Andrew's Blog

Family

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 17:56:00 +0000

A few months ago while looking through Andrew's email account I came across an e-mail. I had never seen it as it was sent to his parents and his siblings. I thought it was very beautiful, so I thought I would share.

It was written November 9, 2005.

I just want all of you to know that I love you with all of my heart. I feel like there is nothing stronger than the bond of a family. I
feel the same way about my little family (Amy, Liam, Lanie, Evan). I always want you to know how close I hold my relationships with each of you to my heart. You have all shaped the person that I have become, and I know that I have had the same effect on you.

I know that we are dispersed right now, and that my medical situation is a heavy emotional burden for all. I hope that you find peace with it and know that I have already found that peace. If and when I pass on, I will do so as a blessed and fearless man. I could not ask for a better family to raise me. I am very proud of each of you. I feel like I have accomplished some great things in my 30 years and you have been a part of it along the way.

I love you & livestrong,

Andrew (AJ) Molenda

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 03:48:00 +0000

Thank you

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 03:20:00 +0000

Thanks to all of our friends, family, supporters, and prayer warriors. We appreciate the outpouring of support from everyone. The posts on the blog have meant so much to us all. The flood of cards with support and prayers is so comforting. I am amazed by the amount of support for the children's college fund. That was such a wonderful idea Andrew came up with. It will now have time to earn interest, and will be a wonderful gift to them later in life. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful network of people who will be there to help when we need it. There aren't really words to express the comfort it gives me.

I would like to publicly thank my Mother, Debi, and my Mother-in-law, Margaret. Though I have had support from many others throughout the last few years during Andrew's battle, they have given me a gift that I will never be able to repay. They allowed me to be the best caregiver that I could. They allowed me to call and arrange childcare with them at a last minute notice, so I could run and be with Andrew wherever in the country he might need me. I feel blessed to know that I gave Andrew all that I had, and you both helped me do that. Thank you.

I would also like to thank my Dad, Wayne. Dad you've been so amazing. I've called on you nearly weekly, sometimes daily, to help me around the house. You've helped me remodel, and you've done everything I've asked of you, and sometimes things I didn't ask, but that you knew needed to be done. Thank you.

Frank I'd like to thank you for being there to support Margaret, me, and Andrew anytime we needed you. And, for being supportive, of Margaret being here with us more than she could be with you in Ohio. Thank you.

Dan, Miranda, Jenny, Ellen, Fr. Steve, thanks so much for being there days on end with us at the hospital. Thanks for praying, and crying, laughing, and making those last days and hours with Andrew a time I will never forget.

Thank you Andrew for giving us everything you had those last days, everything that we all remember as just being Andrew, from the Southpark and cracking jokes to being the smart aleck you always were, and for the amazingly touching words to us all.

I will continue to update my blog, to let everyone know how we are doing. I am planning to continue the blogging effort in a way to carry on Andrew's mission, to be vocal about his story because it might impact someone's life. I will continue to post information vital to all of us about cancer and how we can make a difference. I have applied to the LAF to attend Washington DC in May for Livestrong Day, and hope to be accepted next week. Andrew asked me to promise that I would be there to tell his story. I will always tell his story. I will also tell mine.

Livestrong always,

Amy Molenda

www.5molendas.blogspot.com

Arrangements Made

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 23:34:00 +0000

We've made some arrangements for Andrew's funeral, wake, and for donations instead of flowers.

Wake: 8 p.m. Friday, March 3, at the Church of the Resurrection (4804 S. Fulton), Tulsa, OK. Come and have a Guinness in memory of Andrew!

Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Church of the Resurrection (4804 S. Fulton), Tulsa.

Burial: 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles, IL.

Instead of flowers, please contribute to the Molenda children's college fund by sending a check made out to Amy Molenda (or one of the children) to:

Arvest Bank
4548 E. 51st St.
Tulsa, OK 74135

Thank you for your continuing support. We truly appreciate it.

Good night, sweet Andrew

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 04:06:00 +0000

Andrew's struggle with cancer ended this afternoon. We all got a chance to say goodbye to him, and although it was a terrible, heartbreaking day, we know he's in a better place and that we will see him again.

