Thursday, May 20th

Drew usually gets sick around the 3rd day, and sure enough, he started feeling pretty yucky yesterday. Lord willing, he will go home tomorrow night.

Great news from the chest x-ray! Preliminary results are that the tumor has already been reduced by 50%! He will have anotdher PET scan in a month. Surgery is still projecte2d around the 12th week---sometime the last of June we believe, barring no more setbacks.

May 19th

Drew was home from the hospital last week because of the mucousitis. His 4th round of chemo had to be delayed a week to give his body time and his counts time to come up a little more. Even though it put us a little behind schedule, we were thankful because it gave Drew a little break. He had more than 2 weeks between rounds this last time. During that time Mom took all the kids to the beach down in Melbourne. Surprisingly, we were able to find a spot that wasn't so people-filled. The kids had a great time playing in the water, and I think it was wonderful for Drew. I know it was wonderful for Mom:-)

He was admitted on the 17th for the 5-day round. Today is the 3rd day of this round, and so far, God be praised, no adverse side effects. He has been able to eat and drink. Hailey stayed the 1st night, Daddy the 2nd, and tonight is my night. I am so thankful to be able to spend this time with Drew. I know what he is going through is difficult, and I am just grateful to the Lord for the family that He's given us.

Drew was able to begin his online Spanish class last week and has been able to do some of that work here in the hospital. He's second-guessing his excitement over having a computer in his room;-)

Today is also a special day for our family as it is my husband and my 23rd anniversary. What a gift to have such a precious husband---God's man and a Godly man. And, all of the silver and gold in the world couldn't buy the joy in my heart today.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Drew's progress and our family's journey.

Mother's Day

Things are a little better today. Drew was able to drink 1 Ensure and 2 bites of food. He has talked a little today, so I think his pain level is decreasing. He's smiled and laughed a little, too. His doctor said he could go home tomorrow provided he could eat and drink. His kidney function was not what it should be this morning either, but that should level out when he is hydrated enough.

It has been a special day for Drew and me. I am so thankful for the privilege of spending this special day with him. Truly there is no higher calling than that of a mother. I am so grateful that I have a wonderful daughter who is such a good 2nd mama to my little ones that I can be here knowing that they are all cared for there. Life is so sweet when you belong to Christ. A wonderful, Godly husband, 8 precious kids on earth (2 in Heaven), a wonderful church family, Holy Spirit-filled friends who encourage me in my walk with Christ.....truly what else could a mother ask for? I am so blessed.

Bump in the road

They had to keep Drew in the hospital. Drew is getting fluids and pain medicine now. His doctor said that they must get this situation with his mouth under control. This will delay his next round of chemo. They must get his pain level under control and get him to where he can eat and drink. Bro. Lane stayed the night with him, his sister, Hailey, is with him now and Kim will be going later today after the ladies banquet at church and will spend the night with him tonight. We know our God is Good and Great and that He is with us and wants us to lean on Him. We are trusting our Lord and are thankful for the love and wisdom of Christ. We sure do love and appreciate each one that takes the time to read the updates and more importantly, for your prayers. Thank you.

Update on Andrew

Drew has had a very hard week. He has sores in his mouth and his tongue is swollen. It has gotten to the point that he can not talk and can not even drink. We are taking him back to the hospital tonight. His counts were good at the check up this week. Only one count was low but not low enough for a transfusion. He was scheduled to go back to the doctor this coming Monday to get checked again and to start his next round of chemo. Poor little darling, he is hurting and miserable this week. But we know we serve an awesome God. We know the Lord walks with us and often carries us, when He knows we need it. God is good, all the time. We really truly appreciate your prayers.