I finally have a few minutes to sit and write about this week's experience. This has certainly been the busiest week of the Christmas season. We truly have something to celebrate in the Andrew's house. This past Thursday Tom had his PET/CT scan. I have to say that I was totally amazed at the whole process. It is a 3-4 hour procedure and we were made to feel so at ease the entire time. I appreciate it when the staff not only explains to their patient what is going to happen and why but also to their family. I understood all the processes and why they were performing them. I was made to feel as comfortable as Tom, but did not have to be poked and prodded!
We received the news that his Calcitonin level had dropped (from 188 in August) to 180. We saw this as good news since this has been the first time the levels had dropped in all our test this year. Tom's primary doctor wanted to check the scan results and said that he would be checking over the weekend. On Saturday we received a call from him stating that the scan looked good and shows no evidence of a tumor. There is still fluid on the right side of his neck, but otherwise there was nothing in his neck. There is scar tissue from his radiation from the upper lung and that was all that showed on the scan. I don't think that I could stop saying "thank you" for letting us know. We received the information as we were getting ready for Tom's family party. Tom was appointed "Santa" and made the announcement before passing out the presents. There was a comment that the announcement was the best present.
I am so thrilled to be able to share this good news! I thank God for his timing and this "Present" of time that I have to spend with my husband. Tom and I have spent some time talking of how we have changed during this past 18 months. I believe that we have become a stronger couple and that individually we have tried to be better in word and deed. Tom and I know that this disease could show up again at any point and that this is not a final victory, but we will rejoice all the same! I want to thank so many of you who continue to pray for us and give us words of encouragement. I can't help turning again to the Psalms (can you tell they are my favorite?)
Psalms 111:3 "HALLELUJAH! I want to express publicly before his people my heartfelt thanks to God for his mighty miracles. All who are thankful should ponder them with me. For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
What Next?
This past week was pretty busy, and December just started. The kids are enjoying the new fallen snow and keep inquiring about the first "snow day" when they first roll out of bed. The kids have taken to wearing their pj's inside out, putting spoons under their pillows (though I nixed the peanut butter on the spoon), and now want to try the flushing ice cubes down the toilet! What next?
Tom was not able to enjoy his weekend. Somewhere he contracted a nasty infection in his lower leg. By Friday we went to the doctor because it had quadrupled the original size. He is now on a antibiotic and cream to help fight the latest disease and we have to go back to the doctor next Friday. The swelling in his leg has gone down in the last 48 hours of taking his meds, but the purplish area is quite a sight! He definitely has a great tolerance to pain but I do catch him gingerly stepping on that leg. That did not stop him from the fun Christmas party on Friday evening nor driving his boys in the Christmas parade this weekend.What next?
While Tom was at his doctors office, he had his blood work done. In a couple of days we should have the newest Calcitonin results. On Thursday, December 11 he will have his PET/CT scan, which is a 4 hour procedure. The results are going to his primary doctor and they will call us with the results, usually within 3 business days. So by Christmas we should know what our next step should be. I keep asking with this disease if they will have a clear understanding of the test results but so far everyone I've asked and everything I've read is not leading to an absolute. What next?
I appreciate so many inquiries about Tom and his health. Some of you have shared tears with me as I try not to sugarcoat our life and am "being real" with this disease and all the hardships. However, I can not say that everyday is hard, it is precious! Tom and I have learned so many things during this journey and we will continue to hold each other up. I will continue to pray and listen to God's still, soft voice. What next?
Well, this year I have learned to give this all to God and let His will be done....I then have to give it all to him again and leave it with him instead of trying to take it back, as you can tell this is the hardest thing for me. I know I am not in control and who is. As it says in Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God" That is what is next.
Tom was not able to enjoy his weekend. Somewhere he contracted a nasty infection in his lower leg. By Friday we went to the doctor because it had quadrupled the original size. He is now on a antibiotic and cream to help fight the latest disease and we have to go back to the doctor next Friday. The swelling in his leg has gone down in the last 48 hours of taking his meds, but the purplish area is quite a sight! He definitely has a great tolerance to pain but I do catch him gingerly stepping on that leg. That did not stop him from the fun Christmas party on Friday evening nor driving his boys in the Christmas parade this weekend.What next?
