Tom Clancy books open like a flashbang, they settle into 1000 pages of character development that feed straight into a jaw-dropping final chapter. If this cancer I’m so grateful to be able to live with was a Tom Clancy book, I would be in the character development phase. My Episcopalian peeps know it as the Green Season, the Catholics call it ordinary time. My altar is green. I am between tests and procedures, much like the Church is between major feasts, the altar is always green from the Monday after Pentecost through the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent.
I’m so fortunate to be taking Cabometyx, a hope-inspiring, relatively new drug. I am 35 days into Cabo and the side effects are beginning to lay claim to pieces of my life, my body and my mind.
My last Green Season was my fifteen months with Votrient. It made me as well as I’ve been since I was diagnosed and as sick as a the bad end of a four-day drunk. So, I know about the Green Season. I know about the low times when you’re waiting to know if the poison you’re pumping into your body is killing its target cells. The time before the scan. The time between the big events.
Like I said, “My altar is green.”
People who have to take these drugs know that there are specific side effects that the drug may elicit in patients. Those side effects are outlined in the drug literature in a usually long list. In my mind, it is a lottery. Everybody gets a ticket, or maybe multiple tickets if you have certain medical proclivities (an easy to upset stomach, a quick gag reflex….etc.). Mother Nature reaches into the tickets and she pulls out the side effects with which you’ll be afflicted. Mwahaha! Man plans — God laughs.
Before I write another word: Despite the hard fact that TKI drugs and Mother Nature have visited me with diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dry skin, bleached hair, dizziness, painful blisters on my feet, sensitive hands, insomnia, compromised taste buds, an aversion to meat, epic weight loss, loss of my finger nail cuticles, white circles around my eyes, temporary liver issues, elevated blood pressure, exposure to scan contrast media and dyes and other generally awful things — I am nowhere near giving up. I have too much to live for during what should be my most fantastic phase of life. An incredible life mate, four equally wonderful sons, Jill’s mom, both my parents, companion animals, church mates, friends, work colleagues, music, art, watching Columbus, Georgia thrive and become a great second-tier city. All these things add up to me wanting as normal an existence as I can muster.
So, I’m studying, asking questions and consulting with Dr. Pippas to make sure we continue to make great choices about how to treat this disease. I met with Dr. Pippas this afternoon to discuss my latest lab results. The numbers that we’re most concerned about relate to how my liver is managing the drug therapy. Today, despite my liver enzymes being in a stable place, my bilirubin is higher than Andy would like it to be. I’m slightly jaundiced and because of that, we’re going to have to make some adjustments to my dosage of Cabometyx. Andy is doing research and will make a recommendation in a day or so. This is something I had to do during my 15 months with Votrient. More than once.
My scans have been set for Tuesday, May 23. This scan will tell the tale about how I respond to Cabometyx. I’m hopeful — extremely hopeful — that we’ll see significant shrinkage of the spinal tumor, enough that surgery and radiation is possible. If that is the case, we’ll be making plans for being seen by Dr. Carlos Bagley and Dr. Robert Timmerman at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. This is the neurosurgical/radiation oncology team that has risen to the top of my research as the best place for us to go. Thanks to Susan Poteat for providing input into that decision.
We continue to feel like we’ve made the right choices all along this long eight-year season of cancer. I am confident that I’ll still be bitching about how long we’ve had to deal with this in 2025 when it will have been 6 years of this. From my lips to God’s ears.
As things become more clear, I’ll share them here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading this blog, being concerned about my wellbeing, and for showing love and care to me and my family.
Marilyn Buice says
You are in our prayers. Thank you for sharing.
Marian Sumrell says
Mike, you have the 3 most important things you need to beat this. A good attitude; the love and support of family and an untold number of friends; and an involved, caring and research-oriented medical team that goes the extra mile to find the best treatment available. Add to the mix your unwavering faith, and that nasty cancer doesn’t stand a chance! We love you, and continue to pray for healing.
Martha Hatcher says
I’m so glad to hear from you. Prayers for clear scans and few side effects. You remain in my daily prayers…
Sandra Henry says
May God continue to lead you and your team through the quicksand of effective treatment options to lasting, positive results for good health. Keep on inspiring us all; we’re pulling for you, Mike!
Theri Brooks says
Prayers for you and Jill and your boys!
Joel says
Thanks for sharing with us, Mike.
Linda Willoughby says
Hey. You and Jill are my inspiration! Im so glad years ago (about 20 now!) I shared some of my life history with you and we bonded. Love and hugs to you!
Mint says
Thank you Mike for your inspirational updates. Praying for your continued healing. Cheering for You! Peace, Love and Blessings, Mint
Margie Ivey says
Thanks for the update, I’ve been looking for one. Praying for a good report on the 23rd. So sorry about the nasty side effects.
Ruth Martin says
Standing with you always in prayer!
Craig DuPriest says
You’ve been in our prayers from day one. That will not change. Thanks for the inspiring updates, Mike. ‘Expecting good news from the scans on the 23rd.
Frank Brown says
Mike, know that you are in our fervent prayers each day! Intercessory prayer is shown in the gospels to be honored by God and we call on His mercies and love in our prayers for your healing.
Frank
Judy Walsh says
Always eager to read your updates and find your positive attitude intact despite the numerous challenges coming at you. I pray for you daily, my friend.
Dot says
Continued prayers “unto Him who is able” – Ephesusns 3:20
Kathy Garrison says
Praying for you and Jill!
Tripp and Alice Wade says
Mike, thank you for sharing with us your journey. We are all praying and pulling for you. Stay strong and keep your faith.
G anthony says
Prayer flags flying in Bham!!! We luv you and Jill! richard and ur Jewish grandmother ❤️️✝️
Debbie R. Hinman says
Many prayers for all of you.
Kim Farmer says
Continued prayers and anxious to hear the results of your scan.
Susan Cheney says
I continue to feel God’s reminding words, “And who knows, you may have gained your royal position for a time like this.” spoken in Esther. Your willing heart, capable mind for eloquent writing and open spirit for sharing your journey are all gifts from Above Mike. Thank you for your faithfulness to not only share this journey but to always dig deeper; to teach the world around you to be aware and to educate themselves. It’s gifts like these God gave you in preparation for such a time as this. Continued prayers!
Debby Jacobson says
You have so many with you Mike! Us included. lots of prayers for positive scans and defeat of this monster!
Pat Daniel says
Thank you for the update. Steve and I have you in our prayers everyday.
Jo Ann Beck says
God is there and you and your family are in our prayers to him.
Michael Silverstein says
Mike,
May G-d shine his countenance down on you Jill and your entire family. Susan and I keep you in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
Love,
Susan & Michael
Connie Jackson says
Always in our prayer, Mike!
Becky Marks says
Have been waiting to hear from you. Your positive attitude is such a positive influence on us all. God be with you as always. Love you!
Cindi says
You amaze and inspire me! You always acknowledge the tough stuff and quickly move to the positive and possible. I will be waiting for more good news after May 23. Bless you, your doctors, your wife and family as you march forward.