What a pain in the ..... Lungs?

Ok, so its been a while, but only a little while.  I did some research, and it turns out, we are pretty active blogger.  I will be the first to admit that we have definitely slowed our blogging, on a good note, you are not getting short updates that are only one or two lines.  So it could be worse.  Oh, wait a minute I was going to update you on the goings on of the Layne family. 

So here it is untamed and uncut, just like on Animal Planet.  K, two tumors are "non-visible" one shrank another 50%, and I have a new little buddy, in my clavicular area.  I don't know where they come up with these crazy words.  (I really do but wanted to say that). 

So for those of you who would like it a little more tamed and a lot more "cut?".  Anyway, sorry about the sad attempt at humor.  We met with the oncologist yesterday, and we had a great news, not so good news scenario.  The great news is that two of the three tumors, including the largest are no longer "visible."  That means the scan I had did not detect any cancer there.  (and it can detect really tiny cancer pieces)  The other good news is that the remaining tumor has shrunk close to 50 percent more.  which means they shrunk 30 percent the first time, and 50 percent the second time so it is about 35% of what we started out with.  I know crazy math.  pay attention, later there might be a quiz.   

Now for the not good news, the remaining tumor wanted a little buddy I guess.  and its hard to say no to a tu mor year old, he he he, ok really bad pun there.  6mm X 7mm, so not too big.  The not too big actually limits treatment options.  Where I have already had success with Ipilimumab (ipi) in the past I would be a candidate for another round of treatment.  But with this small of a tumor it is kind of an overkill.  So back to the radiologist we go, which is where we were today. 

Ok break for some heart to heart.  The Lord has really watched out for me lately, especially yesterday.  While trying to co-ordinate my future scans, appointments and labs, we tried to get an appointment with the radiologist.  My next already scheduled appointment is Sept 1st, not soon enough to deal with the aggressiveness of melanoma.  So with vacations for the summer and getting current patients follow ups done, the soonest they could get me in was the end of august, not good.  Keep in mind this was done with one scheduler to another, they were doing the best they could, but it was getting confusing with the questions they were asking me so I just went downstairs to get everything done in person.  Which worked out really well for me, I had only been there a couple of minutes when the radiologist came up front to the receptionists, how often does that happen?, can you say NEVER!!!!!  well we talked with the radiologist she made room for tomorrow and planning on Tuesday. 

Today, we met with her. I will be doing radiation everyday for the next 4-5 weeks.  I won't try to kid you, I am a little nervous, but this one shouldn't be as bad as the last one.  I will have side effects and potential problems, but we are still fighting and we still have options.

Great news NO QUIZ!!

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy

I'm too sexy for my shirt........

Ok, weird title for this blog. But fitting in a strange way. For the last couple of weeks I have been having pains in my lungs. On Sunday I admitted that I may need to go back in, I called the Dr. on Monday and ended up in the ER for about 5hrs. Through the process of checking things out, I ended up in my skivvies. I never understand why you almost have to be nekk-ed for the Dr.'s to check out the pain in your chest. I guess your less likely to run away if they have all your clothes, and you are wearing a gown that shows off your tush if you make any sudden movements, let alone, run away. To shorten a story that has ran off track, I am feeling a lot better, and the pain is a result of ....... wait for it....... my cancer. They wanted to keep me for observation, but I told them I didn't like that option, or the option of a CT scan. (after all, I am highly allergic to the ct contrast) so they let me go, I must have been a big enough pain in the butt, they wanted to get rid of me. All kidding aside, they treated me with respect and were very concerned about my well being. We discussed in depth things I should watch for and what to do if certain symptoms arise. So far none (symptoms) have.

Dr. Grossman does however want to see me sooner that we originally scheduled. I guess he misses my awesomeness. or maybe there was talk of me being a problem child, I get those two confused on a regular basis.

Thank you all for your support and prayers, they are still needed and appreciated.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy

where in the world is ...everyone?

A scene of two individuals that meet each other at a store inquiring about the Layne's.
and... scene!
Person 1: "Hey have you heard from Andy or Peggy lately?"
Person 2: "No. I was just thinking about them this morning. Have you seen them?"
Person 1: "No. It's been awhile. Do you think Andy's still alive?"
Person 2: "Oh I hope so! He still owes me $20."
Person 1: "I haven't seen Peggy either though. Do ya think I should call them? I don't want to bother them."
Person 2: "Maybe. She might have the 20 bucks."
(Person 1 calling on cell phone. beep, beep, beep. ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring,ring)
Person 1: "No one's answering."
Person 2: "Did  you call Peggy's cell or Andy's?"
Person 1: "Peggy's, why?"
Person 2: "Peggy never answers her phone. It's always lost or she can't find it in time to answer."
Person 1: "Well, I'm sure their okay. I'll call Andy later."
Person 2: "Ya your right. See ya."
As they walk away person 2 thinks..."I hope Andy didn't spent that $20 on something dumb.