About two weeks ago Mike had an episode where he had a piece of meat stuck in his esophagus for over three hours. He was able to breathe and talk comfortably, so there was no danger--just a lot of discomfort. We spent a long night in the ER waiting to have the obstruction removed, but in the end, the doctors did another excellent job in making sure he got the safest treatment possible, given his recent history.
All of that led to a call yesterday to have his esophagus dilated in a simple and safe procedure that lasted about 30 minutes. The early signs are that the procedure was a success, but it's likely that Mike will need this procedure every six months or so for the foreseeable future. The problem is caused by damage done to tissue in the esophagus from the radiation treatments. For some patients the tissue heals itself completely, but for others the damage is more or less permanent and the dilation procedure is done on an as-needed basis forever. Mike felt this episdoe coming on for a month or so, but didn't know exactly what it was or how to deal with it. The new rule is that if he can't swallow cheese grits, call the doctor and get this thing done again.
Regardless of all that, we accomplished our primary objective for today by Mike not being admitted into the hospital so we could keep our New Year's Eve plans intact: a quiet dinner at home, a fire in the fireplace, wine glasses in hand, and saying "buh-bye, now" to 2009 and "Hello, good lookin'" to 2010!
Mike has his first post-remission scan scheduled for January 18th, so look for an update after 1/20 when we get the results.
In the meantime we hope that your own primary objectives for tonight and 2010 are realized.
Mike and Terry
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ending "The Year of Highs and Lows"
2009 continues to be a year of incredible highs and lows as they related to cancer in our lives and the lives of so many people we know. Terry's annual Holiday card (click on the image to enlarge) expresses the great relief and joy we are feeling over the news that Mike is in remission and his long-term prognosis is very good. While our friend Danny Medley is still facing a lot of challenges down the road, we feel the same relief and joy for him and his wife Rebel over their news that Danny is also in remission.
But just today we got news that cancer has surfaced yet again in our lives, this time literally next door. Our next door neighbor, Rick, told Mike that he has been diagnosed with incurable liver cancer that has already spread to his esophagus. He will undergo some chemo treatments to try to slow down the cancer's progress, but the bottom line is that there is no cure for him. Until they can get a second scan to compare to his first one, the doctors can't determine how fast his cancer is growing, so he has no estimate on his time line.
Rick and his wife are two of the kindest, gentlest people we have ever met. They were both born in Cuba and immigrated to the US a long time ago. They worked very hard to achieve the American Dream they sought after leaving Cuba, and Rick retired a few years ago so they could enjoy the fruit of their labor together. They also own property in North Florida, near the Gulf, and go there every chance they get. When they are here they spend lots of time making their house and yard look very nice, and they are wonderful neighbors and friends who gave us a lot of support during Mike's treatment and recovery.
Mike never once asked "Why me?" during his entire time in treatment and recovery--considering his cancer to be a random instance of bad luck. But with Rick's diagnosis and dire prognosis, Mike is now asking "Why me?" but also "Why do I get cancer and am able to fight it off?" and "Why does Rick (and not me) get an incurable attack from the same disease?" Maybe it's just nature showing us both sides of the same terrible coin.
Even tempered with the news about Rick, this Christmas is already shaping up to be one of the most special holidays in our lives--for all the obvious reasons, and for reasons we probably have not recognized yet. We hope that all of you share that same sense of specialness this Holiday season.
Mike and Terry
But just today we got news that cancer has surfaced yet again in our lives, this time literally next door. Our next door neighbor, Rick, told Mike that he has been diagnosed with incurable liver cancer that has already spread to his esophagus. He will undergo some chemo treatments to try to slow down the cancer's progress, but the bottom line is that there is no cure for him. Until they can get a second scan to compare to his first one, the doctors can't determine how fast his cancer is growing, so he has no estimate on his time line.
Rick and his wife are two of the kindest, gentlest people we have ever met. They were both born in Cuba and immigrated to the US a long time ago. They worked very hard to achieve the American Dream they sought after leaving Cuba, and Rick retired a few years ago so they could enjoy the fruit of their labor together. They also own property in North Florida, near the Gulf, and go there every chance they get. When they are here they spend lots of time making their house and yard look very nice, and they are wonderful neighbors and friends who gave us a lot of support during Mike's treatment and recovery.
Mike never once asked "Why me?" during his entire time in treatment and recovery--considering his cancer to be a random instance of bad luck. But with Rick's diagnosis and dire prognosis, Mike is now asking "Why me?" but also "Why do I get cancer and am able to fight it off?" and "Why does Rick (and not me) get an incurable attack from the same disease?" Maybe it's just nature showing us both sides of the same terrible coin.
Even tempered with the news about Rick, this Christmas is already shaping up to be one of the most special holidays in our lives--for all the obvious reasons, and for reasons we probably have not recognized yet. We hope that all of you share that same sense of specialness this Holiday season.
Mike and Terry
Monday, December 7, 2009
Danny Medley Gets Great News!
We heard from Danny's wife, Rebel, late last week that his scan showed no signs of cancer. Wonderful news! Thanks to all Team Mike members who sent good vibes their way.
Danny still has a long way to go to get back to some semblance of normalcy, but he can do that knowing he is cancer-free, which should give him added strength and confidence. From my own experience I can tell you that every bit of good news and progress helps to take the next step forward.
One step at a time--that's how it goes.
Mike
Danny still has a long way to go to get back to some semblance of normalcy, but he can do that knowing he is cancer-free, which should give him added strength and confidence. From my own experience I can tell you that every bit of good news and progress helps to take the next step forward.
One step at a time--that's how it goes.
Mike
Friday, November 20, 2009
Good Vibes needed for Danny Medley
Terry and I met Danny Medley and his wife, Rebel, on my very first day of radiation treatment. Danny and I had different kinds of cancer cells, but in the exact same location and just about the exact same treatment plan. We befriended each other and made a pact to keep in touch and help each other through this. We would see each other every once in a while in the radiaiton clinic and compare notes. Terry and I have kept in touch with Danny and Rebel since then. I remember Danny calling me just after I got out of the hospital from my complications after the second chemo treatment. At that time he was coping with the treatments a lot better than me, and he told me to hang in there--it would get better.
Somewhere along the line, my recovery started to go a lot better than his, and it's now Danny who is having the difficult time--and a much more extended one. He had a section of his mouth and tongue removed after they found another tumor and still relies 100% on his feeding tube to get nourishment. I just recently learned that he may need another surgery to allow his tongue to function normally, or he might need the feeding tube for the rest of his life.
Rebel emailed me that Danny his having a PET scan this coming Monday (11/23). She says he needs the results to be 100% good, not just for the obvious reason, but to help with his spirits--he is fighting hard, but has made little progress back to normalcy after nine months. While I know I fought just as hard, the intense part of my fight was much shorter, and I started to see some progress immediately after the treatments stopped. It was every small sign of progress that helped me to work hard on the next step forward.
So, that's a long way of asking Team Mike to send your good vibes to Danny and Rebel this Monday. All of the great news we had this week will be even better with a good outcome for them.
Mike
Somewhere along the line, my recovery started to go a lot better than his, and it's now Danny who is having the difficult time--and a much more extended one. He had a section of his mouth and tongue removed after they found another tumor and still relies 100% on his feeding tube to get nourishment. I just recently learned that he may need another surgery to allow his tongue to function normally, or he might need the feeding tube for the rest of his life.
Rebel emailed me that Danny his having a PET scan this coming Monday (11/23). She says he needs the results to be 100% good, not just for the obvious reason, but to help with his spirits--he is fighting hard, but has made little progress back to normalcy after nine months. While I know I fought just as hard, the intense part of my fight was much shorter, and I started to see some progress immediately after the treatments stopped. It was every small sign of progress that helped me to work hard on the next step forward.
So, that's a long way of asking Team Mike to send your good vibes to Danny and Rebel this Monday. All of the great news we had this week will be even better with a good outcome for them.
Mike
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Team Mike 1, Prairie Dogs 0
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Sorry to keep you on pins and needles, but we just got the word from the ENT doctor today that all of the core samples from Mike's biopsy came back negative! With the combined PET scan and biopsy results he now becomes a cancer survivor, no longer a cancer patient. Given his type of cancer and its location--and the relatively short time since treatment ended, the docs are still in a "wait more and see" mode, but the bottom line is that there is no evidence of cancer cells (aka, Prairie Dogs) anywhere in his body. Every day that he remains cancer free increases the chances of staying that way for the very long term.
They do not issue a "cured" status for this kind of cancer until someone is five years post-treatment and 100% clean all along the way. But, today is Day 1 on that 5-year count!
Once we can process all of this, we will send out Thank-yous to the many people on Team Mike who helped us get through this first (and hopefully last) stage. In the meantime, please know that your love, support, and humor (even the sick humor) played a huge role in this success story. We could not have done it without you. Please pass this news along to anyone you know is waiting to hear.
Mike and Terry
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Need Those Good Vibes Again on 11/12
(This photo came on November 11th. This is Mike's brother Jim and his wife Pam at a recent Livestrong cancer awareness and fund raising event in Austin, TX. They traveled all the way from Rochester NY to take part in this. Click on photo to enlarge)
Original post: We were not able to get an earlier date for Mike's biopsy, so it will happen this coming Thursday, November 12th. As so many people have done many other times, we'll need your thoughts, prayers, and general good vibes sent our way again on Thursday.
We should know the results sometime the next day, and we'll post them to the blog as soon as we can.
As always, thanks, again for your support. If all goes well, we will be able to make a full exhale until the next time a test comes around--probably in 6 months.
As a quick update, Mike continues to get better, and stronger. He is totally off the medications he needed from the treatments, and expands his list of safe food choices a little each week. His weight has leveled off and he's looking forward to starting an exercise program beyond the neighborhood walking.
Mike and Terry
We should know the results sometime the next day, and we'll post them to the blog as soon as we can.
As always, thanks, again for your support. If all goes well, we will be able to make a full exhale until the next time a test comes around--probably in 6 months.
As a quick update, Mike continues to get better, and stronger. He is totally off the medications he needed from the treatments, and expands his list of safe food choices a little each week. His weight has leveled off and he's looking forward to starting an exercise program beyond the neighborhood walking.
Mike and Terry
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
More Waiting...
The ENT doctor does surgeries only on Thursdays, and Mike could not get on his surgical schedule until November 12th for the biopsy. He did put Mike at the top of the waiting list, in case anything changes. In the meantime, we do more waiting. The good news is that Mike has no symptoms from the area in question that would cause us to worry.
