We have been busy getting ready for Christmas in the Andrews family. Kid are officially off school for the Holiday Season and are all glad for the break.
Normally I would have a lot of information after our two day stay at the U of M hospital. On this trip the results from the MRI of the abdomen were not ready and Tom's Oncologist wanted to discuss the findings from the CT scans further. Tom's blood work shows some elevated levels which are effecting his blood pressure and kidney functions. This can be contributed to the Chemo and they will be making adjustment to his medications but he will remain on the same chemo dosage for now. Tom's case will be presented to the Tumor Board next week to discuss the results of is MRI and the recent activity within his bones. lungs and liver.
Tom has asked that I hold off blogging. He would like to enjoy Christmas, New Years, and his birthday without dealing with his cancer. We are going to pause and enjoy the reason for the season for now. I will have a full blog the first part of January to go over the results from the Tumor Board and how we will proceed with Tom's cancer in 2015.
Once again we want to thank everyone who helped us through this year. Your thoughts, prayers and generosity means so much to our family.
John 1:14 "And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth"
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Can You Handle it?
Kyle has been hard a work both for his college classes and has taken on a 2nd shift job at UPS. He leaves for work when I go to bed, it's been a little hard to sleep know that my boy is on these icy Michigan roads lately. I'm sure it's hard being a broke college student, but Tom and I try to make it as pain free as we are able. Kyle seems to enjoy this job and is very excited to take advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement next semester. Cody had his senior pictures taken & it has been hard to pick which ones to display. For a boy who never smiles for the camera we have it narrowed down to 6 (yes he is smiling in many) after much discussion and looking at them time and again. Last week Katie had her Swim Banquet and Tom and I laughed as the Team Captains gave out their own "fun" awards. She was awarded as "Most likely to ask a question" Tom and I nodded to each other and said "That's our girl, they know her well"!!! I have many times call her my mini-me, but she is not the shy teenager as her mother so painfully was.
Tom has been again having better days. His sleep pattern has still been iffy and he still needs his sleep meds to get any sleep at night. Though last night I heard him get up a lot & when I questioned him he said it was just one of those nights. He has tried to keep himself busy during the day & I appreciate all that he does for our family. He has even been in the mode of trying new recipes. Not that he is eating them, but he prepares them for his family. I tell him when he gets a taste for something to eat it. Sometimes it takes a couple of bites and he's done, but it sure does beat cereal or ensure drinks all the time. Tom even felt up to deer hunting again. Though he does not hunt as in years before cancer, he was able to enjoy mother nature and took two deer. It is good to see him looking forward to things such as this and a big thanks to Alex for being able to be out there with him.
Medically speaking the U of M did confirm that they received his MRI, but they will wait until the December visit to get the results of his liver legions. Tom's PCP called yesterday to say that the Radiologist in GR looked over his MRI and stated that they compared past and present scans and though all the legions are still present, it appears to be stable. As he is feeling better I would not want them to up his dosage and have Tom go back to a lesser quality of life unless absolutely necessary. We both know that his team of doctors will do what is best for Tom's quantity/quality of life.
Over the past years there have been many people who give us the cliche sayings and and I know that they have meant the best by it. I have also heard others show a little frustration about the same saying as it is not comforting to them. The one that comes to mind is that "God will never give you more than you can bear" I hear that and think positively. My faith states that He brings us to it and will lead us through it & to me is it comforting to hear. I think that anything in life is done by design (whether we understand it or not is another matter). Some people crumble under trying circumstances and some people turn to other things (can be substances) when they are having a hard time in life. I have always turned to the one I know with certainty will help me through a trial just like He does through the good times (when I am less likely to call on him). Sometimes we make it through with little scarring and other times we wonder how we made it at all. The question is not whether someone will have highs and lows in life because we all do. The question is how is one going to handle it?
There are so many verses that I want to post, but this is the one I chose for this time:
Hebrews 12:12-13 "So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though week and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong."
