I finally had the chance to schedule a follow up office visit with Dr. Pippas to get results from the scans I had on June 30. The news continues to be good (scratch that….GREAT!). My scans are perfectly clear. No Evidence of Disease. We are working on getting me extricated from some of the pharmaceutical drugs I have been taking. One of them, Xgeva, has been proven to be a powerful inhibitor of additional bone metastases that I have been taking every month for the past five years. You might have heard of a drug, Boniva (the Sally Field drug). According to Dr. Andy Pippas, Xgeva is “thousands of times more powerful” than Boniva and that the latest research says that it is not necessary to take this injection monthly. We are going to go on an every six month injection schedule, instead of monthly. Also, I have been taking 20 milligrams of Celexa for the obvious anxiety caused by not being sure I was going to live through this. With my scans continuing to bear out that this cancer isn’t aggressively trying to take me out, I am on a plan now to take Celexa off of my list of daily drugs. As with any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medication, one should pay attention to the weaning process and not just quick it “cold turkey.” I am starting the draw down process to get that one gone. What I have been left to deal with is fairly strong muscle and joint pain, likely a result of the 15 months of oral chemotherapy I took. So, if you see me walking slowly or exhibiting odd movements, I’m likely trying to put my frame into a place that brings me some relief. I’ll take a lifetime of this pain, if it will mean that the cancer has left me for good. That is a deal I would jump on.
We will continue doing scans every four months and remain vigilant. Meanwhile, we are getting back to our lives and concentrating on our business. Jill Tigner, and our families cannot possibly thank you all enough for supporting us with prayers and love as we’ve worked to get through these most difficult 6 and a half years with this disease and this horrific economy. For now, we’re going to try to wring every last drop of the goodness this life has to offer. I’m so sorry that I’ve left my blog readers’ hanging, but I couldn’t post about this until we had solid confirmation from Dr. P that we’re still in a good place.
Thanks be to God!
Betsy Covington says
Uh mazing! Simply couldn’t be happier for you. And for Jill. And for me. I’ve “grown accustomed to your face,” friend! 🙂
Debbie King says
Thanks be to God! Love you Mike and Jill!
Karen Rankin says
Praise be to God! The Lord provides.
Dianne Henry says
Thanks be to God!! Wonderful news! We love you and Jill!!
Sandra Henry says
Bill and I rejoice with you, Mike. God is so good! Praying that your good health will continue. Blessings on you, Jill and your family.
Vernon Humphrey says
Super news my friend actually super is an understatement
Debbie Seeley says
With your strong will and conviction, was there ever any doubt that you couldn’t beat this? I know you’re shaking your head “yes”, but I’ll bet you said to yourself “you @&%$*, you will not take me down without a fight”…..and look what happened! You fought and you won! I couldn’t be happier for you!
Liz Kendrick says
SO, SO happy for you! God is good and you and I are both blessed. Love you Mike and Jill
Liz Kendrick says
SO, SO happy for you! God is good and you and I are both blessed. Love you Mike and Jill
Liz Kendrick says
SO, SO happy for you! God is good and you and I are both blessed. Love you Mike and Jill
Liz Kendrick says
SO, SO happy for you! God is good and you and I are both blessed. Love you Mike and Jill
MALLORY FULLER says
My heart is happy:) What great news! Love you both.
Debby Jacobson says
Awesome news!!!!!
Debby Jacobson says
Awesome news!!!!!
Bebe Bahnsen says
Mike, this is wonderful, wonderful news!
You mentioned occasional difficulty walking and some muscle and joint pain. I went through that after my brain tumor surgeries and it was difficult. You may already be in physical therapy but if you’re looking for help with balance and gait, I recommend my neurologist, Dr. Reinaldo Verson. He sees a lot of people who have those issues and can recommend treatment.
Again, I am thrilled to hear about your tests.
Judy Walsh says
This is just so great to hear. So great. God bless you and Jill as you start the draw down process.
Pat Daniel says
What fabulous news! Answered prayers!
Barbara Adams Summers says
Hallelujah Mike!! God is Good!!! Stay Strong!
kathy Jenkins says
Thanks for sharing that good news. No more monsters under our beds! I am 13 yrs. out on one type cancer and 7 years out on the other. I have gotten on with my life without thinking about cancer constantly like it use to. It’s a relief and I am so happy that you are getting there now. Take good care.
Callie says
So good to see you and Jill today, Mike. It felt like old times catching up over lunch. I couldn’t be more thrilled that your scans remain clear and that you are back to focusing on living your life rather than fighting for it!!!!! Much love to you both!!
Paula Acton says
Whoo-hoo and Halleluiah on the GREAT news!!!!!! Hugs to you and Jill!
Connie Jackson says
Gene and I are thrilled for you!!!!!!!!!! Will still keep you in our prayers, though. Please don’t stop with the blogging – I love reading your stuff, especially the irreverent!