This is the first time that I have missed a month of updates. There has been so much going on it just too much to write about just one update. I do want to thank those who have been so generous to our family. We had a great vacation in Manistee with the Hursh family, we had a wonderful day on Lake Michigan in "The Evil Woman" The summer has flown by but is now winding down and the kids are all getting ready to start school. Our college bound actually starts this Monday, ready or not.
After 3 months of being on chemo Tom had his first scans and we talked to his doctor today about the results. The lesions in the neck, bones, and lungs all are stable. The liver has some lesions that are stable, some have decreased in size, but their is a lesion that has increased 3 times the size. The doctor went back and doubled checked this to make sure it was not a typo. Dr. Worden would like to present Tom's case before the Tumor Board on Tuesday to talk about the progression. He mentioned that he wanted the Radiation department's input to put together a treatment plan.
Tom's med are getting tweaked again, which may help Tom's fatigue. His Magnesium & Potassium were low and they have told Tom to increase his Thyroid medication which is all due to the effects of his chemo. They also gave him a trial mouthwash to help with the mouth sores. Hopefully this will help in his quality of life.
I will blog again when we get the update on Tuesday. Now it's off to one of Tom's favorite thing in this world, to watch his son play football.
1 Chronicles 23:20 "Be strong and courageous and get to work. Don't be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you."
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Good new ~Bad news
There is good news in this post. The fact that we successfully handled two parties in one weekend and had great weather for both days. I was overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to the parties and that many of my family members came two days in a row (some had a long drive). Thanks for sharing this time with us. I also wanted to thank the "Mister E" who sent me a book of my favorite author. I love to read Francine Rivers & "The Scarlet Thread" is a wonderful novel that I cherish. We also were able to attend many Graduation Open Houses. Tom has not felt the best and we tried to spend time with family and friends, all in all, he has been a trouper!
Tom started back on his chemo now called Cometriq (formerly know in clinical as XL-184) on June 1st. He gets a monthly call from the Tech. asking him so questions and then it is sent directly to our home in about 2 days. He is taking the prescription before bed which he claims is helping his energy level and to have a better "day" Nights however can be another story. Within the first 2 weeks he started the symptoms once again. He has mouth sores and sores on his hands, feet and head. He also has nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and now fainting spells. His appetite has gone down, and that's not saying much from what it was. This time around he says that food looks and smells good, but when he starts to eat it doesn't settle and he quickly looses his appetite. I am not sure if this is better as he continues to try to eat vs not have any appetite. However, we have Protein drinks and Cheerios on hand for many meals. He has lost 10 pounds in the last month but the pasty white has been at bay.
Now for the bad news: Last night we were out celebrating my parents 50th at Ruth's Chris a very upscale restaurant in Grand Rapids. I knew that earlier in the day Tom was not feeling well but he was determined not to miss it. We arrived, took pictures, toasted my parents, ate a wonderful salad and had the towns best filet. Tom said it was all tasting so good! After we were given coffee and waiting for dessert, Tom told me to take a walk with him. We started down the hall and I asked him what was the matter, he said I needed to help him to the Men's room....he started to wobble and hold onto the wall for support. He was loosing control and I couldn't help him. I told him to sit down in the hallway and staff came up to see what the problem was. All I could think was to get him to ER and trying to remember the list of prescriptions he took. We eventually got him back into our room and though he looked 5 sheets whiter than before, he was telling us all the he was ok and that it was passing. He was totally embarrassed at the thought of what that scene must have appeared. He was exhausted and said he felt like he ran a 5 mile marathon. As we drove away Tom said he was sorry. I told him "If you were falling down drunk you could be sorry, don't you dare be sorry for being having cancer and being sick!" Before he crashed in the car ride home he said. "Well, I have made this night memorable". I got him home and put him to bed then I broke down. I received many phone calls from my concerned family and assured him that he was now resting and was ok. I did not sleep much last night. It was like the days when he first got home from surgery almost 6 years ago that I would wake up and make sure he was still breathing.
One thing I know is that though we try to go on with our everyday life, and try to make it normal....things are not like they were precancer. When we take our family outings/vacation his medical book is going with us. Also I determined last night that I need to carry a sheet of paper with his prescriptions and doctor information so that I have it at hand & don't have to try and recall from memory if I'm again in this type of situation. In talking with many people we haven't seen in a while I have heard once again how strong I am. I do not take this glory it is from the one who holds me up (and believe me when I say that we did a lot of talking last night)! I also want to say that others have shared their trials with me and I will always say "We all have our trials they are just telling a little different story" We are not alone in our situation and always have someone who will listen, love, and lean upon in our time need.
