What a beautiful day! The sun is shining and the temps are on the rise. The kids have a few days of school before their Spring Break. I will enjoy having another Saturday school free also.
Tom received a call today from Karmanos Cancer Center. His paperwork had been approved by our insurance company. However, the manufacturer has made changes to the drug. This is delaying the trials by a couple of weeks a least. Tom's appointment has been cancelled and they will call when the new medication and approvals have been finalized. Needless to say that Tom is very disappointed about the set back. With his type of cancer and there being no way to stop it from growing timing is of the essence.
This is another blow to our long winding process. Please pray that the trial will start in a timely manner. Tom feels the need to keep moving forward and this stall is not good for his spirits.
Psalms 123:3 "Have mercy of us, Lord, have mercy."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Focus
It's already the end of the month. I can't believe how times flies. I looked at my last post and realized it had been a while. It felt like I just did it yesterday! The boys school reports were good. Kyle missed the honor roll by 1/2 a grade in one class. He thought he had made it so needless to say that he was disappointed. Cody and Katelynn both had improvements over last Tri's grades. Tom and I are pleased with all their reports.
Last weekend we did a crazy thing. We picked out puppies!!! I don't think it was all crazy, maybe getting 2 could seem that way to some. Animals are just a part of our family. As my sister reminded me "You wrote that you wanted a dog every year on your Christmas wish list!" It has been a good focus for our children to see "Life" and to have some laughter again in our home instead of the heaviness that has been around since the beginning of the year. Anyway, we are now enjoying the company of Brooklyn and Savanah, picture included.
Tom is waiting for Karmanos to let him know that he is approved for the trial. He is hoping to hear from them yet this week. Tom is enjoying working his 3 days and has cut down on his other duties for now. I think that he has been energized by this slower schedule and I hope that he decides to take a breather more often. Tom is really focused on the Relay for Life and I think that it will be a fun event this summer. So far we have 12 walkers and Tom is hopeful that we will have 15 this year. You know Tom and planning. He is the man for the job!
As my favorite holiday is approaching, I reflect on how my life/year has been going. What has been my focus? What do I want to change yet this year or improve? Am I following the path that I was set upon? We may not always have a smooth straight path but I think that it's important to ask if we are making the best of where we are. I know that looking back I can always do things differently. I just pray that I'm doing things right here and now while I have the chance to.
Psalm 139:1-5 "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head."
Last weekend we did a crazy thing. We picked out puppies!!! I don't think it was all crazy, maybe getting 2 could seem that way to some. Animals are just a part of our family. As my sister reminded me "You wrote that you wanted a dog every year on your Christmas wish list!" It has been a good focus for our children to see "Life" and to have some laughter again in our home instead of the heaviness that has been around since the beginning of the year. Anyway, we are now enjoying the company of Brooklyn and Savanah, picture included.
Tom is waiting for Karmanos to let him know that he is approved for the trial. He is hoping to hear from them yet this week. Tom is enjoying working his 3 days and has cut down on his other duties for now. I think that he has been energized by this slower schedule and I hope that he decides to take a breather more often. Tom is really focused on the Relay for Life and I think that it will be a fun event this summer. So far we have 12 walkers and Tom is hopeful that we will have 15 this year. You know Tom and planning. He is the man for the job!
As my favorite holiday is approaching, I reflect on how my life/year has been going. What has been my focus? What do I want to change yet this year or improve? Am I following the path that I was set upon? We may not always have a smooth straight path but I think that it's important to ask if we are making the best of where we are. I know that looking back I can always do things differently. I just pray that I'm doing things right here and now while I have the chance to.
Psalm 139:1-5 "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head."
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The New Team of Doctors
Loving the sunshine today! Our family is ready for the Spring weather. It's time for kids to get outside to enjoy the world. The boys ended their trimesters and were pretty happy with their exams and final grades. Time will tell how they did in the next week as we get their report cards.
Friday Tom went back to the Karmanos Cancer Center. Tom met with Dr. Ammar Sukari and his team that will be working with him going forward. Tom will be entering a Phase II trial with the drug Paxopanib. This drug has shown to be safe and has had positive results in slowing down Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Over the next few weeks it will be all paperwork & approval processes. Tom will head back to Detroit on Friday, April 2 to start treatments. The drug is in a pill form that Tom will take 2 times a day. His vitals will have to be monitored daily. I am sure he can find an EMT to handle that. For the first 30 days on the drug Tom will have to make several trips to Detroit until they are comfortable with how Tom reacts and how severe the side effects are on him. Once the doctors are comfortable, Tom will travel to Detroit every 28 days. He will spend the whole day getting CT's blood work, etc.
While Tom was making his trip, I received a call from his PCP. His latest blood work and CT scan results were in. Again there has been an increase in Calcitonin (1,206) and CEA (17.2, prior it was 12.6). The report from the CT scan shows no increase in size of the legions in the liver, spine and lungs. It continues to be the case that while Tom's cancer has spread, it is a very slow moving cancer. This combined with the new drug gives us hope.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water - a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit."
