I can tell when I don't post an update for a while. The phone starts to ring and e-mails start poping up asking the question? How is Andrew? Well today he was admitted to the hospital for week 27 of the chemo treatment. That basically starts the second half of his chemo treatment. This is the long version again and my daughter-in-law was dreading this. They have been enjoying the freedom of outpatient chemo for a while but this round they are in for 4 to 5 days.

We recently had a dose of reality set in. When Andrew was first diagnosed with AT/RT I think I mentioned that at 17 months he was on the young side. Normally this doesn't present itself until around the age of 3 or 4. When he was first being treated, a young girl by the name of Lindsey Ledwon from the Chicago area was being treated for the same thing. She was diagnosed at the age of 2 and had been in treatment for the past 43 months. We have been following her progress and treatment along the way. She had been doing very well. About two weeks ago she became ill and when they did an MRI they found new tumor growth and the doctors said that they had done all that they could do. Lindsey passed away last week at the age of 5 1/2. Our hearts go out to the entire Ledwon family for their courageous battle with this dreaded disease. It makes you realize just how helpless we really are.:crying:

Andrew has been doing rather well. He has been gaining some weight and his hair has started to grow back. Unfortunately, he will probably lose it back after this chemo round but he will be follicle challenged like his dad and grandpa.:O: He has been allowed to join the "Kick Cancer Club" for kids even though he is the youngest by far. He looks really cute in his judo gee and my daughter-in-law reports that he is trying some new moves and it must be hilarious to see. I can't wait to see him perform.

We are hoping that Andrew has a good chemo session this time as they are suppose to go to New York this next week for the Todd Ouida Children's Foundation birthday event. For those of you who don't know about Todd Ouida, he was in the World Trade Center on 911 and lost his life. My daughter-in-law was friends with his family during her time in New York studing. They are certainly looking forward to spending some time helping Herb and Andrea Ouida (Todd's parents) at the event. They have set up this foundation to help kids of all ages.

For those of you who continue to follow along on Andrew's journey, all I can say is thank you so much. Your continued thoughts, well wishes and prayers are welcome any time. I will try to keep the updates coming but I don't like to interupt the racing season very much. I hope to see many of you at the races this summer. Sorry for the marathon post again. Thanks to you all.

Mike

Thank YOU, Mike, for taking the time to keep us updated on Andrew's courageous battle. We continue to pray and keep him in our thoughts.

Thank you for the update, Mike. Those on IOW who now consider Andrew to be "extended family" are always interested in hearing your latest report.
Grandma Kim and I will continue to pray for Andrew's continuing progress.

Mike, thank you for the update. Andrew, you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. Andrew is a remarkable little boy.


Patti

Mike,

Thanks for the update. Earlene and I continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as Andrew continues his battle.

Thanks for the update, Mike. Somehow reading that gives me a bit of stength. For sure it gives me a sense of perspective. All I can give back is my prayer that you and yours have the strength to handle this ordeal. May Andrew whip this disease and move forward.

Thanks Mike, All we can do is keep a possitive attitude and enjoy the good times that present themselves. Hopefully the reward will be a lifetime of good times.

Sad to hear about Lindsay, My thoughts and prayers of comfort for her family but don't take this as a bitter view of your case.

Chuck, who'd also like to hear about Drake and Bill Gardner and how they are doing.

Thanks again.

Chuck,

Thanks for following along on Andrew's journey. The news of Lindsey's passing was sad news indeed because she had been doing very well. With this type of cancer, there are so many different treatment options being done, and with a very limited number of cases a year (approximately 30), no one seems to be on an exact same protocol. It just reminds us that no matter what, we have to enjoy the time we have on this earth. There are no gaurantees.

I asked the question a while back about Drake and I think it was Dwight who recently had spoken to Kevin Besecker. At that time it seems he was doing well. I also would like to have an update of both Drake and Bill. In the mean time, we continue to include them in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike

I thank you too for the update! Andrew and you all are in my thoughts and prayers daily! Please don't ever feel like you are interupting! the updates are appreciated!

Mike, thanks once again for keeping us posted. As always, our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

Frank Daigh