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
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
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"
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"
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Welcome 2013
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!
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!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Emergent trip to the ER
On December 4th Tom received a phone call from Dr. Worden's office. The tumor board had reviewed his case and determined from the latest MRI that the tumor in C6-C7 had increased and there was fear of spinal decompression. Tom was told to come to the Emergency Department at the U of M immediately to meet the Neurologist to determine if surgery was necessary. Tom tried to talk them into admitting him the following morning but was told they expected him to show up in Ann Arbor that night. Tom called me at work to give me this news. He joked while I tried not to lose it on the phone with him. Afterwards while I was explaining what was going on and trying to still be strong, I had my co-workers around me hugging me & asking what they could do.
Once I got home we packed and headed out for the 2+ hour drive. I drove while Tom took phone calls and explained what was going on. We tried to keep the air light as we made our way across the state. We were triage then escorted to the waiting room where we sat for over 2 1/2 hours. Tom was getting anxious and we did not understand why we had to follow the ER procedure when we already knew Tom was to be admitted. At this point he went to ask the admissions desk these questions and was almost immediately called into a room. I joked with him that he should have done that 2 hours before:) The ED doctors placed a cervical collar on Tom and a steroid injection. After talking with the Neurology department and determining that he did not need emergency surgery we took a breath. Finally 6 hours after arrival, Tom was admitted and we were able to be in a room in the hospital at 3:00 am.
Neither one of us slept much this night as the staff assessed tom every 45 minutes until 6:30 am when a team of doctors from the different departments started making their rounds and assessing Tom's condition. Tom saw the Radiation Oncology & the team of Oncologists. They all assessed Tom and told us the high level plan that was forming. Around noon (13 hours later) the collar finally came off. Tom was ordered to have another MRI from the thoracic level down to the end of his spinal cord. They took him out of the room for 3 hours. I have to admit I took advantage and slept for a little of that, but by the 2nd hour I was getting antsy!
We were told multiple times that we were probably going to be released. About 7 pm the Radiation Oncology team arrived with a plan to begin the SBRT radiation and wanted Tom to have a CT and simulation while he was here so that the radiation could begin. They had him scheduled for 7:00 am on Thursday and then they would finally cut him loose. After another sleepless night & all the scans complete they finally discharged Tom at 11:30 Thursday.
This is a very high level of the two day hospital stay. Tom and I realize that the steps the department took was precautionary and the situation Tom is in is balancing on the fact that for now the vertebra is strong and this can change drastically very quickly. They placed Tom on steroids to help strengthen the bone and helping to stop the tingling Tom experiences in his hands. They are also pushing forward quickly with the radiation treatment plan as it is essential to prevent the tumor from further pushing on his spinal fluid and/or collapsing damaging the nerves and causing paralysis.
Thanks to both our moms for taking turns coming out to watch our children. Also thanks to Tom's dad who came out to cheer Cody and Katie in the sports. I appreciated Tom's cousin for coming out and bringing me dinner to make sure I was eating. So many texted/called/facebooked to inquire how Tom was doing and the support was overwhelming.
Tom's friend and EMT partner posted the following which sums up how Tom has touched people's lives:
Day and night
Through the dark and the light
Racing to cheat death
Trying to postpone that last breath
Stood two men of impeccable skill
Whose thirst for trauma would never fill
A crazy driver who raced just to stop on a dime
The other called Rabbit who got there in the nick of time
Years they spent roaming every street
Sometimes just helping those up who fell from their seat
You see them in parades and out getting ice cream
They will be with us in even in the worst dream
Where ever they are, though the winds may blow
We will always agree, long live the T&A show
Get better Tom.
Once I got home we packed and headed out for the 2+ hour drive. I drove while Tom took phone calls and explained what was going on. We tried to keep the air light as we made our way across the state. We were triage then escorted to the waiting room where we sat for over 2 1/2 hours. Tom was getting anxious and we did not understand why we had to follow the ER procedure when we already knew Tom was to be admitted. At this point he went to ask the admissions desk these questions and was almost immediately called into a room. I joked with him that he should have done that 2 hours before:) The ED doctors placed a cervical collar on Tom and a steroid injection. After talking with the Neurology department and determining that he did not need emergency surgery we took a breath. Finally 6 hours after arrival, Tom was admitted and we were able to be in a room in the hospital at 3:00 am.