Two weeks ago Mike did an invited talk at a conference in Myrtle Beach. About 400 people were there, the majority of whom have known Mike for many years. This was the first conference he attended since his cancer diagnosis, and the resulting changes in his appearance. Some of the first-time reactions to him were priceless, most in the outloud "OMG!" category. The other funny ones were from those who recognized Terry, but had no idea who the guy was sitting next to her--we call them the "Terry's new boyfriend" reactions. But the best one was from someone who had not seen Mike in 20 years, and said "You look great--haven't change a bit since the last time I saw you."
Mike has become what he used to be!
Please save up your good vibes for November 12. We'll post if that date changes, and when we have the results.
Mike and Terry
Two weeks ago Mike did an invited talk at a conference in Myrtle Beach. About 400 people were there, the majority of whom have known Mike for many years. This was the first conference he attended since his cancer diagnosis, and the resulting changes in his appearance. Some of the first-time reactions to him were priceless, most in the outloud "OMG!" category. The other funny ones were from those who recognized Terry, but had no idea who the guy was sitting next to her--we call them the "Terry's new boyfriend" reactions. But the best one was from someone who had not seen Mike in 20 years, and said "You look great--haven't change a bit since the last time I saw you."
Mike has become what he used to be!
Please save up your good vibes for November 12. We'll post if that date changes, and when we have the results.
Mike and Terry
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
90% and Still Holding
We met with the ENT doctor yesterday. He reviewed the PET scan with us, and looked at the area in question with a scope. Nothing looked out of the norm. He could not feel that spot with his fingers because of the edema swelling that remains. He showed us the PET pictures with brand new, computer-enhanced imaging. The spot showed up bright and clear on those images, and is a little less than an inch in diameter. It has a Specific Uptake Value of 4.8, which puts it into the "can't tell either way" range.
The only way to get a definitive assessment is to do a core needle biopsy of that area and have the samples sent to the pathology lab. We requested to have the procedure done on TH of next week, but don't have a confirmation on that yet.
So, the waiting will go on for at least another week. As always, we'll post here when anything new happens.
mike and terry
The only way to get a definitive assessment is to do a core needle biopsy of that area and have the samples sent to the pathology lab. We requested to have the procedure done on TH of next week, but don't have a confirmation on that yet.
So, the waiting will go on for at least another week. As always, we'll post here when anything new happens.
mike and terry
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mike is Cancer Free...Probably
We just got back from the oncologist's office where we were told some very good news, and some news that will cause us to have to wait on a 100% definitive answer. The very good news is that the original tumor is completely gone, and the lymph nodes under Mike's right jaw are also cancer-free (if they ever had cancer cells in them to begin with).
The only fly in the ointment is an area at the base of his tongue on the right side (mirror opposite from the original location), showing an undefined spot that could be cancerous, but is much more likely to be a residual "hot" spot from the radiation treatments. The oncologist is "pretty sure" it is a false-positive on the PET scan, but the only way to be 100% sure is to have the ENT doc take a look at it. The first look will be with a scope inserted down his throat. If that doesn't give the doc a good look, then it'll be biopsied. And, there was no sign of cancer cells in any other place.
So, if the last biopsy gave the doctors about 75% confidence that Mike is cancer-free, then they are now up to around 90% sure of that. Great news, but still a bit of a margin for error to eliminate.
Thanks to all of you for your love and support. We'll write more when we get back in town after traveling this weekend.
Mike and Terry
The only fly in the ointment is an area at the base of his tongue on the right side (mirror opposite from the original location), showing an undefined spot that could be cancerous, but is much more likely to be a residual "hot" spot from the radiation treatments. The oncologist is "pretty sure" it is a false-positive on the PET scan, but the only way to be 100% sure is to have the ENT doc take a look at it. The first look will be with a scope inserted down his throat. If that doesn't give the doc a good look, then it'll be biopsied. And, there was no sign of cancer cells in any other place.
So, if the last biopsy gave the doctors about 75% confidence that Mike is cancer-free, then they are now up to around 90% sure of that. Great news, but still a bit of a margin for error to eliminate.
Thanks to all of you for your love and support. We'll write more when we get back in town after traveling this weekend.
Mike and Terry
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New call for Good Vibes on 9/24
Mike's PET scan will be at 9:00 am on September 24th. We are both worried and hopeful at the same time. Worried about what it could reveal, and hopeful that it will let Mike go from cancer patient to cancer survivor. He is showing no symptoms that would predict a bad outcome, but with this disease, you just never know.
We don't know yet when we'll get the results. We have an appointment with the lead oncologist on September 30th, but we hope to get the results before then.
As soon as we know, we will post the results to the blog.
Mike and Terry
We don't know yet when we'll get the results. We have an appointment with the lead oncologist on September 30th, but we hope to get the results before then.
As soon as we know, we will post the results to the blog.
Mike and Terry
Monday, August 17, 2009
Good Vibes Alert for 9/24
Mike's PET scan is set for the morning of September 24th. He will get the results on September 30th.
We are hoping that this test will give him a definitive 100% "all clean" result, so your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, etc. are needed once again--and hopefully for the last time for a long time.
mike and terry
We are hoping that this test will give him a definitive 100% "all clean" result, so your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, etc. are needed once again--and hopefully for the last time for a long time.
mike and terry
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mike: The Lean, Mean, Tubeless Machine
Mike cleared another hurdle this past Monday on his way to a full recovery. With a loud "pop" and a bit of pain, the doctor extracted his feeding tube with a hard tug on it. Mike had not used the tube for the previous 5 days, indicating that he could eat enough food orally to meet his nutritional needs. Before that time, and since, he has been experimenting with lots of different foods to see what he can eat safely, and can taste. Some foods are still off limits, but the list of "Terry approved" foods grows a bit every day.
Mike has lost a lot of weight--more than 50 pounds--and will likely see another small drop in this transition. But, that should turn around soon. He feels really good at this weight, and his goal is to stabilize at around -40 from when this all started.
The removal of the feeding tube is the last big milestone for this stage of his recovery. We are trying hard to get our lives back to some semblance of normalcy and for Mike to continue to get stronger as we look to the next PET scan in about 6 weeks. That test will be more definitive than the biopsy of three weeks ago, so we have not fully exhaled yet.
Unless there is some unforeseen event before the PET scan comes around, this will be the last blog until then. Please check back in on us in late September.
Mike was honored last week by his high school by being elected to its Wall of Fame (You know, "The older we get, the better we were" kind of thing). In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the support we have received from family and friends as one of the keys to our success in beating this disease...so far. Be on the lookout for the next "Good Vibes Needed" message as the PET scan comes around. We still need your support.
Mike and Terry
Mike has lost a lot of weight--more than 50 pounds--and will likely see another small drop in this transition. But, that should turn around soon. He feels really good at this weight, and his goal is to stabilize at around -40 from when this all started.
The removal of the feeding tube is the last big milestone for this stage of his recovery. We are trying hard to get our lives back to some semblance of normalcy and for Mike to continue to get stronger as we look to the next PET scan in about 6 weeks. That test will be more definitive than the biopsy of three weeks ago, so we have not fully exhaled yet.
Unless there is some unforeseen event before the PET scan comes around, this will be the last blog until then. Please check back in on us in late September.
Mike was honored last week by his high school by being elected to its Wall of Fame (You know, "The older we get, the better we were" kind of thing). In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the support we have received from family and friends as one of the keys to our success in beating this disease...so far. Be on the lookout for the next "Good Vibes Needed" message as the PET scan comes around. We still need your support.
Mike and Terry
Monday, July 27, 2009
Waiting Game Over--We Win!
We got a call this afternoon from the surgeon who did the procedure on Mike last week. He had just conferred with the oncologist after reading the pathology lab report.
Wonderful news! All of the tissue samples from the original tumor area were NEGATIVE! Combined with the reading of the MRI from last week, the doctors are now saying with a high degree of confidence that Mike is cancer-free in the neck and throat areas.
They are now allowing Mike to heal for another 8 weeks--at which time another PET scan will be taken.
During those weeks, Mike will continue to eat more 'regular' food when he can, in the hopes of having the feeding tube removed well before the PET scan comes around.
While today's news could not be more positive at this time, the possibility is still there that some cancer cells (aka, Prairie Dogs) remain. But, for the first time in about 6 months, we have the mindset that the cancer is gone--you can't imagine how good that feels to us!
Our thanks go out to all of you who follow the blog and send good vibes, positive thoughts, prayers, and weird cards to us--we could not have made it this far without your love, support, and humor.
Mike continues to lose weight, but at a much slower rate than before. And Terry swears that the hair on the back of Mike's neck is coming back--so there are many other signs that Mike's recovery is going better every day. He says he'll really know things are back to normal when he can bite into, taste, and swallow a slice of white pizza at Rosa's.
Signed,
Terry and the Lean, Clean, Prairie Dog-less Machine
Wonderful news! All of the tissue samples from the original tumor area were NEGATIVE! Combined with the reading of the MRI from last week, the doctors are now saying with a high degree of confidence that Mike is cancer-free in the neck and throat areas.
They are now allowing Mike to heal for another 8 weeks--at which time another PET scan will be taken.
During those weeks, Mike will continue to eat more 'regular' food when he can, in the hopes of having the feeding tube removed well before the PET scan comes around.
While today's news could not be more positive at this time, the possibility is still there that some cancer cells (aka, Prairie Dogs) remain. But, for the first time in about 6 months, we have the mindset that the cancer is gone--you can't imagine how good that feels to us!
Our thanks go out to all of you who follow the blog and send good vibes, positive thoughts, prayers, and weird cards to us--we could not have made it this far without your love, support, and humor.
Mike continues to lose weight, but at a much slower rate than before. And Terry swears that the hair on the back of Mike's neck is coming back--so there are many other signs that Mike's recovery is going better every day. He says he'll really know things are back to normal when he can bite into, taste, and swallow a slice of white pizza at Rosa's.
Signed,
Terry and the Lean, Clean, Prairie Dog-less Machine
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Waiting Game
Mike's surgery went well this morning, especially because establishing an airway was a "breeze" this time around. We are home and he is resing comfortably with very little pain due to the shot of dalauded (sp?)
We got good news and mixed news.
The good news, first. The doc didn't feel that it was necessary at this time to remove the lymph node on the right side, because it really didn't show up on the most recent MRI that was done over the weekend.
Now for the mixed news: We don't have the results of the core needle biopsy and the multiple biopsies of the base of tongue. The doctor felt that it wasn't necessary to do a frozen section at this time and that it would be better to wait for the official report. He did say that he didn't feel anything "hard" in the base of tongue area like he did with the original biopsy in February.
