...moving forward

Family and friends,

Here we are almost nine months later and doing very well. We are ready to tackle on a new challenge God has set before us. We are motivated, focused and eager to move forward with a Stem Cell Transplant by the end of this month.

Last update back in Dec of 08, I was getting ready to begin a 3 month chemo regiment at UCLA. During that time the response was very good. My levels came down from a 5.0 to a 0.37 rapidly which was amazing (just one of the many expressions the doctor commented on weekly). Through the entire course Dr. Rosove was astounded and speechless at my progress. At the end of the 3 months our insurance ceased their contract with UCLA and moved us to Loma Linda where I continued treatment for nearly 5 months.

In the beginning of the year, late February the Chief Oncologist/Myeloma Transplant Specialist at Loma Linda took over my case and with "excellent" care treated me for the next several months. I reached a point where the medicines were no longer affective as tests showed that my levels were starting to climb ever so slightly, this is when we learned that the 8 months of chemo didn't take me into full remission only a VGPR (very good partial remission), which meant I needed to continue on with treatment. Dr. Chen gave us a couple of options to think about. Which included another round of treatment (more aggressive than the first) or a Stem Cell Transplant (Autologous). There just wasn't much to think about when you have a family that depends on you, so we opted to do the transplant. We were transferred to USC for a consultation to continue into the next phase. Needless to say, we were so sad to leave LLMC Cancer Center because the care, staff and facilities there were outstanding.

A few months back in July, we met with the Myeloma Specialist at the Kenneth Norris Center at USC. We are very impressed with his background in Multiple Myeloma. In the beginning we were a bit nervous being that he is a young doctor, but his VAST knowledge in Myeloma overshadows his age. He studied in India and served his residency and began his career in Buffalo NY. The impression he leaves us after every visit up until now has left us with such peace. He is very personable and has such warm caring bedside manners. Not the typical demeanor for an oncologist to say the least.

Dr Ailahwadi was on the fence about doing the transplant in the beginning but after consulting with the head Myeloma specialist there at USC she agreed this was the right choice for my case. This past week we did another bone marrow biopsy to use as a baseline for the transplant, the results came back with VERY positive feedback which shows only 10-20% of the Myeloma in the bone marrow. This shows that it is very well under control, and a good indicator that I will do very well with the transplant.

Why the transplant? Many have asked. Well, there is no cure for Multiple Myeloma...but it is very treatable and manageable, like diabetes. If you don't stay on top of it and treat it, it will eventually kill you. The doctors say that if you are going to have cancer this is the one you want to have.

The reason we chose the transplant is because another round of treatment would mean more time away from the kids twice a week (in "LA" for several months) and nausea, extreme fatigue and hair loss. Not what we want while we have 3 small kids at least for now while they are so young and just beginning school.

The transplant on the other hand is much more aggressive with the same side effects but for a much shorter time away from the kids in the long-run. The downside to this is being away from our kids for a long period of time as the procedure takes place and recovery time. In addition to, the only visual communication I will have with them is via internet. I will be in the BMT (bone marrow transplant) center for 3-4 weeks at least, assuming my immune system recovers as it should with no complications. The upside to the transplant is that the remission period could allow more time in between until the Myeloma comes back. It could be years or it could be months. Like any type of chemo there are no guarantees just have to take a leap of faith and see how the body reacts.

For me this was a no brainer decision, God has given Greg and I a complete peace over the whole thing from the time of diagnosis. He has sustained us and walked with us through the shadows and the valleys. Bottom line is we TRUST Him and we know HE IS GOD. We know He is our Deliverer our healer and our Master Physician. He hasn't let us down and we will continue to follow Him regardless the outcome. We TRUST He will protect our family through this time and Believe He will do His plan and not ours. Therefore we entrust to Him all of our cares and concerns and lay them at His feet.

What is an "Autologous Stem Cell Transplant"?

Cancers that were once considered untreatable are now showing increased survival rates because of new options such as Autologous Stem Cell Treatment (ASCT). Research shows that in certain cases cancer can be more effectively treated -- and the risk of cancer recurring can be dramatically reduced -- by treating it with higher doses of chemotherapy.