Neither one of us slept much this night as the staff assessed tom every 45 minutes until 6:30 am when a team of doctors from the different departments started making their rounds and assessing Tom's condition. Tom saw the Radiation Oncology & the team of Oncologists. They all assessed Tom and told us the high level plan that was forming. Around noon (13 hours later) the collar finally came off. Tom was ordered to have another MRI from the thoracic level down to the end of his spinal cord. They took him out of the room for 3 hours. I have to admit I took advantage and slept for a little of that, but by the 2nd hour I was getting antsy!
We were told multiple times that we were probably going to be released. About 7 pm the Radiation Oncology team arrived with a plan to begin the SBRT radiation and wanted Tom to have a CT and simulation while he was here so that the radiation could begin. They had him scheduled for 7:00 am on Thursday and then they would finally cut him loose. After another sleepless night & all the scans complete they finally discharged Tom at 11:30 Thursday.
This is a very high level of the two day hospital stay. Tom and I realize that the steps the department took was precautionary and the situation Tom is in is balancing on the fact that for now the vertebra is strong and this can change drastically very quickly. They placed Tom on steroids to help strengthen the bone and helping to stop the tingling Tom experiences in his hands. They are also pushing forward quickly with the radiation treatment plan as it is essential to prevent the tumor from further pushing on his spinal fluid and/or collapsing damaging the nerves and causing paralysis.
Thanks to both our moms for taking turns coming out to watch our children. Also thanks to Tom's dad who came out to cheer Cody and Katie in the sports. I appreciated Tom's cousin for coming out and bringing me dinner to make sure I was eating. So many texted/called/facebooked to inquire how Tom was doing and the support was overwhelming.
Tom's friend and EMT partner posted the following which sums up how Tom has touched people's lives:
Day and night
Through the dark and the light
Racing to cheat death
Trying to postpone that last breath
Stood two men of impeccable skill
Whose thirst for trauma would never fill
A crazy driver who raced just to stop on a dime
The other called Rabbit who got there in the nick of time
Years they spent roaming every street
Sometimes just helping those up who fell from their seat
You see them in parades and out getting ice cream
They will be with us in even in the worst dream
Where ever they are, though the winds may blow
We will always agree, long live the T&A show
Get better Tom.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Encourage
Well, I have to admit that I thought about skipping the post this month. then I saw that people were checking my blog so I may be doing 2 in a very short period of time. So what has kept me away? Life is twirling fast in the Andrews home and time goes by a blink of the eye. Cody has been busy with his wrestling but the matches haven't begun yet....next week. Katie has had 3 swim meets and she has placed 3rd in overall heats for the Freestyle. She has skimmed seconds off her time and from what I hear that is her goal each heat. So good job Katie :)
This month I went with my sister-in-law and daughter to Chicago. Thank you Diva for showing us Andrews a great time! Katie and I both so enjoyed our trip but we both admitted the big cities are fun to visit. We hit the American Girl Cafe' for lunch and shopped until our legs wore out. Our Diva showed us the popular places to dine and we all laughed so hard during the Blue Man Group performance. The Andrews family also had our Thanksgiving Day tradition. We went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for turkey time and attempted to play a game of scrabble. We ran out of time & that was OK as most of us ended up with the dreaded letters. Vicky and Cody had about 4 I's at one time; that should count for some letter redraw! The next day we headed to our friends home in Ohio. I believe there were about 30 people roaming the "Hursh Hotel" as we call it for a couple of day. With Debbie's fabulous hospitality we left a few pounds heavy and our hearts lighter for having been able to connect with family & friends.
