The Roller Coaster Continues...

This journey continues...I know it's going to be a long one- but some days I wish I could just forget the word Cancer.  It stinks.  There is absolutely nothing good about having it- BUT when you have Stage IV, you must find as many positives as you can.  You cannot allow yourself to wallow in the negatives or allow your mind to go to bad places all the time.  There is life to be lived!  It's been difficult to try to find positives when every time I go for results, it seems I always get bad news or find out I have to go with PLAN B.

But today, for the first time since this journey began, there was GOOD NEWS.  You see, the doctors did an MRI on my back last week, because I had started having some back pain and one of the three tumor markers they checked was greatly increased.  It was in this MRI that is was discovered that the cancer has spread throughout my spine.  Several spots.  So many spots, in fact, that we knew my current treatment obviously has not been working.  But before a new plan could be made, I had to have a CT scan of my body to make sure it had not spread to other organs.  So, basically, the quality of my life was going to be determined by this CT scan.  As long as the cancer is contained in the bones, it is not life-threatening.  However, when (or if) it spreads to organs, then you are on a time clock- trying to buy as much time as you can before the cancer wins the battle.  So, yesterday I was quite anxious.  I have to be honest.  I 'd love to sit here and say that I had no worry or stress or anxiety- but I'd be lying.  I am human.  Deep down I knew God was still in control, but after getting bad news so many times, I also knew that just because He's in control doesn't mean things will turn out the way I'd hoped.  I did not have a good feeling about this test.

However, my oncologist called me first thing this morning to tell me IT HAS NOT SPREAD ANYWHERE ELSE!  IT IS CONTAINED WITHIN MY BONES!  Folks, I don't know if you understand how wonderful this news is!!!  Do I still have cancer?  Yes.  Do I still have stage IV cancer?  Yes.  Is it spreading?  Yes.  But with it contained to my bones, we have time to change my treatment plan to find something that works to either a.) keep it from spreading any farther or b.) completely destroy it.  This news is an answer to many, many prayers.

What else has been happening?  Well, we were able to have the Andrea's Army Golf Scramble on June 1st. Another wonderful day surrounded by many friends and supporters.  They raised a great deal of money to help our family.  A lot of work went into this event and I am so appreciative to those who put in countless hours (and those who spent lots of money) on our family's behalf.  Here are a few pictures from the event:

Some of the wonderful folks who put a lot of time and energy into making this event a huge success!

Coach Butch Jones signed an actual game helmet for Jamie!  He is so proud of it!

Also, Anderson went for his yearly check up with his Neurologist, who was extremely pleased with how well he is doing.  His exact words were, "I guess it just doesn't get any better than this!"  So if all continues well, we will see him next summer!  Another answered prayer!

Thumbs up for a GREAT visit!

Our family is getting ready to head to the beach for a week.  We can't wait to get there.  We are looking forward to relaxing, and just spending some quality time together as a family.  We are thankful for the people who put this trip together for us.  I don't think anyone will ever know how thankful we are- I really can't put it into words.

On June 29th they are having a 3-on-3 basketball tournament- a shootout for cancer.  As you know, Jamie is a huge basketball fan- an a very talented player.  It's going to be a great day.  If you love basketball, we'd love for you to put together a team and join us- but if you're like me and have no basketball talent, we'd love for you to come join us in the crowd to watch these games.  It's on June 29th at the Columbia Academy gymnasium.  If you'd like more information, contact my sister Kari Robinson at  tyekmom@gmail.com or my sister-in-law Danielle Haygood at 931 446 3181  .  You can also check out the event page on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/655800017779399/

I look forward to seeing you there!  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!  Until then...Keep living!  Keep Praying!  Keep Fighting!

With love,
Andrea