While Tom was at his doctors office, he had his blood work done. In a couple of days we should have the newest Calcitonin results. On Thursday, December 11 he will have his PET/CT scan, which is a 4 hour procedure. The results are going to his primary doctor and they will call us with the results, usually within 3 business days. So by Christmas we should know what our next step should be. I keep asking with this disease if they will have a clear understanding of the test results but so far everyone I've asked and everything I've read is not leading to an absolute. What next?
I appreciate so many inquiries about Tom and his health. Some of you have shared tears with me as I try not to sugarcoat our life and am "being real" with this disease and all the hardships. However, I can not say that everyday is hard, it is precious! Tom and I have learned so many things during this journey and we will continue to hold each other up. I will continue to pray and listen to God's still, soft voice. What next?
Well, this year I have learned to give this all to God and let His will be done....I then have to give it all to him again and leave it with him instead of trying to take it back, as you can tell this is the hardest thing for me. I know I am not in control and who is. As it says in Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God" That is what is next.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
What's Your Focus
Katie and I had a lot of fun decorating the Christmas tree. I can say that the Andrews' house is finally ready for the Holidays. It is a two day process to move furniture, take the everyday stuff down, bring boxes up, unpack and repack to bring the boxes back down; but it is done until the new year. The boys were more interested in sledding in the new snow and tonight there are inquiries in the house as to whether we will have school tomorrow. The kids all are hoping to add another day to the Holiday break.
Tom was busy this weekend working, but he did take a break to enjoy some turkey and family time. We had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving with the family and were literally "stuffed" before we left. It was nice to connect with our loved ones and have a day to just be thankful for all that we have.
This past week we also started making the list of who we bought for and what we still need. I wondered again what our focus is and should be for the holiday season. I get so caught up in the shopping, baking, volunteering, and planning that I sometimes forget to stop and think about the "Reason for the Season" This year I plan to take some time and thank God for his precious life-giving gift.
Tom was busy this weekend working, but he did take a break to enjoy some turkey and family time. We had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving with the family and were literally "stuffed" before we left. It was nice to connect with our loved ones and have a day to just be thankful for all that we have.
This past week we also started making the list of who we bought for and what we still need. I wondered again what our focus is and should be for the holiday season. I get so caught up in the shopping, baking, volunteering, and planning that I sometimes forget to stop and think about the "Reason for the Season" This year I plan to take some time and thank God for his precious life-giving gift.
Monday, November 24, 2008
That's Life
What a busy week we have had, and it only gets busier as the holidays near! The kids have a bunch of school programs coming up this month and that does not include the Cheer leading, church parties, work parties, and family parties. I am not stressing yet.
Tom and Kyle got their deer on opening day...OK they actually got 4 deer all together. Tom got 3 and Kyle got his first buck. Way to go Kyle! My frig was full on Thursday, and I worried about the shelves breaking from all that weight. Then on Friday was the start of our mini vacation to Ohio. Yes, we traveled 300 miles to visit friends and watch Michigan get the wind knocked out one last time this year. There were 7 families (28 people) at our friend's house. We all had a good time regardless of the loss. The nice part is that we were warm and dry watching the game on one of their many big TV screens. We had a good time connecting with friends, some that we have not seen for 2 years. Now we are all back home settled in and tired! I am glad that this is a short work/school week and then we have family time. I am looking forward to turkey and catching up with the family members we do not have many chances to see.
Tom's schedule is not getting any lighter. I am glad that he at least made time for the important medical visits. He is also looking forward to the family get together this holiday season. Tom continues to have good days and bad. There are days that he looks very swollen. The mornings are the worse as he tries to get his mouth and salivary glands working again. The other day he flicked the bottom of his chin, it was as hard as a rock. He doesn't let these things get him down though; and I am grateful for that.
I can say that our family has come a long way in the last year and we still have many more memories to make. We have a lot to be grateful for and still some lessons to learn. As Cody would say when he was a little boy, "That's life"
Tom and Kyle got their deer on opening day...OK they actually got 4 deer all together. Tom got 3 and Kyle got his first buck. Way to go Kyle! My frig was full on Thursday, and I worried about the shelves breaking from all that weight. Then on Friday was the start of our mini vacation to Ohio. Yes, we traveled 300 miles to visit friends and watch Michigan get the wind knocked out one last time this year. There were 7 families (28 people) at our friend's house. We all had a good time regardless of the loss. The nice part is that we were warm and dry watching the game on one of their many big TV screens. We had a good time connecting with friends, some that we have not seen for 2 years. Now we are all back home settled in and tired! I am glad that this is a short work/school week and then we have family time. I am looking forward to turkey and catching up with the family members we do not have many chances to see.
