The kids are getting a nice long break. They are enjoying the lazy days and we have had a few "pajama" days with our family. By the time school starts again the children will be in the habit of sleeping in and moving slowly!
We have enjoyed seeing so many people during the Christmas season. It was nice to see those who are scattered during the year make it back to be with their families. We continue to have a few more get together with friends and family as the New Year approaches. Soon enough it will be back to the grindstone of school, work, home projects and other activities. Tom continues on his busy schedule as I try to hold down the home front.
Nothing new to report on Tom's health. We have spent this season being grateful that he had a clean scan. As I was driving to work this morning the announcers were talking about the "New Year's Resolution". Usually I try to watch my weight, walk more, do more sit ups, etc. This year I plan to make my family my main focus and make our time together count. Whatever you do and where ever your focus is this year, I hope that you succeed!
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Time
Well, we are two days away from our next Christmas party and I am not done shopping yet. The weather has not been cooperating with the time I have available to shop. Oh well, we always make the deadline even if it by the hair of our chinny chin chin!
Tom has enjoyed a few days off between jobs. He was a little worried after the first blast of snow because we do not have a snow blower and the Kyle & Cody duo would not have been able to handle the amount that was dumped on us. Luckily we have a great neighbor who let Tom use his snow blower, thanks Rick! We are so glad that Tom's Aunt Christie and her boys have made it safely to Michigan to spend Christmas with the Andrews' family, I think it has been 10 years since we've gotten the entire family together. Tom especially likes gaming with his cousin, it's bonding time.
The next appointment for Tom is a consult with Dr. Campbell, his Oncologist, in Mid January. We can relax for a few weeks anyway and just deal with life. I am not sure what the next test, poking, or prodding will be until we have this consult.
I want to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday. Thank you again for being there, checking on us, and praying for our family. I realize that we are not the only family dealing with some kind of issue; we are so touched that you have made us part of your life. My hope is that you will stop and think about the reason for Christmas, more than the family time and presents, but the Christ child who gave his life for us and this is truly a reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas
Tom has enjoyed a few days off between jobs. He was a little worried after the first blast of snow because we do not have a snow blower and the Kyle & Cody duo would not have been able to handle the amount that was dumped on us. Luckily we have a great neighbor who let Tom use his snow blower, thanks Rick! We are so glad that Tom's Aunt Christie and her boys have made it safely to Michigan to spend Christmas with the Andrews' family, I think it has been 10 years since we've gotten the entire family together. Tom especially likes gaming with his cousin, it's bonding time.
The next appointment for Tom is a consult with Dr. Campbell, his Oncologist, in Mid January. We can relax for a few weeks anyway and just deal with life. I am not sure what the next test, poking, or prodding will be until we have this consult.
I want to wish everyone a safe and blessed holiday. Thank you again for being there, checking on us, and praying for our family. I realize that we are not the only family dealing with some kind of issue; we are so touched that you have made us part of your life. My hope is that you will stop and think about the reason for Christmas, more than the family time and presents, but the Christ child who gave his life for us and this is truly a reason to celebrate. Merry Christmas
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Present
I finally have a few minutes to sit and write about this week's experience. This has certainly been the busiest week of the Christmas season. We truly have something to celebrate in the Andrew's house. This past Thursday Tom had his PET/CT scan. I have to say that I was totally amazed at the whole process. It is a 3-4 hour procedure and we were made to feel so at ease the entire time. I appreciate it when the staff not only explains to their patient what is going to happen and why but also to their family. I understood all the processes and why they were performing them. I was made to feel as comfortable as Tom, but did not have to be poked and prodded!
We received the news that his Calcitonin level had dropped (from 188 in August) to 180. We saw this as good news since this has been the first time the levels had dropped in all our test this year. Tom's primary doctor wanted to check the scan results and said that he would be checking over the weekend. On Saturday we received a call from him stating that the scan looked good and shows no evidence of a tumor. There is still fluid on the right side of his neck, but otherwise there was nothing in his neck. There is scar tissue from his radiation from the upper lung and that was all that showed on the scan. I don't think that I could stop saying "thank you" for letting us know. We received the information as we were getting ready for Tom's family party. Tom was appointed "Santa" and made the announcement before passing out the presents. There was a comment that the announcement was the best present.