So now, we are playing the waiting game, hoping that all of the reports come back negative for cancer.
We'll post again after follow-up appointments with the surgeon and the oncologist in the next couple weeks. We are anticipating that another PET scan will be ordered, too.
The prayers, good wishes and vibes are really working for us. Keep up the good work!
Terry
We got good news and mixed news.
The good news, first. The doc didn't feel that it was necessary at this time to remove the lymph node on the right side, because it really didn't show up on the most recent MRI that was done over the weekend.
Now for the mixed news: We don't have the results of the core needle biopsy and the multiple biopsies of the base of tongue. The doctor felt that it wasn't necessary to do a frozen section at this time and that it would be better to wait for the official report. He did say that he didn't feel anything "hard" in the base of tongue area like he did with the original biopsy in February.
So now, we are playing the waiting game, hoping that all of the reports come back negative for cancer.
We'll post again after follow-up appointments with the surgeon and the oncologist in the next couple weeks. We are anticipating that another PET scan will be ordered, too.
The prayers, good wishes and vibes are really working for us. Keep up the good work!
Terry
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Procedure to be done July 23rd--Need Good Vibes
Mike's follow-up procedure has been moved up a week, to Thursday, July 23rd. The procedure will include two parts. The first part will be a biopsy of the original tumor area to verify that the the cancer is 100% gone from that location. The second part will be to take out the lymph node that showed up "hot" on his last PET scan. That could mean his cancer has spread to that area, or it could be just a residual effect from the radiation treatments. Either way, it's coming out and will be lab tested after that.
We are hoping that this procedure will give Mike a 100% clean bill of health, making him cancer-free. Please send your prayers, thoughts and other good vibes to him on that day. We'll post the results as soon as we are able.
Mike is making great progress in eating food orally. He can chew and swallow soft foods like eggs, soups, and some pastas. He is hoping to be far enough along to have the feeding tube taken out once he has healed from this next procedure.
Mike has felt strong enough to teach summer classes, and has enjoyed getting back to the office and interacting with students.
So, the news is very good on many fronts, but he still has a ways to go to get back to "normal", if that will ever happen.
Thanks again to all of you who check the blog regularly, and please keep the messages coming as the 23rd approaches.
Mike and Terry
We are hoping that this procedure will give Mike a 100% clean bill of health, making him cancer-free. Please send your prayers, thoughts and other good vibes to him on that day. We'll post the results as soon as we are able.
Mike is making great progress in eating food orally. He can chew and swallow soft foods like eggs, soups, and some pastas. He is hoping to be far enough along to have the feeding tube taken out once he has healed from this next procedure.
Mike has felt strong enough to teach summer classes, and has enjoyed getting back to the office and interacting with students.
So, the news is very good on many fronts, but he still has a ways to go to get back to "normal", if that will ever happen.
Thanks again to all of you who check the blog regularly, and please keep the messages coming as the 23rd approaches.
Mike and Terry
Saturday, June 13, 2009
6/13 Update, post-PET scan news
We had a consultation with the ENT doctor yesterday and from that made a plan to kill off the last of the Prairie Dogs, if any remain from the chemo+radiation treatments. On July 30 I'll have a surgical procedure to biopsy the area of the original tumor and to take a look at the lymph node on the right side of my jaw that "interests" the doctors. The PET scan was inconclusive about that node, so the best way to assess it is to go in and check it out--and to take it out if it is malignant. All three doctors are 95% confident that the original tumor is totally gone and that the lymph node poses no threat, but that 5% of unsurity (is that a word?) is causing them to recommend the surgical procedure. We agree, so we've OK'd the July 30th procedure.
Since the last post, I've been gaining strength steadily--to the point of feeling good enough to teach summer classes, starting this past week. I thought I might be ready to walk the Peachtree 10K race on the 4th of July, but the summer heat has finally arrived, and have had to change my mind on that--and the Georgia Championship Chili Cookoff at the end of June.
Next year...
mike
Since the last post, I've been gaining strength steadily--to the point of feeling good enough to teach summer classes, starting this past week. I thought I might be ready to walk the Peachtree 10K race on the 4th of July, but the summer heat has finally arrived, and have had to change my mind on that--and the Georgia Championship Chili Cookoff at the end of June.
Next year...
mike
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Prairie Dogs Nearly Vanquished -- Great News!
(Click on photo to enlarge)
The PET scan had to be rescheduled for Tuesday, and we met with the radiation oncologist today to get the results. The results have three stories connected to them. The big one first.
The original tumor is almost entirely gone, and what's left of it should disappear in the next few weeks. The doctor is considering this to be "case closed" on that side, but can't give Mike a clean bill of health until a second "100% clean" scan is made in 6 weeks or so. That is wonderful news!
A lymph node on the right side of Mike's jaw caught the attention of the radiologist, however. It is a very small growth, and they are not yet able to determine if it is benign or malignant. We'll have two treatment options--to biopsy it to see if it is malignant, or to just go ahead and remove it. We'll consult with the ENT doctor to make that decision. Either way, the node will not be allowed to grow into anything of consequence.
The third part of the great news is that the scan included Mike's body down to the pelvic region, and showed no spread of the cancer beyond the original locaation.
So, we are considering this to be 95% Great News, and that the last 5% can be achieved without major treatment--and no chemo or radiation!
We are letting this news sink in and taking things slowly at home tonight--but we need to express our thanks to all of you who read the blog, and many others, for the love, support, humor, prayers, and good vibes to help both of us make it through this very trying experience. We said right from the beginning that this would be a team effort, and that turned out to be every bit what was needed.
We'll keep posting to the blog, so please stay in touch as much as you can.
Finally, we have posted that long-promised picture of Mike, so you can see what he looks like after treatments and eating through a tube for 3 months. Hint--he's the one on the right ;)
mike and terry
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15th update: PET Scan scheduled
Mike's PET scan is now scheduled for May 25th, but we are still waiting on the date for the followup appointment with the oncologist, who will give us the results of the scan.
More as the time approaches.
mike and terry
More as the time approaches.
mike and terry
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Update, May 14th
I am a bit more than a month past the end of the chemo and radiation treatments. I am still feeling some of the effects of the treatments, but at the same time improving on a daily basis in many ways.
The most prominent lingering effect is anemia, which causes me to have some days that I feel high levels of fatigue--and some days (like today) that my energy level is quite good. I am told that my red blood cell count will come back much more gradually than my white count. I am also prone to having symptoms of nausea on the high-fatigue days, but have meds to take for that. The key for me to fight the fatigue is to have a little physical activity every day, and we're working on that with walks and doing errands that get me on my feet and out of the house.
But there is much more to report from the positive side of the ledger. The throat pain from the radiation is almost gone and I am gaining some range of motion in my jaw area. What that means is I can eat some solid foods on a very limited basis and with great care. I'm a long way from getting the feeding tube removed, but it's a start in that direction. Also, with the reduced pain my intake of medicine has dropped considerably--which lets me be a little more alert during the day.
My voice continues to get stronger, so please feel free to call me directly if you want to chat.
We still have only an approximate date for the PET scan--last week of May or first week of June. I'll be sure to get a "Good Vibes Needed" message out once we know the date.
mike
The most prominent lingering effect is anemia, which causes me to have some days that I feel high levels of fatigue--and some days (like today) that my energy level is quite good. I am told that my red blood cell count will come back much more gradually than my white count. I am also prone to having symptoms of nausea on the high-fatigue days, but have meds to take for that. The key for me to fight the fatigue is to have a little physical activity every day, and we're working on that with walks and doing errands that get me on my feet and out of the house.
But there is much more to report from the positive side of the ledger. The throat pain from the radiation is almost gone and I am gaining some range of motion in my jaw area. What that means is I can eat some solid foods on a very limited basis and with great care. I'm a long way from getting the feeding tube removed, but it's a start in that direction. Also, with the reduced pain my intake of medicine has dropped considerably--which lets me be a little more alert during the day.
My voice continues to get stronger, so please feel free to call me directly if you want to chat.
We still have only an approximate date for the PET scan--last week of May or first week of June. I'll be sure to get a "Good Vibes Needed" message out once we know the date.
mike
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Back Home, Again
Mike was released this morning (Tuesday) after his blood lab work showed some remarkable improvements in just the last 24 hours. The key white blood cell count went from 4.5 yesterday to around 11.0 this morning, meaning that his immunity system can handle all but the very worst attacks that might come his way. So, there was no further reason to keep in him the hospital.
The docs have shuffled his meds around and we think they have found a good combination to take care of the pain, possible infections, nausea, and other key parts of his recovery.
Also among the good news was a weight gain of 10 pounds while in the hospital--a result of around-the-clock IV fluids, regular feedings, and decreased nausea. At home this evening he was able to ingest a small amount of Italian Ice and Gatorade "Straight up, no rocks, please." That doesn't sound like much, but it's the first of many small steps in getting him back to a regular diet in the next 4-6 months.
Still no exact date on the final PET scan. The oncology unit is moving to another building and they can't pinpoint a time/date for Mike's test any closer than sometime in late May or early June.
In the interim, we are going to scan the best of the cards sent to Mike by all of you and display the on the blog. Some of you folks (and non-bloggers) are very reverent and stay within some boundaries of common decency in expressing your concern for Mike/us as we've gone down this long road to recovery. Others have clearly crossed way over those boundaries with cards that we're sure you did not share with your parents or kids before sending them to Mike. You know who you are. Just remember what they say about paybacks, and that we have your addresses.
mike and terry
The docs have shuffled his meds around and we think they have found a good combination to take care of the pain, possible infections, nausea, and other key parts of his recovery.
Also among the good news was a weight gain of 10 pounds while in the hospital--a result of around-the-clock IV fluids, regular feedings, and decreased nausea. At home this evening he was able to ingest a small amount of Italian Ice and Gatorade "Straight up, no rocks, please." That doesn't sound like much, but it's the first of many small steps in getting him back to a regular diet in the next 4-6 months.
Still no exact date on the final PET scan. The oncology unit is moving to another building and they can't pinpoint a time/date for Mike's test any closer than sometime in late May or early June.
In the interim, we are going to scan the best of the cards sent to Mike by all of you and display the on the blog. Some of you folks (and non-bloggers) are very reverent and stay within some boundaries of common decency in expressing your concern for Mike/us as we've gone down this long road to recovery. Others have clearly crossed way over those boundaries with cards that we're sure you did not share with your parents or kids before sending them to Mike. You know who you are. Just remember what they say about paybacks, and that we have your addresses.
mike and terry
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Team Chemo has pulled ahead (briefly), but Mike is rallying!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
We found out Friday during an office visit to the oncologist that Mike's blood counts were very low again and that he was neutropenic--all due to the final chemo treatment on the 13th. He didn't have any signs of an infection so he was sent home to rest quietly over the weekend.
