Monday, October 4, 2010

The beginning

I never thought that I would be a blogger. I love reading them. I'll admit it that I will spend time wandering around on other peoples blogs but never thought I would start one of my own. Things changed about two weeks ago when our world was turned upside down.

Drew went to his family practice doctor after finding a small bump on his testicle. He then was told to head to Holland Hospital to have an ultrasound done and a referral to a urologist. The next day he headed to see the urologist, who told him that he thought it was most likely cancerous and he should have it removed. They scheduled surgery for the following Monday (Sept 27). We went in early Monday morning for the surgery and everything went really well. He has been sore afterwards, they had to go in through his lower abdomen so it has been really difficult for him to bend over, turn, sneeze or laugh hard.

I think the hardest part of the whole situation is the waiting. It took until Wednesday to find out that it was for sure cancer and that it was a mix of both seminoma and non-seminoma cancer. ( There are two main type of testicular cancer, seminoma and non-seminoma. The seminoma is more of a slow growing cancer and responds better to radiation and the non-seminoma is a more aggressive form of cancer and usually repsonds better to chemo). Drew was scheduled to have a chest, abdomen and pelvis CT scan on friday and we were going to meet with the urologist again on monday about the results of the scan and what the options would be.

Monday finally arrived after a long weekend of waiting and today we talked with the urologist about the scan. We keep calling it "middle of the road" kind of news. Its not the worst you can get but its not the best you could get. The urologist showed us his scans and informed us that the cancer had infact spread into his lymph nodes in his abdomen. He then told us that we had some options. We could meet with a oncologist here in west michigan or we could get another opinion from other urologist in west michigan or we could head to Indiana University who is a leader in testicular cancer treatment. We left with agreeing to meet with the oncoloist here in west michigan and talk about heading to I.U. After we had time to digest the news we both agreed that we are so blessed to have one of the top two hospitals in the US for testicular cancer within a couple hours drive and it would be silly not to head down there to see what they have to say.
The two main treatment options are chemo or have a lymph node dissection and remove the enlarged lymph nodes. Most doctors would say to have the chemo first and hopefully the mass will shrink and there wont be any more issues but if they dont shrink then the surgery is a little more risky since you have had the chemo and more scarring might occur. Then there is some doctors that would say get the surgery first. There in lies the dilemma.

We decided to start this blog because it is a really easy way to update everyone at one time. We will try to update as much as possible with new information as we get it and decide what we are going to do.

Thanks:
Thanks to all our family and friends who have been praying for us, we really appreciate it.
Thanks to everyone who brought food the past week, it has been delicious!
Thanks for the cards and messages. They have been so encouraging!

Prayer request:
... for quick response from the onolcogist and I.U so we can meet and decide a plan of action.
... for anxiety levels to stay down as we sit and wait for information
... full recovery for Drew

16 comments:

  1. i'm so glad you are doing this so we can stay informed - thank you! not exactly the best news, but God has a plan for you guys. we'll keep praying - love you guys!!!

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  2. Wow Jamie! So scary and sad. I'm so sorry you both have to go through this. Praying for you and your family. Hoping that after meeting with the specialists you'll have more answers than questions. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Kylie Weaver

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  3. Hi Jamie... Lindsey has been keeping us posted on how to pray for you! Thanks for making this blog so we know how to help and what to pray for:)
    Kim Lubbers

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  4. Very well written Buddy...you're a natural blogger! :) You guys are in our prayers all throughout the day and we love you both dearly. Drewbie...show this cancer who's boss!

    Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~Author Unknown

    xoxo
    Katie

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  5. Jamie,

    I saw your blog post on a facebook update. I haven't seen you in years, but I can picture you about 10 years ago...like yesterday. I can't even begin to imagine all the feelings you are having. Both you and Drew are in my thoughts. Wishing you everything you could possibly need and more! God's Speed!

    Catherine Brinks

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  6. We are praying fervently, and love you both very much.
    Lil & Phil

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  7. Well first of all let me start by saying honestly and openly i don't pray, but after reading this (with tears in my eyes) i just bent my head and prayed to Him. I prayed that Drew would be okay, that he would be able to live a happy and healthy long long life with his family and his beautiful wife. I hope God answers my prayers, ive never asked him for anything..you all are in my thoughts. Lots of love your way.

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  8. Jamie and Drew, Know that you are being covered in prayers. As He provided a way for my sister, He will surely provide a way for Drew. God Bless as you progress to healing. Sharron W

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  9. Dear Jamie and Drew , LOVE that you are blogging! Not only to keep everyone informed and updated on Drews progress, but more importantly what a wonderful way for you to see all the love and support you both have-the constant prayers and blessings sent your way for strength , healing, and health for Drew.
    We will keep you in prayer ! and please let us know if you need anything at all.
    Uncle Bri, Melissa and family

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  10. Jamie,
    I know it has been a while since I have seen you guys, but I found your link on FB and had to write you! I am sorry you have to go through this, but I pray that God will watch over you two and provide answers with the specialists. Thanks for sharing your journey.

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  11. So sorry to hear this news...please know we will be praying for you guys. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know.

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  12. Jamie and Drew, So sorry to hear this news and please know that we will pray that the ultimate healer will once again perform a miracle that we know he is able to do. In our daily thoughts and prayers.

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  13. The Mockridge FamilyOctober 5, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    Jamie and Drew, So sorry to hear the bad news. Drew hold your head up high, You will get through this We all will get through this Just fine. We are a big strong loving family. with all of our prayers and love joined together this little road block is nothing. You are a young strong man with a new wife this will not stop youre long happy life together. Hang in there you two. lots of prayers for you both.
    Dale and Sue Mockridge

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  14. Jamie and Drew, so sorry to hear this news. Just remember we are all praying for a full recovery. God is in control and He is an awesome God. Praying for you and your family.

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  15. Jamie and Drew,
    As Monday is fast approaching, I wanted to assure you that many are praying for the two of you, around the world. Love you both and thanks for the blog to keep us informed.

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  16. Jamie and Drew,
    I am praying for a full recovery and some serenity during this process. God is awesome and he hears our prayers and is with us every step of the way. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Tina Vork

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