I have not given an update on Winnie for a while because things were developing on her treatment plans and there was no news to report. Now there is. She has been accepted into a clinical trial for a new chemo pill. She takes the pill once a week for about 20 weeks. Even in pill form, the chemo drug is an ass kicker and Winnie is in the throes of its side effects right now--nausea, dehydration, loss of appetite, along with the severe pain from her cancer. Terry saw her a few days ago and came back very concerned.
So, this is a call for good vibes from Team Mike for Winnie. Please keep her in your daily thoughts and give her strength from the distance. Winnie is an amazing woman in many ways, but to be honest, struggling through tough times is not her strength--so she can use all of the help she can get from others.
As for me, the ORN episode last month has passed. I didn't detect the shard coming out--it probably got washed down with oysters and beer at the beach--but it's gone. The pain and swelling have gone down to their usual levels, which can be tolerated without meds. Yogi Berra said that "It ain't over until it's over" which is true about ORN. The problem is that it ain't over until it doesn't happen again, so there is no way to know if this will be the last episode. I see my oral surgeon in two weeks so hopefully he can give me a good assessment of things and keep me off the path to a jaw replacement procedure.
But for now, please give your thoguhts and good vibes on Winnie, her husband, and their family.
Mike
