We just returned to the office after our scan follow up with Dr. Pippas. As soon as he walked in and gave us that look, I knew it was on. I have another “lesion” to deal with, this time on the left adrenal gland, near the site of my total left nephrectomy in June of 2009. It is likely a metastasis from the original renal cell carcinoma and it has doubled in size over the last year and is a 3.9 cm mass.
Dr. Pippas has reiterated on a number of occasions, including today, that this (not in general, but the one I have) cancer is a fairly indolent disease. Jill and I decided today that we’re going to schedule a trip to Houston to M. D. Anderson for a consult to determine what is the next best option. Based on our discussions today with Dr. Pippas, we could have surgery to remove the left adrenal gland or maybe radiation to kill the tumor.
We have scheduled an appointment with Dr. Mac Molnar (he’s already been body spelunking inside of me twice) if a surgery is what we choose. Thankfully, we have some great local general surgeons here in the Columbus area.
Honestly, I am caught off guard with the adrenal gland issue. I have spent a great deal of time researching bone mets and the possibility of a recurrence in my lungs, so I’ve “read up” on those. Looks like I’ve got some work to do to understand the issues with a metastasis in the adrenal gland. I’m up for it.
This post is short because I’m gathering documents and making the calls I need to make to family to let them know what is going on. I will be at the drum circle on Friday night beating my drum like there’s no tomorrow. If you want to stop by, there will be plenty of stuff to beat, shake or otherwise get you into the groove. Please continue thinking of us in your prayers, as well as all the others who are dealing with this damn disease.
My prayers are offered up for you, your family and the doctors.
We’ve already had our discussion about this so I’ll only say, you will not have to beat the drum in that damn drum circle like “there’s no tomorrow” because there WILL be lots of tomorrows for you my dear brother. I love you.
Continued thoughts and prayers to you, Jill and family.
Sorry to hear, and glad that you are aggressively seeking an opinion in Houston (which of course surprises me absolutely not at all).
Now, V, you just had to send us to the dictionary, didn’t you?!
“Indolent,” in which meaning? (1) “Lazy,” which I guess means it wouldn’t spread fast, or (2) “Causing little pain,” which of course would be good but I’d prefer a bit of definition “1″ as well!
Oh the trials and tribulations… I can only imanage by now you are saying… That’s freakin enough!!! Our Father is all knowing and powerful beyond our thoughts and physical abilities. I know you have faith so now its time to dig deeper. God knows you have the strength. We have intercessory prayer time on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 at 88.5 The Truth recording office. You are more then welcome to join us or if you are not able know that we will be praying mightly for perserverence and complete healing. Blessings! Debi Johnson
Mike,
Bringing my drum Friday and my monkey~ We will help you drum it “Out”~
Always in my prayers~
Nancy
Continuing to pray for you a Jill…….
I’ve been waiting for this update but it’s not what I wanted to hear. I know you will go to Houston armed & dangerous w/all the facts & figures & what ifs & then whats. You can count on the rest of us to guard the Good Karma & keep it stoked. I wish like crazy there was something more to offer. Give the drum some hell. xo
Keith, I had to go to the dictionary too, which means all my readers should be willing to add to their vocabulary. The correct interpretation in this case is (1) Lazy or slow-growing. I am reasonably healthy and am certainly up to whatever course of action is required. Thank you, as always, for following my journey. It is good to hear from you. Be well!
Beat it. Just beat it. The drum, the monkey, the cancer, whatever. Just beat it!
Mike, So sorry you didn’t get the news we had all hoped you would hear. Stay strong and positive.
Mike, Marilyn and I send our every wish for your trip and moreso for your quick recovery as I have grown accustomed to your smile. I intend to remain accustomed to this smile!
Tom
We are distressed to hear your news! Take this next step knowing you have our thoughts and prayers with you both! We love you, Paula and Scott
Mike, this breaks my heart. I feel confident you and Jill will beat this as you’ve beat everything else, but, dammit! It’s time for you to stop having to worry. My prayers and love are with y’all.
Mike & Jill,
Praying for you both.
Laura
Mike and Jill we are all praying for you and a speedy resolution to this new hurdle. You are amazingly strong and wonderful people and you have the collective prayers of this town with you. Godspeed!
Oh man! I hate hearing this. I will be in constant prayer for you and Jill! You are strong and you are both loved!
With fervent prayer,
Ellen
Hey Mike, as I am writing this, an advertizement came on about MD Anderson Center. That is strange. I have never heard of it before and here it is twice in my face in less that 5 minutes. You know Rickey and I are praying for you. This thing is not for the weak at heart. Be strong and we will be strong with you. It was great seeing Eric this week end after all of these years. We will always have some kind of connection between us. Too much history. Childhood friends are forever. Let us hear from you. Be safe and God Bless. Cindy and Rickey DeHaven
Mike, you and Jill will continue to be in our prayers! Love you both!
Love,
Kaye and Jeff
I get on my knees every night for you. And, I will continue to do so, my friend. Love you both! Debbie
Came home & immediately went to your FB page – like others have said, “NOT the news I wanted or was expecting to read”! Pulling out the sock monkey & I got your back. Love y’all!
Hi Mike – I’m a close friend of Kate’s (Nerone Sharp). Just wanted to say I’ve been thinking of and praying for you and yours ever since Kate told me about you, and what an amazing guy you are. I have read some of your blog. She’s right. (and I haven’t even met you. Yet.) And she told me that you were fighting this damned cancer (cancer is really prevalent in my father’s family, so it, sadly, is not an unfamiliar fight, and I was immediately with you all in spirit, and will be). Ditto to what everything that Kate said. Good energy your way, prayers every day. Cindy Rivenbark
I know your mind has got to be churning. I will be praying, praying, and praying some more. I would say “keep the faith, but I know you will do that without any urging from me. Know that you and Jill are loved and lifted up always!
