West Side Story

We definitely pick the best days for travel. It was only rain on the way to Ann Arbor today and we hoped that it would remain rain until after our return. We arrived in plenty of time before Tom's appointment and were ushered into a room quickly. Tom met one of the residence who went back through his treatment starting in 2007. We covered his surgery, 1st round of radiation, the clinical trial after finding that his cancer has metastatic to the lower spine & liver, the trial drug and having to come off because of the cancer in his Clavical, his SBRT radiation done in December, and his latest scans that showed further cancer. After reviewing the MRI and CT scans it has been noted that Tom's cancer is in his Liver, C6-C7 vertebrae (that are showing no change), lower lumber L1 & L2, lungs are still showing spots that are hard to confirm but have always been noted, and the aortic lymph nodes appears to have suspicion of cancer.

Dr Tsien than came into talk about the treatment plan. She stated that Radiation is good for the pain Tom has been experiencing. The success rate for radiation is 70% They talked about how Tom's pain has diminished since he has been on a Steroid prescription. This is helpful but not the answer. She said that the cancer is showing up and down his spine.Tom will have 2 weeks of radiation and will be able to do it here in Grand Rapids. We were both happy to hear that this daily trip will only be 10 minutes away. After this is completed he will need to follow up with Dr. Worden to talk about getting him onto a Chemotherapy.

The ride home was another story. It took us several hours again to arrive home. It was a little spooky as we went through Jackson not a car was in sight for many miles. There were a few ditch parties but the nice part this time was that the cars were far enough off the road that we didn't need to stop at each one. I was so happy to see home & I hope that the next trip will be a pleasant driving experience!

Thanks for all those who have helped us through this time. Our neighbors overwhelmed me this weekend with loads of food, snacks and gas cards. Mr. E who had previously brought the kids some fun gifts and dropped them at our door gave our family a generous gift card and a wonderful pie. Thanks to those who have sent our family comforting words and all the hugs and prayers.

Tom read a Psalms that he wanted me to share. Let this be our verse for the coming treatment:
"But I will call upon the Lord to save me - and he will. I will pray morning, noon, and night, pleading aloud with God; and he will hear and answer." Psalms 55:16-17

Thank You!

I need to start this blog by saying a great big "THANK YOU" You know who you are even though we don't! In December some of our family & friends got together to help Tom. They heard of his troubles at night and we were looking into an adjustable bed. The word was sent out that they wanted to buy us a new bed along with all the necessities. What a wonderful surprise. Tom has been sleeping better and has not had the respiratory issues to the degree prior to having this bed. I don't hear him getting up as much. We haven't had a King sized bed for over 18 years. It is such a generous gift that it still puts a lump in my throat when I think about what was done for us. If you had anything to do with this.....Thank you!!!!

Tom has been having lower back issues since around Christmas. He did not share this new ache with me until I noticed that he was increasing his Vicodin dosage. He finally admitted the pain and said that it was time to call his PCP. Last Monday he went in for a visit and it was decided that he should have an MRI due to his condition. Friday he and Katie headed out early in the morning for his MRI. Today he got the result of the scan. His primary doctor called said that there is no bulging disc or spinal cord injury. What is showing is that the cancer has metastasized to the lower spine and pelvic bone. Tom will be calling U of M Oncology tomorrow to get the plan for treatment.

Tom of course is taking it in stride. I am just trying to take it in and analyze: What this means, What is the next step? What are the risks? What is the treatment plan? What can I do to help? WHY do I feel so helpless???

I have said before, it is so hard to walk beside the one I love and not be able to help. At this point I am so glad the kids are done with their sports schedule so that we can take a time to refocus on life. I think we both knew that this was not a pulled muscle or something simple as we had both hoped, but the cancer reality is sometimes hard to swallow. Thank you to all my prayer warriors that continue to pray for our entire family. I know that I could not function without the strength that you give to us & the "Christ Love" that flows through you all. Thank you!

1 John 4:12 "For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us and his love within us grows ever stronger"