Friday Tom went back to the Karmanos Cancer Center. Tom met with Dr. Ammar Sukari and his team that will be working with him going forward. Tom will be entering a Phase II trial with the drug Paxopanib. This drug has shown to be safe and has had positive results in slowing down Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Over the next few weeks it will be all paperwork & approval processes. Tom will head back to Detroit on Friday, April 2 to start treatments. The drug is in a pill form that Tom will take 2 times a day. His vitals will have to be monitored daily. I am sure he can find an EMT to handle that. For the first 30 days on the drug Tom will have to make several trips to Detroit until they are comfortable with how Tom reacts and how severe the side effects are on him. Once the doctors are comfortable, Tom will travel to Detroit every 28 days. He will spend the whole day getting CT's blood work, etc.
While Tom was making his trip, I received a call from his PCP. His latest blood work and CT scan results were in. Again there has been an increase in Calcitonin (1,206) and CEA (17.2, prior it was 12.6). The report from the CT scan shows no increase in size of the legions in the liver, spine and lungs. It continues to be the case that while Tom's cancer has spread, it is a very slow moving cancer. This combined with the new drug gives us hope.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water - a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Trip to Detroit
Today Tom made the journey over to Detroit through icy roads, past jack knifed semi's and highway closures to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. A big thanks to my brother-in-law Dale for taking my hubby to Detroit & back safely. Tom was given a tour of the facility and spent a couple of hours talking with doctors about his case. For the first time in over a year we have a game plan. We have decided to move all of Tom's care to this center. Tom has qualified for a Phase II Clinical Trial with the drug adriamycin www.lymphomainfo.net/therapy/drugs/adriamycin.html
They have ordered another CT scan. If the second CT confirms cancer in the liver, then we now have options and treatment plans. This could include biopsy, surgery, chemo, and other forms of treatment only offered at the Karmanos Center.
Tom had another blood draw before he left the center today. He will have the CT here in Grand Rapids. This will be the last procedure performed outside of the cancer center. Tom's next appointment is Friday, March 5 @ 11:00 am where he will meet with Dr. Sukari, Head & Neck Oncology, Assistant Professor Wayne State University.
We know that this is still an uphill battle. With Tom's treatments moving to Detroit, I must deal with the fact that I will no longer be able to be by his side for every appointment as I have done in the past. However, I know it's worth it because Tom has a team of physician that have given us options and most importantly hope.
They have ordered another CT scan. If the second CT confirms cancer in the liver, then we now have options and treatment plans. This could include biopsy, surgery, chemo, and other forms of treatment only offered at the Karmanos Center.
Tom had another blood draw before he left the center today. He will have the CT here in Grand Rapids. This will be the last procedure performed outside of the cancer center. Tom's next appointment is Friday, March 5 @ 11:00 am where he will meet with Dr. Sukari, Head & Neck Oncology, Assistant Professor Wayne State University.
We know that this is still an uphill battle. With Tom's treatments moving to Detroit, I must deal with the fact that I will no longer be able to be by his side for every appointment as I have done in the past. However, I know it's worth it because Tom has a team of physician that have given us options and most importantly hope.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Plan
It has been busy in the Andrews' household and I think that is a good thing. Last Saturday Tom and I were treated to a wonderful Valentine's dinner with friends It was great to see kids working so hard to raise money for a mission trip and the company that we had put our hearts on a lighter mood for the weekend. Tonight the kids are on their first evening of Mid Winter Break. They are relishing no school on Friday and Monday. However, I have changes coming up this weekend. My last day is Friday for my current employer, another grueling test on Saturday, and on Monday I start 2 days orientation for my new job. Changes are not easy for me and this is already a challenging time in life, but it will help bring a better life for the family.
Tom has made an appointment and gotten material from the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. He has a meet and greet on Friday, February 26. At the first meeting Tom believes that they will do an exam and go over his medical history. A plan will be put together for his 2nd visit and then it will be implemented. His brother-in-law is taking Tom to Detroit and I am grateful that Tom does not have to make this trip alone. Tomorrow Tom will be getting his monthly blood drawn and he should get the latest results before his Detroit visit.
Last night Tom and I attended our first meeting for the Relay for Life. We are gearing up and getting ready for the walk in August in Barry County. The committee seemed to be organized and the people that attended were a fun bunch! I am looking forward to connecting with others that have a same life experiences that our family is going through. Our family picked the name of Sleep Walkers as it is fitting for the 24 hour walk as well as Tom's profession. Thank you to those who have already joined us and/or donated to our cause. We are overwhelmed again by the generosity of others.
Last Sunday Tom and I stood up for a prayer at church and were surrounded with people praying with and for us; I could not help but thank God that we are not alone in the fight. I know that people we have never met have been praying on our behalf and that is more than the mind can comprehend. I can't begin to tell each of you how much your words, cards, and gifts have meant to us. Thanks to all of you and may you in turn also be rewarded for your generosity.
Psalms 65:3-3 "And because you answer prayer, all mankind will come to you with their requests. Though sins fill our hearts, you forgive them all."