Mike, we know this new setback can be overcome. Our oncologist at Hopkins once said he’s a big fan of “plucking” – so I feel confident that this solitary met can be plucked. You and Jill are always in our prayers!
We are praying for you both. Hold on to that sock monkey1
Praying for you Mike!
I never cease praying for you, Mike…boldly asking for complete healing. I will be praying for you, Jill and your doctors to make the right decision on how to attack this latest cancer. You are covered in prayers as you make this trip.
Mike,
Heather and I will be pulling for you as always! Stay the course; you can fight this one, too. You and Jill are in our thoughts and prayers.
So glad you’ve decided to give MD Anderson a “try”. Bubbers Sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor 2 years ago & immediately went to MD….Long story short, Sallye has been cancer free for 9 months….She is teaching ( bytw she turned 76 in January !)again & is on a 3 month recall at MD Anderson. We can NOT say enough about the care she recieved there……Of course I’ll always be partial to our own John B. Amos….Know you remain in our prayers..YOU WILL Beat this….
Love You Both…..
xoxoxoxoxox
As a fellow lover of 80s music, I will respond to your post with slightly altered lyrics from Michael Jackson. (I think in this situation, he would approve!)
Hey cancer don’t you ever come around here
Don’t wanna see your cells, you better disappear
The fire’s in Mike’s eyes and his words are really clear
So beat it, just beat it
Just beat it, beat it, beat it, beat it
Cancer’s gonna be defeated
Showin’ how funky, strong is Mike’s fight
Killer don’t care if it’s day or night
Just beat it
Rush and I will be there to beat a drum at that circle in your honor, Mike. We’ll visualize each reverberation pulverizing the bad cells and energizing the healthy cells within you!! And as always, your Verizon-like network will be with you, too, tapping in virtual rhythm from the greater cyber circle, multiplying the healing energy exponentially.
JUST BEAT IT!!
Love and paradiddles,
Callie
PS At lunch tomorrow we need to discuss the fact that Cyndy encouraged you to beat the monkey. That’s just wrong–and yet HILARIOUS–on so many levels!
My Sock Monkey is really pissed now and ready to do some drummin!!!!!!! See you there Friday!!!.. I hope I can sit somewhere in your vicinity but it looks like you are gonna have alot of folks beating a drum for you!!!! Just keep in mind …. Pissed off SOCK MONKEYS do not like Metastasized Renal Cell Carcinoma cells. Especially when they go messing around with adrenal glands!!!! Mike if my monkey gets much more irritated I cannot be held liable for what he might do!!!!!!
Prayers my brother for you and Jill to find peace in the storm!!!!
Grandin
Mike, sorry to read this news. However, you are a fighter and I have no doubt you will over come yet another obstacle ! You have a great team of support with Jill leading the way. Please know we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Beat that drum on Friday loud!
Oh Mike, no fair! You’ve had your share. But, you are tough, and so is Jill. You’ve beaten it ice and again you will.
Mike and Jill,
So sorry to get this news. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike,
Read your post last night and was so stunned that I could not respond at that time. Nancy and I said a prayer for you though. This morning I went to a quiet place in our home and had a long conversation with our Lord about your situation.When my talk with God was concluded, I was reassured that He is still with you and that this is just another trying time that He will get you through.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jill 24/7.
We love you,
Eddie and Nancy
So sorry you’re facing another battle, but you can beat it again. Many prayers and thoughts will be with you. Stay strong!
Well, Hell. I am going to throw something out there that I received an email on. I even consulted Snopes. Pureed asparagus, 4 TBSP in the a.m., 4 TBSP in the p.m. Sounds like something you’d do for a baby, but it certainly is worth a shot. Go to Snopes and search “Asparagus vs. cancer”.
Love to you and Jill. BTW, Chairing the ACS Crystal Ball next year. It is the 25th Silver Anniversary. We want to honor ALL past Honorees. Mark your calendar for March 9, 2013.
Mike — It must be so very comforting and humbling to you as you read these posts of people from all across the spectrum who are in your corner and who are thinking of and praying for you daily. I’m not surprised — you’re an easy guy to like! I’ll see you Friday night at the drum circle — I don’t have much rhythm, but I enjoy watching tbose who do! Take care –
Mike and Jill. I am sure many times you have asked why me. I must tell you that as I have observed this journey of War.Love.Grace.Humor.and Strengrh. You have shown all that follow your Journey all of the above. We sit quietly back and watch how the war should be waged. You have set the stone path with your strength and determination and cleard the trail for those who follow. If no one has said it thank you.
Mike and Jill, you are in our thoughts and we will be praying for safe travel, wisdom shared, hearts filled by the knowledge of so much love pouring your way, and strength to continue the journey! Becky and Bill
You are warriors and you are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Continued prayers coming your way. Love to you both-
Stephanie
Mike, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this again. My prayers will continue to be with you and Jill. I know that you will fight this! I want you to know that the grace and courage that you have shown through out this battle have truly been an inspiration to me. God is so good and you know that! Love to you both!
I will definitely come and watch you beat those drums!
Patty Branch
Hey Mike, sorry to hear the battle starts again. Knowing that you, together with your dear wife and family, are strong fighters, we are convinced you’ll beat this one too. Hang in there! You are in our thoughts and we keep our fingers crossed.
Luck at MDA. .fingers crossed for good news..