Tom has been again having better days. His sleep pattern has still been iffy and he still needs his sleep meds to get any sleep at night. Though last night I heard him get up a lot & when I questioned him he said it was just one of those nights. He has tried to keep himself busy during the day & I appreciate all that he does for our family. He has even been in the mode of trying new recipes. Not that he is eating them, but he prepares them for his family. I tell him when he gets a taste for something to eat it. Sometimes it takes a couple of bites and he's done, but it sure does beat cereal or ensure drinks all the time. Tom even felt up to deer hunting again. Though he does not hunt as in years before cancer, he was able to enjoy mother nature and took two deer. It is good to see him looking forward to things such as this and a big thanks to Alex for being able to be out there with him.
Medically speaking the U of M did confirm that they received his MRI, but they will wait until the December visit to get the results of his liver legions. Tom's PCP called yesterday to say that the Radiologist in GR looked over his MRI and stated that they compared past and present scans and though all the legions are still present, it appears to be stable. As he is feeling better I would not want them to up his dosage and have Tom go back to a lesser quality of life unless absolutely necessary. We both know that his team of doctors will do what is best for Tom's quantity/quality of life.
Over the past years there have been many people who give us the cliche sayings and and I know that they have meant the best by it. I have also heard others show a little frustration about the same saying as it is not comforting to them. The one that comes to mind is that "God will never give you more than you can bear" I hear that and think positively. My faith states that He brings us to it and will lead us through it & to me is it comforting to hear. I think that anything in life is done by design (whether we understand it or not is another matter). Some people crumble under trying circumstances and some people turn to other things (can be substances) when they are having a hard time in life. I have always turned to the one I know with certainty will help me through a trial just like He does through the good times (when I am less likely to call on him). Sometimes we make it through with little scarring and other times we wonder how we made it at all. The question is not whether someone will have highs and lows in life because we all do. The question is how is one going to handle it?
There are so many verses that I want to post, but this is the one I chose for this time:
Hebrews 12:12-13 "So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for you feet so that those who follow you, though week and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves, but become strong."
Saturday, October 18, 2014
The Beauty of the Season
Fall sports are coming to an end. Last night was bitter sweet as Tom and I walked Cody for the last time down the track to the field. It has rained for parents night for the past three years so why did we expect it to be any different last night? I ditched my umbrella and took Cody's arm as our names were announced. I was all teary eyed all day thinking about this, but when the time came I felt fortunate to be able to walk with Cody and his dad for one last recognition of all his hard work. Life of a parent (especially teenagers) can be challenging, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I think of how cute and fun they were as toddlers, how they have become independent young adults, and hope they have a bright and rewarding future.
Tom had his MRI last week and now I am checking in with his Doc at U of M to see the best method of getting the CD to their team. He has had more bad days lately as he is further in with his chemo. One of his greatest struggles is managing his pain, especially at night. If he takes his pain meds his mind races until the early morning hours, if he doesn't take it he is up with pain. He has tried to use a sleep aid which gives him nightmares. I am not sure which is better for him to deal with. I believe this contributes to his feeling fatigued during the day and can become a vicious cycle. He tries to keep up a good attitude and there are days that he pushes himself. However I do see him struggling a little more than he did 30 days ago.
For myself I have been told at work "Your a little quiet lately, is everything ok?" I admitted to Tom a couple of weeks ago that I am not dealing very well lately. Tom assured me that under my circumstances I am handling it very well. That is why I love this man....always my cheerleader! I find it interesting that when I am having my pity party days, someone says something that helps me to realize how blessed I really am. I truly believe it's all in ones perspective. I know that we are all allowed to have bad days and that it is a very human reaction, but I am glad that have not been stuck there. The past couple of days going to/from work I see the color on the trees and the beauty of this Earth and have to thank our creator for this world. Just like where I live we have season in life: some fill us with warmth and laughter other times we feel bare and cold. During each season we have life's lessons to learn, some we cherish and other we learn the hard way. I have decided to enjoy this season to the best of my ability.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 "To enjoy your work and to accept your lot in life - that is indeed a gift from God. The person who does that will not need to look back with sorrow on his past, for God gives him joy."
Tom had his MRI last week and now I am checking in with his Doc at U of M to see the best method of getting the CD to their team. He has had more bad days lately as he is further in with his chemo. One of his greatest struggles is managing his pain, especially at night. If he takes his pain meds his mind races until the early morning hours, if he doesn't take it he is up with pain. He has tried to use a sleep aid which gives him nightmares. I am not sure which is better for him to deal with. I believe this contributes to his feeling fatigued during the day and can become a vicious cycle. He tries to keep up a good attitude and there are days that he pushes himself. However I do see him struggling a little more than he did 30 days ago.
