Thursday, January 8, 2009

Overwhelmed

I have to start out by saying how overwhelmed we are by the outpouring of love, support and encouragement we have received. Thank you to each and every one of you who cares about and loves Andrew. This news has really shaken Andrew up - but the phone calls, texts, emails, blog comments, etc have lifted his spirits and have given him confidence that we are all behind him and that HE WILL COMEBACK AND BE HEALED!

Today Andrew's heart was tested to read it's baseline and determine how much his heart "can handle" during chemo. He has a strong and healthy heart, so as Andrew said, "crank up the chemo"... :)

He also spoke with his oncologist and received the results from his PET & CT scan. They did not find any other tumors (other than the ones we already knew about in his liver & soft tissue of his abdomen) throughout the rest of his body. We can count this as good news!

That wraps up his tests here in Seattle. There is still no definite plan, but his oncologist is working to set up an appointment with the doctors at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX. We hope Andrew can fly out sometime this weekend and get started with treatment.

I also want to mention that there are many people working behind the scenes to help brainstorm and organize fundraisers to help offset some of the costs. Please keep checking back, as we will post events, sales, etc and ways you can help. Many people have expressed interest in general financial giving and our hope is to create a non-profit so we can make your contribution tax deductible. As for now we will set up a paypal account for donations. I will post that information here once we have it.

I will leave you with this funny picture of Drew's niece Riley. This picture is for you Andrew, as I know you love how "crazy" she is.

6 comments:

Patricia said...

Good morning Andrew:
Great news that there are no other tumors! As always, you are on my prayer list, just a lot higher on the priority list now! Keep me posted on treatment decisions - I have my interpreters here at UWSOM so I know what it all means. Also, whatever I can do from the Seattle and UW side of your life. We have an awesome God who can work many miracles.
Patricia

Anonymous said...

Hey Andrew!
It's Stacey. I was just looking at the 30 Under 30 posting and had a good laugh thinking about the day that woman came to take your pictures and some of the crazy responses you put on that survey! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. I have absolutely every reason to believe that you will get through this and come out on top. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

The Big Switzer

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know you and your family are in my constant prayers. There are DSRCT survivors so we know this can be beat, even one that has been cancer-free for over 10 years! I pray your story would have the same end. May the Lord strengthen you and your family in the days ahead.
God be with you!

Unknown said...

Elizabeth....
please keep me updated on any fundraisers; I am really involved in alot of of other fundraisers but would love to do all that I can for Drew!!!
Thank you for starting this blog :)
- Rachael

Anonymous said...

Drew,

My friend, my mentor, and inspiration... you know this is just going to being another one of those things were people say how in the HELL did he do that.

BK

Anonymous said...

Andrew, Frankie just shared your news with me and I am joining you in your amazing news and journey. Sending strength, prayers and precense of mind to sort out the medical maze. You always impressed me with your strength as a leader and overall positive, can do approach to life! That will surely help you. More soon.

Cathy and Roger Myers
US Bank