My Son Andrew and his battle with Cancer

[mudnut]

Getting him to Adelaide would be a boost to him and everyone, but as you said, it will be a slow process and you don't want to rush things. Andrew has shown he has an incredible will to live and the love and support you all have given him has sustained him greatly. Please let him know I admire him very much for fighting so hard and that patience is the key to allow himself to heal.

[threedogs]

Good stuff Tony you have your son back and that must be the best feeling in the world,
As MR pointed out all the big hurdles have been jumped, now get Andrew to Adelaide so
some his mates and other family friends can see him and give some more encouragement
Again only good thoughts going your way. Even my wife is following Andrews journey as
wishes only the best for Andrew

[dom14]

Great story of human endurance. Your son's story and this thread has given me lot of inspiration.
Prior to reading this, I was thinking of no return visit to Belgium if I'm to be in a challenging situation like that.
Now I'm thinking all different.
I wish I can know the medical details of your son's condition.
I hope somebody in Sydney can help you with accommodation.
I wish all the best to your son Andrew and the rest of the family.
Take care mate.

[TPC]

Hi All,
Have had a few PM's asking how things are going so thought it would be best to update on here.
Andrew has made some good progress in the last few weeks, he has been taken off the ventilator and had the tracheotomy removed. The hole left behind only took 2 days to close over. He was moved out of ICU last Thursday into a ward with the intention of being released from RPA on the 11th and continue his rehab in Adelaide as an outpatient. I flew to Adelaide on Saturday to get a car and drove back to Sydney and the plan is to drive him home over 3 or 4 days, we have to drive him because he has been told he may never be able to fly again as his lungs cannot take the pressurized air.
Last Friday everything changed, he had a CT scan and it showed that a fibrotic section of his lung that all doctors said cannot heal has started to heal, they are at a loss as how this has happened as they have never seen it before. They have now decided to keep him in a bit longer and have attached a drain to reduce the pneumothorax (air pocket) next to his lung with the hope his lung will expand into the space.
He has already had two articles about his case written for the medical journals and there will now probably be a third.
We were all looking forward to getting back to Adelaide and this is also delaying his physical rehabilitation but we are happy to be stuck here a little longer if it means his long term lung capacity will be improved. He will probably still require oxygen, a wheel chair and walking frame when he is released but hopefully after about 6 months of rehab he should be able to walk around normally and may only need oxygen with excursion or possibly not at all.

Thanks everybody for all your well wishes and PM's, really appreciate it. Also thanks for the donations to Andrew's Mycause page.

[growler2058]

Far out! Talk about going from tears of despair to tears of joy!!
Best news I've heard this week


Sent from my iPhone using My thumbs

[Cuppa]

Give him a hug from a stranger (me) Tony.

[Touses]

It's nice to know that miracles can happen.

[Firetrol]

Positive thoughts to you & your family, i hope the good news continues.

[Sir Roofy]

Well done Andrew with every day you get stronger wont be long now mate

[BigRAWesty]

Tony that is absolutely sensational news..
What a come back..
Big smiles here mate..
Hopefully he's in town when we come threw mate. He deserves a few beers...
Same as always mate if ya need anything sorted just give us a yell..