For myself I have been told at work "Your a little quiet lately, is everything ok?" I admitted to Tom a couple of weeks ago that I am not dealing very well lately. Tom assured me that under my circumstances I am handling it very well. That is why I love this man....always my cheerleader! I find it interesting that when I am having my pity party days, someone says something that helps me to realize how blessed I really am. I truly believe it's all in ones perspective. I know that we are all allowed to have bad days and that it is a very human reaction, but I am glad that have not been stuck there. The past couple of days going to/from work I see the color on the trees and the beauty of this Earth and have to thank our creator for this world. Just like where I live we have season in life: some fill us with warmth and laughter other times we feel bare and cold. During each season we have life's lessons to learn, some we cherish and other we learn the hard way. I have decided to enjoy this season to the best of my ability.
Ecclesiastes 5:20 "To enjoy your work and to accept your lot in life - that is indeed a gift from God. The person who does that will not need to look back with sorrow on his past, for God gives him joy."
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Understanding Cancer
I thought life couldn't get much busier...man was I wrong. Today Kyle stated when we came home from concessions again "You guys are always busy" Katie swims Tuesdays and Thursdays. This past week she did the 500 meter & I was one proud parent. Not that she did anything special as she was told by the coach that all Freshmen would have the opportunity to swim that event, but that she was told after she completed the event from coach, "Not bad for your first time" Knowing that she will have another opportunity in an event she would rather not, she took that very well :) On Tuesday Tom and I rushed around to make it to Hamilton for her meet. We were so proud that we pulled into the parking lot at 5:55, we looked at each other and said wow 5 minutes to spare. We could not believe there were not many cars in the parking lot. No matter, we found a great seat and I pulled up her meet information on my phone to see that it started at 6:30. So I told others laughingly that we spent some quality time & showed them how.....I pulled out my phone and started scrolling different apps. I got a few chuckles from that. I have been helping Tom in the indoor concessions and am getting better understanding and appreciation of volunteers past and present. It takes a lot of work to run the concessions. Cody had his first home game this Friday & Tom was not allowed into the concessions during the game as another booster member told him to "enjoy watching your son play". Though the team did not win, I am glad that Cody is getting so much playing time. They moved him around a little & I know that he doesn't want to come off the field at all. His love for the game is deep!
In between all this we took two days to go to U of M for Tom's scans and results. We arrived plenty early on Wednesday and Tom was hoping as in the past he could get his scans over a little earlier as usual. When we got to the waiting room we both realized this was not to be. It was a packed waiting room. The contrast he has to drink makes him so sick, so we went right after to check into the hotel. He did take me to a little cafe that he found last summer and we both enjoyed our dinner, but he was not up to working on concession paperwork nor did he want to sit in the hot tub or swim. I know he was feeling a little guilty about it but I reassured him that I was not expecting a vacation get away like we had in FL. Thursday we were able to see the doc and get his results. I had a little chuckle as the nurse came into the room and asked Tom how he was doing. He had a smile and said I'm feeling great. She then turned and looked at me with the (Is he telling the truth look) and said "So, how is he doing?" I had to agree this time. From either the pain meds, the mild effects from the chemo, or both he is definitely up and moving better than I have seen him in a while. I sometimes wonder if it is the direction of running the boosters that gives him an extra push to get up and started with his day. On the positive note his CT showed the spine as stable and the chest showed some decrease. The C6 & C7 in the necks also had some smaller lesions. The liver is another matter. The CT showed some small, some stable but a couple went from .8 to 1.1 and .8 to 1.4. However there was one that was at 1.3 previously that is not visible. Doctor Worden said that he wanted Tom to have an MRI so that he could have a better look as the CT is not the best scan to for measurements. He explained that the lung is a "fluffy" organ and the cancer is very obvious. The liver is a dense organ that is hard to read or examine with this scan. Tom was given MRI orders to take back to Grand Rapids as a base-line. In December when he goes to U of M they will make the comparison and see a clearer picture of what the liver is doing. Another concern is the CEA level is up and this is an indicator that the cancer is doing something.
