Friday, May 28, 2010

Not the day we hoped for

We went to our Dr.appointment today at Huntsman. The news is not what we have been hoping and praying for. The tumors have shown a slight increase in size, but show stablility. I know what you are all thinking. (Is this bad or good) Well, it is indifferent. It is not what we wanted but it is not without some hope. Dr. Grossman explained it like this. The tumors are like a ball, if you were to slice it into small sections then place them together again, then leave it for a time, then go back and slice it again, the chances are that you will not remove the same exact slice on the second time. The scan work similar to this. When you take a picture of a section of the tumor there is a good chance that it is not the same exact location as the scan before. Andy's tumor growth is measured in millimeters. Dr. Grossman said that the growth is small and still feels that proceeding with Il2 for another series is the right direction to go. So, Andy will go into Huntsman on Sunday and because of the holiday they will start treatments on Tuesday. So, many of you will have questions and the most evident is "what is next?" Next, will be the option that was not first on our list, surgery. I know that surgery seems the perfect answer, however, it holds many unknowns. We would have to go to either Texas or Maryland to have the specific surgery and gene therapy. Expensive and distant is how we view these options. Up to this point we have been able to place minimal effect on the kids and those around us. The surgery option will definetly change all of that. Please don't see this new information as negative and depressive. Andy and I have a firm faith that things will be okay, not perfect or easy, and possibly not what we foresaw. I know there is alot here in this post, and there is more that you want to know but please we ask that the questions will be limited, so we can have time to absorb what we have learned and accept each step that is placed before us. So with the memorial weekend here, we want everyone to enjoy it and not worry about or for us. We are going to bbq and have as much fun on Saturday as possible. I am going to take the kids to a movie on Monday, and we are going to live. That is exactly what we want you all to do. We also want to remember those in the armed service and those loved ones that have gone before. I hope that the rain will stay away and the sun will shine abundantly. Thank you for all you do, and please keep up the prayers they are needed and most accepted. We love you all.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think that you are wise to just take time for yourselves to digest all that is coming at you at this time. I know that the Lord will continue to bless you and give you the strength that you need to make it through the challenges that you are being faced with at this time.
God Bless
Love Aunt Jo

Johnny said...

thanks for the update, your faith is wonderfully strong and gives us hope also, Uncle Johnny

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update and the lesson in faith. I am so proud of you and your family. May God be with us all and I hope the sun shines Love you all lots keep up the good work. Love Aunt Dar

Buffmeister said...

Prayers of healing and hope heading out your way. Andy, you are always in my thoughts. Have a beautiful blessed weekend.