Hi Friend!
As you probably know by now Andrew received some important results last week. They were the best results we could have received without getting a full blown miracle. I’ll give a quick recap. Basically, the tumor in his chest hasn’t shrunk any more then it did after the first two rounds (which shrunk it by 1/3 of its original size). The spots in his bones have also decreased in size. The doctor did find another spot on his pelvis that he wasn’t sure was originally there. It could have been there, but if so it’s increased in size. At this point the doctor suggested we do radiation on Andrew’s chest, humorous and femur. Once that is complete Andrew will start taking a lighter dose of chemo to hopefully keep the cancer from coming back.
Tuesday we go to M.D. Anderson to meet with the radiation specialist to see what Andrew’s schedule will look like. It could be an everyday treatment for three weeks so we are hoping they will allow a hospital in Victoria to give the radiation so we don’t have to drive to Houston daily (but of course we’re up for anything).
This week has been a little scary because Andrew keeps coughing up a lot of blood. Clearly that isn’t normal. It’s moments like these that remind me how serious this whole experience is. Last week was a complete wake up call for me. Honestly it freaked me out when I heard they found another spot and when I found out the chemo wasn’t responding anymore.
The more results we get the more reality sets in for me. I try my hardest to stay positive, but lately the stress of life feels heavy on my soul. I wish I could say that when you get news like this you just cherish every moment and you are the sweetest most encouraging person, but to be honest that hasn’t completely been the case for me. I have my genuine moments of taking it all in and being so grateful, but then I have moments of resentment and frustration that we are having to go through this.
Sensing my stress I’ve decided to work on simplifying my life. As much as I am loving my life coaching sessions with clients I’ve decided to cut back in order to fully be present with Andrew right now. I will continue my weekly life coaching class. I have added cooking healthy breakfasts and dinners for my family. I’ve started juicing fresh vegetables and fruits in the morning to help give us a boost of energy. Family and Health are my top priorities at this point and I’m slowly learning to simplify and focus to get the most out of each experience. I would love to hear from you on some ways you are simplifying your life. Love you dearly!
Young lady their only one thing I can say to you, I BEAT CANCER and I do belive the treatments help some but because of all the people PRAYING FOR ME HELP THE MOST and Bailey im praying for your family big time. LOVE YOU
Praying for you guys.
Simplify and set appropriate priorities seems to be the key! Considering my work habits and never knowing when to quit for the day and go home has always been part of who I have been. A few years back an associate passed away in an accident. The entire workforce mourned her death . . . for just about 5 days. 🙁 Then, back to normal and moving forward. It brought me to the realization that my time and efforts were always focused on my work. They should have been focused on family and friends. They are the true importance in one’s life. They are the ones that will miss you forever in their lives and appreciate you for who you are and how you have touched their lives and theirs has touched yours. That is where the love truly is. When there is a family function or someone wishes to spend extra time in my company, it becomes a priority to me, now. 🙂 My work will not go anywhere and it will wait until I have the time to get back to it. You just never know when that will be your last day with that person. It would be an awaful shame to miss out. I won’t let that happen anymore!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Andrew and your daughter.
God is using you and your testimony to reach the hearts of others. Praying for you.
You are precious. You’re family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bailey, remember God is always with you. He will give you strength,and He will give you peace.God is gonna carry you thru this no matter the outcome.I am praying for your little family, and I believe that God is walking ahead of every where you are going.. Walk in faith.
Bailey, you and Andrew have touched my life with your blogs. I appreciate your candidness and your willingness to share. I will continue to pray for Andrew to be healed and also, for simplicity and peace in your home. I wish I had great advice on simplifying. I’m in need of that also. I don’t know why it so difficult to just be still, to be quiet. I think that is where simplicity starts.