We're all sad. But we remember the joy Andrew brought us all, and his fierce, strong, beautiful approach to life. He was a fighter until the end. He made his life and his death meaningful.

All of your thoughts and prayers, and your overwhelming kindness, are very much appreciated. We have all been reading the comments on the blog, and crying and smiling as we are reminded of how many people loved Andrew and were inspired by him.

Andrew: we all love you, and we will miss you awfully until we are together again. Until then, we will keep you in our hearts and know that you are watching over us.

Andrew's Final Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 06:14:00 +0000

We are sitting beside Andrew's bed in the hospital. It has been a heartbreaking time, both terrible in that we know we are losing Andrew, and wonderful in that his family has been here in force to show him their love and support.

He has been bleeding since Thursday, and Friday he opted for comfort care only -- no more transfusions. He decided he had suffered enough, and we support his decision even though letting him go will be the hardest thing we've ever had to do.

Andrew is a true hero, and an inspiration to us all. It would be impossible to describe the way this hurts. But Andrew is also still making us laugh with his wisecracks, watching South Park, and just generally being Andrew. It probably won't be very long now, but we are treasuring every moment.

We're limiting visitors to family only, but friends, please know that Andrew loves you and that he knows he has your support.

We will keep this blog updated with further information as it happens.

Indiana Bound?

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 03:28:00 +0000

Who knows. I spoke with my Tulsa doctors today regarding the fistula/abscess/small bowel leak issue. They have asked me to involve my Indiana surgeons who performed the pelvic resection last June. Dr. Jacobson, the thoracic surgeon who assisted on my last two surgeries at Indiana is going to review my films from the fistulagram, Barium Enema and upcoming CT scan (This Thursday). Depending on his judgment Amy and I may be scrambling to make it up to Indianapolis so they can perform a surgical repair of my bowel. Personally, I am hopeful that this can be done successfully and I can get relief from the bowel issues along with the abscess issues. Dealing with these issues since last July has been quite miserable.

So far this is all in speculation until the doctors are able to review the films and make their recommendations. When I know something more solid, I'll be the first to post it out here for everyone to see.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Even if I have surgery, I have promised myself that I will be at the Livestrong Ride in Austin this October. And if I am able to meet my $15K goal, I'll be dancing a jig at this year's Ride for the Roses. I'm not letting cancer or these ailments hold me back for one moment!

Livestrong (is there any other way?)

Andrew

Some new medical setbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 01:53:00 +0000

Well the hits just keep on coming

Earlier this week I noticed that the output from my abscess changed from the usual lovely infected yellow to fecal brown color. Woo hoo!

I had a barium enema and a fistulagram performed on Thursday. The results of which showed that my small-bowel has formed a fistula to my long existing abscess.

The plan is to limit my food intake to a liquid diet in the hope that it will heal on its own. If it doesn't heal, they will admit me to the hospital again and put my on IV nutrition or TPN to shut down my bowels and encourage them to to heal. The final option would be surgery (This is an option no one wants to pursue with my unique anatomy).

As you can imagine this has been a pretty miserable experience for me, but I was relieved to hear that it could heal without a hospital stay or surgery. I am definitely not out of the woods yet and appreciate all of your love, support, and prayers.

Livestrong,

Andrew

One More Photo from the OSU Game

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 01:42:00 +0000

In preparation for the Bedlam Game* coming up tomorrow night, I thought I would post the most recent photo I have been sent from the Coaches vs Cancer event back on 1/21. As I said before this was an amazing honor and I could not be more thankful to the organizers of the event and the sponsor, Sallie Mae Loans.

*For those who live outside of Oklahoma, Bedlam is the name for the rivalry games between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Blog Page Update

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 19:49:00 +0000

I added a sidebar banner for the Livestrong Ride in Austin, TX. I also put a link to my donation page directly below it. I'll make sure that this link is up and working throughout my fundraising. You can click it if you are interested in making a donation or if you want to see how close I am to reaching my goal of $15,000. So far I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends and family, If I could keep up that kind of pace I would reach my goal in no time!

