Just in the nick of time (before I did something I would regret later), like fire off a blistering email to everyone including the NC State Patrol, I finally got the call from Dr. Dan George’s nurse practitioner, Sarah Wood. Sitting here, red in the face and feeling like my head is in a vice, maybe now I can calm down a bit now that I know we’re on the way to Duke for the next chapter in this cancer book.
We will leave here this Sunday, August 26, and meet appointments at Duke on Monday at midday with Dr. Dan George and in the afternoon with Dr. Michael Morse. I just sent them all my scan, lab and pathology reports from our very recent trip to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center so that I can maybe dodge having to do another round of scans so soon. In addition to these reports, they’ll need to do some pulmonary testing on me to make sure my heart is healthy enough to withstand the HD-IL2 treatment. I’ve never had a cardiac issue and I’ve been able to ride my bicycle and walk briskly, so I should qualify well enough. The only issue I’m concerned about is my creatinine (kidney function).
These tests/scans should take 2-3 days. That gets us out to Thursday or Friday of next week. With the Labor Day holiday on Monday, I don’t know whether they’ll want to start treatment on Monday or Tuesday. So, we’ll likely come home if we get out of there on Thursday. I’m so relieved to at least know we’ve got a plan in place and that it will begin to be implemented soon.
Sorry for the short post, but I wanted to let everyone know about our scheduling.
I am glad the ball is rolling !!! Prayers for good reports from the docs so you can get started on this next journey…..I know you can do it !
Love you,
Jan:)
Finally you have a plan! Sending prayers for you and Jill and docs!
Here in Kansas there is suddenly a breeze from the southeast. Weather people say it seems to have emanated from the headquarters of the North Carolina State Patrol — obviously those folks let out a huge sigh of relief that Venable did NOT call!
Seriously, best wishes for your trip that starts this weekend. We’ll all be thinking of you and waiting anxiously for updates — though we too will try to hold off calling the State Patrol if one is *slightly* delayed.
Glad your head is out of that vice…. Remember progress comes in different forms… sometimes fast sometimes slow… Maybe the slow times are God’s way of allowing you time to look around!!! – Thanks for keeping us all in the loop… It helps to know how to pray for you brother!!!
Mike and Jill, I have so much admiration for your faith and tenacity! Your family is a beacon for those of us to follow as we meet our day-to-day trivialities! You make us ashamed to even gripe, as well we should be! Claiming a miracle for you in the name of Jesus! Love ya’ll, Gayle Henderson
I just came from Durham, NC spent a week there in conference at the Durham VA Medical Center. It is located directly across the street from Duke. It is an excellent hospital and you will be in good hands. I hope you will have a chance to enjoy some good food while you’re there. The NC Po-Po are always on the lookout for GA and Bama boys so be careful. Remember my number one rule of healthcare…find out the name of the nurse or tech caring for you and call them by name. It makes them feel appreciated and if they make you mad you know who to report. Godspeed and healing blessings for you.
Brenda & Kevin French in Virginia
Glad a plan is coming together!!!
Mike and Jill,
Finally, whew…you can now move ahead with a plan in place, soon.
Prayers and love go with you.
Di and Johnny
So glad everything is coming together. We will be praying that all goes well so you can receive the treatment you need. Blessings and hugs!
Dancing a jig and sending many prayers.
Mike,
So glad you have a plan and things seem to be coming together. Thanks for the updates, don’t worry if they are short. It helps us to know how to pray. So keep those updates coming!! You all will be in my prayers!
Blessings!
Sending prayers for you and the family!Love yall<3
Whew. At least the waiting part is almost over. We will probably pass you on the highway as we head to the railroad car on the 30th. Good luck
Mike, Peace,love, safe travels and focused prayers are with you and Jill as you approach Duke appts and decisions to come. I would take that Ativan if it helps. Heck FDA made big pharm put kajillions into R&D for these drugs. Use them when you need them is my philosophy! Stress and insomnia likely bigger risks for health problems than the cure!
Thanks for the updates. We love you!!!!
Hip Hip Hooray! Go get well, Mike! It’ll make us all feel better!
Mike
I’m keeping especially you and also your family in my prayers. I will be praying for a safe trip to NC, and hope that everything goes as it should for you. ONLY THE BEST FOR YOU. I do understand alot about how cancer and especially the treatments can effect us. Always no mattr what please keep a positive attitude and work with the treatments no matter how bad it might be. You are one of the most strong minded individuals that I have ever had the previlege of knowing and with the support of Jill and the rest of your family and all of your friends, once again YOU are going to beat the demon.
Your a great and special friend.
Red and I love you very much.
If you don’t get your adrenal gland cut out the old fashioned way by a urologist, strainer is fighting a losing battle. I don’t wish to be your friend, not here to stroke your over-inflated ego, just want you to spend as many quality years with your family as possible for they deserve it. You’re logging alot of miles when Dr. Todd Jarrell has cured 1000s right here. Just sayin’.
Glad to hear there is news from Duke. I know you have spent countless hours researching your decision. Just curious who Mrs. Dr. Who is. Doesn’t sound like someone you need in your corner. Just sayin’.
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Love you bunches Sock Monkey
Melanie
Finally! Prayers, prayers and more prayers coming your way!
Stephanie and Bill
Mike,
Glad you have your appointments set. Do not get upset if your appt. times slip a little. My appts. with Dr. George never were on time. He spends as much time with you as needed so by the afternoon comes, he’s already behind. Worth the wait though; he’s terrific and you will like him.
Talk to Dr. Morse about ativan during IL-2 treatment. I had it the second week I was on IL-2 and it really seemed to help with side effects. The shivering and rigors just seemed easier to deal with the second time. And when you get there, make sure the bed is working. I was three days into treatment when we realized the bed wasn’t inflating as it should and he caused quite a lot of discomfort during treatment.
Good luck with it all and don’t hesitate to contact me if you want anymore information on my personal experiences with IL-2. Just remember, it is tough but all side effects are temporary and knowing that really helps you to get through it.
Best, Janet, KC Fighter
Praise God! I will be praying for you!
MIke, I know that prayers do help and I am positive that a lot of people here in Columbus and the surrounding area are sending many prayers for you. I have had you on my mind and I will help you and Jill in any way that I can. Please stay strong (both of you) and we are all behind you both- 100%!
Respectfully,
Donna Hall
Mike and Jill, Our prayers are with you. We are with you on the waiting, worrying and impatience. Duke is an excellent Cancer center and we know that you will be in good hands with the doctors and with God, We love you guys and will be praying for you. Hurry home and maybe we will be able to share a cake with you.
Carolyn and Tom
Mike and Jill,
Our prayers and love go with you.
Di and Johnny
Much Love & Many prayers !!!