Tom and I also made a trip to Ann Arbor a few days before Thanksgiving. Tom had CT scan of the neck and chest and a MRI. As the MRI was a later addition and the test did not happen until 5:00 pm and we were not able to get the results the next morning. However the CT scan came back stable. I am a little confused as to what "stable" means after this visit. Though the result was stable there is a new spot found on Tom's lower right lung. The spot is so small that it can't be measured. Tom and Dr. Worden also visited the reflex issue Tom experiences at night. They gave Tom another couple of prescriptions to attempt to control this from happening. It was also mentioned that Tom should make an appointment with his ENT in GR so that they can take a look at his Esophagus and determine if they can stretch it or do anything that will help. It is assumed that with all the scar tissue that Tom incurred during his surgery, it is effecting the acid and possibly squeezing tightly his throat. However, I noticed that when they started talking about Traching, the discussion was steered from Tom into other possibilities....can't say that I blame him for that one :)
Tom's case is to go before the Cancer Tumor board. We thought it would initially happen last Tuesday, so I held off posting. However we were called and told that it will be reviewed on the 4th of December.
I received news from my mother that her needle biopsy of the thyroid did not show any cancer or anything suspicious. That is good news indeed. However I received an e-mail from a friend stating that her husband has been diagnosed with cancer & that he had surgery and will begin chemotherapy/radiation very soon. My heart breaks for her as her husband has an aggressive and fast growing cancer. She was there for me in all Tom's stages and I feel so helpless in words/actions of how to be there for her. All I can do is be strong & pray for her and her family. I try to be encouraging as others have done for us during these difficult days.
1 Thessalonians 4:10 "For night and day we pray for on and on for you, asking God to let us see you again, to fill up any little cracks there may yet be in your faith."
This month I went with my sister-in-law and daughter to Chicago. Thank you Diva for showing us Andrews a great time! Katie and I both so enjoyed our trip but we both admitted the big cities are fun to visit. We hit the American Girl Cafe' for lunch and shopped until our legs wore out. Our Diva showed us the popular places to dine and we all laughed so hard during the Blue Man Group performance. The Andrews family also had our Thanksgiving Day tradition. We went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for turkey time and attempted to play a game of scrabble. We ran out of time & that was OK as most of us ended up with the dreaded letters. Vicky and Cody had about 4 I's at one time; that should count for some letter redraw! The next day we headed to our friends home in Ohio. I believe there were about 30 people roaming the "Hursh Hotel" as we call it for a couple of day. With Debbie's fabulous hospitality we left a few pounds heavy and our hearts lighter for having been able to connect with family & friends.
Tom and I also made a trip to Ann Arbor a few days before Thanksgiving. Tom had CT scan of the neck and chest and a MRI. As the MRI was a later addition and the test did not happen until 5:00 pm and we were not able to get the results the next morning. However the CT scan came back stable. I am a little confused as to what "stable" means after this visit. Though the result was stable there is a new spot found on Tom's lower right lung. The spot is so small that it can't be measured. Tom and Dr. Worden also visited the reflex issue Tom experiences at night. They gave Tom another couple of prescriptions to attempt to control this from happening. It was also mentioned that Tom should make an appointment with his ENT in GR so that they can take a look at his Esophagus and determine if they can stretch it or do anything that will help. It is assumed that with all the scar tissue that Tom incurred during his surgery, it is effecting the acid and possibly squeezing tightly his throat. However, I noticed that when they started talking about Traching, the discussion was steered from Tom into other possibilities....can't say that I blame him for that one :)
Tom's case is to go before the Cancer Tumor board. We thought it would initially happen last Tuesday, so I held off posting. However we were called and told that it will be reviewed on the 4th of December.
I received news from my mother that her needle biopsy of the thyroid did not show any cancer or anything suspicious. That is good news indeed. However I received an e-mail from a friend stating that her husband has been diagnosed with cancer & that he had surgery and will begin chemotherapy/radiation very soon. My heart breaks for her as her husband has an aggressive and fast growing cancer. She was there for me in all Tom's stages and I feel so helpless in words/actions of how to be there for her. All I can do is be strong & pray for her and her family. I try to be encouraging as others have done for us during these difficult days.
1 Thessalonians 4:10 "For night and day we pray for on and on for you, asking God to let us see you again, to fill up any little cracks there may yet be in your faith."