On the way out the door I picked up the Thrive magazine. This is a magazine that is published a few times a year from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. I flipped it to the article that was titled Understanding Cancer Recurrence. Though I think I get what this means I am not sure those who have not been through this either themselves or with a loved ones comprehends this disease, especially when it's rare and not curable. It stated: If the cancer is detected in surrounding lymph nodes to the original location, it is a regional recurrence. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body it is called metastatic recurrence. metastasis cancer is also called stage 4. Advances in treatment allow us to manage cancer symptoms and shrink cancerous tumors, but metastatic cancer is rarely curable. The goal for treating a spread cancer is to reduce tumor size and relieve some of the symptoms that the patients experience. this allows us to prolong an individual's life and, in many cases, allows a person to live a high-quality life.
I think in the past some people have been under the impression that stable means the same as in remission or that something was missed as the cancer has not been stopped. Unfortunately that is not the case. Though Tom and the cancer team stay positive we know that the focus is slowing/stopping the growth and the spread, keeping Tom comfortable with the best quality of life a cancer patient can experience. I give a great amount of respect to those who work on the cancer treatment with Tom. I appreciate the positive attitude and sympathy that is given to our visits. I know that this is a scary word in our home and that we are grateful for the days that we are given together as a family. Again I want to say thank you to all who have text, e-mailed, and asked about Tom and supported both of us. I know that sometimes I have a hard time talking about what life brings. I've even walked away from a conversation or two at work because I've been in tears with coworkers; but I DO so appreciate the concern from others. I could not do this alone. I could not accept this all without help and support. There is more than just the fear of the disease, there is Hope, Love, Joy & laughter that keeps us going daily.
Ecclesiastes 6:10 "All things are decided by fate; it was known long ago what each man would be, so there's no use arguing with God about our destiny"
In between all this we took two days to go to U of M for Tom's scans and results. We arrived plenty early on Wednesday and Tom was hoping as in the past he could get his scans over a little earlier as usual. When we got to the waiting room we both realized this was not to be. It was a packed waiting room. The contrast he has to drink makes him so sick, so we went right after to check into the hotel. He did take me to a little cafe that he found last summer and we both enjoyed our dinner, but he was not up to working on concession paperwork nor did he want to sit in the hot tub or swim. I know he was feeling a little guilty about it but I reassured him that I was not expecting a vacation get away like we had in FL. Thursday we were able to see the doc and get his results. I had a little chuckle as the nurse came into the room and asked Tom how he was doing. He had a smile and said I'm feeling great. She then turned and looked at me with the (Is he telling the truth look) and said "So, how is he doing?" I had to agree this time. From either the pain meds, the mild effects from the chemo, or both he is definitely up and moving better than I have seen him in a while. I sometimes wonder if it is the direction of running the boosters that gives him an extra push to get up and started with his day. On the positive note his CT showed the spine as stable and the chest showed some decrease. The C6 & C7 in the necks also had some smaller lesions. The liver is another matter. The CT showed some small, some stable but a couple went from .8 to 1.1 and .8 to 1.4. However there was one that was at 1.3 previously that is not visible. Doctor Worden said that he wanted Tom to have an MRI so that he could have a better look as the CT is not the best scan to for measurements. He explained that the lung is a "fluffy" organ and the cancer is very obvious. The liver is a dense organ that is hard to read or examine with this scan. Tom was given MRI orders to take back to Grand Rapids as a base-line. In December when he goes to U of M they will make the comparison and see a clearer picture of what the liver is doing. Another concern is the CEA level is up and this is an indicator that the cancer is doing something.
On the way out the door I picked up the Thrive magazine. This is a magazine that is published a few times a year from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. I flipped it to the article that was titled Understanding Cancer Recurrence. Though I think I get what this means I am not sure those who have not been through this either themselves or with a loved ones comprehends this disease, especially when it's rare and not curable. It stated: If the cancer is detected in surrounding lymph nodes to the original location, it is a regional recurrence. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body it is called metastatic recurrence. metastasis cancer is also called stage 4. Advances in treatment allow us to manage cancer symptoms and shrink cancerous tumors, but metastatic cancer is rarely curable. The goal for treating a spread cancer is to reduce tumor size and relieve some of the symptoms that the patients experience. this allows us to prolong an individual's life and, in many cases, allows a person to live a high-quality life.