Philippians 4:13 "for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power"
Tom started back on his chemo now called Cometriq (formerly know in clinical as XL-184) on June 1st. He gets a monthly call from the Tech. asking him so questions and then it is sent directly to our home in about 2 days. He is taking the prescription before bed which he claims is helping his energy level and to have a better "day" Nights however can be another story. Within the first 2 weeks he started the symptoms once again. He has mouth sores and sores on his hands, feet and head. He also has nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and now fainting spells. His appetite has gone down, and that's not saying much from what it was. This time around he says that food looks and smells good, but when he starts to eat it doesn't settle and he quickly looses his appetite. I am not sure if this is better as he continues to try to eat vs not have any appetite. However, we have Protein drinks and Cheerios on hand for many meals. He has lost 10 pounds in the last month but the pasty white has been at bay.
Now for the bad news: Last night we were out celebrating my parents 50th at Ruth's Chris a very upscale restaurant in Grand Rapids. I knew that earlier in the day Tom was not feeling well but he was determined not to miss it. We arrived, took pictures, toasted my parents, ate a wonderful salad and had the towns best filet. Tom said it was all tasting so good! After we were given coffee and waiting for dessert, Tom told me to take a walk with him. We started down the hall and I asked him what was the matter, he said I needed to help him to the Men's room....he started to wobble and hold onto the wall for support. He was loosing control and I couldn't help him. I told him to sit down in the hallway and staff came up to see what the problem was. All I could think was to get him to ER and trying to remember the list of prescriptions he took. We eventually got him back into our room and though he looked 5 sheets whiter than before, he was telling us all the he was ok and that it was passing. He was totally embarrassed at the thought of what that scene must have appeared. He was exhausted and said he felt like he ran a 5 mile marathon. As we drove away Tom said he was sorry. I told him "If you were falling down drunk you could be sorry, don't you dare be sorry for being having cancer and being sick!" Before he crashed in the car ride home he said. "Well, I have made this night memorable". I got him home and put him to bed then I broke down. I received many phone calls from my concerned family and assured him that he was now resting and was ok. I did not sleep much last night. It was like the days when he first got home from surgery almost 6 years ago that I would wake up and make sure he was still breathing.
One thing I know is that though we try to go on with our everyday life, and try to make it normal....things are not like they were precancer. When we take our family outings/vacation his medical book is going with us. Also I determined last night that I need to carry a sheet of paper with his prescriptions and doctor information so that I have it at hand & don't have to try and recall from memory if I'm again in this type of situation. In talking with many people we haven't seen in a while I have heard once again how strong I am. I do not take this glory it is from the one who holds me up (and believe me when I say that we did a lot of talking last night)! I also want to say that others have shared their trials with me and I will always say "We all have our trials they are just telling a little different story" We are not alone in our situation and always have someone who will listen, love, and lean upon in our time need.
Philippians 4:13 "for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power"
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Mile Stones
Tomorrow is a big day for the Andrews. Our eldest will be ending a huge phase in his life & we will be celebrating 12 years of school. A few days after that he will be an adult, where did those 18 years go? This just after Tom and I spent Monday celebrating 24 years of marriage together. Yep, I'm getting sappy with all these mile stones. We continue getting the house ready for the open houses in a few weeks. Ready or not....
Tom and I traveled to Ann Arbor today to talk with the doc about the CT scans Tom had done last week. We were told that Tom has two areas of concern. There was noted two new lesions in the upper right neck and an increase in size of the lesions in his liver. The rest of his scans remained stable, which is better than we predicted going in. In the light of this information the doctor thought Tom should start back on treatment. The question is which one should Tom be on. After a brief discussion it was decided that Tom would start taking Cabozantinib (formerly known as XL-184). He should be able to start Tuesday. He will start on a lower dosage than what he was on in the clinical trial. We will see how Tom tolerates it and if its effective. He can also chose to change to Vandetanib. It is nice to know that Tom has options! He will be monitored monthly by his Oncologist here in GR and will travel every 3 months to AA for tests & results. They also gave Tom another prescription to help with his stomach issues and another for his low Potassium count.