ASCT is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients who may have had no hope in fighting their disease. With ASCT, bone marrow failure is prevented by removing stem cells from the bone marrow and preserving them before the patient receives chemotherapy. The stem cells are then re-infused after chemotherapy where they migrate to the bone marrow and begin producing healthy new blood cells.

Once treatment begins, the patient is admitted to the ASCT unit which consists of private rooms equipped with special air filtration systems to help decrease the risk of bacterial and fungal infections while the patient's immune system is suppressed.

Dates/Schedule:

October 2nd: Injection of chemo through catheter
October 13th: Collection of Stem Cell
October 24th (tbc) : Admission for transplant

Timeline:

- Port inserted; and injection of chemo (overnight stay)

- 1 week of shots at home (to speed up and produce more stem cells)

- Stem cell collection (1-2 days or more; 5-6 hours per day until they collect amount needed for procedure)

- Admission to hospital; first day heavy dose of chemo administered

- 5-7 days later reintroduce stem cells

- 2-3 weeks recovery (wait for counts to recover back to normal)

- Once counts have recovered then discharge from hospital and go home

Pray for:

-The procedure that God will use the team of doctors hands as His instruments

-Debbie for a quick healing & recovery; Focus stays on the Lord; doesn't go crazy not being able to see kids for the duration

-infections are kept to a minimum or none at all

-Greg & boys- emotionally protected

-Greg for patience, strength & time management as he is going to be working and caring for boys. Going to and from the hospital as often as he can

-Boys that they will be kind to each other as this will be very tough on them not understanding why mommy isn't home and when they are asking "when is mommy coming back?"; That the kids do well in school that they aren't too affected.

-Nana (Alice) physical strength, endurance & patience as she will be caring for boys during the week while Greg is at work

-Grandma Susie) & Grandpa (Blair) for physical strength, endurance and patience to watch boys as on an on needed basis.

.....We will keep you posted after we start the procedures and keep current updates on the progress as much as possible.

Thank you to those who have helped make this a much easier transition for us:

-My dearly beloved husband, for your love, support, patience and understanding. Nothing can describe how much I love you. You have been my rock! I love you with everything inside of me. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful husband. In a million years we would have never known that this is what we would be challenged with someday. Here we are and we have become so much closer and stronger people through it. God is our focus and the center of our marriage and He is what has pulled us through. Thank you for loving me so much to stick by my side and walk this narrow road with me. The Lord has promised us he wouldn't give us anymore than we can handle so hang on and be a little more patient while he walks us through this path. I love you with all of my heart!

-Mom, WOW! you have been there for me for EVERYTHING. Through all of this you have been more than wonderful. Your attitude has been nothing but positive and your strength is enlightening. You have put your life on hold and given up so much of your time to help us. The countless times you have rescued us for babysitting on the drop of a dime, there is no way or no words to describe how thankful we are to have you as NANA...me, Greg and the kids, we all love you so much you have no idea. Dont worry I will make you proud and will make a quick recovery and come home quickly. I love you!

-Suzie & Blair, for being there for us and your willingness to come help on a moments notice day or night. The boys love their grandma and grandpa and we are comforted in knowing that your here to step in in time of need. We love you guys and are so thankful for you. XOXO

-Cindy & Barb, for always being willing to attend appt's, constantly checking up on us, coming when we need you. Stella too... you guys are the BEST big sisters a little sister could ever have. I wouldn't trade you guys for the world!! I thank God for giving me 3 beautiful sisters with beautiful hearts. I don't know what we would do without you guys we love you dearly. Who holds the drama Queen plaque now??? Oh I guess I "still" do : ) Ok girls I have a job to do, we need to get ready for a wedding soon!

-Chris & Melissa for always being available to us. Always offering to help even though you have your hands full. You guys have really been a great help. Thank you for your continual support ((hugs))

-Matthew, for your concerns, it means so much. Thanks a bunch : ) XOXO

-Pam, for being so thoughtful to fly out here to help us on more than one occasion. Such a kind cousin you are to think of us while you have so much going on yourself. Don't get me wrong...we love it, so keep on commin cuz! We love you.