I think in the past some people have been under the impression that stable means the same as in remission or that something was missed as the cancer has not been stopped. Unfortunately that is not the case. Though Tom and the cancer team stay positive we know that the focus is slowing/stopping the growth and the spread, keeping Tom comfortable with the best quality of life a cancer patient can experience. I give a great amount of respect to those who work on the cancer treatment with Tom. I appreciate the positive attitude and sympathy that is given to our visits. I know that this is a scary word in our home and that we are grateful for the days that we are given together as a family. Again I want to say thank you to all who have text, e-mailed, and asked about Tom and supported both of us. I know that sometimes I have a hard time talking about what life brings. I've even walked away from a conversation or two at work because I've been in tears with coworkers; but I DO so appreciate the concern from others. I could not do this alone. I could not accept this all without help and support. There is more than just the fear of the disease, there is Hope, Love, Joy & laughter that keeps us going daily.
Ecclesiastes 6:10 "All things are decided by fate; it was known long ago what each man would be, so there's no use arguing with God about our destiny"
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Personal Connections
The fall athletics are in full stride. Katie had her first swim meet on Thursday. Half of her team is made up of Freshman and I am excited to see how they develop. She is working hard in the water and conditioning on land. Stairs are not her friend right now. I took her through the High School open house and we followed her schedule a couple of times so that she would know where her classes were. Since I did not attend this school or help the boys I was not sure of the class locations myself and told many parents we were like the blind leading the blind. So glad she felt somewhat confident before she left. Cody had his first football game Thursday night. Though they lost to our neighbors and rivals I was glad that I came to see them in the second half. After supporting football for 11 years it's a weird feeling to know this is the final year to watch my boy. He too has been conditioning and walks the stairs a little slower than preseason. Kyle started his second year at FSU Monday. He is definitely enjoying it so far. He had to stand up in front of class and he told me it was no big deal. Gone is my shy boy and I see a confident young man...but I still lovingly call him my "little guy"
Tom has been doing well on this new chemo drug. I believe that he has had a total of 4 days thus far where he has been down and on the couch. He overall has been feeling better than he had for years. It has been good to see him up and motivated again. He has been keeping himself busy as the President of the Boosters. As many of you know he is an organizer, likes to have structure, and is working hard on getting the "We want you" word out. For the past month he has been working on the concession stand lay outs and changing how the prep stations flows. In the past week his food orders have come in and he has been putting them away....it's been hard work & his has come home exhausted. Though sometimes I worry about him getting too exhausted, I am glad he has a focus and purpose in his day. He is looking forward to Tuesday when he truly has the house to himself. I on the other hand will have to share the kitchen with the kids. Let the new routine begin! Next month Tom and I will head back to Michigan for scans and results. Tom and I hope that the Chemo is doing its job & that he does not have to up the dosage.
I have been writing out the versus I have underlined in my Bible for the past months. It has been interesting to remember why I decided to underline & what I still find as profound this next walk through. Sometimes I can remember what I was thinking or how that particular verse hit me when I underlined. In this same book is my ever growing list of who I am praying for, when I started praying and sometimes what in particular I was focusing on for that person. Some have been answered and I also have an end date. One day as I was looking over my multiple pages I noticed that so many of my requests were about relationships. It struck me of how important relations are...how we strive, struggle, or sometimes decide to let go. Each person I believe is placed into our lives not by chance, but by design. I know that life can feel great, be a struggle, or just exhausting. A few years ago I felt so alone after loosing my brother. I know that I was not and I could reason that I had so many friends and those who supported me; but I couldn't shake the feeling. Then one day I realized that no matter who was in my life (and they do matter) that I had one that could never leave me. My relationship with Him surpassed all others. He is one that will never leave my side & so many things just felt better. I hope that whatever life throws to you; You are NEVER ALONE!