Tom's schedule is not getting any lighter. I am glad that he at least made time for the important medical visits. He is also looking forward to the family get together this holiday season. Tom continues to have good days and bad. There are days that he looks very swollen. The mornings are the worse as he tries to get his mouth and salivary glands working again. The other day he flicked the bottom of his chin, it was as hard as a rock. He doesn't let these things get him down though; and I am grateful for that.
I can say that our family has come a long way in the last year and we still have many more memories to make. We have a lot to be grateful for and still some lessons to learn. As Cody would say when he was a little boy, "That's life"
Friday, November 14, 2008
Deer Hunting
Another week has passed. I don't know where the time goes between blogs. Weeks feel like days and months fly by like weeks. This week was fun because I went Christmas shopping and did not need to spend a dime. Every year Grandma needs assistance with the kids ideas (they are specific on the video/DS games, toys, etc.) and it gives me an excuse to spend a day with my mom. Katie wanted to know what she was getting and did not think it was fair that I knew and she had to wait. Cody tried to "find" them until I reminded him that Grandma brought them home to wrap. Oh well, anticipation is half the fun!
Tom and Kyle were out the door as soon as Kyle got home from school Friday to do the "manly bonding" a.k.a Hunting. I told them both that if they saw brown, shoot it down! Our freezer is empty and waiting. Tom and I laughed as we were pulling onto our street today and saw two does standing in the middle of the road in the "swamp" area. The biggest one was not quick to move, almost daring Tom to start his season one day early. I hope that this is a symbol for the weekend. The boys are actually going hunting for more than one day this year as friends of ours, we call them Mom and Dad Shaw, are home this winter and have graciously opened their home to the guys. I know that they will be taken care of as the Freyblers and Andrews are trying to encourage another generation of "hunters"
I made traded calls to Tom's primary doctor about the upcoming procedures; you would think we'd remember how these went in the past. I do know that after the PET/CT scan is done that the primary doctor will call us with the results. Not much else to report. I can't express how much it means to have others continually praying for Tom. I know that we are not the only family facing "things". With this down economy and others challenges, we all need to pray for each other. I will end with this verse that has been placed upon my heart. 1Timothy 2:1 "Pray much for others: plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them."
Tom and Kyle were out the door as soon as Kyle got home from school Friday to do the "manly bonding" a.k.a Hunting. I told them both that if they saw brown, shoot it down! Our freezer is empty and waiting. Tom and I laughed as we were pulling onto our street today and saw two does standing in the middle of the road in the "swamp" area. The biggest one was not quick to move, almost daring Tom to start his season one day early. I hope that this is a symbol for the weekend. The boys are actually going hunting for more than one day this year as friends of ours, we call them Mom and Dad Shaw, are home this winter and have graciously opened their home to the guys. I know that they will be taken care of as the Freyblers and Andrews are trying to encourage another generation of "hunters"
I made traded calls to Tom's primary doctor about the upcoming procedures; you would think we'd remember how these went in the past. I do know that after the PET/CT scan is done that the primary doctor will call us with the results. Not much else to report. I can't express how much it means to have others continually praying for Tom. I know that we are not the only family facing "things". With this down economy and others challenges, we all need to pray for each other. I will end with this verse that has been placed upon my heart. 1Timothy 2:1 "Pray much for others: plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Another Friday
We have enjoyed the "spring" like weather here in Michigan. This is probably the last warm day until early spring of 2009. The darker evenings are always hard for me to get used to and the kids hate being kept closer to home so early in evening. We were watching a lot of TV this week as we were tracking the outcome of the 2008 election. I found it interesting that the kids had their opinions about the election and who they wanted to win. Kyle was even talking a lot about the Proposals. I am glad that they took an interest and hope they continue this interest into their adult lives.
