elaboration on update

Overall it was a good report.

Keeping perspective in mind.

After you read this next line, don't panic.

I have a new tumor, sort of.
Now for the explanation. I have a tumor that is now showing as wanting to grow. It is in my lower left lung.

I haven't had a tumor in this area yet, so why not.

This tumor has been around for several scans, just really small. It still is really small. Small enough that if we were to do treatment on it, more damage than good would take place.

So, how could this be good news you ask?

Well, I am not really sure but it definitely was not bad news, nor was it great news, so I am counting this as good news.
The only changes in what is going on with observations, are I was demoted back to three month scans instead of scans every four month, and back to mri's with every scan for a while.

So there you have it in a nutshell.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Love Andy.

New update

Good news. I will fill you in later

lymphe-dagnabbit

Well, recently I have had bigger "Guns" unfortunately they are soft and squishy.  Let us go back on a journey through time.  The year was 2005, I had many surgeries, the doctor took some lymph nodes from me.  He said they were cancer free, but that they were keeping them anyway.  There was no talk of hey in 5 years your cancer might come back inside you not on the outside where your skin is.  Nor was there any talk of maybe 7 years down the road your right side where we took the lymph nodes from will swell and cause you grief. 

And we're back.  I have been told that I have lymphedema, which is short for your lymphatic swells up and makes your arm swell and joints hurt.

So the best way I have found to help with the swelling, is to drink liquor and chase wild women.  Ok that one was for my Dad.  But getting a massage that makes me want to pee my pants works pretty good on keeping the swelling down. 

I recently (today) found that if I wear one of those under armor type work out shirts that are tight and go clear to the wrist, I don't have hardly any swelling at all.

But in the summer it gets pretty warm.  And the only color I have makes me look like I am wearing a superman costume under my shirt.  Its bright blue and kinda shiny. 

Well enough of that, Work is good, school is good for Peggy, and the kids are pains in the Butt most of the time, but weren't we all.

Except for me, I was a perfect child, just ask my mom, she will tell you.  (She is kinda senile so she might get me confused with my troublesome brothers.)  (love you mom!)

Merry Christmas and Have a lovely day.
Andy Layne,

PS       Don't forget to keep the Griggs family in your prayers, they need them with all the crud they are going through.

learn'in is a good thing

In the last post I mentioned the fronts were giving me grief.  Well, it turns out I have a little bout of pneumonia.  Who woulda thunk?  A heavy dose of antibiotics, and some rest, I am back on the mend, although I think the antibiotics make me feel worse than the pneumonia.  On a good note, the pain in my chest is gone, I am just a little more tired latley.  That should go away fairly quickly as I keep resting and taking my pills.  So there you have it, an update.  I will carry on and press forward. 
thanks for the concern and prayers.
Have a lovely day and Merry Christmas,
Andy.
PS. we have a new member of our family, Massey, I will put up some pictures later.

sometimes talking helps

Hello all,
some of you know I spoke in stake conference this last week.  The topic I was given was "developing Christ like attributes in the midst of adversities."  I found this a hard topic to prepare.  I usually find it easy to talk in church or in front of a bunch of people, like stake conference.  But it was hard, because instead of speaking on gospel doctrine, and sharing scriptures, I had to share my personal trials, and weaknesses, to get the points across I wanted to share.  But on a good note, I only blubbered a little bit, and I wasn't alone.  I saw a few people in the audience wipe their eyes, maybe they were trying to stay awake.  It made me realize how blessed I and my family are, and want to reiterate once again, thank you with all my heart, for the support, prayers and assistance that you have all given us.  I have also realized over the last little while that melanoma is like a chronic illness and needs to be treated as such.  We are happy with the time we have together as a family and with you all.  We work hard to stay healthy and aware of how my body is behaving.  When something isn't quite right, I get on the phone or email my doctor and counsel with them to plan our next step.  Sometimes we wait, and sometimes I have to hurry down to the emergency room.  I prefer the waiting most days.  I learned a new trick, having breathing problems when storm fronts come through.  I never said it was a good trick, just a trick.  I am learning to adjust to this one, but it really is a pain, literally.  Having said that, we are all doing well and continue to pray for all of your good health and to never have to go through what we have and are going through.  If it ever turns out you start down this same path, let us know, we are always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on, or a ear to listen to your problems.  We might give you some advice you don't like, or don't understand why, but we have a weird sense of how to do things.  It has worked out pretty good for us.  We love you all and thanks again,
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy and Family.

