Andrew Update #33

Mud Packer · 7/7/08, 5:01 PM

Well the roller coaster ride continues. Last Thursday was suppose to be the next MRI and I was hoping to post some positive results. Anesthesia didn't feel comfortable intubating Andrew for sedation because of the recent questionable findings in his chest X-ray and it had to be rescheduled. That being said, today they did another chest X-ray and also were starting the next chemo round which is 5 days of outpatient treatment. His next MRI was rescheduled for July 24th the day after his appointment with the Infectious Disease specialist and Pulmonary. It seems that the clock was reset and the ticking has started over. I hate this since you get yourself prepared to hear results and then nothing.:headbang

Andrew had a comprehensive occupational therapy evalaution last week and they are planning a weekly therapy to address a range of oral/motor issues. We are hopeful that this treatment will improve his swallow and in the long term, diminish his chances for aspirating and contracting pneumonia or sustaining other lung damage.

They will also be seeking a speech/language evaluation as in the next 2-3 years they expect Andrew will experience hearing loss as a result of the chemo drugs and radiation. This would boost his speech and language skills prior to any substantial hearing loss.

Andrew also saw a Pediatric Neurologist and a Physiatrist (not a Phychiatrist!) last week and they are recommending ankle/foot orthotics for him to help correct is gait. Funny part about this is that they don't feel his walking has anything to do with the brain tumor. Even with cancer, other things still go on with a 2 year old boy! Go figure.:doh:

I again thank everyone for sending thoughts, messages and especially prayers as Andrew has hit another rough patch in the road. Thanks for following along on his journey as my family appreciates your interest.

Pat O'Connor Fan · 7/7/08, 7:33 PM

Kim and I are still following your family's journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Mud Packer · 7/7/08, 7:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat O'Connor Fan

Kim and I are still following your family's journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Thanks Steve. Are we going to see you at sprint week? Let me know and I will be sure to look for you. Of course, Section A at the Burg!

Jerry Spencer · 7/7/08, 7:50 PM

I hold my breath every time I see an update, I am so glad you keep us informed as sometime we get busy and this jars our memory as to ask God for that special sense of peace that you and so many others need. :respect:

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

Pat O'Connor Fan · 7/7/08, 7:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mud Packer

Are we going to see you at sprint week? Let me know and I will be sure to look for you. Of course, Section A at the Burg!

It is my plan to slip into Section A, in disguise of course :O:, on Thursday.
Looking forward to seeing a bunch of IOW folks at the ISW events that I can attend.

Mud Packer · 7/7/08, 8:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Spencer

I hold my breath every time I see an update, I am so glad you keep us informed as sometime we get busy and this jars our memory as to ask God for that special sense of peace that you and so many others need. :respect:

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

Jerry,

Thanks for your continued prayers and well wishes. I almost stopped down to see you and Josh last night at Kokomo. However, the kids were crowding around Josh and I certainly didn't want to interrupt the great things that were going on with the next generation fans. The O'Conner's and the drivers deserve a great big hand :applaud: for allowing the kids to have that opportunity of interaction last night. We are going to try and stop down after the races one of these nights to meet you guys and say thanks in person. Look forward to seeing Josh stand on the gas this week.

Anderson36 · 7/7/08, 8:38 PM

Mud Packer,

I have been following this journey also and I am sure you have posted an address for Andrew in an earlier post. Even though I am a "pavement" guy I would sure like to send him an autographed hero card of mine. I have a 2 year old son myself who is absolutely crazy about racing and I couldn't imagine going through everything that you guys have been through.

So, if you could please post or e-mail me an address for either Andrew or yourself. I would really like to send him something that might give him a smile if even just for a moment.

Thanks,

Jimmy Anderson
UMARA National Midget #36
midgetracr36@yahoo.com

Mud Packer · 7/7/08, 8:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anderson36

Mud Packer,

I have been following this journey also and I am sure you have posted an address for Andrew in an earlier post. Even though I am a "pavement" guy I would sure like to send him an autographed hero card of mine. I have a 2 year old son myself who is absolutely crazy about racing and I couldn't imagine going through everything that you guys have been through.

So, if you could please post or e-mail me an address for either Andrew or yourself. I would really like to send him something that might give him a smile if even just for a moment.

Thanks,

Jimmy Anderson
UMARA National Midget #36
midgetracr36@yahoo.com

Jimmy,

You have an e-mail. Thanks.

