His name is Earl

Thanks to some wonderful home cooked meals (pat on the back for me) like the doctor ordered, Andrew's white blood cells have rebounded nicely and he was able to start chemo again on Monday. He is also still having radiation every day and after today will only have 2 weeks left. He should be done the day before Thanksgiving.

Though I'm sure no one really enjoys chemo, I can tell that there are aspects that Andrew enjoys.... first off, everyone knows his name and talks to him... I mean he's a 29 year old cancer patient and most of the people in here having treatment done are over the age of 60 (and I'm being nice.) ..... he also loves having me wait on him ... whatever he needs, he gets ... juice boxes, packed lunch served to him, cookies .... and that leads me to his favorite part of chemo ... Earl, the morning cook in the cafeteria. I can't verify this for myself, but Andrew tell me that Earl makes the best egg, cheese and bacon English muffin sandwiches in the world. He adds a little ketchup for good measure and you should see him perk up in the morning. Earl knows my name and my order and when he sees me coming in the morning, he sprays the griddle and starts the eggs sizzling. With a smile, he always asks about Andrew and makes it right every time. (I should let you know that Andrew does eat breakfast in the morning ... these 2 muffin sandwiches are just mid morning snacks ... and he wonders how he put on 45 pounds?) Though Earl probably doesn't really know it, he is a huge contributor to the success of Andrew's treatment every day. I've tried my best to re-make these sandwiches at home, but Andrew still likes Earl's the best.

There are a mountain of people who contribute to Andrew's overall success with beating this disease .. doctors, PA's, nurses, technicians, schedulers, valet parkers, parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers, dogs, neighbors, friends, co-workers ... and Earl. Thank you all for contributing. We know together we can beat Andrew's cancer!!!!

Muchas Gracias!!!

Sunburn in November

Andrew's spirits have never been higher after last nights win over Philadelphia. He's one happy camper!! Yesterday was a big day of celebration in our house. Not only did Andrew's beloved Yankee's win, but after his blood work yesterday morning, we found out that his counts are high enough to have chemo again next week .... yeah!! His body is strong enough and producing enough white blood cells to fight off infection. It's wonderful news to hear. He was even able to go back to work today, thank the lord for that, and I got my office back. In all sincerity, it wasn't that bad having him home. But it was time for him to go back.
We also had a wonderful visitor for the past 2 days, Andrew's college friend Bill. Yesterday we took Billy on a day in the life of a cancer patient. We went to a doctors appointment, came home and worked, and then went to radiation therapy in the afternoon. What an exciting day for Billy. But it was great to see him and it helps to keep Andrew's mind off of the cancer.
Lynn and Pete are coming this weekend. Winston is so excited to see his grandparents. Currently, he is resting and snoring loudly so he has enough energy when they arrive. Oh, the life of a Bulldog.
But besides that it's business as usual. Andrew is still having side effects from the radiation. Though it is November in Virginia, his hip and stomach (and other unmentionable areas) look like he has been laying the July sun. Radiation gives him an awful sunburn. He has lots of creams and powers but it only helps so much. He is also having some bowel issues (that no one wants me to go into detail with on this blog ..... trust me!!!) but the doctor says that the bowel is a very durable organ and any issues should resolve themselves after the treatment is over. Crossing our fingers on that one.
So we are ending week 4 of radiation, amazing. Only 3 weeks to go.... till radiation is over and Thanksgiving. Andrew and I are excited for the weekend and the PSU vs. O-State game on Saturday ....



We are ..... Penn State!! Go State, Beat Ohio!!!!

Penn State
"Fight on State"

Fight on State, Fight on State,
Strike your gait and win,
Victory we predict for thee,
We're ever true to you, dear old White and Blue.
Onward State, Onward State
Roar Lions roar,
We'll hit that line, roll up the score,
Fight on to victory evermore,
Fight on, on
On, on, on!
Fight on, on,
Penn State!

(Normally this where a Jager shot goes ... Jamey and friends, do one for us this weekend!!)