Request for some help

Everything is going well with me and my family. 

We are assisting a family in North Logan, whose 17 year old son is battling bone cancer.  There is a good chance he may lose a leg in this battle.  We are having a yard sale on June 9th for him, and his family.  If you have some things you could donate to this please let me know.  We need the items by June 8th.  I can come get most items or you could drop them off at my house.  If you would also put them in your prayers that would be great too.  The boys name is Jake, I will post some updates when I have some more. 

Also, just in case you missed my previous posts, I currently have "no evidence of disease", which is kinda like cancer free.  But melanoma is more like a chronic illness, it keeps coming back so for now, I am living large and loving life.
Thanks and Have a lovely day,  and Merry Christmas,
Andy Layne.

Good news / Bad news

Bad news first.  Peggy and the doctors want me to lose weight and exercise. 

Good news, still no evidence of disease, or in a less medical term, no cancer for Andy.  We have pushed out the tests to every 4 months instead of 3 and only having a brain mri to once a year.  Things are going really well for us.  Everyone is healthy and doing well.  I am working regularly again.

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts. 

If you can, there is a young man who is going through a hard trial in his life right now, Jake, he is 17 and has Osteosarcoma.  Information on Jake can be found at jakestandingtall.blogspot.com and liking  standing tall for Jake on facebook.

They need prayers and support too.  I know there are a lot of things going on in our lives right now, and it seems people are down on their luck in most places we look.  Support can be free and only take a few minutes on your knees, or driving, or in the shower.  Just send some good thoughts their way. 

Once again,
Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts,
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy

PS.  See I told you I would post more.  I will try to keep it up.

And it didn't kill me......

It started as I was driving home from getting scans.  I was passing the Willard Bay area and I couldn't believe my eyes, it was snowing.  Not a particularly unbelievable action for an April afternoon, it was the thought that in a couple of hours I would be camping there.  This was not the most ideal way to spend my Friday night.  I would be camping with the scouts overnight, in the cold, and then walking ten miles the next day, yes, I said TEN miles.

 Well, I made it through it and didn't even die, yet. 
In preparation I have been walking a mile to a mile and a half occasionally with Peggy and Morgan.  Morgan has been jogging the mile and half with a 20 lb pack on. 

Everything went well and everyone was returned home, I think.  I know the boys I took made it home, and Morgan and I made it home, apart from that not sure of a whole lot. 
As of posting time today, late afternoon, I can hardly move.  But a year ago this wasn't even an option, so I am pretty excited.  Only 4 more ten milers and a 20 miler to go.  Then the hiking merit badge will be earned for these boys.
 Then comes the Cycling merit badge, any volunteers to take my place?  2 ten mile rides, 2 15 mile rides, 2 25 mile rides, and (drum roll please) 1 50 mile ride.  I think they are trying to kill me off now that I am feeling better.  Just kidding, this feels great! 
My wife is making fun of me and my crippled up walking I have been doing.
Merry Christmas and Have a lovely day,
Andy Layne

Got my self a scolding or two

Ok, for those of you who frequent this blog in hopes of finding a witty post or two on a typically reliable frequency, I say, I am sorry. I (we) have been really busy lately and yes, we have been reprimanded in person on multiple occasions. We are aware of your pain, which is why I am posting now. I don't have any news on my current cancer condition, because there is none. I do have scans coming up the end of April, first part of May. So there will definitely be a post then.

On the goings-on of the Layne family, here is the skinny.

Shaeli, is of the age of dating, its killing me.

Caity is still a turd,

Morgan is right behind Caity, being a turd.

Peggy is studying her brains out,

I am just watching the chaos with a slight grin, happy to be a part of all the craziness.

