Jimmie Chooses Quality and Quantity After Stage IV Colon Cancer

When Jimmie Kinder, 55, was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, he felt he had to choose between living well and living longer.  

Today, as Jimmie prepares for a national pool tournament, he is focused on living the most functional life he can while continuing treatment at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. His care plan is designed not only to treat his cancer, but also to help him stay engaged in what matters most to him, including his family and community.

“I don’t want to be known as ‘the cancer guy,’” Jimmie says.

His wife, Shannon, has helped protect that sense of normalcy.

“We’ve never posted anything on social media about his cancer,” she says. “He just wants to be Jimmie.”

With the support of his care team at Saint Luke’s, that’s exactly who he’s been.

Staying ahead of the diagnosis

Jimmie learned he had colon cancer in 2021 after a colonoscopy, which was prompted by ongoing colorectal issues. He underwent two surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation at another hospital.

In 2023, scans showed the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. Looking for more personalized and forward‑thinking care, Jimmie transferred to Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute in June of that year.

There, he met Marc Roth, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist who emphasized transparency, frequent communication, and proactive way of managing his disease.

“We’ve been on top of the cancer ever since we’ve been at Saint Luke’s,” Jimmie says. “The key is not letting something become a surprise. When nothing is a surprise, you have nothing to fear.”

Within a month of transferring care, Jimmie’s case had been closely reviewed and coordinated across specialties. He met with Matthew Wilkinson, MD, a surgeon experienced in complex abdominal cancer procedures, who performed a six‑hour para‑aortic lymph node removal. This highly specialized operation required careful planning and collaboration.

After surgery, Jimmie’s care continued seamlessly with interventional radiologist Jennifer Buckley, MD, who began closely monitoring his scans. Together, his team uses advanced imaging and regular follow‑ups to anticipate changes early and adjust his care as needed.

A way to freeze cancer

In 2024, imaging revealed small spots on Jimmie’s lungs—early signs of new cancer growth. Because the tumors were detected early, Dr. Buckley was able to track them closely and act at the right time.

Once the tumors reached the appropriate size, Dr. Buckley treated them using cryoablation, an advanced, image‑guided technique that freezes cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.

Cryoablation is often used for small tumors in areas where traditional surgery may carry higher risk. Using precisely placed needles, extreme cold is applied directly to the tumor, destroying cancer cells while allowing for faster recovery and less disruption to daily life.

Dr. Buckley is currently one of the few specialists in the region offering cryoablation as part of cancer care and the only one using it on lungs.

“I’m pleased to be able to offer lung cryoablation as part of our comprehensive cancer care,” Dr. Buckley says. “It is a great option to spot treat lung tumors to help control disease. Through close monitoring I can intervene when tumors are small and help patients like Jimmie get back to their active everyday life.”  

Jimmie underwent additional ablations to each lung in 2025 and is now receiving chemotherapy every other week, with nine planned treatments remaining. He also receives regular scans to closely monitor his disease.

For Jimmie, this balance of treatment has made it possible to continue living on his terms. In conversations with others diagnosed with colon cancer, Jimmie learned to emphasize the importance of staying active, engaged, and present while in treatment.

Choosing quality and quantity

During his first rounds of chemotherapy, Jimmie avoided taking supportive medications and endured mouth sores, fatigue, and other difficult side effects.

“The first time, I had a fighting mentality, but the fight was tough,” he says. “This time, I knew what to expect. I was able to prepare for it differently—mentally and physically.”

Now, Jimmie follows his care team’s guidance more closely, adjusts his diet, and listens to his body by making changes that help him feel better and stay active.

“But in the end, quality is determined by the love I have for my grandchildren,” Jimmie says.

He has two granddaughters, ages 5 and 2, both of whom helped Jimmie get through the toughest days.  

Shannon has seen the difference this approach has made for her husband.

“When he was really sick from the chemo, he wasn’t leaving the house at all,” she says. “The difference now is night and day.”

Jimmie said working with his doctors to find solutions that helped him stay out of the hospital have made all the difference.

“It’s all mental,” he says. “You decide what ‘quality’ is for you.”

Saint Luke’s Cancer Specialists

At Saint Luke’s Cancer Specialists, part of Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute, our multidisciplinary teams—medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and nurse navigators—review colorectal cancer cases to ensure each patient’s treatment plan is coordinated and personalized.

For treatment options for colon or rectal cancers, find a provider near you.