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
Hi Mike, I'll keep those "good vibes" going your way - it would be fantastic if the cancer is all out now! Yours, Colleen
ReplyDeleteMike and Terry,
ReplyDeleteWe are liking the GOOD news and will be sending GOOD VIBRATIONS and prayers for you.
Peace,
Mike and Karen Lane
Mike and Terry,
ReplyDeleteGood vibes, thoughts and prayers coming your way. Mike, glad to hear that eating solid foods is coming along and that you have felt well enough to teach- in the summer term no less!
Best,
kz
I pray the procedure goes well today!
ReplyDeleteCarla