Saturday morning he woke up with a slight fever which came and went for a couple of hours. When it spiked to 102.6 in an hour we made the trip to the Piedmont ER and got there about the same time everyone in ATL decided that they had swine flu. Once he was triaged he was moved to a room in ER and found out pretty quickly that he would be admitted. We are back on the oncology floor, where they are continuing to run multiple tests to find the source of infection. There is also a concern that he might be developing blood clots in his legs so he's gone for a doppler test.
Good news: The fever broke yesterday and Mike is still fighting the battle. We haven't been given any indication as to when he will be released, but sure it will not happen until his blood counts are back up. Not one prairie dog in sight.
Keep the cards and posts coming...they boost the immune system more than you will ever know. For everyone who is following Mike's blog, if you get a chance read the post written by "Santa" Stan's son. It's the first one listed from Mike's previous post. Torre-Thanks for your "Keep Fighting" message. It came while we were in the ER and right before his temp dropped. We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike's keeping the spirit of your father alive by staying tough. Santa will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Terry
We found out Friday during an office visit to the oncologist that Mike's blood counts were very low again and that he was neutropenic--all due to the final chemo treatment on the 13th. He didn't have any signs of an infection so he was sent home to rest quietly over the weekend.
Saturday morning he woke up with a slight fever which came and went for a couple of hours. When it spiked to 102.6 in an hour we made the trip to the Piedmont ER and got there about the same time everyone in ATL decided that they had swine flu. Once he was triaged he was moved to a room in ER and found out pretty quickly that he would be admitted. We are back on the oncology floor, where they are continuing to run multiple tests to find the source of infection. There is also a concern that he might be developing blood clots in his legs so he's gone for a doppler test.
Good news: The fever broke yesterday and Mike is still fighting the battle. We haven't been given any indication as to when he will be released, but sure it will not happen until his blood counts are back up. Not one prairie dog in sight.
Keep the cards and posts coming...they boost the immune system more than you will ever know. For everyone who is following Mike's blog, if you get a chance read the post written by "Santa" Stan's son. It's the first one listed from Mike's previous post. Torre-Thanks for your "Keep Fighting" message. It came while we were in the ER and right before his temp dropped. We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike's keeping the spirit of your father alive by staying tough. Santa will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Terry
Monday, April 27, 2009
Orman Lee "Santa Claus" Stanfill
On March 5th, I posted a story about meeting an honest-to-goodness Santa Claus in the waiting room before a radiation treatment. Even though he was in "off season" form, his very presence among the 5 or 6 of us there lifted our spirits as he told us how long ago and why he had become Santa Claus. Not acted as Santa, but became Santa--and addressing him by that name during the conversation was as natural as could be for all of us there.
Sad to report, but Terry came across an obit in the paper that Santa, Orman Lee Stanfill of Austell, GA, did not survive his fight with cancer and passed away on April 23rd. He was 72 years old, and survived by his wife of 49 years.
The obit included this statement: "One of his greatest joys was to see the excitement in a child's (or even an adult's) eyes when they saw him in a public place in the middle of the year. He would wait until parents had looked away and give a sly wink as the children were trying to figure out if they were truly seeing who they thought they were."
It was a privledge to meet Santa Stan and have that memory to counter all of the things I'd like to forget about this experience.
mike
Sad to report, but Terry came across an obit in the paper that Santa, Orman Lee Stanfill of Austell, GA, did not survive his fight with cancer and passed away on April 23rd. He was 72 years old, and survived by his wife of 49 years.
The obit included this statement: "One of his greatest joys was to see the excitement in a child's (or even an adult's) eyes when they saw him in a public place in the middle of the year. He would wait until parents had looked away and give a sly wink as the children were trying to figure out if they were truly seeing who they thought they were."
It was a privledge to meet Santa Stan and have that memory to counter all of the things I'd like to forget about this experience.
mike
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More Encouraging Signs
We had the 9-day post-chemo follow up with the oncologist yesterday (4/22) and got some encouraging news from the few tests they could do in the office. Mike's blood counts are well within the normal ranges, which means he should avoid the wild drops that put him in the hospital this far out from the last chemo infusion. He was also taken off two more drugs, one of which made him very drowsy 3-4 times a day.
As always, this kind of positive news has to be tempered with the reality that the PET scan will be the definitive test when that happens in 4-6 weeks. But we will take any good news we can until that happens.
He had essentially no more scalp hair loss from this round of chemo, so he got his hair trimmed yesterday. With the shorter hair and no more white beard, he looks 10 years younger! We'll post a picture soon and you can text your votes to say whether you think he should keep this look.
The next challange now is to get him back to eating solid foods, so he'll start with broths, etc and try to work his way up to a large slice of Rosa's pizza in a few weeks.
Still a long ways to go, but both of our spirits have been boosted by yesterday's developments.
mike and terry
As always, this kind of positive news has to be tempered with the reality that the PET scan will be the definitive test when that happens in 4-6 weeks. But we will take any good news we can until that happens.
He had essentially no more scalp hair loss from this round of chemo, so he got his hair trimmed yesterday. With the shorter hair and no more white beard, he looks 10 years younger! We'll post a picture soon and you can text your votes to say whether you think he should keep this look.
The next challange now is to get him back to eating solid foods, so he'll start with broths, etc and try to work his way up to a large slice of Rosa's pizza in a few weeks.
Still a long ways to go, but both of our spirits have been boosted by yesterday's developments.
mike and terry
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Still Waitin' and Watchin'
It's been five days since the third and last chemo infusion and things are going along pretty much as expected--Mike is taking it easy and sleeping a lot as the chemo takes a stronger hold. We had an optimistic visit with the radiation oncologist yesterday, who summed it up that things are going "as well as he can see" right now. Meaning, he is limited to looking only at outward signs until the more definitive tests are scheduled in the coming weeks.
mike and terry
mike and terry
Monday, April 13, 2009
Chemo Infusion a "non-Event"
For the record, the chemo infusion was the non-event we had hoped it would be. Mike came through it with no problems and no early signs of nausea. Tomorrow will give us the first sign of that as a lasting trend.
So, now we keep our fingers crossed that no side effects emerge in the next 2 weeks--while we wait to hear from the doctors about the post-treatment PET scan.
That means we need your good vibes to still keep coming, and we'll keep you posted as any new things develop on our end.
mike and terry
So, now we keep our fingers crossed that no side effects emerge in the next 2 weeks--while we wait to hear from the doctors about the post-treatment PET scan.
That means we need your good vibes to still keep coming, and we'll keep you posted as any new things develop on our end.
mike and terry
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Time For Another Rally
After a great week at home recovering from the last stay in the hospital and getting lots of rest, Mike gets his final chemo infusion tomorrow morning (Monday, 4/13). The procedure lasts for about 6 hours and it usually uneventful. It's what happens in the following 2-3 weeks that is most critical.
The infusion will cause Mike's white blood cell count to drop to around zero (the nadir) in about 10-14 days, at which time he's most at risk for another infection. If all goes well, the nadir will not last long and he'll start to regenerate his own cells again--which will be the real start on the road to recovery.
Sometime around late May he'll get another PET scan which will indicate how many Prairie Dogs are still present in his body. The 'target' number is zero, zilch, none, nada, bumpkiss.
During this next stretch, "No news will be good news" from our standpoint, so please don't be alarmed if there are few new blogs. But, don't let that stop you from sending cards (see the picture), emails, and comments to the blog. We love to get them, and each and every one cheers us up. Those of you who have been in our home at Christmas time know that we have a "Memory Tree" that shows some of the highlights of year just ending. Boy, do we have a good start on the Memory Tree for 2009 already!
Oh, some special thanks go out to Mike's brothers, Jim and John, who visited us for 3-4 days and provided some needed help while they were here.
This is one of the most critical times in Mike's treatment plan, so if you can spare any extra good vibes over the next 2-3 weeks, they will certainly not go unused.
mike and terry
Monday, April 6, 2009
Back From The Brink
Terry's last blog gave a good description of the situation while I was in the hospital last week--along with the nurses and doctors, we watched my condition slip to very dangerous levels on several counts. We were very fortunate to have made the decision to get to the hospital the night before, so when things bottomed out we were right where we needed to be.
I can directly recall only bits and pieces of what happened from Wednesday night to Friday afternoon--most of what I know know has come from the doctors, nurses, and Terry. What I do know is that the medical personnel at Piedment Hospital saved my life more times than I can count until my own body was able to take over for itself again.
One result of this episode is that the third round of chemo has been postponed until next week, probably Monday. That will allow my blood counts to get even higher and for me to build up some additional strength. Another great decision by my docs, I think.
We'll let you know when the last chemo infusion will be, so you can crank up the good vibes once again.
My thanks go out to all of you who have emailed me with well wishes--you have no idea how much they were really needed over the last few days.
mike
I can directly recall only bits and pieces of what happened from Wednesday night to Friday afternoon--most of what I know know has come from the doctors, nurses, and Terry. What I do know is that the medical personnel at Piedment Hospital saved my life more times than I can count until my own body was able to take over for itself again.
One result of this episode is that the third round of chemo has been postponed until next week, probably Monday. That will allow my blood counts to get even higher and for me to build up some additional strength. Another great decision by my docs, I think.
We'll let you know when the last chemo infusion will be, so you can crank up the good vibes once again.
My thanks go out to all of you who have emailed me with well wishes--you have no idea how much they were really needed over the last few days.
mike
Saturday, April 4, 2009
End of Week 6 score: Team Mike 14, Team Prarie Dogs 12 and Team Chemo/Radiation 21
We've decided to think of this journey as a three-sided game.
During the sixth and final week of radiation treatment there are signs that team prarie dogs have been pounded, pummeled and sent packing by team chemo/radiation with the help of Mike's positive attitude. Mike's speech is better and he's able to sip some water and take a pain medicaton orally. Unfortunately, team chemo/radiation also did a number on Mike. After the initial admission to the oncology floor on Tuesday for neutropenia, he was holding his own until his temperature spiked at 103.8 and his HR increased to 170+. Mike's team of "stat" nurses hauled him to the Intermediate Care Unit on a different floor so that he could be monitored more closely. One day later, with the HR under control, numerous shots to increase the WBC count and two units of blood to treat anemia, he was allowed back in the game and readmitted to the oncology floor. There is a good chance that he will be sent home today. It all depends on how well he does after receiving two more units of blood. The third and final chemo has been delayed at least one week.
