I think we have finally gotten the good old fashion Michigan crud in our house. Katie had 6 girls over with a birthday/slumber party which went well, but then the "stuff" hit our house this weekend (two kids with fevers and one with a sore throat), it is going around! However the sun is shinning and warmer weather has hit Michigan. I am looking forward to the change and hoping that the change in weather is also the end of the sickness that has seemed to hit many families.
Tom is still dealing with the respiratory issues. It seems every time the kids get something he catches a part of it. He is handling it well, but he is the "weakest link" and the poor man does not seem to get a break. I was able to move Tom's U of M appointment to March. Tom was thinking I should just cancel it, but I reminded him that the Oncologist would like him to continue the visits there as well. We did not get back the calcitonin level from his last blood work yet, so I am anxious to see what the result will be. Tom will be going back to therapy a couple of times a week in order to help him with the swelling of his neck. I am hopeful that this will also help the long term breathing issues.
It is so hard to truly express how thankful we are that so many people continue to ask about & pray for our family. I believe it is what keeps us going. My Aunt has a signature that she attaches to each e-mail and I would love to share it with you as it fits with everyone and where we are in life:
Happy Moments...praise God
Difficult Moments...seek God
Quiet Moments...worship God
Painful Moments...trust God
Every Moment...thank God
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Plan for 2009
This is the first doctor visit of 2009 and it went pretty well. Tom and I headed up to Lemmon Holton Cancer Center today for the appointment with his Oncologist. Of course no trip to the hospital would be complete without Tom getting poked and more blood drawn. We met with Dr. Campbell's Nurse Practitioner. We went over Tom's last PET Scans, which were clear. We talked about the fact that his last blood work had shown his Calcitonin counts were down for the first time, which were encouraging!
We discussed the plan for 2009. In 6 months Tom will have a chest x-ray and more blood work and then meet with the Oncologist to go over the results. It appears that we will live our lives 6 months at a time. In the meantime Tom will talk with his Surgeon at the U of M about his continuing post-op difficulties. He still wakes up most mornings with swelling and difficulty breathing. Tom describes it as living everyday with a noose around his neck. He doesn't complain much but I can tell he struggles. We will head over to the U of M on April 17, and I am sure he will donate more of his blood at that time. I want to move the appointment up but Tom will not let me. I think at this point he just wants to stay out of the doctors offices for a while and I can't blame him.
All in all this was a good appointment. Now we can spend the next months just worrying about "normal" life things; kids, bills, school, jobs. We still are taking one day at a time and not taking life for granted. I am trying to focus on what is written in I Corinthians 14:1 "Let love be your greatest aim"
We discussed the plan for 2009. In 6 months Tom will have a chest x-ray and more blood work and then meet with the Oncologist to go over the results. It appears that we will live our lives 6 months at a time. In the meantime Tom will talk with his Surgeon at the U of M about his continuing post-op difficulties. He still wakes up most mornings with swelling and difficulty breathing. Tom describes it as living everyday with a noose around his neck. He doesn't complain much but I can tell he struggles. We will head over to the U of M on April 17, and I am sure he will donate more of his blood at that time. I want to move the appointment up but Tom will not let me. I think at this point he just wants to stay out of the doctors offices for a while and I can't blame him.
All in all this was a good appointment. Now we can spend the next months just worrying about "normal" life things; kids, bills, school, jobs. We still are taking one day at a time and not taking life for granted. I am trying to focus on what is written in I Corinthians 14:1 "Let love be your greatest aim"
Monday, January 12, 2009
Winter Blast
I can wait for the winter freeze that we will be getting this week. The kids are back on the "No School" chant around the house. I will not be surprised to find more spoons under their pillows! We are just trying to get into the groove for 2009 around our house.
Tom was sick on his birthday but is doing better now. He still gets tightening of the throat when he starts to get upper respiratory issues. However, his body is fighting his cold and his breathing is getting better and will hopefully improve, especially at night. Otherwise Tom is feeling pretty good. We even worked out 2 times last week.
Well, not much else to report in the Andrew's household at this point. That is a good thing; after an 18 month battle we are getting a chance to catch our breath. Tom's next Dr. appointment is at the end of the month. We are keeping our chin up and remembering what is important; God, family, and friends.