Tom has made an appointment and gotten material from the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. He has a meet and greet on Friday, February 26. At the first meeting Tom believes that they will do an exam and go over his medical history. A plan will be put together for his 2nd visit and then it will be implemented. His brother-in-law is taking Tom to Detroit and I am grateful that Tom does not have to make this trip alone. Tomorrow Tom will be getting his monthly blood drawn and he should get the latest results before his Detroit visit.
Last night Tom and I attended our first meeting for the Relay for Life. We are gearing up and getting ready for the walk in August in Barry County. The committee seemed to be organized and the people that attended were a fun bunch! I am looking forward to connecting with others that have a same life experiences that our family is going through. Our family picked the name of Sleep Walkers as it is fitting for the 24 hour walk as well as Tom's profession. Thank you to those who have already joined us and/or donated to our cause. We are overwhelmed again by the generosity of others.
Last Sunday Tom and I stood up for a prayer at church and were surrounded with people praying with and for us; I could not help but thank God that we are not alone in the fight. I know that people we have never met have been praying on our behalf and that is more than the mind can comprehend. I can't begin to tell each of you how much your words, cards, and gifts have meant to us. Thanks to all of you and may you in turn also be rewarded for your generosity.
Psalms 65:3-3 "And because you answer prayer, all mankind will come to you with their requests. Though sins fill our hearts, you forgive them all."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Cancer Sucks
We met with the Oncologist at the U of M. We went over the results of the CT scan. He confirmed our fears that they found 3 lesions in the liver. The biggest measured 11mm. There is also a lesion on Tom's spine that was not measurable. At this point they can't do Chemotherapy, Radiation, or Surgery. We have the advantage that this cancer is not aggressive. However the calcitonin levels are climbing at an alarming rate. His recommendation is that we now go to the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. He said that they have a clinical trial with a new drug that might slow down the spread of Tom's cancer. We talked quite a bit about "quality of life" and focusing on family. We discussed how there is no cure and really no treatment to stop the spread of this type of cancer. The plan is to focus on slowing down the rate to which the cancer is spreading instead of trying to eliminate it. We are not sure how often Tom will have to be in Detroit or how severe the side effect of these drugs will be on him. Tom will be calling this center to make an appointment and talk with the doctors to see if he qualifies to participate in a study. The pharmacy within our house continues to grow as the doctor has put Tom on yet another drug. Tom calls this one his happy pill. I expect him to be bouncing off the wall sometime soon.
Tom will not give up the fight but we have to face reality. The hardest road is yet ahead of us. We need to make several important decision in the next few weeks. Tom needs to make family time his top priority. As Tom keeps saying "Faith, Hope, Love".
Tom will not give up the fight but we have to face reality. The hardest road is yet ahead of us. We need to make several important decision in the next few weeks. Tom needs to make family time his top priority. As Tom keeps saying "Faith, Hope, Love".
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Call
Mondays are always hard to get back into the swing of things. I was feeling pretty good about it until I got home from work. Tom had me accompany me as he got fitted for a suit for this weekends Father/Daughter dance. On the way there he told me that Dr. Divic called him today. You know it's never good when the doctor tells you to get him no matter what he's doing.
Tom's Calcitonin is now 1,000 at this point which is a jump of 333. We can now know why as the CT scan has found tumors in his liver and on his spine. At this point we can only speculate what will be done. Dr. Divic did state that this is not operable. Dr. Divic is optimistic that this cancer has not turned aggressive and that we have caught it in such a minute stage. He was thinking there is a possibility of Chemo followed by Radiation. I am convinced that Chemo is not an option for this type of cancer. February 11 we will get the final answer from Dr. Worden at the U of M.
Tom is being so brave. He was trying to joke with me tonight between my tears. God has given him a unique sense of humor! He is being so tough for my sake. We have decided to talk with the doctors before we tell the kids what is going on. They just need to be kids right now!
All we can ask for is prayers for guidance once again from the doctors. I am so glad that we have an established Thyroid Cancer Oncologist.
Psalms 57:1-3 "O God, have pity, for I am trusting you! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the storm is past. I will cry to the God of heaven who does such wonders for me. He will send down help from heaven to save me, because of his love and his faithfulness. He will rescue me from these liars who are so intent upon destroying me."
Tom's Calcitonin is now 1,000 at this point which is a jump of 333. We can now know why as the CT scan has found tumors in his liver and on his spine. At this point we can only speculate what will be done. Dr. Divic did state that this is not operable. Dr. Divic is optimistic that this cancer has not turned aggressive and that we have caught it in such a minute stage. He was thinking there is a possibility of Chemo followed by Radiation. I am convinced that Chemo is not an option for this type of cancer. February 11 we will get the final answer from Dr. Worden at the U of M.
Tom is being so brave. He was trying to joke with me tonight between my tears. God has given him a unique sense of humor! He is being so tough for my sake. We have decided to talk with the doctors before we tell the kids what is going on. They just need to be kids right now!
All we can ask for is prayers for guidance once again from the doctors. I am so glad that we have an established Thyroid Cancer Oncologist.
Psalms 57:1-3 "O God, have pity, for I am trusting you! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the storm is past. I will cry to the God of heaven who does such wonders for me. He will send down help from heaven to save me, because of his love and his faithfulness. He will rescue me from these liars who are so intent upon destroying me."
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