[Mud Packer]

Well like most of the updates there seems to be good news and not so good news. Let's start with the good news first. The MRI results came back quickly for a change and it is stable. That means no new growth in either the brain or the spine. It is such a relief to get the results and they are very positive.

This holiday season we have so much to be thankful for. One year ago at this time Andrew was in the middle of proton radiation, the initial stages of chemo, he still wasn't walking yet, and most of all he wasn't the same child. There wasn't anything "normal" about his life or my son and daughter-in-law's life except doctors, hospitals and treatments.

My son and daughter-in-law have a New Year's wish tradition that they do every year. The write down their wishes for the New Year and put them in a silver ornament that opens up. Last year they struggled to write down their thoughts, scared to hope, wish and dream. Well they opened it this year and we can say that the number one thing we all wished for was that Andrew is still alive. Through the grace of God and a wonderful medical team we share in this miracle. We are finding a way to balance living with him having cancer. Right now this is an everyday deal for all of the Padfield family.

Other things that we all wished for were for him to be done with chemo. That was completed at the end of October. He is walking and we expect him to really start running in the very near future. His infectious smile has also returned and that silly laugh follows right along. Andrew, the little boy we all knew before, has returned. He is talking a lot and he is so much more outgoing than before. Much of that is due to his being in pre-school and being around other kids. It is truly amazing the strides he has taken in such a short period of time.

Now for the not so good news. Andrew had a speech evaluation and swallow study done last week. The speech evaluation documented what we suspected, some delays in articulation. Articulation is one of those tricky things in speech development - many childred have issues and most of these resolve on their own. His tongue, palate and lips appear to be functioning properly, so it is likely that speech therapy will be helpful in improving his articulation.

The swallow study gave us some new findings. In the back of the throat, there is a muscle called the cricopharyngeal muscle. This muscle is flexed at resting and is suppose to relax with swallowing, thereby allowing food/beverages to pass down the esophagus. Andrew's cricopharyngeal muscle does not relax, causing a buildup or pooling of food/beverages in the back of his throat. This leads to small aspirations which ultimately can pass into his lungs.

The cricopharyngeal muscle is controlled by the Cranial Nerve X, which is the same nerve that controls vocal fold. We knew this nerve was damaged during the craniotomy last year because Andrew's left vocal fold is paralyzed. This situation is a bit complicated because it seems that the muscle and the vocal fold are independently contributing to some swallow problems and aspirations. The aspirations are further damaging his lungs and his lungs are compromised from the bacterial infections.

The complexity of this is very frustrating as they try to figure out what to do next. They will be meeting with a new ENT doctor next week, and are hoping to aggressively address some of these issues. Andrew will have another bronchoscope at the end of January to see whether the lung infections have improved. They remain in close contact with the Infectious Disease and Pulmonology doctors.

We all remain very optimistic about his recovery and his inspiring journey to this point. What a difference a year makes. I sit here this evening with a smile and another large sigh of relief that another MRI confirms what we all have been praying for. NO NEW GROWTH!

I remain indebted to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, words of encouragement and the cards and gifts that so many of you have sent his way. So many people have joined in on Andrew's journey and we can't possibly ever thank you all enough. I apologize for this marathon post and will end with the words we live by each and every day. Dream, Hope, Believe.

[Pat O'Connor Fan]

Mike, thank you for the time you have poured into the most recent Andrew Update. Kim and I are so pleased to read the good news, yet concerned by the other news. Our prayers will continue to follow Andrew through these trying times.

[pletchfan]

I posted on the other thread just this morning as I was praying for Andrew and the family. I am very happy to hear the good report from the MRI. He is a miracle and God still has many to offer. We will believe for him (God) to go before the doctors and give them wisdom as to how to handle the swallowing issues. This little guy has come too far to turn back now. Keep your chin up and keep believing. With God ALL things are possible. Thanks again for taking your valuable time and giving us a very detailed update, it tells us exactly how to cry out to God on Andrew's behalf. He DOES answer prayer.

[IndyBound]

Mike, I am so glad to hear Andrew's MRI results are positive. I hope and pray the Doctor's find an answer soon to the swallowing issues Andrew faces. You have a remarkable grandson Mike, he has shown great strength and courage during this past year. Thank you for allowing us to share in his journey with you. The Padfield family remains in my thoughts and prayers.

Patti

[pletchfan]

Bumping this back to the top so nobody misses the update so they can pray too.