Help Andi win her battle against cancer

Hi Everyone,

Those of you that are from our small town will know the three in the picture. For those who do not know, Andi is on the right, Dennis (Dad) middle, Molly (Mom) is on the left, and Andi's son Cole is taking the picture. This photo says a lot about the family unit. Immediate family is always so important, and so are the rest Aunts, Uncles etc... But the Euken's have been through a lot in the last couple of years.

Cole, Andi's son, has had countless surgeries and still needs more for both feet. Although Dennis is still getting around and capable, he is in his 80s, so that should give you an idea. Molly, well, she passed just last year, and the family and those of us close to the family are still healing from that.

Now the family is faced with yet another battle; Andi has been diagnosed with cancer. She has it in four areas, brain, lungs, lymph nodes and liver. To try and put the last month into words seems exhausting and complex. So I will get to the now and the present.

Andi has had ten rounds of radiation on her brain. She is now, I believe, on her eleventh day since her last treatment. During the treatment, her energy level was a bit down, but she could still take care of the household with a bit of rest. Last week she struggled with even the simple things as her energy started decreasing. Steps are complicated now; her eyesight is blurry at a distance, and holding a pen with her right hand is doable but even making egg salad takes effort. A few other things are happening on the right side: no taste and a numb tongue, making it difficult to eat. Andi usually texts me in the morning about how she is doing; if not, I text her. Today she said standing up to walk is impossible; she is so weak; she would crawl to get where she needs to go. Which I am sure is just to the restroom. However, I can see her crawling to the kitchen for something she is so stubborn.

Tomorrow she goes in for Chemo schooling; I believe that is what she called it, as they are getting ready to start her on that three times a week.

For the most part, Andi has been the glue that held everything together after Molly passed. She was staying on the sofa while taking care of her mother with her Aunt Britt, but after Molly passed, she moved in to be closer to her dad and keep things going at the house. Also, Dennis likes her cooking and being spoiled a bit. Dennis then decided he wanted to sell the property and move to Iowa, where he is from, to be near their family. She took care of getting the property in order so that it could be put up for sale.

At this moment, everything is being taken day by day. The property is still for sale, but Andi can only concentrate on her health and doing what needs to be done to get better and beat this. She can call a few of us to help when needed. Cole lives in the main house now to keep an eye on his grandfather and his mother in case of an emergency and to help out.

I know the family well, and they are trying to take care of what they can on their own, but a little financial help can make a big difference. I know the assistance will help with expenses while Andi is getting treatment. I will make sure to post updates. Please remember, we are never guaranteed anything, but early detection is so important with any illness, so please, make sure to take care of yourself first, so you can take care of and help others. Hug those you love, and be thankful for every day you have.

God Bless

Becky