Thursday I received a call from Tom's primary doctor and the PET/CT scan is set up for December 11. I am not sure how we will get the results back. I assume that his primary doctor will call us as he has in the past. I am glad that the approval process did not have to go through Arbitration and was settled rather quickly between Dr. and insurance. So until December, we will be in the waiting pattern enjoying another year together and, along with millions of other families, joining the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday shopping and preparing for the big day. I pray that we will also be celebrating another clean scan.
Thursday I received a call from Tom's primary doctor and the PET/CT scan is set up for December 11. I am not sure how we will get the results back. I assume that his primary doctor will call us as he has in the past. I am glad that the approval process did not have to go through Arbitration and was settled rather quickly between Dr. and insurance. So until December, we will be in the waiting pattern enjoying another year together and, along with millions of other families, joining the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday shopping and preparing for the big day. I pray that we will also be celebrating another clean scan.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Round 1, Winner...The Doctor
As our weeks typically go, it was another busy one at the Andrews. The kids were all anticipating the Friday night event of collecting free candy, a.k.a Halloween! However Thursday evening was special for Tom as he was invited to the Middle School as a guest of honor. Each 8th Grade student picked a Hero and Kyle (no surprise) picked his father. It was very touching. Tom and I thought he did a great job. Tom also had his first instructing class and had really enjoyed it. He is looking forward to the next two weeks when he can do it again.
On Tuesday we had received a letter from the insurance company rejecting the request for the PET/CT scan. It stated that since this was not a FDA Clinic treatment they were considering this as an Investigative study and denied the scan. Of course, Wednesday started my phone calls to the various offices asking what this meant and what was the next step? Thursday evening, we received a phone call from Tom's primary doctor's office stating that the doctor was working very hard with the insurance companies along with talking with other physicians to get this scan approved. Apparently he has taken Tom's case to heart and was out there fighting for him. The office manager said that she had never seen him so upset. Then on Friday while I was at the kids' parties at school, Tom talked with the office manager and she said that Tom would be scheduled for the scan in December. I was so relieved! Of course my sarcastic husband would joke with others this weekend stating that the insurance company has deemed him "cancer free" and that he was "cured" I however told him that there were people out there that cared for him and were fighting for his life. As if others did not know before, I am the serious one.
I can't say it enough times, thank you for listening, reading, and caring about our family's situation. Though we have had some rough days & events, we are still just going on with life. This week as I was talking with my mother I was explaining to her that our God has a total sense of humor. Wednesday when things seemed bad I was just going over & over how miserable things can be... complaining in my head & heart. Then it came to my mind that I can't change the circumstance but I can change my attitude, (a Beth Moore sermon) and I thought of many things she had said. That night I sat down to watch her show and that sermon came on. I had to stop myself from laughing the whole show. God not only told me, but showed me. It was like Wednesday he was saying, "You just listen child, I am going to get this through your head one way or another!"
On Tuesday we had received a letter from the insurance company rejecting the request for the PET/CT scan. It stated that since this was not a FDA Clinic treatment they were considering this as an Investigative study and denied the scan. Of course, Wednesday started my phone calls to the various offices asking what this meant and what was the next step? Thursday evening, we received a phone call from Tom's primary doctor's office stating that the doctor was working very hard with the insurance companies along with talking with other physicians to get this scan approved. Apparently he has taken Tom's case to heart and was out there fighting for him. The office manager said that she had never seen him so upset. Then on Friday while I was at the kids' parties at school, Tom talked with the office manager and she said that Tom would be scheduled for the scan in December. I was so relieved! Of course my sarcastic husband would joke with others this weekend stating that the insurance company has deemed him "cancer free" and that he was "cured" I however told him that there were people out there that cared for him and were fighting for his life. As if others did not know before, I am the serious one.
I can't say it enough times, thank you for listening, reading, and caring about our family's situation. Though we have had some rough days & events, we are still just going on with life. This week as I was talking with my mother I was explaining to her that our God has a total sense of humor. Wednesday when things seemed bad I was just going over & over how miserable things can be... complaining in my head & heart. Then it came to my mind that I can't change the circumstance but I can change my attitude, (a Beth Moore sermon) and I thought of many things she had said. That night I sat down to watch her show and that sermon came on. I had to stop myself from laughing the whole show. God not only told me, but showed me. It was like Wednesday he was saying, "You just listen child, I am going to get this through your head one way or another!"
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