Friday, October 26, 2012
Hanging On
Football season has ended. Katie cheered on the 7th and 8th graders, whichever team was playing at home. She enjoyed it very much and considered trying out for the Competitive Cheer. It interferes with swimming, so I think she will have to wait until next year to cheer. Cody survived his first varsity football season. He enjoyed getting out on the field and had some playing time. We heard his name on the speakers and cheered every time. Kyle took a lot a great senior pictures and it has been hard to pick, but I think we have them narrowed down to our few favorites. Kyle and Tom went to play air-soft for a cancer fundraising event and Tom became instantly addicted. We'll have to wait and see if the old man can keep up with his sons :) Cody was not able to join in the air-softing fun as it was the same night as Homecoming, smart boy! He and his girlfriend had a great time and I finally got a picture of Cody smiling.
Tom received his first dose of the injection to strengthen his spine. The first day he said he felt a little sore. Within 24 hours it hit him like a train wreck. He had bone and muscle pain, high fever, etc. I was so glad that most of his side effects lessened within the day. Next month Tom will be taking a dose of Tylenol before getting the infusion so that it will hopefully keep some of the effects at bay.
A couple of weeks ago Tom saw the Radiology Oncologist here in GR. There was some concern about Tom getting radiated again because the area was already been treated back in 2007. Tom's case was brought to the Tumor Board so that his treatment could be discussed. Today we had a follow up appointment to find out the treatment plan for Tom's tumor in his C6-C7 vertebrae. Dr. Buth stated that there has been no significant change in the September scans and no evidence of weakness. The board recommends that they keep watching it. He explained that the spinal cord has resistance to radiation but pushing it too far causes damages similar to a serious injury including the chance of paralysis.
He recommends that Tom have another MRI added to his scan at the U of M so that the tumor can be evaluated for change when he goes in November. If treatment is need he is recommending the type of radiation to use is SBRT (Stereotatic Body Radio Therapy) which wraps around the bone. As Dr. Buth has only done this a few time and does not have the expertise, he would like Tom to be referred to the Henry Ford Hospital where their team would have the experience.
I left feeling frustrated at the bouncing to all the different hospitals and that the treatment is not plowing ahead. Tom reminded me that his cancer is rare and very complicated. He is not a typical case & they are sending him out to "the best" to care for him. I have since e-mail the nurse at the U of M and request the MRI to be scheduled when we are there, and Dr. Buth's recommendation. She is ordering the Spinal MRI and talked this over with Dr. Worden. Tom is again being brought to the Board at U of M once the next scans are complete and read.
This is our life. We have lived a roller coaster for over 5 years. I have to give Tom credit for always staying positive and keeping up the fight. I have said before that if I were in his shoes I'm not so sure I would handle it the same way. Thanks again to my prayer warriors and those who "follow" Tom's progress. We all keep each other going with words of encouragement. To my new UK friends...thanks for your monthly comments, hang in there and never give up hope, it our best line of defense.
Psalms 94:19 "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."
Tom received his first dose of the injection to strengthen his spine. The first day he said he felt a little sore. Within 24 hours it hit him like a train wreck. He had bone and muscle pain, high fever, etc. I was so glad that most of his side effects lessened within the day. Next month Tom will be taking a dose of Tylenol before getting the infusion so that it will hopefully keep some of the effects at bay.
A couple of weeks ago Tom saw the Radiology Oncologist here in GR. There was some concern about Tom getting radiated again because the area was already been treated back in 2007. Tom's case was brought to the Tumor Board so that his treatment could be discussed. Today we had a follow up appointment to find out the treatment plan for Tom's tumor in his C6-C7 vertebrae. Dr. Buth stated that there has been no significant change in the September scans and no evidence of weakness. The board recommends that they keep watching it. He explained that the spinal cord has resistance to radiation but pushing it too far causes damages similar to a serious injury including the chance of paralysis.
He recommends that Tom have another MRI added to his scan at the U of M so that the tumor can be evaluated for change when he goes in November. If treatment is need he is recommending the type of radiation to use is SBRT (Stereotatic Body Radio Therapy) which wraps around the bone. As Dr. Buth has only done this a few time and does not have the expertise, he would like Tom to be referred to the Henry Ford Hospital where their team would have the experience.