Tom was sick on his birthday but is doing better now. He still gets tightening of the throat when he starts to get upper respiratory issues. However, his body is fighting his cold and his breathing is getting better and will hopefully improve, especially at night. Otherwise Tom is feeling pretty good. We even worked out 2 times last week.
Well, not much else to report in the Andrew's household at this point. That is a good thing; after an 18 month battle we are getting a chance to catch our breath. Tom's next Dr. appointment is at the end of the month. We are keeping our chin up and remembering what is important; God, family, and friends.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
New Year
The kids are getting a nice long break. They are enjoying the lazy days and we have had a few "pajama" days with our family. By the time school starts again the children will be in the habit of sleeping in and moving slowly!
We have enjoyed seeing so many people during the Christmas season. It was nice to see those who are scattered during the year make it back to be with their families. We continue to have a few more get together with friends and family as the New Year approaches. Soon enough it will be back to the grindstone of school, work, home projects and other activities. Tom continues on his busy schedule as I try to hold down the home front.
Nothing new to report on Tom's health. We have spent this season being grateful that he had a clean scan. As I was driving to work this morning the announcers were talking about the "New Year's Resolution". Usually I try to watch my weight, walk more, do more sit ups, etc. This year I plan to make my family my main focus and make our time together count. Whatever you do and where ever your focus is this year, I hope that you succeed!
Happy New Year!
We have enjoyed seeing so many people during the Christmas season. It was nice to see those who are scattered during the year make it back to be with their families. We continue to have a few more get together with friends and family as the New Year approaches. Soon enough it will be back to the grindstone of school, work, home projects and other activities. Tom continues on his busy schedule as I try to hold down the home front.
Nothing new to report on Tom's health. We have spent this season being grateful that he had a clean scan. As I was driving to work this morning the announcers were talking about the "New Year's Resolution". Usually I try to watch my weight, walk more, do more sit ups, etc. This year I plan to make my family my main focus and make our time together count. Whatever you do and where ever your focus is this year, I hope that you succeed!
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Time
Well, we are two days away from our next Christmas party and I am not done shopping yet. The weather has not been cooperating with the time I have available to shop. Oh well, we always make the deadline even if it by the hair of our chinny chin chin!
Tom has enjoyed a few days off between jobs. He was a little worried after the first blast of snow because we do not have a snow blower and the Kyle & Cody duo would not have been able to handle the amount that was dumped on us. Luckily we have a great neighbor who let Tom use his snow blower, thanks Rick! We are so glad that Tom's Aunt Christie and her boys have made it safely to Michigan to spend Christmas with the Andrews' family, I think it has been 10 years since we've gotten the entire family together. Tom especially likes gaming with his cousin, it's bonding time.
The next appointment for Tom is a consult with Dr. Campbell, his Oncologist, in Mid January. We can relax for a few weeks anyway and just deal with life. I am not sure what the next test, poking, or prodding will be until we have this consult.
I want to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday. Thank you again for being there, checking on us, and praying for our family. I realize that we are not the only family dealing with some kind of issue; we are so touched that you have made us part of your life. My hope is that you will stop and think about the reason for Christmas, more than the family time and presents, but the Christ child who gave his life for us and this is truly a reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas
Tom has enjoyed a few days off between jobs. He was a little worried after the first blast of snow because we do not have a snow blower and the Kyle & Cody duo would not have been able to handle the amount that was dumped on us. Luckily we have a great neighbor who let Tom use his snow blower, thanks Rick! We are so glad that Tom's Aunt Christie and her boys have made it safely to Michigan to spend Christmas with the Andrews' family, I think it has been 10 years since we've gotten the entire family together. Tom especially likes gaming with his cousin, it's bonding time.
The next appointment for Tom is a consult with Dr. Campbell, his Oncologist, in Mid January. We can relax for a few weeks anyway and just deal with life. I am not sure what the next test, poking, or prodding will be until we have this consult.
I want to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday. Thank you again for being there, checking on us, and praying for our family. I realize that we are not the only family dealing with some kind of issue; we are so touched that you have made us part of your life. My hope is that you will stop and think about the reason for Christmas, more than the family time and presents, but the Christ child who gave his life for us and this is truly a reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Present
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."
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 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.
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