Livestrong,

Andrew

Livestrong Ride 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 20:46:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! I am kicking off my 2006 fundraising for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This year the ride is being called the "Livestrong Ride" and it will be done regionally. My ride is still in Austin TX. Those who raise enough money will be invited to the Ride For the Roses in Austin later in the year.

Every year I am continually impressed with the generosity of my friends and family. If you are interested in supporting my efforts for 2006 just click this link.

If the link above does not work, copy and paste the following URL into you browser:
http://www.livestrongride.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=153534&u=153534-87005546&e=497886250

I am also interested in any ideas for ways to raise funds or if you may know of any corporations that might be willing to donate to my account.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Back in the hospital again....

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 22:38:00 +0000

Fortunately, it will only be for a blood transfusion. I'm sure I just freaked some people out with that title. My Anemia is a fact of life after the last surgery when they removed so much tissue and bone from my pelvis. Apparently I lost some valuable bone marrow in the process. That in combination with the Neutron Therapy I received in the same area made things even worse. So I'll be going back on weekly Aranesp shots (at about 2K a pop) along the Iron I take three times a day. With all of that I am usually able to keep my hemoglobin around the 9+ range if I am lucky. My Hemoglobin was 7.0 today, a normal level is 14.0.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Chromosomal Translocations in Sarcomas: New Perspectives

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 17:42:00 +0000

This is a very interesting article about my type of cancer (Sarcoma) and what has been found regarding the unique Chromosomal features of the tumors. This information will allow them to pull a tumor marker to determine tumor type and tumor activity. This would be huge for someone in my condition.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Some have reported problems with the earlier link. I updated the link in title, but here is the correct link as well: Translocation Article

Coaches vs. Cancer Honorary Survivor!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 01:38:00 +0000

Wow! What an amazing honor! I cannot really describe how wonderful it felt to be out on center court of Gallagher-IBA Arena (one of the great college basketball stadiums) while my accomplishments were read aloud and the crowd roared. Especially since OSU is my alma mater and this was my first basketball game in Stillwater. The people with OSU Athletics and Coaches vs Cancer really took care of me well and coordinated a great event. Today was the first day they started selling Coach Sutton Bobblehead dolls, so I had to get one. All the money benefits the Coaches vs. Cancer charity.

You can get one at www.orangeconnection.com if you are interested.

Take Care, Livestrong, and Go Pokes!

Andrew

Great American Health Check

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 14:14:00 +0000

The American Cancer Society is providing an online heath checklist. If you click on the title of this post it will link you to the website. Otherwise visit www.cancer.org for more information.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Many Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:03:00 +0000

I just need to send out some thank yous:

--To my friends at the CCC (Cyclists Combating Cancer) who continue to provide support and encouragement.

--To the wonderful people at Sallie Mae who chose me to be the honorary coach/survivor for this weekend's OSU/Colorado basketball game.

--To the generous people who are sharing their season tickets with us so my family can attend the game for this special honor.

--To everyone else who reads my blog, posts comments, and shares in my story.

Livestrong,

Andrew Molenda

Coaches vs. Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 17:21:00 +0000

I've going to be busy next weekend. I'll be the Coaches vs. Cancer honorary cancer survivor for this Saturday's Oklahoma State vs Colorado basketball game! They'll read a brief bio about what I've done as a survivor and let me bring the game ball out to the referee. Oklahoma State is my alma mater so I am really excited about this opportunity. I know the game is televised in Oklahoma and should be in Colorado as well. Tipoff is at 3:00pm central if any of you want to catch the game, you may see me!

So far So Good

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 21:58:00 +0000

After the first 24 hours at home everything is still going well. It sure was nice to sleep in my own bed again and not have the regular interruptions of my sleep (Checking my vitals, etc). My three kids spent time with Amy's Mom in OKC this weekend, coming home today. Seeing the kids react to my being home was emotional. They were all very sweet and wanted hugs and kisses. I missed them greatly and it is wonderful to have them home.

It really is scary how weakened my condition became due to the bowel obstruction. I continue to worry that it will become a problem again but things consistently work out. I just need to remember not to push myself too much and to rebuild what I have lost of the past week. Last check my weight was 126lbs, I'd like to get up to the 150s in time.