We couldn't have gotten this far with out all of the fans rooting for Team Mike, so thank you for all the positive vibes, prayers and well wishes. We need everyone to keep the rally going. Make some noise.
One last thought on how to make some noise...
I happened to notice that the label on each of the units of blood that Mike received indicated that the blood was donated by a volunteer. That meant four units given by four different people making a difference in someone else's life. So I can't think of a more tangible way to help Mike and to help other cancer patients than to donate blood and/or platelets every chance you get. Visit your American Red Cross this week and donate blood: The gift of life.
Terry
PS: I'm looking for Mike to rally this weekend and write his own post.
During the sixth and final week of radiation treatment there are signs that team prarie dogs have been pounded, pummeled and sent packing by team chemo/radiation with the help of Mike's positive attitude. Mike's speech is better and he's able to sip some water and take a pain medicaton orally. Unfortunately, team chemo/radiation also did a number on Mike. After the initial admission to the oncology floor on Tuesday for neutropenia, he was holding his own until his temperature spiked at 103.8 and his HR increased to 170+. Mike's team of "stat" nurses hauled him to the Intermediate Care Unit on a different floor so that he could be monitored more closely. One day later, with the HR under control, numerous shots to increase the WBC count and two units of blood to treat anemia, he was allowed back in the game and readmitted to the oncology floor. There is a good chance that he will be sent home today. It all depends on how well he does after receiving two more units of blood. The third and final chemo has been delayed at least one week.
We couldn't have gotten this far with out all of the fans rooting for Team Mike, so thank you for all the positive vibes, prayers and well wishes. We need everyone to keep the rally going. Make some noise.
One last thought on how to make some noise...
I happened to notice that the label on each of the units of blood that Mike received indicated that the blood was donated by a volunteer. That meant four units given by four different people making a difference in someone else's life. So I can't think of a more tangible way to help Mike and to help other cancer patients than to donate blood and/or platelets every chance you get. Visit your American Red Cross this week and donate blood: The gift of life.
Terry
PS: I'm looking for Mike to rally this weekend and write his own post.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A "speed bump" at the end
Mike will try to post later tonight or tomorrow.
We need all the prayers, good vibes and special wishes to crank up a notch. He hit a "speed bump" last night that meant a trip to ER and finally being admitted early this morning. He has a condition called neutropenia (low white blood cell) that is the result of chemo, which will probably mean a delay in the final chemo scheduled for Monday. Very disappointing news, but understandable.
With the low blood cell count comes the possibility of an infection which is exactly what happened to Mike. He's resting comfortably and has improved today with IV antibiotics. He'll be released as soon as the WBC count rises to an acceptable level and the doctor is satisfied that the infection is under control.
In case you're wondering: The radiation train didn't stop--he was carted on a gurney downstairs earlier this afternoon. He's got two more radiation treatments after today. Yippee!
We need all the prayers, good vibes and special wishes to crank up a notch. He hit a "speed bump" last night that meant a trip to ER and finally being admitted early this morning. He has a condition called neutropenia (low white blood cell) that is the result of chemo, which will probably mean a delay in the final chemo scheduled for Monday. Very disappointing news, but understandable.
With the low blood cell count comes the possibility of an infection which is exactly what happened to Mike. He's resting comfortably and has improved today with IV antibiotics. He'll be released as soon as the WBC count rises to an acceptable level and the doctor is satisfied that the infection is under control.
In case you're wondering: The radiation train didn't stop--he was carted on a gurney downstairs earlier this afternoon. He's got two more radiation treatments after today. Yippee!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Another Milestone Reached
Mike had his last double radiation treatment today. The "double" days always gave us the most challenge in terms of logistics and Mike's pain management, so we are doubly (couldn't help it) glad to scratch the last one off the appointment list. Only 6 more radiation treatments to go, which is the next sigificant milestone.
The daily IV infusions will continue for the next few weeks, and are already proving to be worth the extra time at the hosptial every M-F. Mike's energy level and appetite have improved with this, and his weight is up about 5 pounds since this started just a few days ago.
We're looking forward to Mike's brother, Jim, coming this weekend. Mike would be looking forward to it a whole lot more if Xavier had managed to beat Pitt in the NCAA game tonight. Mike picked Xavier (get it--X, X-ray[radiation]) to win it all and to not have to root for a Big East team in his bracket.
Our hope is that Mike can get the rest he needs this weekend to give him a boost for the last week of radiation and third chemo coming up. What better way to do that than watching the NCAAs at home on a beautiful spring weekend in Atlanta.
mike and terry
The daily IV infusions will continue for the next few weeks, and are already proving to be worth the extra time at the hosptial every M-F. Mike's energy level and appetite have improved with this, and his weight is up about 5 pounds since this started just a few days ago.
We're looking forward to Mike's brother, Jim, coming this weekend. Mike would be looking forward to it a whole lot more if Xavier had managed to beat Pitt in the NCAA game tonight. Mike picked Xavier (get it--X, X-ray[radiation]) to win it all and to not have to root for a Big East team in his bracket.
Our hope is that Mike can get the rest he needs this weekend to give him a boost for the last week of radiation and third chemo coming up. What better way to do that than watching the NCAAs at home on a beautiful spring weekend in Atlanta.
mike and terry
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
From "Hanging in" to "Hanging On" -- Crank Up the Good Vibes Again
The most recent post painted an honest picture of Mike's condition at that time--one of cautious optimism. That picture has changed considerably in just the last 3 days. Try as we might, we are not able to keep his nutrition and hydration levels where they need to be. We were back in the hospital today for more IV fluids and will get a re-assessment of his progress from the oncologists tomorrow.
The whole trick to this is to find a balancing point among a number of vital indicators (pain, weight, hydration, nutrition, sleep, medications) that will allow him to continue the treatments without those same treatments doing additional damage to his body. That balancing point needs to be found soon, and then be maintained for another 2-4 weeks. At that time he will have started to see a turnaround in the radiation and chemo side effects.
Mike continues to be in that Zone of a Fighting Chance, so not to worry that way. However, that zone has turned out to be a moving target and the last few days have been very difficult.
So, crank up your Good Vibes machines once more and keep them going 24/7. Hopefully the next post you read can reflect a return to some cautious optimism.
mike and terry
The whole trick to this is to find a balancing point among a number of vital indicators (pain, weight, hydration, nutrition, sleep, medications) that will allow him to continue the treatments without those same treatments doing additional damage to his body. That balancing point needs to be found soon, and then be maintained for another 2-4 weeks. At that time he will have started to see a turnaround in the radiation and chemo side effects.
Mike continues to be in that Zone of a Fighting Chance, so not to worry that way. However, that zone has turned out to be a moving target and the last few days have been very difficult.
So, crank up your Good Vibes machines once more and keep them going 24/7. Hopefully the next post you read can reflect a return to some cautious optimism.
mike and terry
Friday, March 20, 2009
Four Weeks Down This Road
Mike completed his fourth week of radiation treatments this morning, and had his second chemo infusion this past Monday. So, he's now two-thirds of the way through his treatments, followed by another 4-6 weeks of follow-up and testing. Given the wide range of progress he could be experiencing right now, he's extremely pleased to be where he is--responding to the daily meals (such as they are), gaining back a few pounds of weight, and having only minor nausea from this last chemo infusion. Still hard to say how much more scalp hair he might lose.
It looks like he's now ready to be a bit more active with some short walks, so hopefully the weather will cooperate for that over the weekend.
Please stay in touch via the blog and your private emails and we'll keep posting as things move along. For right now, we and the docs appear to be in a state of holding on to some signs of cautious optimism.
mike and terry
It looks like he's now ready to be a bit more active with some short walks, so hopefully the weather will cooperate for that over the weekend.
Please stay in touch via the blog and your private emails and we'll keep posting as things move along. For right now, we and the docs appear to be in a state of holding on to some signs of cautious optimism.
mike and terry
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
More Encouraging News from the Radiation Oncologist
In our weekly consult with the radiation oncologist this morning, he told us that while he can't actually see the tumor in the X-ray pictures they take every day, he does see some signs that it's shrinking. Mike's overall level of pain has lowered a bit in that area, which would confirm that observation.
He also said that Mike's side effects are well within the range of expectations at this stage of treatment. As always, with the qualifying "So far..."
mike and terry
He also said that Mike's side effects are well within the range of expectations at this stage of treatment. As always, with the qualifying "So far..."
mike and terry
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Good Vibes are Working! Keep 'em Coming
Yesterday's chemo infusion was just what it should have been--a long IV session with no problems. Some people (ourselves included before this) have the impression that the chemo infusion itself is a big deal, and mostly of the painful kind. In reality, it's very low key. Mike just sits there with an IV tube, waiting for a series of 4 bags of fluid to empty into his arm. The most difficult part is figuring out how to use the time while tethered to the IV stand for 5 hours and sitting in a very comfortable recliner with all sorts of reading and listening material, and Terry, around him.
(If you guessed 'sleep' for Mike, you win!)
About 30+ hours after the infusion, we are happy to report that Mike is doing extremely well (things can change, so we'll only say 'so far' this one time). The anti-nausea drugs are working well, with no reaction to the food he ingests through the tube. One of those drugs does produce a minor hiccupping side effect, but that will go away in the next 24-48 hours. It also goes away when he's in a sleeping position, so it doesn't interrupt that need.
He is feeling a lot of fatigue, but that should diminish as more time elapses from the infusion.
And, for the BIG question on all of your minds "Is he losing his hair?" Sorta kinda, but not from the chemo. Last week he began to notice a little more than the usual amount of hair gathering at the shower drain each morning. That amount increases a bit every day now. The docs say it's more likely from the radiation than the chemo--since it's coming out in the lower back of his scalp line--where the radiation is most concentrated. And fortunately, where his hair is the thickest--so we are calling this a "thinning", not a "falling out" event. Whatever it is, there's no way to tell if this same pattern will continue. We do have Jerry, Mike's barber, on alert for the "ultimate buzz cut" if needed. We are told that the hair will grow back, slowly, once the radiation treatments stop.
Of a more daily concern now is Mike's loss of voice--again from the radiation. He can talk, but his words come out slowly and slurred (picture a 3-Jack slur for him), and it is quite painful. So, we have him on as-available plan for talking. Your calls are important to him, so please continue to call his cell. But you will likely find Terry on the other end. She'll let you know if he's: 1) awake, and 2) up to a conversation.
