Andrew Update #38

Mud Packer · 10/22/08, 9:23 PM

Milestones. Through out our lives we dream about and successfully achieve milestones. We plan and work toward a common goal and when we get there we celebrate. Tonight is a night for a little celebration! Today was Andrew's last chemo treatment.

Fourteen months ago we were told some very bleak and sombering news and we set out on a journey. One year ago Andrew started the protocol that called for chemo treatments for twelve months. Sitting here tonight posting this sure makes that seem so very long ago. I know that for my son, daughter-in-law and our entire family, tonight is a very special night. A major milestone on the road to recovery.

It is remarkable to look back and think how this year has played out. When the disucssion originally turned to chemo, they said that the protocol would be 51 weeks long. They also said that there could be issues that came up that would delay treatment and extend that time period. I am proud to say that Andrew's treatment was only delayed one time for a week due to some minor health issues. Pretty amazing for anyone on chemo, much less a child of his age. I will say that he is a tough little guy but then again I think he is a very special boy.

Looking back over the year, I mentioned numerous times that it was a long road ahead. That road is still long but with the original prognosis, we seem to have won a marathon right now. Tonight everything seems right for a change.

With that being said, I would be remiss if I didn't thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, gifts and encouragement. I have tried to thank as many of you as possible in person, but I feel bad about not being able to thank everyone for everything that you have done. It is an impossible job since we don't even know everyone who is sending thoughts and prayers as well as gifts our way. We hear from people regularly who have been on this journey with us who we don't even know. We are truly humbled by the generosity of so many people.

While we close this chapter on Andrew's recovery, I will mention that the clock is ticking toward the next MRI on October 30th. We hope and pray that the results are as positive as our thoughts are this evening. I will keep you informed of the results as well as what the next chapter brings as soon as it is decided.

We continue to live for today and pray for tomorrow and the next milestone. Thank you all for following along on Andrew's journey.

IndyBound · 10/22/08, 10:33 PM

Mike, I will continue to pray for positive results from Andrew's MRI on the 30th. The end of chemo certainly is a milestone to celebrate. Andrew is a precious little boy, please be sure to post an updated photo of Andrew at your convenience. His perfect little smile is so uplifting; you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti

Pat O'Connor Fan · 10/22/08, 11:37 PM

Mike, this Update brought a smile to my wrinkled ol' face. I can only surmise that Andrew's continued progress has brought smiles to a large number of IOWers. We must continue to pray that more good news follows.

Mud Packer · 10/23/08, 2:12 PM

Attached is the latest picture of Andrew. Thanks for following along.

pletchfan · 10/23/08, 3:24 PM

Mike, what GREAT news and what a beautiful little boy!!! We can't hardly wait to hear the results of the MRI. We will continue to pray and continue to praise God with you with each new victory. We are sure it has been a LONG year for all of you but it has now passed and that is a VERY positive thought.

Charles Nungester · 10/23/08, 5:37 PM

Mike, Two things :thumb:thumb.

Oh wait, Three
Continued prayers for Andrew to live a healthy long life!

Chuck

bojo20 · 10/23/08, 6:45 PM

So happy to hear the good news it brought tears to my eyes. Have been following Andrew's journey and will continue to do so with thoughts and prayers.Great picture.Can't wait to hear the good news on the MRI.====joe Bochenek

Jerry Spencer · 10/23/08, 11:17 PM

We keep you and the little guy in our thoughts all the time. :respect:

Jerry, Sarah, Paul and Josh Spencer #66j
www.joshspencer.com

nonwing · 10/24/08, 10:23 AM

Mike, thanks for the update on Andrew. I feel for the little guy having had to endure several rounds of chemo myself. I'm sure it was a very tough time for him, but kids seem to rebound pretty quick. I also know how it feels to wait and then hear the news on a test that will determine your next steps. So try and keep busy with things.

I will say that cancer does give everyone a chance to realize how precious life is. Most people take things for granted. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but give that little guy a hug and spend as much time as you can with him.

My thoughts are with you folks.