I am so thrilled to be able to share this good news! I thank God for his timing and this "Present" of time that I have to spend with my husband. Tom and I have spent some time talking of how we have changed during this past 18 months. I believe that we have become a stronger couple and that individually we have tried to be better in word and deed. Tom and I know that this disease could show up again at any point and that this is not a final victory, but we will rejoice all the same! I want to thank so many of you who continue to pray for us and give us words of encouragement. I can't help turning again to the Psalms (can you tell they are my favorite?)
Psalms 111:3 "HALLELUJAH! I want to express publicly before his people my heartfelt thanks to God for his mighty miracles. All who are thankful should ponder them with me. For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness."
We received the news that his Calcitonin level had dropped (from 188 in August) to 180. We saw this as good news since this has been the first time the levels had dropped in all our test this year. Tom's primary doctor wanted to check the scan results and said that he would be checking over the weekend. On Saturday we received a call from him stating that the scan looked good and shows no evidence of a tumor. There is still fluid on the right side of his neck, but otherwise there was nothing in his neck. There is scar tissue from his radiation from the upper lung and that was all that showed on the scan. I don't think that I could stop saying "thank you" for letting us know. We received the information as we were getting ready for Tom's family party. Tom was appointed "Santa" and made the announcement before passing out the presents. There was a comment that the announcement was the best present.
I am so thrilled to be able to share this good news! I thank God for his timing and this "Present" of time that I have to spend with my husband. Tom and I have spent some time talking of how we have changed during this past 18 months. I believe that we have become a stronger couple and that individually we have tried to be better in word and deed. Tom and I know that this disease could show up again at any point and that this is not a final victory, but we will rejoice all the same! I want to thank so many of you who continue to pray for us and give us words of encouragement. I can't help turning again to the Psalms (can you tell they are my favorite?)
Psalms 111:3 "HALLELUJAH! I want to express publicly before his people my heartfelt thanks to God for his mighty miracles. All who are thankful should ponder them with me. For his miracles demonstrate his honor, majesty, and eternal goodness."
Sunday, December 7, 2008
What Next?
This past week was pretty busy, and December just started. The kids are enjoying the new fallen snow and keep inquiring about the first "snow day" when they first roll out of bed. The kids have taken to wearing their pj's inside out, putting spoons under their pillows (though I nixed the peanut butter on the spoon), and now want to try the flushing ice cubes down the toilet! What next?
Tom was not able to enjoy his weekend. Somewhere he contracted a nasty infection in his lower leg. By Friday we went to the doctor because it had quadrupled the original size. He is now on a antibiotic and cream to help fight the latest disease and we have to go back to the doctor next Friday. The swelling in his leg has gone down in the last 48 hours of taking his meds, but the purplish area is quite a sight! He definitely has a great tolerance to pain but I do catch him gingerly stepping on that leg. That did not stop him from the fun Christmas party on Friday evening nor driving his boys in the Christmas parade this weekend.What next?
While Tom was at his doctors office, he had his blood work done. In a couple of days we should have the newest Calcitonin results. On Thursday, December 11 he will have his PET/CT scan, which is a 4 hour procedure. The results are going to his primary doctor and they will call us with the results, usually within 3 business days. So by Christmas we should know what our next step should be. I keep asking with this disease if they will have a clear understanding of the test results but so far everyone I've asked and everything I've read is not leading to an absolute. What next?
I appreciate so many inquiries about Tom and his health. Some of you have shared tears with me as I try not to sugarcoat our life and am "being real" with this disease and all the hardships. However, I can not say that everyday is hard, it is precious! Tom and I have learned so many things during this journey and we will continue to hold each other up. I will continue to pray and listen to God's still, soft voice. What next?
Well, this year I have learned to give this all to God and let His will be done....I then have to give it all to him again and leave it with him instead of trying to take it back, as you can tell this is the hardest thing for me. I know I am not in control and who is. As it says in Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God" That is what is next.