Flatrightrear · 7/7/08, 11:09 PM

Hang tough, Andrew. Whole lotta people out here want to see you get well. Tom

IndyBound · 7/10/08, 8:43 AM

Mike,

I have been away from the IOW board for a few days, visiting a friend of mine fighting her own courageous battle with lung cancer and playing with my little grandson.

Every chance I get to visit my grandson, my thoughts turn to Andrew and the struggles your handsome little grandson faces daily.

Having cancer is indeed like being on a roller coaster ride, my Dad's ride lasted six years, his sister's ride only lasted six weeks. I continue to pray that after the next MRI Andrew's journey will be on the high end of that roller coaster ride.

Andrew has a remarkable family, the faith, courage and strength you alll show will see Andrew through his journey. Please continue you update us when possible.

Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti

7/7/08, 5:01 PM	#1 Andrew Update #33
Mud Packer Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 59 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,093	Well the roller coaster ride continues. Last Thursday was suppose to be the next MRI and I was hoping to post some positive results. Anesthesia didn't feel comfortable intubating Andrew for sedation because of the recent questionable findings in his chest X-ray and it had to be rescheduled. That being said, today they did another chest X-ray and also were starting the next chemo round which is 5 days of outpatient treatment. His next MRI was rescheduled for July 24th the day after his appointment with the Infectious Disease specialist and Pulmonary. It seems that the clock was reset and the ticking has started over. I hate this since you get yourself prepared to hear results and then nothing.:headbang Andrew had a comprehensive occupational therapy evalaution last week and they are planning a weekly therapy to address a range of oral/motor issues. We are hopeful that this treatment will improve his swallow and in the long term, diminish his chances for aspirating and contracting pneumonia or sustaining other lung damage. They will also be seeking a speech/language evaluation as in the next 2-3 years they expect Andrew will experience hearing loss as a result of the chemo drugs and radiation. This would boost his speech and language skills prior to any substantial hearing loss. Andrew also saw a Pediatric Neurologist and a Physiatrist (not a Phychiatrist!) last week and they are recommending ankle/foot orthotics for him to help correct is gait. Funny part about this is that they don't feel his walking has anything to do with the brain tumor. Even with cancer, other things still go on with a 2 year old boy! Go figure.:doh: I again thank everyone for sending thoughts, messages and especially prayers as Andrew has hit another rough patch in the road. Thanks for following along on his journey as my family appreciates your interest. __________________ Mike Be nice to people on the way up. You might need them on the way down. Jimmy Durante

7/7/08, 7:33 PM	#2 Re: Andrew Update #33
Pat O'Connor Fan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,029	Kim and I are still following your family's journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

7/7/08, 7:50 PM	#4 Re: Andrew Update #33
Jerry Spencer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,869	I hold my breath every time I see an update, I am so glad you keep us informed as sometime we get busy and this jars our memory as to ask God for that special sense of peace that you and so many others need. :respect: Jerry, Sarah, Paul and Josh Spencer #66j www.joshspencer.com

7/7/08, 8:38 PM	#7 Re: Andrew Update #33
Anderson36 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 119	Mud Packer, I have been following this journey also and I am sure you have posted an address for Andrew in an earlier post. Even though I am a "pavement" guy I would sure like to send him an autographed hero card of mine. I have a 2 year old son myself who is absolutely crazy about racing and I couldn't imagine going through everything that you guys have been through. So, if you could please post or e-mail me an address for either Andrew or yourself. I would really like to send him something that might give him a smile if even just for a moment. Thanks, Jimmy Anderson UMARA National Midget #36 midgetracr36@yahoo.com

7/7/08, 11:09 PM	#9 Re: Andrew Update #33
Flatrightrear Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,385	Hang tough, Andrew. Whole lotta people out here want to see you get well. Tom

7/10/08, 8:43 AM	#10 Re: Andrew Update #33
IndyBound Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,626	Mike, I have been away from the IOW board for a few days, visiting a friend of mine fighting her own courageous battle with lung cancer and playing with my little grandson. Every chance I get to visit my grandson, my thoughts turn to Andrew and the struggles your handsome little grandson faces daily. Having cancer is indeed like being on a roller coaster ride, my Dad's ride lasted six years, his sister's ride only lasted six weeks. I continue to pray that after the next MRI Andrew's journey will be on the high end of that roller coaster ride. Andrew has a remarkable family, the faith, courage and strength you alll show will see Andrew through his journey. Please continue you update us when possible. Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers. Patti