So, your collective good vibes for this week are working! Please keep the extra ones coming for the next 2-3 days. We should know the full story about side effects from this round of chemo then. After that, we'll just see what comes next!
mike and terry
(If you guessed 'sleep' for Mike, you win!)
About 30+ hours after the infusion, we are happy to report that Mike is doing extremely well (things can change, so we'll only say 'so far' this one time). The anti-nausea drugs are working well, with no reaction to the food he ingests through the tube. One of those drugs does produce a minor hiccupping side effect, but that will go away in the next 24-48 hours. It also goes away when he's in a sleeping position, so it doesn't interrupt that need.
He is feeling a lot of fatigue, but that should diminish as more time elapses from the infusion.
And, for the BIG question on all of your minds "Is he losing his hair?" Sorta kinda, but not from the chemo. Last week he began to notice a little more than the usual amount of hair gathering at the shower drain each morning. That amount increases a bit every day now. The docs say it's more likely from the radiation than the chemo--since it's coming out in the lower back of his scalp line--where the radiation is most concentrated. And fortunately, where his hair is the thickest--so we are calling this a "thinning", not a "falling out" event. Whatever it is, there's no way to tell if this same pattern will continue. We do have Jerry, Mike's barber, on alert for the "ultimate buzz cut" if needed. We are told that the hair will grow back, slowly, once the radiation treatments stop.
Of a more daily concern now is Mike's loss of voice--again from the radiation. He can talk, but his words come out slowly and slurred (picture a 3-Jack slur for him), and it is quite painful. So, we have him on as-available plan for talking. Your calls are important to him, so please continue to call his cell. But you will likely find Terry on the other end. She'll let you know if he's: 1) awake, and 2) up to a conversation.
So, your collective good vibes for this week are working! Please keep the extra ones coming for the next 2-3 days. We should know the full story about side effects from this round of chemo then. After that, we'll just see what comes next!
mike and terry
Friday, March 13, 2009
Good Vibes Alert for Next Week
I have my second chemo infusion on Monday. While the infusion is not difficult, what happens over the next 3-4 days from there will tell a big story in what I can expect in my levels of pain and discomfort over the second half of the treatment schedule.
Please send some extra good vibes our way next week, and we'll be sure to provide updates from this end.
mike
Please send some extra good vibes our way next week, and we'll be sure to provide updates from this end.
mike
Half Way through Teatments -- Sorta Kinda
Mike had his 18th radiation treatment this morning, which puts him halfway through the treatment timetable, sorta kinda. While the number of radiation treatments are half over, he still has his second and third chemo infusions ahead of him, and the cumulative effects from both kinds of treatments will make the second half much more difficult than the first half.
On a very positive note, the feeding tube is doing just what it's supposed to--letting Mike stay hydrated and nourished at healthy levels. We now have a good routine going with that 4x/day procedure, and it comes and goes by quickly each time. Terry gets to re-visit her high school chemistry lab skills, while Mike gets to play the large beaker. (It'll come to you, just wait).
A special thanks to Paul Schempp who subbed as Mike's driver all day Thursday. Terry really appreciated the break, and Mike appreciated having some extended time with Paul.
So, he'll get as much rest as he can this weekend and take his next chemo infusion on Monday. The 3 or 4 days after that will reveal whether he really is "over the hump" or still facing a long road ahead for the second half of the treatment schedule.
As always, the blog remains a constant reminder of how many people love us and support us as we go through this--so be sure to log on and post every chance you get.
mike and terry
On a very positive note, the feeding tube is doing just what it's supposed to--letting Mike stay hydrated and nourished at healthy levels. We now have a good routine going with that 4x/day procedure, and it comes and goes by quickly each time. Terry gets to re-visit her high school chemistry lab skills, while Mike gets to play the large beaker. (It'll come to you, just wait).
A special thanks to Paul Schempp who subbed as Mike's driver all day Thursday. Terry really appreciated the break, and Mike appreciated having some extended time with Paul.
So, he'll get as much rest as he can this weekend and take his next chemo infusion on Monday. The 3 or 4 days after that will reveal whether he really is "over the hump" or still facing a long road ahead for the second half of the treatment schedule.
As always, the blog remains a constant reminder of how many people love us and support us as we go through this--so be sure to log on and post every chance you get.
mike and terry
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Looking forward to tomorrow...
Much love to Paul who took over the driving duties today--double radiation trip to Piedmont, allowing me to have a normal workday in the schools supervising interns.
I can't believe that tomorrow morning will mark radiation(prairie dog slaying) halfway point #18.
Looking forward to a weekend on the deck.
I can't believe that tomorrow morning will mark radiation(prairie dog slaying) halfway point #18.
Looking forward to a weekend on the deck.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Staying in the Zone of a "Fighting Chance"
Even with the best doctors, technology, and the support of family and friends, one of the gnawing realities of being a cancer patient is that no one can predict the outcome with an acceptable level of certainty--at least to the patient, and even moreso to a data-driven patient like myself
I think that this level of uncertainty is what makes cancer patients so highly compliant with their doctor's requests, and to become so willling to endure treatments that are usually far more toxic and painful than the disease is at that point in time. At some point the patient starts to say: I hope I can get through the chemo or the radiation--as if this was not really a battle against cancer.
While nervously contemplating the third attempt to insert the feeding tube, I managed to fall out of a zone that would have maintained a "fighting chance" in my mind for not only surviving this, but also getting back to the full range of things that have meaning in my life, and seeing a few of my dreams with Terry come true.
Leading up to the tube insertion it became clear that little piece of simple technology was going to keep me in the Zone of having a Fighting Chance. Without it, I saw no chance of making it through. The tube was not the proverbial Silver Bullett, but it did allow me to get back to a physical, emotional and physchological place that could gave me a shot at beating my cancer.
In that hazy post-op world, I overheard the lead anestesiologist comment that mine was the most difficult itubation (instertion of the breathing tube) he has ever done. The other doctor said something like, "Well, the guy on the table fought off more pain than I've ever seen, as well."
There is a cliche in sports that players and coaches will say something like: "I just want to play well enough throughout the game to have a chance to win at the end"
I need to have the same mindset--to do everything I can on a daily basis so that the game doesn't slip out of reach.
mike
I think that this level of uncertainty is what makes cancer patients so highly compliant with their doctor's requests, and to become so willling to endure treatments that are usually far more toxic and painful than the disease is at that point in time. At some point the patient starts to say: I hope I can get through the chemo or the radiation--as if this was not really a battle against cancer.
While nervously contemplating the third attempt to insert the feeding tube, I managed to fall out of a zone that would have maintained a "fighting chance" in my mind for not only surviving this, but also getting back to the full range of things that have meaning in my life, and seeing a few of my dreams with Terry come true.
Leading up to the tube insertion it became clear that little piece of simple technology was going to keep me in the Zone of having a Fighting Chance. Without it, I saw no chance of making it through. The tube was not the proverbial Silver Bullett, but it did allow me to get back to a physical, emotional and physchological place that could gave me a shot at beating my cancer.
In that hazy post-op world, I overheard the lead anestesiologist comment that mine was the most difficult itubation (instertion of the breathing tube) he has ever done. The other doctor said something like, "Well, the guy on the table fought off more pain than I've ever seen, as well."
There is a cliche in sports that players and coaches will say something like: "I just want to play well enough throughout the game to have a chance to win at the end"
I need to have the same mindset--to do everything I can on a daily basis so that the game doesn't slip out of reach.
mike
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
24 hour admission
March 10, 10:00pm
We're beginning to understand that when a doctor says we will do a "24 hour admit" that means exactly 24 hours. Go figure!
Mike and Terry were released from the hospital shortly after the previous post. We are both recovering nicely at home and looking forward to radiation treatment #15 tomorrow morning.
Goodnight,
Terry & Mike
We're beginning to understand that when a doctor says we will do a "24 hour admit" that means exactly 24 hours. Go figure!
Mike and Terry were released from the hospital shortly after the previous post. We are both recovering nicely at home and looking forward to radiation treatment #15 tomorrow morning.
Goodnight,
Terry & Mike
Twiddling our Thumbs
March 10 - 11:00am
After a restful and uneventful evening, all hopes of being home by noon are fading fast. The plan is to make sure that Mike is adjusting to the feeding tube and everything that is needed at home is in place before he gets discharged this afternoon. A case worker is helping to coordinate any additional medical equipment that is needed at home.
We've discovered that absolutely nothing stops the "prairie dog" slaying train ride. Radiation continued as planned this morning.
The excellent care that we've received so far at Piedmont has been duplicated with this overnight stay.
We really enjoy the funny posts, so keep the one-liners flowing. We can feel the good vibes, love and prayers making a difference.
Terry & Mike
After a restful and uneventful evening, all hopes of being home by noon are fading fast. The plan is to make sure that Mike is adjusting to the feeding tube and everything that is needed at home is in place before he gets discharged this afternoon. A case worker is helping to coordinate any additional medical equipment that is needed at home.
We've discovered that absolutely nothing stops the "prairie dog" slaying train ride. Radiation continued as planned this morning.
The excellent care that we've received so far at Piedmont has been duplicated with this overnight stay.
We really enjoy the funny posts, so keep the one-liners flowing. We can feel the good vibes, love and prayers making a difference.
Terry & Mike
Tuesday, March 10
The Big Waiting GameIt's 1010am, Tuesday and any hopes of being home by noon are fading fast. Mike had radiation as previsouly scheduled this morning. We've discovered tha absolutely nothing stops that train ride.
The plan for the rest of this morning and early afternoon is to make sure that the tube feeding is going well and we have everything in place at home for me to continue his care. Once again, we've had nothing but excellent care from everyone.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tube Inserted--Difficult Procedure
The feeding tube was inserted, but not without some great skill by the doctors and great pain for Mike.
Mike has been admitted overnight to the hospital.
More on a later blog.
mike
Mike has been admitted overnight to the hospital.
More on a later blog.
mike
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Need Some Extra Good Vibes on Monday
Please send along some extra good vibes, prayers, wishes, etc, to Mike tomorrow. He'll have his third try at the feeding tube insertion in the morning, and really needs it to be successful this time.
He might be admitted to the hospital tomorrow night, so we'll get the next blog out ASAP after we know the results and get back home.
mike and terry
He might be admitted to the hospital tomorrow night, so we'll get the next blog out ASAP after we know the results and get back home.
mike and terry
Friday, March 6, 2009
Reaching another Milestone
Today (Friday 3/6) ended the second full week of radiation treatments for Mike, putting one-third of those treatments behind him. And, better yet, nearly 72 hours off until the next one.