Isaiah 50:4 "Morning by morning he wakens me and open my understanding to his will"
Tom has been doing well on this new chemo drug. I believe that he has had a total of 4 days thus far where he has been down and on the couch. He overall has been feeling better than he had for years. It has been good to see him up and motivated again. He has been keeping himself busy as the President of the Boosters. As many of you know he is an organizer, likes to have structure, and is working hard on getting the "We want you" word out. For the past month he has been working on the concession stand lay outs and changing how the prep stations flows. In the past week his food orders have come in and he has been putting them away....it's been hard work & his has come home exhausted. Though sometimes I worry about him getting too exhausted, I am glad he has a focus and purpose in his day. He is looking forward to Tuesday when he truly has the house to himself. I on the other hand will have to share the kitchen with the kids. Let the new routine begin! Next month Tom and I will head back to Michigan for scans and results. Tom and I hope that the Chemo is doing its job & that he does not have to up the dosage.
I have been writing out the versus I have underlined in my Bible for the past months. It has been interesting to remember why I decided to underline & what I still find as profound this next walk through. Sometimes I can remember what I was thinking or how that particular verse hit me when I underlined. In this same book is my ever growing list of who I am praying for, when I started praying and sometimes what in particular I was focusing on for that person. Some have been answered and I also have an end date. One day as I was looking over my multiple pages I noticed that so many of my requests were about relationships. It struck me of how important relations are...how we strive, struggle, or sometimes decide to let go. Each person I believe is placed into our lives not by chance, but by design. I know that life can feel great, be a struggle, or just exhausting. A few years ago I felt so alone after loosing my brother. I know that I was not and I could reason that I had so many friends and those who supported me; but I couldn't shake the feeling. Then one day I realized that no matter who was in my life (and they do matter) that I had one that could never leave me. My relationship with Him surpassed all others. He is one that will never leave my side & so many things just felt better. I hope that whatever life throws to you; You are NEVER ALONE!
Isaiah 50:4 "Morning by morning he wakens me and open my understanding to his will"
Monday, July 21, 2014
New Chemo....are we having fun yet?
As always...lets talk about the family. We've had Kyle home for the last three weeks do to his plant shut down & and he just went back to work today. It was nice having him home & he was still able to pay his next semester at FSU, good job Kyle! Hopefully they will keep him busy for the remainder of his summer. Cody is conditioning and participating in the 7/7 football games. I've had a great time watching him. It's bitter sweet knowing this will be his last year playing football. Tom and I keep singing to him "Hard work,work" I'm not sure how much he appreciates it :) Katie finished up her AcquatiCATS swim with a Conference swim in Rockford. She beat her all-time 100 Freestyle record and on the drive home was very happy/chatty. Katie was also able to go to Son-Life camp and she came back all smiles saying that she had an amazing time! Before we blink we'll be in the full fall sport schedule.
Two weeks ago Tom started his new chemo pill. Out of the last 14 days he has one "bad day" where the effects took their toll. For the most part he is up and about as much as he was pre~chemo. He is keeping to his one meal a day and supplementing the others with an Ensure if he is able. They started Tom at the lowest dose and depending on how he handles it and the scan he can go up three higher doses. He also had his monthly check up here in GR last Friday. As always his trip is eventful to say the least. Tom was telling them that the blood work orders were changed with the new drug regulations, glad they finally listened as they would have had to poke him twice. Once they looked over the orders again it was admitted that he was right. As Tom was getting his Zometa infusion the fire alarm went off. Tom had to trek down the stair, infusion still in hand, and wait for the fire trucks to put out the flames. Poor guy, nothing at that facility has gone smoothly from his first visit. He will have another visit next month here in GR and then I will be going with Tom to his next U of M visit mid September.
In the past two weekends we have had two family reunions the Andrews & Van Dyke sides. I can't wait to see the group pictures. It has been great to see the families again & catch up with what is going on in life. I had to smile when both families said they still enjoy reading this blog...thanks for the compliments. I have admitted to the masses that I ramble, and I wanted to thank my editor for keeping me on track. Thanks Tommy! For the rest of the summer we've just floated/splashed away & I am looking forward to some more weekends to enjoy our pool.
Psalm 35:10 From the bottom of my heart praises rise to him.
