Last month was very rocky in the Andrews household. The first week that Tom had his radiation, I ended up in the ER here in GR. They still are not confirming what was wrong with me, but it was either a gallbladder attack or kidney stones. I felt sick for a couple of weeks as I then fought a bad cold/flu. I'm so glad that is all now passed. We met so many concerned faces throughout December and I lightly told everyone that we were a train wreck this holiday season. It was either that or cry!
I want to say a big thank you to all who offered to drive Tom back and forth to the other side of the state. Tom had so many offers it was overwhelming. Dale, Chris, Alex and my dad were able to each take him as he had 5 radiation treatments. I went with him on Christmas eve and I believe we had the most eventful drive home. It took us 5 hours (3 hours more than the usual trip) with cars crashing all around us. At one point I could see Tom's mind working on how he could help the victims of the crash. I was prepared to try and stop him. However, he understands how he could become the victim if he pushes his body too much. I know that it runs deep within him to set his skills to motion and I am glad that he has resolved to knowing that this part of his career needs to come to an end. He had many side effects during these treatments. He feels pain in his right shoulder running down his arm, his neuropathy was dominant in his left hand, he loses his voice for 30 seconds at a time. His sleeping has greatly diminished and he has increased many of his pain meds. I tried to convenience him to call Dr. Worden's office at the end of his treatments, but it was during the holidays and he held off. He now states that they are subsiding.
At Tom's last radiation treatment he saw a Radiation Oncologist who stated that they felt the treatments were successful. Tom's next appointment is at the beginning of March. He will have another scan and it will help to determine if Tom will need to be placed on another treatment and/or if surgery is needed on his spine. At some point we are both confident that he will be put on the Vandetanib; when is the question.
So here we are in the new year thankful that we completed 2012 together and at this point both of us surgery free. As we look back we have to acknowledge last year had its fun times and challenges. Tom had his reality check about how precious life is in December with his ER visit. Tom had his 5th cancer b-day of sorts last October, we were able to do some projects around the home, and Tom still talks about his Vegas get away for his birthday last January. This year will also hold some mile markers. Our eldest will graduate in May, my parents will have their 50 anniversary in June, and we have a wonderful vacation planned with some special people we call family in July. Thanks again to all who stand with us during this journey. I know we couldn't handle this without all the support that surrounds us. So lets look forward with our eyes set of the things that matter. On December 31st I read my "Stream in the Desert" book that a dear friend of mine gave me as a daily devotional. It started with the verse "Thus far the Lord has helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12). In the page it stated that these words also pointed forward & that it means we have not come to the end of the road. Happy New Year to all of you and I hope you all find His peace thus far!