I still have some side effects, and probably always will, but they are a reminder of how lucky and blessed I am.

I would like to thank all of you who have me and my family in your prayers. They are deeply appreciated and we pray for all of you as well.

With the scans coming up, my stress level goes up. If you talk to me and I seem curt or abrupt, I am sorry and apologize in advance. I have a lot going on in my little head for the next few weeks. It is just an excuse, not a valid reason. I will make a conscious effort to not be rude to anyone. Sometime the "what-ifs" sneak into my head.

A Poem By Shel Siverstein

The Whatifs

Last night, while I lay thinking here,

Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear

And pranced and partied all night long

And sang their same old Whatif song:

Whatif I'm dumb in school?

Whatif they've closed the swimming pool?

Whatif I get beat up?

Whatif there's poison in my cup?

Whatif I start to cry?

Whatif I get sick and die?

Whatif I flunk that test?

Whatif green hair grows on my chest?

Whatif nobody likes me?

Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?

Whatif I don't grow taller?

Whatif my head starts getting smaller?

Whatif the fish won't bite?

Whatif the wind tears up my kite?

Whatif they start a war?

Whatif my parents get divorced?

Whatif the bus is late?

Whatif my teeth don't grow in straight?

Whatif I tear my pants?

Whatif I never learn to dance?

Everything seems swell, and then

The nighttime Whatifs strike again!

May the Whatifs never find you,

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,

Love, Andy.

To Whom it May Concern

Ok, some of you know, I was in the hospital the other day, (end of Feb.) I am out now, and I am ok, well as ok as I can be.

I was able to have an extended stay in the Chateau De'UofU. I was there for 23 hrs, another hour and they would have had to admit me or kick me out, being the honery person I am, they chose the latter.
So the update is, I don't know, I really don't have one.
I went in the horsepiddle with some pressure in my chest, and having the stellar history of an amazingly healthy heart I figured I had better talk with my cardiologist, he wanted me there or at any er ASAP!

So I went down there, ya I know, "what if I had a heart attack and died?" Well silly, I would be dead, but it didn't happen did it, so hold your questions until I am done ok.

Turns out they are not sure but they have a couple of ideas, both are related to delayed problems with radiation treatments. So we are going to try some new meds and see how they work. This will limit which potential problem it might be, then again it might be nothing. So we sit and wait while not really taking the time to wait... Press on I say, keep on keep'in on, puttin the pedal to the metal, and any other cheesy cliche you can think of.

So bottom line, I am ok, just really tired and the doctors wanted me to take it easy for a few days then lose some weight and eat properly, and all the other stuff they always tell ya. If any one cares, I have lost 12 pounds in the last month or so, on my way slow and steady to 200 lbs only 50 more to go.
So you have been duly informed.

As the kids are saying, or so I have been told,
Peace Out.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely Day,
Andy.....

PS .. the other bottom line is don't get cancer and you wont have to deal with these stupid problems associated with radiation. and no questions, sorry I talked to long, I just don't have time for them.

update

news flash,

last scans showed, no evidence of disease. only scar tissue. woo hoo for us.
Still on a monitoring plan, and working on getting health back to normal.

Thanks for all the prayers and support.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.

Love the Layne's


....more to follow.

A New Year with New possiblilties

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

I always thought that phrase was stupid. I now know it is. It infers that you were never really living before today, on that premise your previous days were wasted. But as a new year starts, new goals are set, a look back on "how I did" last year. Setting goals on how to improve my family and myself. Now some people think I should put "not have more cancer" as a goal. That is impractical, and not under any of my control whatsoever. So instead, I will focus on the things I can control. Like not kicking peoples trikes in the ditch, and not "pooping" in others cornflakes. I will try to play well with others, and not look gift horses in the mouth,(nope, I just won't look at all, unless its the other way, I don't need another horse right now). I wont be a pot calling the kettle black, or watching the pot so is never boils. This post was a short one, but I wanted it to be informational. In closing I want you to know that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and that there are plenty of fish in the sea.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy Layne