Such a different picture today than 3 years ago when there was nothing FDA approved for Tom's cancer. I am so relieved that Tom also has a Plan B of sorts. It still amazes me that the medical field has made such big advancements in a short time. Tom and I went to this appointment thinking because of Tom's increasing symptoms that we would have a huge jump in the spread of his cancer. Thank God we were both wrong!
John 3:31 "He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth"
Tom and I traveled to Ann Arbor today to talk with the doc about the CT scans Tom had done last week. We were told that Tom has two areas of concern. There was noted two new lesions in the upper right neck and an increase in size of the lesions in his liver. The rest of his scans remained stable, which is better than we predicted going in. In the light of this information the doctor thought Tom should start back on treatment. The question is which one should Tom be on. After a brief discussion it was decided that Tom would start taking Cabozantinib (formerly known as XL-184). He should be able to start Tuesday. He will start on a lower dosage than what he was on in the clinical trial. We will see how Tom tolerates it and if its effective. He can also chose to change to Vandetanib. It is nice to know that Tom has options! He will be monitored monthly by his Oncologist here in GR and will travel every 3 months to AA for tests & results. They also gave Tom another prescription to help with his stomach issues and another for his low Potassium count.
Such a different picture today than 3 years ago when there was nothing FDA approved for Tom's cancer. I am so relieved that Tom also has a Plan B of sorts. It still amazes me that the medical field has made such big advancements in a short time. Tom and I went to this appointment thinking because of Tom's increasing symptoms that we would have a huge jump in the spread of his cancer. Thank God we were both wrong!
John 3:31 "He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth"
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
May Madness
Spring has finally come to Michigan....yeah! We have a lot of work to do inside and outside of our house and the days are counting down. In 24 days our eldest will be graduating from high school and we are not yet ready to entertain our guests. In the same weekend that we are having Kyle's open house we are also inviting friends and family to gather for my parents 50th Anniversary. Any two people who can work through 50 years of life side by side deserve much recognition! So Saturday will be Kyle's big day and Sunday will be my parents open house: like it, love it, call us crazy, we will get it done in two days :)
Today Tom met with Dr. VanDerWoude, an Oncologist here in GR. She has been recommended to me from a coworker whose husband is battling cancer and they too have both Dr. Worden & Dr. VanDerWoude for a few years and it has worked well for them. Dr. VanDerWoude talked with Tom about his cancer history & said she is willing to also collaborate with U of M and be here for Tom in what capacity they need from her. Tom is moving his monthly infusion to this office as it has been stated that an Oncologist really should be heading this treatment. She talked with Tom about the risks of the infusion and what they will be looking for. There are serious side effects and some of them will not heal if the symptoms start to show. It's important that this be monitored closely. Tom and I walked out of this office satisfied that we have a good team to care for him.
Tom also pointed out a new lump in his neck that he had not noticed before. Dr. VanDerWoude looked and it but it was determined that we would "wait and see" as Tom has his scans scheduled in May at the U of M which should show the root of this new bump. Tom has his scans on May 15 and then will go over the results with Dr. Worden on the 22nd. Also it will be determined if Tom will start the chemo regimen at that time.
I want to also take a moment to thank all of you for your continued support. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and the fact that I have many shoulders to lean on has meant the world to Tom and myself. I may sound like a broken record every month, but I just want to let you know that IT DOES MATTER! Life is not always easy and I know how helpless it can feel that you can't fix what people are going through. However, things like just hearing that you are praying for my family is huge to me because I know who's ears those precious words fall upon. I know that I am not the only one going through "stuff" and that I too pray for you and your family as we all go through the valley and hills of life. I started a journal where I had a few names written and each morning it would take me a few minutes to pray for a person while they were having a difficult time. This has turned into pages and an all morning event as I get ready and these people come to mind. I know what the power of prayer can do!
God Bless you
Daniel 9:23 "The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what is was, for God loves you very much."
Today Tom met with Dr. VanDerWoude, an Oncologist here in GR. She has been recommended to me from a coworker whose husband is battling cancer and they too have both Dr. Worden & Dr. VanDerWoude for a few years and it has worked well for them. Dr. VanDerWoude talked with Tom about his cancer history & said she is willing to also collaborate with U of M and be here for Tom in what capacity they need from her. Tom is moving his monthly infusion to this office as it has been stated that an Oncologist really should be heading this treatment. She talked with Tom about the risks of the infusion and what they will be looking for. There are serious side effects and some of them will not heal if the symptoms start to show. It's important that this be monitored closely. Tom and I walked out of this office satisfied that we have a good team to care for him.