George Wilkins

ronmil · 10/24/08, 3:46 PM

Mike,

It is so good to hear this positive news! The Millers continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

10/22/08, 9:23 PM	#1 Andrew Update #38
Mud Packer Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 59 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,093	Milestones. Through out our lives we dream about and successfully achieve milestones. We plan and work toward a common goal and when we get there we celebrate. Tonight is a night for a little celebration! Today was Andrew's last chemo treatment. Fourteen months ago we were told some very bleak and sombering news and we set out on a journey. One year ago Andrew started the protocol that called for chemo treatments for twelve months. Sitting here tonight posting this sure makes that seem so very long ago. I know that for my son, daughter-in-law and our entire family, tonight is a very special night. A major milestone on the road to recovery. It is remarkable to look back and think how this year has played out. When the disucssion originally turned to chemo, they said that the protocol would be 51 weeks long. They also said that there could be issues that came up that would delay treatment and extend that time period. I am proud to say that Andrew's treatment was only delayed one time for a week due to some minor health issues. Pretty amazing for anyone on chemo, much less a child of his age. I will say that he is a tough little guy but then again I think he is a very special boy. Looking back over the year, I mentioned numerous times that it was a long road ahead. That road is still long but with the original prognosis, we seem to have won a marathon right now. Tonight everything seems right for a change. With that being said, I would be remiss if I didn't thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, gifts and encouragement. I have tried to thank as many of you as possible in person, but I feel bad about not being able to thank everyone for everything that you have done. It is an impossible job since we don't even know everyone who is sending thoughts and prayers as well as gifts our way. We hear from people regularly who have been on this journey with us who we don't even know. We are truly humbled by the generosity of so many people. While we close this chapter on Andrew's recovery, I will mention that the clock is ticking toward the next MRI on October 30th. We hope and pray that the results are as positive as our thoughts are this evening. I will keep you informed of the results as well as what the next chapter brings as soon as it is decided. We continue to live for today and pray for tomorrow and the next milestone. Thank you all for following along on Andrew's journey. __________________ Mike Be nice to people on the way up. You might need them on the way down. Jimmy Durante

10/23/08, 2:12 PM	#4 Re: Andrew Update #38
Mud Packer Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 59 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,093	Attached is the latest picture of Andrew. Thanks for following along. __________________ Mike Be nice to people on the way up. You might need them on the way down. Jimmy Durante _________________________________________________ Last edited by Mud Packer; 10/13/09 at 9:53 PM.

10/23/08, 5:37 PM	#6 Re: Andrew Update #38
Charles Nungester Senior Member Race Count This Year: 6 Race Count Last Year: 14 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 22,015	Mike, Two things :thumb:thumb. Oh wait, Three Continued prayers for Andrew to live a healthy long life! Chuck __________________ Charles Nungester

10/24/08, 3:46 PM	#10 Re: Andrew Update #38
ronmil Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 48 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 18,800	Mike, It is so good to hear this positive news! The Millers continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. __________________ Ron Miller

10/22/08, 10:33 PM	#2 Re: Andrew Update #38
IndyBound Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,626	Mike, I will continue to pray for positive results from Andrew's MRI on the 30th. The end of chemo certainly is a milestone to celebrate. Andrew is a precious little boy, please be sure to post an updated photo of Andrew at your convenience. His perfect little smile is so uplifting; you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Patti

10/22/08, 11:37 PM	#3 Re: Andrew Update #38
Pat O'Connor Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,029	Mike, this Update brought a smile to my wrinkled ol' face. I can only surmise that Andrew's continued progress has brought smiles to a large number of IOWers. We must continue to pray that more good news follows.

10/23/08, 3:24 PM	#5 Re: Andrew Update #38
pletchfan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,116	Mike, what GREAT news and what a beautiful little boy!!! We can't hardly wait to hear the results of the MRI. We will continue to pray and continue to praise God with you with each new victory. We are sure it has been a LONG year for all of you but it has now passed and that is a VERY positive thought.

10/23/08, 6:45 PM	#7 Re: Andrew Update #38
bojo20 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 266	So happy to hear the good news it brought tears to my eyes. Have been following Andrew's journey and will continue to do so with thoughts and prayers.Great picture.Can't wait to hear the good news on the MRI.====joe Bochenek

10/23/08, 11:17 PM	#8 Re: Andrew Update #38
Jerry Spencer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,869	We keep you and the little guy in our thoughts all the time. :respect: Jerry, Sarah, Paul and Josh Spencer #66j www.joshspencer.com

10/24/08, 10:23 AM	#9 Re: Andrew Update #38
nonwing Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 208	Mike, thanks for the update on Andrew. I feel for the little guy having had to endure several rounds of chemo myself. I'm sure it was a very tough time for him, but kids seem to rebound pretty quick. I also know how it feels to wait and then hear the news on a test that will determine your next steps. So try and keep busy with things. I will say that cancer does give everyone a chance to realize how precious life is. Most people take things for granted. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but give that little guy a hug and spend as much time as you can with him. My thoughts are with you folks. George Wilkins