See Lance Ride

This commercial was made last year, but it's still a favorite of mine. My favorite moment is when he rides by the pediatric oncology ward.

A photo from the last day at the hospital. Notice the IU School of Medicine shirt with a meat cleaver on it. We all share a dry sense of humor in my family. 

National Men’s Health Week

This week is national men's health week. I think it is important to bring up since most men are reluctant to visit a doctor for their yearly physical.

Some links to check out:

http://www.menshealthweek.org/

Spike TV's Check in or Check out program

I've decided that raising awareness among men for health concerns is one of my major initiatives.

LiveStrong

Andrew

Home Sweet Home

Just wanted to update everyone,

I made it home all in one piece, I'm just a little tired. Overall I
really feel good. I see my radiological oncologist in a week to
discuss my treatment plan.

My work is being awesome, and my family has really bent over backward
to make things comfortable for me.

I found out that one of the Senators I met with on LIVESTRONG DAY and
one congressman from my home state signed the 2015 pledge! That was a
huge motivator for me, no one from Oklahoma was on it prior to LS day.

Oh, yeah one more thing: I got a motivational e-mail from Lance today!!
Dr. Einhorn hooked me up.

Some positive notes from my sweetheart - Amy

I just wanted to let you all know, I was reading a bit about sarcomas.
As Einhorn has said it is very good that it has remained localized to
the pelvic area, that is a good sign and typical sarcomas result in a
lower staging when they have not metastisized. Also, the sites I've
read said that radiotherapy can give the same positive outcome as
getting clear surgical margins. So, we are remaining very positive,
and realize even more today how precious each day is.

Dr. Foster and Dr. Jacobson did not want to entertain Dr. Einhorn's
thoughts that it would be possibly inoperable if it were to return.
Dr. Foster says though the surgery would be VERY unpleasant it is
possible that a new tumor in that area could be surgically removed.
Dr. Jacobson, said, "we never say never." He also says we should not
consider the what if's and possibilities, right now we have a job to
focus on recovery and radiotherapy. If it returns then we talk about
where it is, and if or how it can be removed.

The doctors here are just incredibly supportive and wonderful. They
are all very surprised at how great Andrew is doing. Right now he's
flipping through a magazine, watching TV, and eating pretzels. :)

As Andrew's friend Cyndi says, "LiveLong and LiveStrong."


I wouldn't be here without her support and strength. Tomorrow is out 9yr anniversary. I love you, Amy.

Here's a picture from my meeting with Congressman Sullivan, First District Oklahoma. I truly enjoyed getting to share my story with him, he was truly interested in it. He agreed to sign the 2015 pledge. I look forward to working with him in the future on survivorship issues. 

Pathology Follow Up

Unfortunately I was told some news today that I did not want to hear. My pathology report showed active cancer in the surgical margins of my abdomin. The plan is to follow up with radio-therapy in Tulsa in hopes to wipe out all remaining cells. I am remaining positive and staying focused. I'll keep you updated as I learn more from my doctors.

Sincerely,

Andrew

Everyday is getting better

My body is going through the slow process of getting back to normal. Today I was cleared to drink water. And hopefully tomorrow I'll be to eat lightly.

Just getting tired of hospital life an starting to look ahead to being home and seeing little ones.