1/14 is my day of freedom!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 01:28:00 +0000

I got word today that I'll be going home tomorrow! They're stopping
the TPN nutrition today and I'm continuing to eat a normal diet.
Looks like it'll be a weekend watching NFL football and enjoying the
new recliners Amy bought this week!

The doctor also signed the order today for a home health PT to help
get my body in shape to ride my bike again. I am very excited about
kicking this off. The thought of being able to ride again almost brought a tear to my eye.

Livestrong,

Andrew

Food!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:07:00 +0000

Well, since Andrew was handling the full liquids good, and he actually got some through the digestive tract several times, rather than going backwards to water, they have decided to move on forward just slowly. So, he got to start a soft diet today. So far so good. He hasn't been feeling full and things seem to go down fine. The doctors are planning to keep him a bit longer in the hospital, but don't anticipate any problems. :)

I mentioned that I thought he was looking a bit yellow this morning, so they ordered a liver panel. Everything looked fine, but his bilirubin was a bit low (it would be high with jaundice). The TPN can cause some issues like this because TPN is processed by the liver. So, it's working harder. I'm sure it will resolve once they get him off the TPN, and it looks like that won't be a problem since eating is going well.

LiveStrong,

Amy

Latest Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 05:37:00 +0000

The surgeon thinks there is still a partial blockage, which could cause some problems, and ultimately feel Andrew will need surgery. However, they want to try to postpone it as long as possible and try to get him healthier. The current idea is to send him home on TPN and allow water only. After a few months he'd be further out from chemo, and possibly in better shape nutritionally. He weighs about 126, down from 196 in June. They think he could gain on TPN. At least he could improve is prealbumin number which was at 3 earlier in the week, should be closer to 20. If they could get him in better shape for surgery, they could go in to operate on the obstruction.

Right now this is just an idea they are tossing around, we'll have to see how things go over the next few days. Right now Andrew is feeling really full even with a small amount of juice. The doctors feel this could be a result of the partial obstruction.

I guess time will tell. He did get the NG tube out today, and after several Kleenex, he was feeling much better. Much easier coming out than going in. :) Though there is a risk that it may have to go back in he felt it was worth it, just to get some relief from the nostril tube.

LiveStrong,

Amy

What a week!

noreply@blogger.com (Andrew Molenda) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 17:22:00 +0000

Hello again, it's good to be back. I had all kinds of funny stuff to blog when they were giving me regular morphine. I am just very humbled by this experience and I continue to pray for it to be be resolved.

LIVESTRONG = Andrew

X-rays

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:56:00 +0000

The surgeon said today they'll do another contrast dye test to see how Andrew is digesting. If all looks good, they'll take out the NG tube today or tomorrow, and he'll start with a little water. If no nausea they'll keep stepping it up.

LiveStrong,

Amy

Can I have water, please?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 03:31:00 +0000

Andrew is doing great! He seems in MUCH better spirits, which I guess is to be expected. :) We all are! It's been such a wonderful day, truly a gift. Andrew is just very thirsty, and can't wait for that first glass of water. He told the nurse that will be a special day. :) He keeps asking, but of course, the doctors are hesitant. The bile is continuing through his system with no problems, so it would seem that the blockage has past. Yeah!

What a roller-coaster! Yesterday the two options were horrible or worse, and today was just such a relief. We were all very terrified, and today very grateful. Thanks to everyone for all of the prayers and support, the calls and e-mails. It means so much to have such a network of people available to help, and friends who truly care.

LiveStrong,

Amy

Power of Prayer and Positive Thinking :)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 20:59:00 +0000

We talked to the doctor again. He said the surgeons feel that a CT would show them what they already know, that the bulging pressure is gone, because the blockage allowed the bile through. So, they wait to see if Andrew keeps moving bile through. If so, in a couple of days they'll take the NG tube out and try some water. If Andrew doesn't get nauseous or vomit, they'll try a bit of food, and so on. Right now, they just aren't sure if the blockage was forced over to allow the building pressure through and eventually the pressure will build again, or if there was a plug that has actually passed.

Whoo!!!Hoo!!! I'll take it for now, and hopefully the news just gets better.

Amy