The doc's predictions have been pretty accurate so far--the tumor appears to be shrinking ever so slightly, and the swelling from the radiation is starting to become a factor--as a speech/swallowing impediment and a source of pain. All of that puts Mike right on course and also allows us to plan better for what's ahead, instead of simply reacting to 'it' each day.
We enjoyed a great lunch visit today from Mike's sister, Marie, who managed to recreate two of their mother's best pudding recipes that really hit the spot after the 'necessary' part of Mike's lunch was ingested.
We are hoping to enjoy a quiet weekend with the first real bout of spring weather here--getting in some walks, doing some reading...and scarfing the rest of that pudding.
Mike would like to send out a special thanks to some Tufts fraternity brothers, childhood friends, and others who have shown that those kinds of ties run long and deep in people's lives and that the dividends to be earned from those friendships have no expiration dates.
mike and terry
The doc's predictions have been pretty accurate so far--the tumor appears to be shrinking ever so slightly, and the swelling from the radiation is starting to become a factor--as a speech/swallowing impediment and a source of pain. All of that puts Mike right on course and also allows us to plan better for what's ahead, instead of simply reacting to 'it' each day.
We enjoyed a great lunch visit today from Mike's sister, Marie, who managed to recreate two of their mother's best pudding recipes that really hit the spot after the 'necessary' part of Mike's lunch was ingested.
We are hoping to enjoy a quiet weekend with the first real bout of spring weather here--getting in some walks, doing some reading...and scarfing the rest of that pudding.
Mike would like to send out a special thanks to some Tufts fraternity brothers, childhood friends, and others who have shown that those kinds of ties run long and deep in people's lives and that the dividends to be earned from those friendships have no expiration dates.
mike and terry
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Feeding Tube Delay
When Mike had the procedure that included the biopsies, it was noted that his airway was already restricted at that time. Since then it has become even a bit more restricted (due to the swelling from the radiation), so the docs today decided not to install the feeding tube as an out-patient procedure, and use a full operating room instead. The OR is better equipped to handle this situtation, and any complications that might arise.
The tube will be installed on Monday. The good news is that Mike got a couple bags of fluids in him while waiting today--and that he's not terribly uncomfortable at this time with chewing or swallowing--so this delay is not as worrisome as it might have been 3-4 days ago.
But, one milestone achieved nonetheless. This was Mike's 9th radiation treatment, putting him 25% down that road. He's half-way to half-way!
mike and terry
The tube will be installed on Monday. The good news is that Mike got a couple bags of fluids in him while waiting today--and that he's not terribly uncomfortable at this time with chewing or swallowing--so this delay is not as worrisome as it might have been 3-4 days ago.
But, one milestone achieved nonetheless. This was Mike's 9th radiation treatment, putting him 25% down that road. He's half-way to half-way!
mike and terry
Still working on 'Comments'
The settings for sending comments have been adjusted again--hopefully they are now all corrected. Please keep tyring to send comment so I can know if this has been fixed.
Mike
Mike
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Santa Claus in the radiation oncology treatment room
When I arrive for daily radiation treatments, I sign in and immediately go to a waiting room for patients who are on the treatment schedule in that same time period. As you might imagine, it's not the cheeriest of places, and the only thing that brings us all together in that place is our disease, treatment plans, and a schedule that finds us in the same place at the same time on particular days. I see some people almost every day, but others come and go through that room in an unpredictable manner.
Well, today was certainly not a typical day. I arrived to find an iconic vision of a Santa Claus sitting there, waiting for his first treatment. He was not in his suit, and his hair was unseasonably short (Summer's can get hot at the North Pole), but it was him, all right. So, in this room that provides not a single reason to laugh or smile, he told us that he's been doing this for many years in North Georgia, and is already making his plans for Christmas 2009. And, that's the key to all of this--getting through the treatments, etc, so we can return to the things that gave our lives meaning and happiness before we became cancer patients and caregivers.
"Once in a while you can get shown the light
In the strangest of places...If you look at it right"
mike
Well, today was certainly not a typical day. I arrived to find an iconic vision of a Santa Claus sitting there, waiting for his first treatment. He was not in his suit, and his hair was unseasonably short (Summer's can get hot at the North Pole), but it was him, all right. So, in this room that provides not a single reason to laugh or smile, he told us that he's been doing this for many years in North Georgia, and is already making his plans for Christmas 2009. And, that's the key to all of this--getting through the treatments, etc, so we can return to the things that gave our lives meaning and happiness before we became cancer patients and caregivers.
"Once in a while you can get shown the light
In the strangest of places...If you look at it right"
mike
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week 2 coming up
Thanks to all of you who have posted to the blog--please know that it is a vital link in the process, and that we both look forward to reading what you send along.
What started as a mostly uneventful first week of treatment ended with Mike in the Emergency Room, getting treated for severe dehydration and constipation. We are glad to report that both sets of symptons have been reduced, but it was two days of very high levels of discomfort for him. He had a very good day today, getting his fluid levels replenished, and eating the best grilled cheese sandwhich he can ever remember.
The dehydration from the chemo and radiation came on faster than was expected, so first thing tomorrow we'll ask the docs to move up the installation of the feeding tube to be ASAP. He'll be able to directly take food (as it were) and fluids into the tube, which will allow him to maintain good levels without having to think about how yucky the food and water tastes.
So, Week 2 coming up--with radiation treatments only--no chemo. We'll see what that holds.
mike and terry
Week 2 of prairie dog slaying: As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended good with him being able to eat and drink a little. It's still not enough, but it really boosted my spirits to see more fluids going into him yesterday and today. We also found out this morning that the procedure for the insertion of the feeding tube has been moved up from Friday to this Wednesday. Never thought in a million years that this is something I would be happy about, but I'm actually doing cartwheels.
Thanks to everyone for the posts, phone calls, personal e-mails and cards. Also, a special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening. We really enjoyed hearing about your trip back home to Arkansas. It makes the rest of us seem sane. (;)
On another note, we both found out today how important it is for everyone who is involved in Mike's care to be positive. Keep the positive thoughts flowing.
Terry
Week two of prairie dog slaying has begun. As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended yesterday with him being able to drink and eat more than he has eaten in awhile, which has really helped boost our spirits. We also found out today that the procedure for the feeding tube has been moved from Friday to this Wednesday. As unpleasant as this may seem, we are both ready for this to happen. Stabilizing the weight loss with adequate nutrition and hydration is extremely important has he continues with radiation this week. Thanks again to everyone for all the posts, the cards and personal e-mails. A special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening on your way home--we both enjoyed your visit.
What started as a mostly uneventful first week of treatment ended with Mike in the Emergency Room, getting treated for severe dehydration and constipation. We are glad to report that both sets of symptons have been reduced, but it was two days of very high levels of discomfort for him. He had a very good day today, getting his fluid levels replenished, and eating the best grilled cheese sandwhich he can ever remember.
The dehydration from the chemo and radiation came on faster than was expected, so first thing tomorrow we'll ask the docs to move up the installation of the feeding tube to be ASAP. He'll be able to directly take food (as it were) and fluids into the tube, which will allow him to maintain good levels without having to think about how yucky the food and water tastes.
So, Week 2 coming up--with radiation treatments only--no chemo. We'll see what that holds.
mike and terry
Week 2 of prairie dog slaying: As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended good with him being able to eat and drink a little. It's still not enough, but it really boosted my spirits to see more fluids going into him yesterday and today. We also found out this morning that the procedure for the insertion of the feeding tube has been moved up from Friday to this Wednesday. Never thought in a million years that this is something I would be happy about, but I'm actually doing cartwheels.
Thanks to everyone for the posts, phone calls, personal e-mails and cards. Also, a special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening. We really enjoyed hearing about your trip back home to Arkansas. It makes the rest of us seem sane. (;)
On another note, we both found out today how important it is for everyone who is involved in Mike's care to be positive. Keep the positive thoughts flowing.
Terry
Week two of prairie dog slaying has begun. As Mike reported earlier, the weekend started rough, but ended yesterday with him being able to drink and eat more than he has eaten in awhile, which has really helped boost our spirits. We also found out today that the procedure for the feeding tube has been moved from Friday to this Wednesday. As unpleasant as this may seem, we are both ready for this to happen. Stabilizing the weight loss with adequate nutrition and hydration is extremely important has he continues with radiation this week. Thanks again to everyone for all the posts, the cards and personal e-mails. A special thanks to Aleisa for stopping by this evening on your way home--we both enjoyed your visit.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Comments setting fixed
Anyone should now be able to post comments to the blog, after I've adjusted those settings.
mike
mike
Friday, February 27, 2009
Settling in for a long run
It looks like all of the pieces are in place to take this thing on, according to the docs' plans. We've met with all of the key players and have managed to find a schedule that fits for everyone, so far. Again, we have been so impressed with the responses from all of the medical personnel, in and out of the hospital.
Mike finishes his first week of treatment this afternoon and then has the weekend off, which will be a welcome thing for both of us--especially Terry, who is logging plenty of extra miles around ATL.
Most of the what the doctors predicted has started to show for these early stages: loss of appetite, increasing fatigue, low-level nausea, and some difficulty in swallowing. While those don't sound like positive signs, the strength of the symptoms are well within the expected ranges, so nothing to be worried about. The key now is to monitor those symptoms and keep them in a tolerable range for the next several weeks of treatment.
The blog seems to be working wonders in so many ways (more about that in another post), so please keep checking it, and posting to it when you can.
In the meantime, enjoy your weekend, and stay in touch.
mike and terry
Mike finishes his first week of treatment this afternoon and then has the weekend off, which will be a welcome thing for both of us--especially Terry, who is logging plenty of extra miles around ATL.
Most of the what the doctors predicted has started to show for these early stages: loss of appetite, increasing fatigue, low-level nausea, and some difficulty in swallowing. While those don't sound like positive signs, the strength of the symptoms are well within the expected ranges, so nothing to be worried about. The key now is to monitor those symptoms and keep them in a tolerable range for the next several weeks of treatment.
The blog seems to be working wonders in so many ways (more about that in another post), so please keep checking it, and posting to it when you can.
In the meantime, enjoy your weekend, and stay in touch.
mike and terry
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
In Case You're Wondering
This is what Mike looks like, after a clean shave, so how can you blame Terry for falling more in love with him? And, yes, that is his insufferable smirk that you thought you've seen over the many years. It's still too early to know if the chemo will have any effect on his scalp hair.
