Support Registry Update

A Month of Ups and Downs (from Andrew)

In support of
The Steinhaus Family
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Sorry for not updating the page in a while. Chemotherapy has been taking its toll, and I’ve had to conserve my energy wherever I can. It’s been a month filled with its fair share of ups and downs, and I want to bring you up to speed.
 
First, the downs: Unfortunately, I’ve been battling several upper respiratory infections, including pneumonia, which might be the culprit behind a persistent cough. This brought a new specialist onto my care team—a pulmonologist. He’s thorough and working hard to pinpoint the exact cause of my symptoms. It could be related to the pneumonia, swallowing issues from a past stroke, or another factor entirely. In the meantime, he’s started me on asthma medication, which has already helped. I’ll have a full pulmonary function test and chest CT later this month to get more clarity.
 
Chemotherapy has also been hitting harder than before. Nausea and fatigue have been particularly tough. Thankfully, my team adjusted some of my anti-nausea medications, and that’s made a noticeable difference.
 
Another challenge: my CA 19-9 marker has been creeping up. It’s gone from a low of 29.7 to 46.2 as of Monday. My oncologists aren’t concerned yet, explaining that fluctuations at these low levels can happen without signaling anything serious. But I am a bit anxious.
 
On a brighter note, I had a consultation with an oncologist at Dana-Farber in Boston. He confirmed that I’m in excellent hands at NYU and MSK but shared some fresh perspectives. He’s in favor of immunotherapy but less enthusiastic about the Whipple procedure. It’s reassuring to get an external perspective on my care plan.
 
Despite the challenges, the month hasn’t been without its joys. I’ve managed my energy carefully to focus on what matters most—spending meaningful time with my family. Highlights include taking Vivian and Wesley trick-or-treating and celebrating Vivian’s fifth birthday. These moments are everything to me, and I’m eternally grateful for the time I get to share with them.
 
As always, thank you for your continued love and support. It makes all the difference.
 

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Comments

Deb Long

Thank you for sharing Andrew! Thinking about you and your family and sending big hugs. This is positive news and I hope each day is better.
  • about 1 year ago

Teri Garner

You have so many people praying for you. We wait patiently for words on your condition so prayers can be made for your specific needs. As always we pray for your miraculous healing from our great healer Jesus Christ to manifest itself.
Love always, Teri
  • about 1 year ago

Kimberly Yates

Thanks for the update Andrew. Sending much love and many prayers.
  • about 1 year ago

Mary McGill

I am a friend if Aunt Teri. I pray for you everyday.
  • about 1 year ago

Chris Reynolds

Andrew and Elyse, you are in my prayers so often. Thank you for the update. It helps in knowing how to price specifically. You always have a positive spin on this challenging journey the Lord has you on. You were both so precious! I'm crying out to the Lord Jesus to bring healing to your body for the glory of his name. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving
  • about 1 year ago

Bonnie Ferrando

Andrew, it’s Bonnie from Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center. Want you to know you are always in our prayers. Keep strong, enjoy your beautiful family and not to sound cliche, but take it one day at a time, sending you love and strength.
  • about 1 year ago

Mary Alice Cashin

Hi Andrew - Good to hear you are having some quality time with your wife and kiddies. They are your super power to get you through these very challenging times. Your strength is amazing!! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!
  • about 1 year ago

Karell Roxas

I hope you're feeling better and that the cough and other nasty infections are gone now. The ups and downs are so hard, and I completely understand why you'd feel anxious. Hopefully this upcoming month will come with more ups and less downs. Love you guys.
  • about 1 year ago

David Tamayo

Thank you for sharing! We are in one of the HG Dinner Groups and are continually praying for you and the entire family. We are thinking of you at all times. We are here for anything that we can help with! Dave T
  • about 1 year ago