Tom was not able to enjoy his weekend. Somewhere he contracted a nasty infection in his lower leg. By Friday we went to the doctor because it had quadrupled the original size. He is now on a antibiotic and cream to help fight the latest disease and we have to go back to the doctor next Friday. The swelling in his leg has gone down in the last 48 hours of taking his meds, but the purplish area is quite a sight! He definitely has a great tolerance to pain but I do catch him gingerly stepping on that leg. That did not stop him from the fun Christmas party on Friday evening nor driving his boys in the Christmas parade this weekend.What next?
While Tom was at his doctors office, he had his blood work done. In a couple of days we should have the newest Calcitonin results. On Thursday, December 11 he will have his PET/CT scan, which is a 4 hour procedure. The results are going to his primary doctor and they will call us with the results, usually within 3 business days. So by Christmas we should know what our next step should be. I keep asking with this disease if they will have a clear understanding of the test results but so far everyone I've asked and everything I've read is not leading to an absolute. What next?
I appreciate so many inquiries about Tom and his health. Some of you have shared tears with me as I try not to sugarcoat our life and am "being real" with this disease and all the hardships. However, I can not say that everyday is hard, it is precious! Tom and I have learned so many things during this journey and we will continue to hold each other up. I will continue to pray and listen to God's still, soft voice. What next?
Well, this year I have learned to give this all to God and let His will be done....I then have to give it all to him again and leave it with him instead of trying to take it back, as you can tell this is the hardest thing for me. I know I am not in control and who is. As it says in Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God" That is what is next.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
What's Your Focus
Katie and I had a lot of fun decorating the Christmas tree. I can say that the Andrews' house is finally ready for the Holidays. It is a two day process to move furniture, take the everyday stuff down, bring boxes up, unpack and repack to bring the boxes back down; but it is done until the new year. The boys were more interested in sledding in the new snow and tonight there are inquiries in the house as to whether we will have school tomorrow. The kids all are hoping to add another day to the Holiday break.
Tom was busy this weekend working, but he did take a break to enjoy some turkey and family time. We had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving with the family and were literally "stuffed" before we left. It was nice to connect with our loved ones and have a day to just be thankful for all that we have.
This past week we also started making the list of who we bought for and what we still need. I wondered again what our focus is and should be for the holiday season. I get so caught up in the shopping, baking, volunteering, and planning that I sometimes forget to stop and think about the "Reason for the Season" This year I plan to take some time and thank God for his precious life-giving gift.
Tom was busy this weekend working, but he did take a break to enjoy some turkey and family time. We had a lot of fun on Thanksgiving with the family and were literally "stuffed" before we left. It was nice to connect with our loved ones and have a day to just be thankful for all that we have.
This past week we also started making the list of who we bought for and what we still need. I wondered again what our focus is and should be for the holiday season. I get so caught up in the shopping, baking, volunteering, and planning that I sometimes forget to stop and think about the "Reason for the Season" This year I plan to take some time and thank God for his precious life-giving gift.
Monday, November 24, 2008
That's Life
What a busy week we have had, and it only gets busier as the holidays near! The kids have a bunch of school programs coming up this month and that does not include the Cheer leading, church parties, work parties, and family parties. I am not stressing yet.
Tom and Kyle got their deer on opening day...OK they actually got 4 deer all together. Tom got 3 and Kyle got his first buck. Way to go Kyle! My frig was full on Thursday, and I worried about the shelves breaking from all that weight. Then on Friday was the start of our mini vacation to Ohio. Yes, we traveled 300 miles to visit friends and watch Michigan get the wind knocked out one last time this year. There were 7 families (28 people) at our friend's house. We all had a good time regardless of the loss. The nice part is that we were warm and dry watching the game on one of their many big TV screens. We had a good time connecting with friends, some that we have not seen for 2 years. Now we are all back home settled in and tired! I am glad that this is a short work/school week and then we have family time. I am looking forward to turkey and catching up with the family members we do not have many chances to see.
Tom's schedule is not getting any lighter. I am glad that he at least made time for the important medical visits. He is also looking forward to the family get together this holiday season. Tom continues to have good days and bad. There are days that he looks very swollen. The mornings are the worse as he tries to get his mouth and salivary glands working again. The other day he flicked the bottom of his chin, it was as hard as a rock. He doesn't let these things get him down though; and I am grateful for that.
