[Mud Packer]

Three years ago tonight I received a phone call from my son that my grandson Andrew had a brain tumor. At 17 months old, you never expect to hear this type of news. I think I was numb for at least a week not knowing even what to say much less process what was happening.

After surgery the next day he was stablized and then the second foot dropped a couple of days later. He was diagnosed with ATRT, a very rare form of cancer and the prognosis wasn't good. Less than a 10% chance of him seeing his second birthday wasn't what any of us expected to hear.

Well fast forward three years and Andrew is doing extremely well. He still continues on medication and he has to undergo MRI's to check for any reoccurance. He was so excited this summer when his twin brothers were born. Since he was the center of attention for so long, I was thinking he might have problems with this. So far, so good.

Another shout out to all of the great folks on here for all your thoughts, encouragement, prayers, gifts, etc. during this very difficult time. I am still trying to say thank you in person to everyone but that remains an ongoing task.

Thank you all again for following along on Andrew's journey. We continue to Dream, Hope and Believe. Hope to see you at the races.

[Dirtfan]

Thanks Mike for sharing, sometimes the power of prayer,positive thoughts and such do help? Give Andrew a hug from all of us.

[IndyBound]

Thanks for the update Mike, looks like Andrew is enjoying the roll of being a big brother. Spoil those grandsons every chance you get, having grandchildren is a special blessing. Keep Dreaming and Believing!!!

Patti

[Flatrightrear]

Congratulations to all of you, Mike, and may God bless you and your family. Tom

[racegal]

Mike, Thank you for the continued updates! That is such happy news!
You are all always in my thoughts and prayers!
PS Beautiful boys!!

[Hawker]

Mike,

We have never met, but that is great news. I never could comprehend what it would be like for a child to have serious health issues, until last week.

We got an unpleasant surprise last week when one of my 18 year old twin girls went to the Dr because she was having dizzy spells. the Dr. discovered a heart murmur and had her go immediately to a Cardiologist to have a battery of tests performed. I was confirmed that she indeed has a murmur and something called moderate Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation (a leaking heart valve). So now she will have a whole new set of tests ran by a specialist. According the the Cardiologist, most of the time this doesn't need surgery, we will know for sure after the tests.

I hope nothing but the best for your grandson.

[Mud Packer]

Originally Posted by Hawker Mike, We have never met, but that is great news. I never could comprehend what it would be like for a child to have serious health issues, until last week. We got an unpleasant surprise last week when one of my 18 year old twin girls went to the Dr because she was having dizzy spells. the Dr. discovered a heart murmur and had her go immediately to a Cardiologist to have a battery of tests performed. I was confirmed that she indeed has a murmur and something called moderate Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation (a leaking heart valve). So now she will have a whole new set of tests ran by a specialist. According the the Cardiologist, most of the time this doesn't need surgery, we will know for sure after the tests. I hope nothing but the best for your grandson.

I hope all turns out well with your daughter. Keep us updated on her progress.

[FishBurger]

GREAT report Mike. Thank You! So glad that I logged on here this a.m.

[Pat O'Connor Fan]

Hi Mike,
Kim and I have followed Andrew's journey from your first post about it thru today. Like many IOWers, we have offered prayers for Andrew and continue to hope for many, many future Andrew Update postings containing good news.

[bojo20]

Mike, thanks for update,that is great to hear.I remember your first post and have followed along,hope all continues to go well.Will keep Andrew in my prayers. Joe Bochenek