I’m starting to hear from people on the street about the lack of recent posts to my blog. Although my regular readers know that no news is generally good news, they’re also interested in what is going on with me. I’m going to be honest about my deepest feelings. But first, let me put it on rewind for a moment.
From my darkest days, back in October after having (Since most people haven’t experienced 29 consecutive days of number 10 pain, I’ll put it in terms everyone can understand.) over $355,000 worth of back surgeries and stereotactic radiosurgeries, I was unable to walk 10 feet without a walker. I went weeks without any measurable sleep and the only sleep I got was in a chair and mostly during the day.
I gave that short glimpse into my world of a few months ago to say this: In my deepest heart of hearts, I didn’t think I was going to live through this cancer. I put on a happy face and by no means did I give up, but after I finished physical therapy, I got lazy about watching what I ate. At a recent office visit with my endocrinologist, Dr. Steven Leichter, he was reviewing my labs and said, “You are in remarkably good health, considering all you’ve been through.” “But,” I said, and he piped right up: “But, you do need to lose about 30 pounds.” I knew it was coming.
There I sat, a lumbering 260 pounds, fatter than I have ever been in my life. I didn’t need one of those stupid assholes who like to tell you that you’ve gained weight to know that I really needed to change my ways. During the past few months when I thought I might be starting my mortality in the face, I took EVERY opportunity to eat steak instead of a rice cake. Every one of them.
Even though when I do die, I will not ride in a casket, I seemed to be secretly packing on the pounds so that I could watch eight of my friends bust a gut hauling me out of a black hearse. I looked at Dr. Leichter and told him that I was mentally ready to do this. Despite the fact that I am exactly one week ahead of my next CT scans, scheduled for Thursday, June 21, I am guardedly hopeful that I have a bunch more living to do. Enough that I can justify making a gallant effort to get some weight off and get back into shape.
I’m 10 pounds down and solidly on a weighwatchers.com program. It is relatively pain-free and I am going to get at least 25 pounds off and then reevaluate how I feel and determine if that is enough. I’m riding my bicycle again and looking forward to getting back in a kayak on the river with my kayak buddies. I’m just in a good place and I am happy to report that.
For those of you who have asked about me, thank you for caring. If you haven’t asked, go to hell.
Just kidding.
Sort of.
Mike, that’s great news all the way around – including around your middle. Keep it up.
Mike, we’ll take you any way we can get you & love you no matter what! BUT I loved our bike ride last night. Here’s to controlling that which we’re able to control! Tuesdays, 6:30, Ride On Bikes: be there.
I know what you’re going through my friend…..and it’s good not to hear from you.
So happy for you ! (we need a big ‘ol family reunion very soon
OK Mike I haven’t asked in a while so you may be mad at me. I do care. I pray for you and Jill. I want to you to feel wonderful. Please pray for us. We need prayers too. We are very busy doing important work that we believe God wants us doing. Hope to see you very soon. Love ya, Marilyn
I haven’t asked and I haven’t even posted good wishes on your Facebook page ; however I have been praying for you since I first saw you on a billboard a long time ago. I continue to pray and do keep up with what’s going on with you. Glad to hear you are back at some of the activities you enjoy. Keep up the “no give up” attitude….God is definitely not finished with you, Mike.
“…one of those stupid assholes…” LOLOLOL
Love hearing from you and about you whenever I can –
Mike,
I have been wondering about your health and thinking about you but have not asked. Please don’t wish me to go to hell. Seriously, I have been reading your post, but realized that I need to let you know that I am thinking of you and continue to pray for you and your family. I have thought of you through the months as newspaper rack businesses have shut down and with the latest news of the happenings east and west of us (Alabama and New Orleans–Advance Publications), I think of my old friends from the newspaper business and wonder what you are all thinking and wish I could solicit your opinions. I still love this business and am very thankful that I work in this field every day. You probably have guessed that I am still very bullish on print media while embracing change and understanding the need to be nimble in a digital world.
Please always know that you are in my thoughts, and keep your posts going. I join your host of friends in cheering you on as you prevail in your fight against this disease. I appreciate your witness and testimony that gives hope to thousands.
God is Good !!!
Love You Mike !!
You too Jill !!
Give ‘em hell Mike. You know we are all pulling for you and praying for you.
Hey, I just thought you were living the good life and enjoying yourself, Big Guy.
Time to get svelte, I reckon.
Love you thru thick or thin.
Mike, coincidentally, I just asked Twila about you yesterday and she forwarded me your blog. I laughed out loud! Ten pounds is a great victory. Keep it up. So glad I have been redeemed from hell.
Mike, I know you and Jill don’t remember me but I meet you through a mutual friend Frances Walker Ashley. She and I roomed together in Columbus where both of us were working and i would go down to her parents home with her on the weekends sometimes. She and i also went to Eufaula High. She was 1 year ahead of me. I am so truly thankful that you are doing so much better. Just take care and continue to loose the pounds. Dixie Griffin Holt.