Appleby said.

Leisy's bout with cancer began Feb. 27, 2018, when he woke up shortly after midnight with abdominal pain.

When the aches did not subside, the 33-year-old made a trip to the emergency room, where gall bladder problems were ruled out.

The diagnosis: a large mass, located in the rectum and several masses throughout his liver.

"It was a pretty big shock, hard to accept. It came out of the cold blue."

With the exception of weight loss, Leisy said he did not have any telltale signs typically associated with the disease.

According to Mayo Clinic documentation, signs of Colon cancer include "a persistant change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or change in consistency of stool; rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; abdominal discomfort, including cramps, gas or pain, and weakness or fatigue."

Cases of Colon cancer among people under age 50 is rising, according to a new study published in the journal, Cancer.

In 2004, 10% of cases involved individuals younger than 50.

The rate increased to 12% by 2015.

Leisy said he is fortunate to have a cousin who is an oncologist in Seattle.

After a trip to Omaha to consult with a specialist, Leisy's cousin connected him with doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

By March 27, chemo treatments were scheduled in O'Neill.

The first session took six to seven hours.

Leisy said it was "awesome" to be able to receive treatment close to home.

Since then, he receives chemo every two weeks.

"We were adamant about local treatments."

In October, doctors from the Mayo Clinic told Leisy the treatment had shrunk liver tumors and treatment beyond chemotherapy might be possible.

In December, he underwent surgery to remove tumors in his liver. Doctors removed 29 tumors during the procedure.

During this time, Leisy estimated he went seven or eight weeks without chemo.

"New spots showed up, so I jumped back on chemo to stay on top of it."

Treatments tend to bring fatigue, but Leisy has been fortunate.

No nausea or loss of appetite.

Playing with his children wears him out.

Another surgery may be an option if the drugs do what they're supposed to do.

Yet, Leisy faces the reality of living with cancer with a positive attitude.

"I live life as normal as I can," he said.

That includes golf and basketball during what he terms "a normal summer."

In the midst of preparations for the upcoming school year, Leisy will continue chemotherapy treatments.

Another scan is anticipated in early September.

Continued treatment options will be discussed and implemented.

"The prognosis is simple. I will be on chemo until the disease kills me or the medicine kills me," Leisy said.