Tom also pointed out a new lump in his neck that he had not noticed before. Dr. VanDerWoude looked and it but it was determined that we would "wait and see" as Tom has his scans scheduled in May at the U of M which should show the root of this new bump. Tom has his scans on May 15 and then will go over the results with Dr. Worden on the 22nd. Also it will be determined if Tom will start the chemo regimen at that time.
I want to also take a moment to thank all of you for your continued support. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and the fact that I have many shoulders to lean on has meant the world to Tom and myself. I may sound like a broken record every month, but I just want to let you know that IT DOES MATTER! Life is not always easy and I know how helpless it can feel that you can't fix what people are going through. However, things like just hearing that you are praying for my family is huge to me because I know who's ears those precious words fall upon. I know that I am not the only one going through "stuff" and that I too pray for you and your family as we all go through the valley and hills of life. I started a journal where I had a few names written and each morning it would take me a few minutes to pray for a person while they were having a difficult time. This has turned into pages and an all morning event as I get ready and these people come to mind. I know what the power of prayer can do!
God Bless you
Daniel 9:23 "The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what is was, for God loves you very much."
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Quality of Life
It was so hard for Tom to miss Cody's Wrestling Banquet. I know that he is not feeling well when he looked at me and asked if I'm going because he can't make it. During the banquet each student was acknowledged and the Coach said some nice things about Cody & his abilities while passing out the Varsity pin. At the end there were 3 awards given out. The coach said that this particular award was given to the student who came everyday, gave it his all, and tried his hardest. Cody received the Coach's Choice Award, but would not open it until we were back at home and he could see it with his dad!
Why did Tom miss Cody's banquet? He was in the middle of his radiation treatment. He was able to have his radiation at the U of M Radiation campus in Grand Rapids. He thought it was not going to be that bad....I was not holding my breath. Nothing has been easy in the last 5+ years and I did not think this would be any different. Tom was put on a steroid prescription that really made him swell. It is believed that this also cause him to develop a rash primarily on his stomach and back. However, none of the doctors confirmed this. After Tom had 5 of his 10 treatments the abdominal pain hit in full force. My poor husband became very fatigued, had no appetite, and dealt with many classic symptoms due to the treatment. The last 3 treatments were hard for him to force himself to go. He is just now starting to be on the mend and I am glad to see that each day he is feeling a little more like his old self again.
So I am finally getting to the question of the day...."How was the doctors visit?" Here is what we discussed. We went over the CT/MRI results from Tom's February scans. We verified that there are areas where the cancer continues to grow, but not at alarming rates. There are also newer areas noted since his November scans such as this one noted as being suspicious of lymph node metastases. I questioned a statement that noted the liver had 25 low-attenuation and high-attenuation lesions scattered throughout the liver. Dr. Worden did not seem overly concerned about this wording as he read it with me. Tom and Dr. Worden discussed starting the chemo treatment today vs. waiting 3 months and seeing what the next scans will show. In all Tom has decided to wait until the next scan to once again decide if going on the chemo is the best plan. Dr. Worden went on to say as we all know, there is not a cure for this cancer. The only hope is that we can slow it down. Starting the chemo regimen today, 3 month, or a year from now will not delay the inevitable. We need to look at and focus on Tom's quality of life.
Tom and I have known that this cancer is not curable, stoppable, nor that this is a magical solution. Reality bites a little to hear this confirmed once again. However, we keep our heads up and our eyes forward to the gift of tomorrow. Thank you to all who have walked with us during this time & who have so generously given to our family. We have been overwhelmed by so many gifts. Mr E has given us yummy treats, fun games, and wonderful family time activities. I believe that Mr E has become a community by itself. During this time we will concentrate on the positive, laugh while we can, and create some memories that we can cherish all of our days. This weekend is Easter and I will focus on giving thanks that even after this life we can have a much better and forever Quality of Life!
Luke 24:46 "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day; and that this message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me."