-Ellie, my crazy & faithful friend that you are for running through the garment district in downtown LA in the mid of the summers HOT HEAT WAVE rummaging through fabric for headscarves. You were such a trooper dripping of sweat fanning your self to stay cool. You didn't complain once while I drug you through every single store on every block. Whew! And you are still my friend? And not to mention the following trip to LA to the flower mart, boy what an adventure that was going down skid row, just so that I can make accessories while in the hospital. I can always count on you for anything, thank you for always making me laugh and for your loyalty. Love Love Love you forever girlfriend! Thank you for always blessing our family.

Michelle (Winebarger)- Wow girl I have sooooo much to be thankful for the list can go on and on. Bottom line...we are eternally grateful for you. You have been a HUGE help to us. We couldn't have made it with out you this past year. Regardless what the day is, or the weather, the time or how you feel you are always so accommodating to our needs. You do so much. No to mention, always ready for an ear load good or bad, or an escape from the kids to the store or just a quick coffee break. No matter what you are always there....you are so dear to my heart. And I will do my darnedest to come back quickly so I can relieve you from the crazy driving school run schedule you are about to endure. I will forever owe you BIG TIME! XOXOXO ((hugs))

J-lo, my dearest friend. Even though we don't see much of each other you will drop everything to help a sista'. I'm so blessed you are the one that has the computer savvy brain. I could never set up the laptop with all the hook-ups so I can communicate with my family and friends, and of course i-tune downloads so I can listen to studies, music and watch movies. Also for ordering the studies from CCLH for me so I can keep my focus. And mucho thanks for creating my blog and setting up the the care calendar for the meals. Mostly for your beautiful heart and all of your prayers.... love you! (aka Wendy, Christina...Mukai, JLo... whatever)

-Natalie (yala!), for being such a great friend and a committed prayer warrior!!! For being thoughtful enough in helping with the daily meals on the care calendar (www.carecalendar.org) for my family while I'm gone. So happy my husband, boys and mom will be taken care of while eating nice dinners and not "Hungry Man" frozen dinners every night. You truly have no idea what this means to us. Your friendship is priceless! Love you and Jeff so much.

-Diana (Lady Di)...ahhh I'm dreaming of the fabulous leg and foot massages and pedicure. Now that is a true friend people. Cleaning God knows what is on your friends feet...that is just plain gross! But you did it with the biggest smile on your face the whole time. You are always filled with encouragement, I love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for being one of my many closest friends!

-Daph and Stan, for the case of Monavie, can't wait to start drinking it after the transplant. You are so thoughtful to think of my health and to want to help. Mostly for your prayers and your humor you Always make me chuckle. Love you both!

-Georgette, for probably doing the most important part of this whole thing for me....cutting my hair off. I've always looked up to you as a mentor. Your filled with encouragement and I just know you will help me through the cutting process (as your hacking off the lovely locks you know I've always been so picky with). So aren't you glad to be the one to do the job? Ha ha...it will be fine, we can just laugh it off as yo uare cutting it off. Well we can always throw on one of my fancy head scarves if it gets too bad.

-Pilar, Maria & Than at Oneill for making all my gorgeous headscarves and head bands...can't wait to go bald and show them off!! They look great and coordinate perfectly with all of my sleepwear and loungewear. Miss you guys! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you for the time and effort you put into them!! I know they were made with lots of love.

-Wendy, Noelle, Helen, Linda and whoever else at Esportia who donated the sleepwear, cami's and underwear they are a huge necessity. Thank you bunches you are all so thoughtful!! XOXOX Miss you all!

-Earl for all you have done for Greg and I. You leave us speechless...without you none of this would be possible.

-Andy, for the music thanks sooooo much they will be playing in my room 24/7. Much needed for daily encouragement.

- Genevieve, thank you so much for the New Testament on Audio. You will never know how much God has used you to bless me through your act of kindness.

- To those of you who have blessed us through donations, we greatly appreciate the tremendous gift this has been to us. We are speechless and are extremely grateful!

-All of our many of other friends and family unmentioned who hold the most important roles which is prayer and more prayer. We very much appreciate from the bottom of our hearts your daily thoughts, prayers and support, please we encourage you to keep praying when you think about it. We believe God has been hearing your prayers. He has been doing a work. We love you all and look forward to a successful procedure and a speedy recovery.

God Bless,

The Andrews Family