I left feeling frustrated at the bouncing to all the different hospitals and that the treatment is not plowing ahead. Tom reminded me that his cancer is rare and very complicated. He is not a typical case & they are sending him out to "the best" to care for him. I have since e-mail the nurse at the U of M and request the MRI to be scheduled when we are there, and Dr. Buth's recommendation. She is ordering the Spinal MRI and talked this over with Dr. Worden. Tom is again being brought to the Board at U of M once the next scans are complete and read.
This is our life. We have lived a roller coaster for over 5 years. I have to give Tom credit for always staying positive and keeping up the fight. I have said before that if I were in his shoes I'm not so sure I would handle it the same way. Thanks again to my prayer warriors and those who "follow" Tom's progress. We all keep each other going with words of encouragement. To my new UK friends...thanks for your monthly comments, hang in there and never give up hope, it our best line of defense.
Psalms 94:19 "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer."
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Tumor Board Treatment Plan
Today is a beautiful sunny fall day! I see the fall colors starting to blend and it makes me appreciate this time of year. Today Kyle is getting his Senior Pictures taken and I can hardly believe that our little family is at this stepping stone already. Tom is going to attempt to play air soft next month with Kyle at a cancer fundraiser in Kalamazoo. They are both getting pumped up about it. Cody has been busy with the varsity football team. They printed his name as Cole so Tom and I are having a little fun with that. Katie has been enjoying her sideline cheerleading on Wednesday night as she looks so grown up out in the stadium.
Tom received a call from Dr. Worden's office with their decision of treatment from the Tumor Board this week. He will receive Radiation on the C-6, C-7 area of his neck. Tom has chosen to have his radiation here in GR and has a consultation with Dr. Buth on October 11. Tom will also start infusions once a month with a bone strengthening drug called Zometa which has many of the same side effects that he experienced with chemo. He is not looking forward to this as he has enjoyed tasting food once again. Tom and I will head back to U of M on November 21 & 22 for Tom's scans/blood work and results.
Tom has also asked to have an Oncologist here in GR that could follow Dr. Worden's direction for treatment while staying closer to home. Tom is discussing all these steps with his Case Manager at our insurance company to make sure we do not have any surprises.
Going back a couple of weeks ago when Tom received the CT scan results from his PCP that stated the cancer continues to have "interval growth" I asked him how he felt about getting the call. I said I know that this is not surprising news, but how do you feel about it? He replied that he has confidence in the Tumor Board and Dr. Worden's team. He stays very positive. I hope that is not all for the families sake. I truly believe that one's outlook helps to determine the outcome. I know that these last 5 years have changed us in more ways than can be relayed in these monthly updates.
Thanks to my prayer warriors who continue to check in with us and keep the us on their daily lists. Tom and I could not make it through all of this and continue to press on without all the support we've received. I have also learned to be a better prayer warrior myself for others who share life's trials with me. 1 Peter 3:8 "You should be like on e big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds."
Tom received a call from Dr. Worden's office with their decision of treatment from the Tumor Board this week. He will receive Radiation on the C-6, C-7 area of his neck. Tom has chosen to have his radiation here in GR and has a consultation with Dr. Buth on October 11. Tom will also start infusions once a month with a bone strengthening drug called Zometa which has many of the same side effects that he experienced with chemo. He is not looking forward to this as he has enjoyed tasting food once again. Tom and I will head back to U of M on November 21 & 22 for Tom's scans/blood work and results.
Tom has also asked to have an Oncologist here in GR that could follow Dr. Worden's direction for treatment while staying closer to home. Tom is discussing all these steps with his Case Manager at our insurance company to make sure we do not have any surprises.
Going back a couple of weeks ago when Tom received the CT scan results from his PCP that stated the cancer continues to have "interval growth" I asked him how he felt about getting the call. I said I know that this is not surprising news, but how do you feel about it? He replied that he has confidence in the Tumor Board and Dr. Worden's team. He stays very positive. I hope that is not all for the families sake. I truly believe that one's outlook helps to determine the outcome. I know that these last 5 years have changed us in more ways than can be relayed in these monthly updates.
Thanks to my prayer warriors who continue to check in with us and keep the us on their daily lists. Tom and I could not make it through all of this and continue to press on without all the support we've received. I have also learned to be a better prayer warrior myself for others who share life's trials with me. 1 Peter 3:8 "You should be like on e big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)