Why did Tom miss Cody's banquet? He was in the middle of his radiation treatment. He was able to have his radiation at the U of M Radiation campus in Grand Rapids. He thought it was not going to be that bad....I was not holding my breath. Nothing has been easy in the last 5+ years and I did not think this would be any different. Tom was put on a steroid prescription that really made him swell. It is believed that this also cause him to develop a rash primarily on his stomach and back. However, none of the doctors confirmed this. After Tom had 5 of his 10 treatments the abdominal pain hit in full force. My poor husband became very fatigued, had no appetite, and dealt with many classic symptoms due to the treatment. The last 3 treatments were hard for him to force himself to go. He is just now starting to be on the mend and I am glad to see that each day he is feeling a little more like his old self again.
So I am finally getting to the question of the day...."How was the doctors visit?" Here is what we discussed. We went over the CT/MRI results from Tom's February scans. We verified that there are areas where the cancer continues to grow, but not at alarming rates. There are also newer areas noted since his November scans such as this one noted as being suspicious of lymph node metastases. I questioned a statement that noted the liver had 25 low-attenuation and high-attenuation lesions scattered throughout the liver. Dr. Worden did not seem overly concerned about this wording as he read it with me. Tom and Dr. Worden discussed starting the chemo treatment today vs. waiting 3 months and seeing what the next scans will show. In all Tom has decided to wait until the next scan to once again decide if going on the chemo is the best plan. Dr. Worden went on to say as we all know, there is not a cure for this cancer. The only hope is that we can slow it down. Starting the chemo regimen today, 3 month, or a year from now will not delay the inevitable. We need to look at and focus on Tom's quality of life.
Tom and I have known that this cancer is not curable, stoppable, nor that this is a magical solution. Reality bites a little to hear this confirmed once again. However, we keep our heads up and our eyes forward to the gift of tomorrow. Thank you to all who have walked with us during this time & who have so generously given to our family. We have been overwhelmed by so many gifts. Mr E has given us yummy treats, fun games, and wonderful family time activities. I believe that Mr E has become a community by itself. During this time we will concentrate on the positive, laugh while we can, and create some memories that we can cherish all of our days. This weekend is Easter and I will focus on giving thanks that even after this life we can have a much better and forever Quality of Life!
Luke 24:46 "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day; and that this message of salvation should be taken from Jerusalem to all the nations: There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me."
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
West Side Story
We definitely pick the best days for travel. It was only rain on the way to Ann Arbor today and we hoped that it would remain rain until after our return. We arrived in plenty of time before Tom's appointment and were ushered into a room quickly. Tom met one of the residence who went back through his treatment starting in 2007. We covered his surgery, 1st round of radiation, the clinical trial after finding that his cancer has metastatic to the lower spine & liver, the trial drug and having to come off because of the cancer in his Clavical, his SBRT radiation done in December, and his latest scans that showed further cancer. After reviewing the MRI and CT scans it has been noted that Tom's cancer is in his Liver, C6-C7 vertebrae (that are showing no change), lower lumber L1 & L2, lungs are still showing spots that are hard to confirm but have always been noted, and the aortic lymph nodes appears to have suspicion of cancer.
Dr Tsien than came into talk about the treatment plan. She stated that Radiation is good for the pain Tom has been experiencing. The success rate for radiation is 70% They talked about how Tom's pain has diminished since he has been on a Steroid prescription. This is helpful but not the answer. She said that the cancer is showing up and down his spine.Tom will have 2 weeks of radiation and will be able to do it here in Grand Rapids. We were both happy to hear that this daily trip will only be 10 minutes away. After this is completed he will need to follow up with Dr. Worden to talk about getting him onto a Chemotherapy.
The ride home was another story. It took us several hours again to arrive home. It was a little spooky as we went through Jackson not a car was in sight for many miles. There were a few ditch parties but the nice part this time was that the cars were far enough off the road that we didn't need to stop at each one. I was so happy to see home & I hope that the next trip will be a pleasant driving experience!
Thanks for all those who have helped us through this time. Our neighbors overwhelmed me this weekend with loads of food, snacks and gas cards. Mr. E who had previously brought the kids some fun gifts and dropped them at our door gave our family a generous gift card and a wonderful pie. Thanks to those who have sent our family comforting words and all the hugs and prayers.
Tom read a Psalms that he wanted me to share. Let this be our verse for the coming treatment:
"But I will call upon the Lord to save me - and he will. I will pray morning, noon, and night, pleading aloud with God; and he will hear and answer." Psalms 55:16-17
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
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"
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