Two weeks ago Tom started his new chemo pill. Out of the last 14 days he has one "bad day" where the effects took their toll. For the most part he is up and about as much as he was pre~chemo. He is keeping to his one meal a day and supplementing the others with an Ensure if he is able. They started Tom at the lowest dose and depending on how he handles it and the scan he can go up three higher doses. He also had his monthly check up here in GR last Friday. As always his trip is eventful to say the least. Tom was telling them that the blood work orders were changed with the new drug regulations, glad they finally listened as they would have had to poke him twice. Once they looked over the orders again it was admitted that he was right. As Tom was getting his Zometa infusion the fire alarm went off. Tom had to trek down the stair, infusion still in hand, and wait for the fire trucks to put out the flames. Poor guy, nothing at that facility has gone smoothly from his first visit. He will have another visit next month here in GR and then I will be going with Tom to his next U of M visit mid September.
In the past two weekends we have had two family reunions the Andrews & Van Dyke sides. I can't wait to see the group pictures. It has been great to see the families again & catch up with what is going on in life. I had to smile when both families said they still enjoy reading this blog...thanks for the compliments. I have admitted to the masses that I ramble, and I wanted to thank my editor for keeping me on track. Thanks Tommy! For the rest of the summer we've just floated/splashed away & I am looking forward to some more weekends to enjoy our pool.
Psalm 35:10 From the bottom of my heart praises rise to him.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Life Goals
School is officially done for 2014...yeah! Kyle is working 2nd shift and it's been weird only seeing him on the weekends. Cody came home from his football camp at the U of M and will be working on conditioning for the rest of the summer. Football, hard work work! He has enjoyed driving his dad's truck.....now to find a job to pay for all the gas he's using. He is growing up & becoming responsible (ready or not)! Katie is in the middle of her Summer swim club & just enjoying the slower pace for a while.
Tom and I, well we had a great 25th wedding anniversary. We spent Memorial weekend in sunny & hot Clearwater Beach FL. We sat pool side or walked the beach during the days. The hotel always had different activities going on around the pool and the first day we were asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday or anniversary I piped up and said we were here for our 25th. A little while later we were packing up to leave the pool when an announcement was made that there was a special dance for a couple celebrating 25 years. We were brought to the "dance floor" and the song "My Girl" started. I am not one for attention but was laughing as my husband teased me again for having to take the lead. We received a few congrats from the guests after the song was done & didn't think anymore about it. However the next day a hors d'oeuvres tray and a bottle of wine was brought to our room. Yummy and worth the couple of minutes of fame :) We also found some fabulous Dinner & Dives to eat at & enjoyed several beautiful sunsets. The last night while we were on the pier watching the boats, fish, and sunset we happened to spot a couple of dolphins. Tom tried to get a picture but it was not that easy and he snapped a pic of a couple of fins. However, to see two, then three, then five dolphins all come up for air was an awesome view. What a wonderful way to celebrate our lives together and before we knew it we were on a plane back to MI. Thank you babe for those carefree and fun memories!
Last Sunday was Father's Day and what a better way for Tom to spend the day than to head to U of M for football camp with his son. This time he stayed for the entire week. Tom had his scans very early Monday morning and lab work on Wednesday, then the rest of the week was spent resting or following Cody around camp. He didn't just sit up in the bleachers though, Cody had him on the field watching up close. Tom so enjoyed this time and it was good for both of them to bond and follow their passion together. Thursday afternoon the closing ceremony topped off the end of camp and they headed to the hospital to find the results from Tom's scans. Tom has been having rib & other pains. Doc put him on stronger narcotics to block the pain, five new prescriptions later he will hopefully be getting some relief soon. His scan showed that his neck was stable, however his liver had 3 legions that had increased in size as well as a couple in his lungs. Though the growth was not at an alarming rate it was decided that he should go back onto a new chemo. He will be monitored closely on this drug and will need to have monthly EKG and labs done. He will be seeing an Oncologist here in GR and I am glad we don't have to make monthly treks across the state. The differences of this chemo and the last will not differ that much; with the biggest difference in that he can start on a lowest dosage and work his way up if need be.
