A Long Days Drive

Tom was up and at 'em on Tuesday heading to Detroit by 6:00 am:

Tom is back on the Chemo drug. The labs show that his potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels are still low. They have put him on yet more drugs to bring these levels up. Tom talked with his primary doctor and asked to be put back on the drug Maxide (that they had also taken him off ) as the side of surgery returned quickly after he stopped using this drug. Tom has struggled for the past couple mornings as his face blew up like a balloon so bad that he could barely see when he gets up. I've noticed he is struggling with his breathing also as he sleeps. We still do not have the results of his Calcitonin level.

Tom is adjusting very well to his role of Mr. Mom. I must say I enjoy coming home to dinner on the table and relaxing as he cleans the kitchen. The dogs are having a hard time getting used to Tom being home at night. They've lost their spots on the bed. This past week the Sleep Lab threw Tom a little luncheon. He truly works with a group of caring and generous people. Tom was blown away when the physician he has worked for the past several years got up and thanked Tom & complimented him on his quality patient care.

Luke 12:25-26 "And besides, what's the use of worrying? What good does it do? Will it add a single day to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't even do such little thing as that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"

Exelixis’ XL184 Granted Orphan Drug Designation and Assigned the Generic Name Cabozantinib

This is the trial drug that Tom is on. It now has a name other than XL-184! Click on the title to follow link.

New Year's Set Back

The Andrews' family enjoyed the holidays. Christmas and New Years were both busy as we enjoyed spending time with family & friends. Our Ohio friends came to visit and we spent some quality time with them. The kids enjoyed seeing their long distance pals. On Sunday Tom quietly celebrated another birthday.

In the past few days Tom has noticed some new or different side effects which required him to call his doctor in Detroit. His doctor has removed him from the experimental drug and ordered him to Spectrum Health asap for blood workup. Tom is experiencing numbness and tingling in his arms, legs, and face. He has also had some temporary paralysis in his hand. This appears to be some type of metabolic problem, possibly related to low calcium or blood sugar levels. We will not know for sure until we get results from the tests. Hopefully it is as simple as a new prescription to get Tom back on track and the doctor will allow him to return to the study. To add insult to injury Tom has been battling sore throat & ear aches again. He seems to be more susceptible to these type of viruses. On Tuesday, January 11 Tom heads back to Detroit to discuss the next steps with Dr. Ali. Long range forecast is predicting another storm to hit on that date. Gotta love that drive.

In this new year many people make resolutions that are hard to follow through. I have decided that this year I am just going to enjoy the people & relationships around me and not take a day for granted as we never know what tomorrow will bring. I have looked back over this past year and seen many trials, challenges, and hope. Though I have started getting up early again (since mid December) to workout. I have other focuses that are far more important. I have been reminded to simply Live, Laugh, Love.

1 Timothy 4:8 "Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do."