I always know when we haven't done an update in a while. I start hearing from folks who have so diligently followed along on Andrew's journey. I am happy to report that Andrew is doing remarkably well at this time. The real reason we haven't updated is life is kind of boring right now. In our world, boring is good.

The little guy had a great time hunting Easter eggs with his cousins. He also had a big day at Greenfield Village recently when he got to meet Thomas the Tank Engine (his favorite) and Sir Topham Hat. He has also celebrated the return of spring with some ice cream cones. That boy loves his ice cream.

Andrew continues to attend the Early Childhood Preschool program 4 days a week and he gets to ride the bus home 2 of those days. Big stuff for the little guy. He looks forward to going to school and he has really blossomed socially because of it.

He still goes to physical therapy (therapeutic horseback riding) and swimming once a week. This has allowed him to make great strides in his gross motor skills. He can now jump and pedal his tricycle due to his improved balance. His language continues to grow, sometimes more than his parents can take. He is still compromised with his soft voice due to the paralyzed vocal cord. They are hoping to be able to do the summer language program similar to the program they did last fall. They are still hoping for improved articulation. His hair has come back and it is thicker than it was before. He takes great pride in telling everyone that he now has more hair than I do.

Medically, Andrew had a check up with the oncologist and all seems to be going well. He continues to take tamoxifen, an experimental prophylactic to prevent a reocurrence and also continues with his daily breathing treatments to protect his lungs. His next MRI is scheduled for June so the clock starts ticking again. He will have a kidney ultrasound in May along with monthly labs. My daughter-in-law reports that they are considering having his port removed as well as maybe even the Ommaya reservoir. THAT is the definition of hope....

He recently underwent a significant amount of dental work under anesthesia. He had to have a root canal, a couple of fillings and 4 teeth capped. The combination of chemo/radiation and having to drink thickened liquids did a number on his teeth. He should have been in pain but never complained so his tolerance of pain must be rather high. I am glad that they were able to get this corrected.

Like most of the updates, with the good comes the bad. Since my last update, four more children have died from AT/RT. That brings the total for 2009 to eight so far. Gut wrenching to say the least. We continue to pray for the families that have lost a precious child.

I again thank you all for following along on Andrew's journey. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we continue to Believe, Hope and Dream. I am convinced miracles do happen! Hope to see you at the races.

Big deal, Mike. YOU have more hair than me.:2:

Along with Mr. Gardner and his family, Andrew and his family are the real heroes.

Enjoy every day as much as you can, folks.

Mike, Thanks so much for the update on your little miracle Andrew. I don't doubt for one minute that he is outgoing from looking at his picture. He has a smile that could melt any heart and I am sure he would be the best friend a person could ever have. We continue to hold him and your family up to our father in heaven for the continuing miracle.

Mike, thank you for keeping us updated on Andrew's journey. Your entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers. Andrew's smile melted my heart months ago, he is a special little boy. Believe in that miracle Grandpa.

God Bless the Padfield family,

Patti

Mike, Thanks for the update!

I will share a short story with all of you... It was 1994, I was 23 years old and I had been diagnosed with cancer for the first time. I had to be admited to the hospital to receive 5 days of chemotherapy. It was day 2 of my 2nd round, of a 4 round chemo treatment.

Early that morning, my wife had not arrived at the hospital and myslef feeling a bit lonely, I decided to go for a walk... I rolled my IV machine outside the front entrance of the hospital and set down. I was feeling pretty down... my thoughts were not positive... I had all sorts of thoughts running through my head. I was basically feeling sorry for myself.

I seen a lady... maybe in her 50's... She had the friendliest smile... She seen me, and walked over and set down next to me... She asked, How long have you been going through chemotherapy? I replied, This is my second treatment. I then asked, what brings you to the hospital? It was her answer that changed my life forever.

She told me that her husband was just diagnosed with cancer and the doctors said he had maybe 2 months to live. Our conversation continued for several minutes... and then she got up and walked away. I am not ashamed to say that were a few tears.

I took a deep breath and then it was at that moment that I realized what in the world am I doing feeling sorry for myself... Doctors said that the chance for a cure of my cancer was 90%.... THIS LADY WAS GOING TO LOSE HER HUSBAND. Amazing how a conversation with a lady that I had never met, made me realize there is always someone with a tougher situation.

I remember leaving the hospital after my 4th round of chemo... approximately 2 months after that conversation... I was leaving CANCER FREE and the lady that made me realize that I wasn't so bad... Probably lost her husband.

I often hear comments about my attitude.... It was this lady that changed it... and she has no idea she did. I will never forget this lady.... I just wish that I had a chance to thank her.

Many years have past since then, and cancer for me has come on gone... come and gone again... and again.

Words can be powerful.... these updates of Andrew's improvement give each and every one of us added strength... whether you know it or not.

Mike 'aka' mud packer, Thanks again for the update on Andrew!!

BTW... Mr. Danny Burton:2:, the lady mentioned above... she is the hero in my book, but thanks anyway.

Bill,

First of all, thanks for following along on Andrew's journey. Second, thanks for sharing a very inspiring story. It seems no matter who you talk with, everyone or their family has been through cancer with someone they know and love. We need to hear about the inspirations in life that seems to arrive at just the right time.

When Andrew was first diagnosed with AT/RT, the doctors told us his chance of seeing his second birthday was less than 10%. Standing next to his bed, looking at this little boy with all the tubes coming out of his head, was definitely the low mark of my life. After the doctors left the room, my daughter-in-law said, "I don't know what everyone is standing around feeling sorry for themselves, we've got work to do." We all knew at that point that feeling sorry wasn't an option.

Through the power of so many people, many of them on this board, our prayers have been answered. There are no guarantees in life but all we were asking for was a shot. We have been granted that for right now. The battle continues and he is my hero for all the little guy has been through.

Bill you are a hero whether you believe it or not. Survivors are an inspiration to all of us and your courageous battle shines very brightly. I hope and pray for continued good health for you. I love this board and have met so many wonderful people through the IOW. So many more friends even if I haven't met them yet. I hope someday to meet you at the races. Take care.

All the best to Andrew and your family, Mike. I continue to pray for him and Bill and I never underestimate the power of prayer. Great story by Bill. I have my fourth chemo treatment Monday and then my halfway "report card" scan in 12 days. I feel great with no bad side effects so far and I know God is showing mercy on me. My confirmation verse is Matthew 28 verse 20: "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." What a comforting thought and promise those words are!! Tom

That's great news!!! Thanks for sharing!!! My prayers continue!

Thank you once again, Mike.
Andrew doesn't know Kim and me, but he will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, and is actually an inspiration to us. We are in a struggle with keeping my older sister physically and mentally healthy. It can be draining, but when I read about such a young guy putting up such a great fight, it helps remind me that Kim and I don't even really know what a battle for someone's health really is..........
Same goes for you, Bill. Thaks you for this board, and for your wonderful outlook.