Tom will head back to the U of M again in September for his quarterly scans. Until then he will try to keep his appetite up (he's eating 2 meals a day consistently right now). He has a good attitude about his current state and is accepting beginning this new treatment. He still has a lot of days that he spends on the couch, but he keeps his spirits up and has a grateful attitude of being here. On our way to one of our many open houses he stated again that his goal is to see all of his children graduate from High School. I said, "Once that's done we will talk about your next set of goals"
In this past half year we've had to say goodbye to people we've cared about, celebrated with those who have made accomplished goals, prayed over those who have had trials, and been awed by those precious new little lives. I have had many deep conversations about life & what matters in the big pictures as I've shared my own trials and listed to others. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? I am not saying that I have any big ideas or answers but sometimes I've been lead to share somethings that are very personal to me & that I would usually keep to myself. It has been an uplifting experience & helped me to confirm that there is so much to this life & beyond that we just can't fathom!
Psalms 105:14 but through it all he would not let one thing be done to them apart from his decision
Tom and I, well we had a great 25th wedding anniversary. We spent Memorial weekend in sunny & hot Clearwater Beach FL. We sat pool side or walked the beach during the days. The hotel always had different activities going on around the pool and the first day we were asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday or anniversary I piped up and said we were here for our 25th. A little while later we were packing up to leave the pool when an announcement was made that there was a special dance for a couple celebrating 25 years. We were brought to the "dance floor" and the song "My Girl" started. I am not one for attention but was laughing as my husband teased me again for having to take the lead. We received a few congrats from the guests after the song was done & didn't think anymore about it. However the next day a hors d'oeuvres tray and a bottle of wine was brought to our room. Yummy and worth the couple of minutes of fame :) We also found some fabulous Dinner & Dives to eat at & enjoyed several beautiful sunsets. The last night while we were on the pier watching the boats, fish, and sunset we happened to spot a couple of dolphins. Tom tried to get a picture but it was not that easy and he snapped a pic of a couple of fins. However, to see two, then three, then five dolphins all come up for air was an awesome view. What a wonderful way to celebrate our lives together and before we knew it we were on a plane back to MI. Thank you babe for those carefree and fun memories!
Last Sunday was Father's Day and what a better way for Tom to spend the day than to head to U of M for football camp with his son. This time he stayed for the entire week. Tom had his scans very early Monday morning and lab work on Wednesday, then the rest of the week was spent resting or following Cody around camp. He didn't just sit up in the bleachers though, Cody had him on the field watching up close. Tom so enjoyed this time and it was good for both of them to bond and follow their passion together. Thursday afternoon the closing ceremony topped off the end of camp and they headed to the hospital to find the results from Tom's scans. Tom has been having rib & other pains. Doc put him on stronger narcotics to block the pain, five new prescriptions later he will hopefully be getting some relief soon. His scan showed that his neck was stable, however his liver had 3 legions that had increased in size as well as a couple in his lungs. Though the growth was not at an alarming rate it was decided that he should go back onto a new chemo. He will be monitored closely on this drug and will need to have monthly EKG and labs done. He will be seeing an Oncologist here in GR and I am glad we don't have to make monthly treks across the state. The differences of this chemo and the last will not differ that much; with the biggest difference in that he can start on a lowest dosage and work his way up if need be.
Tom will head back to the U of M again in September for his quarterly scans. Until then he will try to keep his appetite up (he's eating 2 meals a day consistently right now). He has a good attitude about his current state and is accepting beginning this new treatment. He still has a lot of days that he spends on the couch, but he keeps his spirits up and has a grateful attitude of being here. On our way to one of our many open houses he stated again that his goal is to see all of his children graduate from High School. I said, "Once that's done we will talk about your next set of goals"
In this past half year we've had to say goodbye to people we've cared about, celebrated with those who have made accomplished goals, prayed over those who have had trials, and been awed by those precious new little lives. I have had many deep conversations about life & what matters in the big pictures as I've shared my own trials and listed to others. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? I am not saying that I have any big ideas or answers but sometimes I've been lead to share somethings that are very personal to me & that I would usually keep to myself. It has been an uplifting experience & helped me to confirm that there is so much to this life & beyond that we just can't fathom!
Psalms 105:14 but through it all he would not let one thing be done to them apart from his decision
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