Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Journey has ups and downs, today was definitely an UP!

*Andrew and Dr. Araujo (she is to the right of Andrew)*
Well everybody, I'm sitting in my hotel room here in Houston and I have a big smile on my face after day 1 of round 3. Not because I am cured, not because chemo is all finished, not because I am even done with this cycle! My smile comes from getting some very positive news on my first meeting with my doctor in regards to "how this chemo treatment plan is working" We met with the doctor(s) for about an hour and a half today. I can tell you I was so nervous that I broke out in hives on my neck and back....they actually had to make sure I was ok! haha. That part went away quickly when I left the meeting, trust me. We discussed the results of my PET SCAN, which is a full body (head to toe) scan that detects tumor size, location, etc. The results after the first two treatments showed a shrinkage of the tumors that exist in the abdomen,pelvic area, and the liver. The spots in the liver actually showed the most significant improvement of all the areas that are affected. Also good news is that there is no other spread to other areas of my body at this time. Overall Dr. Araujo was very pleased with my progress, and is excited that I have stayed in really good health so far, not suffering from any side effects and able to be strong and healthy during the chemotherapy. She said that my nutrition has been excellent and my protein level is were it needs to be. She is going to keep me on the same drugs, and amounts for the next two rounds (rd 3/4) The only new drug I am going to introduce is a once a day acid reflex pill (nexium) to help reduce any acid issues. TEAM: I cannot tell you how excited I was when I walked out of that appointment. I went straight over to the chemotherapy intake and got right into the treatment, but not a thing in the world could have gotten me down today! I was getting my big shot of chemo late tonight, and I was thinking how lucky and blessed I am to have every single person in my life that cares so much for me, and of course the big man upstairs has been leading this all from the point guard position! Everyone out there that is with me every step of the way, is truly amazing, and so cool. Each one of you knows just the right thing to say to me, just at the right time that I need it. The prayers have been overwhelming, and our first prayer has been answered, and I feel truly blessed. Have a great week everyone, lets kick some butt this week out there in whatever you are doing!!!

Andrew

22 comments:

Elizabeth said...

We are so proud of you Andrew. Riley thinks you're a tiger...roar!!!! xoxo T,E&R

Anonymous said...

Drew, this is such exciting news..your such a fighter and an inspiration to us all...love you!! Siobhan

Martha said...

Your 3 youngest sisters want to know why your pants are so high and papa called and wants his pants back.
Love yooou!!

PS We are so proud of you! Good job, you are so amazing!!

the o's said...

oh this is great news andrew!!! we've been praying for the news all day and i'm so happy to hear how well it went. keep it up! love, erin/andy o

Julie said...

That is awesome news Andrew!!! We think of you every day and I always ask Jon how you are doing. Keep up the great attitude for it is surely a big part of this great news!
Julie P.

Anonymous said...

Andrew,
I knew it! What great news to start my Wednesday -- I feel the energy. The power of prayer and positive thinking are amazing. Stay strong through this round of chemo.
Michelle

Patricia said...

Just the news we'd been waiting to hear! God knew you needed to be in shape for this and He's with you all the way along with the rest of us!
Stay strong, Patricia

Anonymous said...

checkin out your blogspot and s*%t!! -ds

Anonymous said...

Andrew, So very happy to hear the great news about your amazing treatment results. Keep it up.My prayers are always with you. Harlan

Bryan and Nicole said...
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Bryan and Nicole said...
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neringa said...

GREAT NEWS!! CHEERS!!!!!!!
neringa

Laurie and Alan said...

PTL Andrew, be strong and keep looking up!

Anonymous said...

God is so very good! Keep the faith!

Laura
Salem MO

Anonymous said...

I love the comment from your sisters about the pants :) LOL TOO FUNNY! I am soo happy to hear that your recovery is happening quick! You have ALWAYS been a fighter.
Make sure in your future pictures that soeone is coaching you on the "look". :)
Love Ya.

S Koenig

Heidi said...

So glad to hear that! I am praying for you. This is great news!

Anonymous said...

such good news, andrew! thinking good thoughts about you every day. keep up the amazingly positive attitude--you are an inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news, I am not ready for a world without Drew... I'll let you know when that day comes (it might be a minute).

I don't think there should be as much an issue with the pants as there is with the shirt tucked in SUPER tiiiiiight! Peeps in NYC call that "blood pressure style". I literally sat up straighter in my chair when I saw how tight that shirt is tucked in. Your only excuse is if it was Dr's orders... Drew?

Anonymous said...

Yay Drew!!! The power of prayer is awesome and so is your support team :-) You're starting to kick cancers butt & take names and I wish you more of the same success!

Anonymous said...

Andrew,
Fantastic news! Congratulations. I just read your post to my mom, who is a cancer survivor, and we were both marveling at how extraordinary and strong your spirit is. Really truly awe inspiring and life affirming. Keep kicking butt, man! And P.S., call me crazy and deluded, but I just picked the Huskies to go to the final.

K Lew said...

Glad to hear that Drew, that's great news homie. Keep doing what you do, cancer has never ran into Drew Moritz and it will regret making that mistake!!

K LEW

Anonymous said...

andrew -

just wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how happy i am to hear about your good news! like so many others have said, it's not surprising to me that you're beating this thing. you're such an amazing inspiration and not just because of your current fight! i've been reading your blog when i can and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to do so.

tara (kelley)
a.k.a. one of the original dda diggers (HA!)