As you can easily see, the tumor is on the left side of his face, just under the jawbone. It should not get any larger, and should actually show signs of reducing in the next week or so.
The Day 2 radiation treatment went very well--with special thanks to the med-tech staffer who cut out the parts of the restraining mask that made Mike's claustrophobia go "Tilt!!!" the first time they put it on. And, oh yeah--those little blue pills.
We had the consult yesterday with the GI doc who will install a feeding "peg" to Mike's stomach, allowing him to have direct hydration and feeding, getting around the anticipated discomfort from chewing and swallowing that will happen in the next week or so.
Thanks to all who have responded to the blogs, called and talked, left messages, or emailed--even if just to say "Hey."
mike and terry
Today was the easiest day so far, only one trip downtown for radiation. Mike is being an excellent patient. Yes, I know that's hard to believe, but he's got a great attitude about everything--treatment plan, the big shave, eating only soft foods and me driving his car. Tomorrow will be long with an early appointment for a speech and swallowing eval, radiation, quick trip home for a nap, and back to the hospital for round two of radiation. Thanks to my brother, Damon and Paul S. for stopping by this evening. We really appreciate the company. Love the babyface, but I would give anything to have that beard and mustache back...Terry
Today was the easiest day so far, only one trip downtown for radiation. Mike is being an excellent patient. Yes, I know that's hard to believe, but he's got a great attitude about everything--treatment plan, the big shave, eating only soft foods and me driving his car. Tomorrow will be long with an early appointment for a speech and swallowing eval, radiation, quick trip home for a nap, and back to the hospital for round two of radiation. Thanks to my brother, Damon and Paul S. for stopping by this evening. We really appreciate the company. Love the babyface, but I would give anything to have that beard and mustache back...Terry
Monday, February 23, 2009
Baby Face Gets Treatment Day 1: Chemo + Radiation
After being told that there was a 100% chance of losing facial hair from the radiation, Mike shaved is face totally clean for the first time since early college, when he first started his moustache. He's had a beard since 1990, so Terry had never seen him without facial hair. We've made a deal: I'll keep shaving if she wears a wig to bed one night a week. (In your dreams, sweetheart! tm)
On the serious side, my clean-shaven face shows the exact location and relative size of the tumor--and it looks somewhat larger with no facial hair to cover it.
Even though it was a very long day, getting both a chemo treatment and a radiation treatment, we came away very enouraged by what when down. The Chemo "Infusion Room" is very large, bright and comfortable, with a great staff. I got about 4 and a half hours of IVs that started and ended with substantial amounts of hydration. Sandwiched between those was an hour of Cisplatin IV. Glad to report that I felt no discomfort furing that time.
I was later taken to the Radiation Oconology Lab, where they adjusted a light mask that is used to hold my head in exactly the right place for the radiation dosage. Before the mask adjustments, I went "white knuckle" in about 2 seconds, from the mask pressing on the tumor, which in turn pressed on my throat. Again, the docs and tech staff were wonderful in getting me comfortable enough to get what they called "great shots" at the tumor from several angles.
So, the treatment schedule is set for the entire 6 weeks. The next big questions are "Are the treatments working?" and "What side effects will I experience?"
More later.
mike
On the serious side, my clean-shaven face shows the exact location and relative size of the tumor--and it looks somewhat larger with no facial hair to cover it.
Even though it was a very long day, getting both a chemo treatment and a radiation treatment, we came away very enouraged by what when down. The Chemo "Infusion Room" is very large, bright and comfortable, with a great staff. I got about 4 and a half hours of IVs that started and ended with substantial amounts of hydration. Sandwiched between those was an hour of Cisplatin IV. Glad to report that I felt no discomfort furing that time.
I was later taken to the Radiation Oconology Lab, where they adjusted a light mask that is used to hold my head in exactly the right place for the radiation dosage. Before the mask adjustments, I went "white knuckle" in about 2 seconds, from the mask pressing on the tumor, which in turn pressed on my throat. Again, the docs and tech staff were wonderful in getting me comfortable enough to get what they called "great shots" at the tumor from several angles.
So, the treatment schedule is set for the entire 6 weeks. The next big questions are "Are the treatments working?" and "What side effects will I experience?"
More later.
mike
Friday, February 20, 2009
Prairie Dogs and Cancer Treatment
This past Monday Terry and I were getting the full details on the nature of my cancer and how the medical team planned to treat it. We were at the point of information overload when the radiation oncologist began to describe how the radiation and chemo work together to kill the cancer cells in the tumor.
"It's like hunting prairie dogs."
And, then it got weird...
So, it's just the three of us in this very small examination room and Terry and I are biting our tongues and trying not to make eye contact, so that we don't just blurt out laughing. The doctor forges ahead with his analogy:
"Imagine a long line of prairie dog holes stretching far across the...prairie. Each hole is a cancer cell. And, aimed at each hole is a bow and arrow, set on automatic firing. The chemo works to get some of the prairie dogs to pop out of their holes--at which time the radiation shoots at them like arrows--killing those prairie dogs that had popped up at that precise moment. Not all of the prairie dogs pop up at once, so the process needs to be repeated many times, until at some point all of the prairie dogs have been killed."
At some level, his analogy does make sense, but the last two words we expected to hear during a cancer treatment consult were "prairie dogs." But, it does make you wonder why medical students need to go into such large loan debt when they can learn all they need to know about treating cancer by watching the Animal Planet on TV.
On the serious side of things, today is that last prep day for us, with several appointments lined up. The treatments start on Monday, so please keep us in your thoughts, and check the blog for updates as we can post them.
"It's like hunting prairie dogs."
And, then it got weird...
So, it's just the three of us in this very small examination room and Terry and I are biting our tongues and trying not to make eye contact, so that we don't just blurt out laughing. The doctor forges ahead with his analogy:
"Imagine a long line of prairie dog holes stretching far across the...prairie. Each hole is a cancer cell. And, aimed at each hole is a bow and arrow, set on automatic firing. The chemo works to get some of the prairie dogs to pop out of their holes--at which time the radiation shoots at them like arrows--killing those prairie dogs that had popped up at that precise moment. Not all of the prairie dogs pop up at once, so the process needs to be repeated many times, until at some point all of the prairie dogs have been killed."
At some level, his analogy does make sense, but the last two words we expected to hear during a cancer treatment consult were "prairie dogs." But, it does make you wonder why medical students need to go into such large loan debt when they can learn all they need to know about treating cancer by watching the Animal Planet on TV.
On the serious side of things, today is that last prep day for us, with several appointments lined up. The treatments start on Monday, so please keep us in your thoughts, and check the blog for updates as we can post them.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Medical Team Metzler
Dr. Charles Henderson is an oncologist and leader of the group of doctors who will be treating Mike. He came very highly recommended. Most interesting, he is a 5-year survivor of this very same kind of cancer, and has been featured in the local press and TV. Check out:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2004/05/17/focus6.html
It is rare that a doctor can bring the experience of a patient to this kind of medical problem.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2004/05/17/focus6.html
It is rare that a doctor can bring the experience of a patient to this kind of medical problem.
So far...
It's 3:30 am on Thursday, February 19, 2009. I'm awake at this hour to take my overnight dosage of pain medicine, and it seemed a good a time as any to learn how to set up a blog and to do my first entry--which will be a re-cap of events up to now. Setting up this blog was very easy and simple, and I'm very surprised to be posting to it already--so here goes.
In August of 2008 I started a series of appointments for some long-overdue dental work. I was experiencing some pain in my lower left jaw, which was then attributable to an impacted wisdom tooth growing nearly horizontally into another tooth in that area. Both teeth were extracted, but the pain persisted--and got a lot worse. The first diagnosis was TMD from the many dental sessions with my mouth extended wide open. That diagnosis was discounted fairly soon, and I was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist as the pain kept getting worse and worse.
After a negative CT scan, a MRI showed a mass of tissue at the left base of my tongue and pressing against the tri-facial nerve in that area--thus the constant, acute pain. The tissue mass was biopsied and shown positive for the squamous carcinoma at a Stage 3 or 4a (localized advanced, but not metasticized).
The course of treatment will be 6 weeks of chemotherapy combined with radiation, followed by 4-6 weeks of recovery. This blog starts four days before the treatment begins, with several appointments to prepare us (my wife Terry and I), for what's ahead.
The first question, of course, was How does a non-smoker/non-tobacco user get this kind of cancer? We were surprised to learn that it's caused by the Human Papillanoma Virus (HPV). Researchers think that the virus 'parks' in that area and can then trigger carcinoma growth at any time from 5 to 35 years after the infection occurs. It is not a lifestyle-related disease.
I will use the next posting to describe my thoughts, feelings, and outlook as this process begins. I think it's important for readers to understand the attitude that we are taking into this with us. That actually hints at the first part of our attitude--there is no "I" in cancer. We are looking at this as a shared experience, and both of us are equally important in helping to reach our goal of me having a cancer-free body with a long and healthy life ahead. Lots more on that theme as this goes along, I suspect.
In August of 2008 I started a series of appointments for some long-overdue dental work. I was experiencing some pain in my lower left jaw, which was then attributable to an impacted wisdom tooth growing nearly horizontally into another tooth in that area. Both teeth were extracted, but the pain persisted--and got a lot worse. The first diagnosis was TMD from the many dental sessions with my mouth extended wide open. That diagnosis was discounted fairly soon, and I was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist as the pain kept getting worse and worse.
After a negative CT scan, a MRI showed a mass of tissue at the left base of my tongue and pressing against the tri-facial nerve in that area--thus the constant, acute pain. The tissue mass was biopsied and shown positive for the squamous carcinoma at a Stage 3 or 4a (localized advanced, but not metasticized).
The course of treatment will be 6 weeks of chemotherapy combined with radiation, followed by 4-6 weeks of recovery. This blog starts four days before the treatment begins, with several appointments to prepare us (my wife Terry and I), for what's ahead.
The first question, of course, was How does a non-smoker/non-tobacco user get this kind of cancer? We were surprised to learn that it's caused by the Human Papillanoma Virus (HPV). Researchers think that the virus 'parks' in that area and can then trigger carcinoma growth at any time from 5 to 35 years after the infection occurs. It is not a lifestyle-related disease.
I will use the next posting to describe my thoughts, feelings, and outlook as this process begins. I think it's important for readers to understand the attitude that we are taking into this with us. That actually hints at the first part of our attitude--there is no "I" in cancer. We are looking at this as a shared experience, and both of us are equally important in helping to reach our goal of me having a cancer-free body with a long and healthy life ahead. Lots more on that theme as this goes along, I suspect.
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