I can say that our family has come a long way in the last year and we still have many more memories to make. We have a lot to be grateful for and still some lessons to learn. As Cody would say when he was a little boy, "That's life"
Tom and Kyle got their deer on opening day...OK they actually got 4 deer all together. Tom got 3 and Kyle got his first buck. Way to go Kyle! My frig was full on Thursday, and I worried about the shelves breaking from all that weight. Then on Friday was the start of our mini vacation to Ohio. Yes, we traveled 300 miles to visit friends and watch Michigan get the wind knocked out one last time this year. There were 7 families (28 people) at our friend's house. We all had a good time regardless of the loss. The nice part is that we were warm and dry watching the game on one of their many big TV screens. We had a good time connecting with friends, some that we have not seen for 2 years. Now we are all back home settled in and tired! I am glad that this is a short work/school week and then we have family time. I am looking forward to turkey and catching up with the family members we do not have many chances to see.
Tom's schedule is not getting any lighter. I am glad that he at least made time for the important medical visits. He is also looking forward to the family get together this holiday season. Tom continues to have good days and bad. There are days that he looks very swollen. The mornings are the worse as he tries to get his mouth and salivary glands working again. The other day he flicked the bottom of his chin, it was as hard as a rock. He doesn't let these things get him down though; and I am grateful for that.
I can say that our family has come a long way in the last year and we still have many more memories to make. We have a lot to be grateful for and still some lessons to learn. As Cody would say when he was a little boy, "That's life"
Friday, November 14, 2008
Deer Hunting
Another week has passed. I don't know where the time goes between blogs. Weeks feel like days and months fly by like weeks. This week was fun because I went Christmas shopping and did not need to spend a dime. Every year Grandma needs assistance with the kids ideas (they are specific on the video/DS games, toys, etc.) and it gives me an excuse to spend a day with my mom. Katie wanted to know what she was getting and did not think it was fair that I knew and she had to wait. Cody tried to "find" them until I reminded him that Grandma brought them home to wrap. Oh well, anticipation is half the fun!
Tom and Kyle were out the door as soon as Kyle got home from school Friday to do the "manly bonding" a.k.a Hunting. I told them both that if they saw brown, shoot it down! Our freezer is empty and waiting. Tom and I laughed as we were pulling onto our street today and saw two does standing in the middle of the road in the "swamp" area. The biggest one was not quick to move, almost daring Tom to start his season one day early. I hope that this is a symbol for the weekend. The boys are actually going hunting for more than one day this year as friends of ours, we call them Mom and Dad Shaw, are home this winter and have graciously opened their home to the guys. I know that they will be taken care of as the Freyblers and Andrews are trying to encourage another generation of "hunters"
I made traded calls to Tom's primary doctor about the upcoming procedures; you would think we'd remember how these went in the past. I do know that after the PET/CT scan is done that the primary doctor will call us with the results. Not much else to report. I can't express how much it means to have others continually praying for Tom. I know that we are not the only family facing "things". With this down economy and others challenges, we all need to pray for each other. I will end with this verse that has been placed upon my heart. 1Timothy 2:1 "Pray much for others: plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them."
Tom and Kyle were out the door as soon as Kyle got home from school Friday to do the "manly bonding" a.k.a Hunting. I told them both that if they saw brown, shoot it down! Our freezer is empty and waiting. Tom and I laughed as we were pulling onto our street today and saw two does standing in the middle of the road in the "swamp" area. The biggest one was not quick to move, almost daring Tom to start his season one day early. I hope that this is a symbol for the weekend. The boys are actually going hunting for more than one day this year as friends of ours, we call them Mom and Dad Shaw, are home this winter and have graciously opened their home to the guys. I know that they will be taken care of as the Freyblers and Andrews are trying to encourage another generation of "hunters"
I made traded calls to Tom's primary doctor about the upcoming procedures; you would think we'd remember how these went in the past. I do know that after the PET/CT scan is done that the primary doctor will call us with the results. Not much else to report. I can't express how much it means to have others continually praying for Tom. I know that we are not the only family facing "things". With this down economy and others challenges, we all need to pray for each other. I will end with this verse that has been placed upon my heart. 1Timothy 2:1 "Pray much for others: plead for God's mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them."
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