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.

simple is best

Andy was going to post something, but he has forgotten again. I really think it is more the fact that his mind has been focused on some news that is not happy. He learned last week that another person with melanoma has passed away. When you hear of someone being diagnosed with cancer your heart naturally goes out to them and their family. But when you hear about someone that has the same cancer as you passing away it takes more than just your heart to get through the news. This woman was young with little kids and a darling husband. She was diagnosed around the same time as Andy, however, it took all of three months for her scans to show no new tumors or growth to showing the disease consuming her entire body. This is the reality of melanoma. You can be showing stability or reduction in the tumors with no new tumors then at your next scan it can show thousands of tumors throughout every organ and the primary tumors increase to an exponential rate of growth. These moments when we hear of someone with melanoma passing away always sends Andy into a tail spin. It reminds us of limited time, and the difficulty of planning a future. Goals become things of months or if we are daring a year, never 5 years or ten or...
So you ask, "how do you do it?"
You focus on what is important. Family, friends, community, and be thankful for what you have now, health, home, God.Which brings me to yesterday. We attended church (which was Stake Conference for us), and then after prepared for Andy's family to come over for the monthly 2nd Sunday dinner. It was fun, however, we missed those that were not able to come. We did really enjoy having Evans and his wonderful daughters come. Sophie is two and adorable. Kara is four and knows her own mind. Kara took our dog Baler for a walk while Sophie and I meandered down the road. They both got to ride on our horse and laugh as the turkeys. Seeing the world through their eyes is always intoxicating. Our kids are growing so fast. I have to remind myself to stop and enjoy where my kids are at in their life. Simple pleasures, simple times are always best.

The ear piercing music that my beautiful daughter makes

Today was Caity's first private lesson for violin. She has had orchestra for 2 years. However, she has refused until now to have singular lessons. She came right home and practiced. I love my kids and I am proud of their accomplishments. I want them to find themselves in the music that surrounds them. Shaeli took piano for a year when she was 8 years old and hated it. So, Andy offered to teach her beginner guitar. Shaeli surpassed him quickly, so we found a teacher to help her develop her love of the guitar. She now is an amazing guitarist. We will have to record some of her work and put it on the blog for you to hear.
Caitly didn't want anything to do with the guitar or piano. She actually had some violin when she was in 4th grade through an after school program. She loved it and so when she entered intermediate school she took orchestra. Now she is entering 8th grade this coming fall and she wants to improve her skills.
Morgan is my boy. And being such he has always wanted to learn the drums. Drums is an instrument that Andy and I have no experience with. So we told him that when he goes into 6th grade he can take band and learn percussion. Then if he does well we will find a drum teacher for him. I have to mention the level of difficulty we have had over the last 3 years in finding a drum teacher. Morgan is now going into 6th grade this fall and signed up for band. I hope I can find someone that teaches drums or I will be up a creek. I have to admit I am not really looking forward to the sound of drums coming from my house. The window shakes when Andy and Shaeli turn up the volume with the guitars. Can you image what is going to happen when Morgan gets a drum. I need some aspirin just thinking about it.

Andy is a dork!

Yes, I have finally decided to blog the big ugly truth. Andy is a dork!
I did it. I know you all had the knowledge, but now it is said. We have had a crazy weekend, as I have told, but Andy woke this morning with his body in pain and stomach hurting. Let's see here. He consumed enough shredded pork, teriyaki chicken, pudding cake, and rice to kill a Hawaiian. He wrestled a nephew for 5 min. He instigated a dodge ball game, and behaved similar to a baboon all weekend. I just can't figure why he wouldn't feel well. If you can't hear the sarcasm in this blog, then you haven't met or know me. I know I should be happy with the fact that Andy did so much, yet when he then whines like a tired toddler on a Monday when I have a crap load of things to accomplish, it rides on my nerves and tries my patience. Okay, breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out. Positive thoughts in, negative thoughts out. Ahhhh. I feel better, how about you? See, you can endure all things with faith and hope and love.

Party on Wayne...Party on Garth...Party on Andy?

This was an insane day. We played hookie from church today. I know, I know, sinners. Anyway, we remembered it is our weekend to go and mow grandma Andrew's lawn and with the luau festivities we plum forgot. So, off we went after lunch (leftovers from last nights luau. Yummm). It is always good to see Great-grandma Andrew. It reminds me why it is important to take care of the elderly. She was in fine form today, after we left she told Dennis (Andy's dad) that we left because one of our daughters was ran over by the truck. Don't panic no one was ran over. She heard the kids fighting about a spider in the truck and in her mind she thought that one of the girls leg was shut in the truck door and then ran over. All is well. Grannie Andrew doesn't have the entire stack of wood in the wood shed, if you know what I mean. However, we love to hear about all her adventures and stories that come from her mind. We came home and enjoyed a quite late afternoon, until...Andy decided to have a dodge ball game in the backyard. The pics are of the game, enjoy!

We have a visitor with us for a short time. My little nephew Chase is staying with us until his parents come back from a 4 day trip. He seems to be happy about the arrangement. His mom called to talk to him and his response was, "I don't want to talk with her". Gotta love 5 year olds.

I hope everyone's weekend was a party like ours. Remember we love you all. Thank you for your support and prayers. PARTY ON!!!