Please accept my apology for leaving you all hanging. The pressures of helping to run a business, keeping up with all of the landscaping I’m responsible for (especially with diminished physical capability) and the sheer joy of returning to life have had me blocked beyond belief. Under normal circumstances, my brain lights up when I touch the keys on my MacBook Pro. Much like me, my “S” key is beginning to show some wear. Am I living my life too safely? Command-S is the keyboard command to save. Caution has been at the very front of my consciousness AC. After Cancer.
In the last post I described the adrenal microwave ablation procedure performed by Dr. Nishant DeQuadros and his team and anesthesiologist, Dr. Mark Pinosky. In order to assure us that no heart muscle damage or other cardiac damage had occurred with the 300/200 blood pressure spike during the procedure, Dr. DeQuadros ordered a full cardiac workup. Echocardiogram, treadmill test and lab reports later, the good news is that I suffered no damage from the spike in blood pressure.
So, all that was left was a follow up scan called an arterial phase CT scan with contrast. I had that scan done last Thursday, October 2 and was happy to have been able to have an immediate consultation with Dr. DeQuadros after the scan.
During that meeting he told us that he was looking for a short list of things (margin around tumor and adrenal gland, margin around pancreas and color (degree of dark shading) of fat layer around the site of the ablation) that would indicate how successful the procedure had been. He scored a trifecta with excellent skills, a great team and an anesthesiologist who reached for and got his hands on exactly the right mix of medications and mad skills to keep me from either cardiac arrest or stroke while the procedure was being completed under very scary and trying circumstances.
The tumor appears to be dead. The adrenal gland has been banished to a growing ash heap of my internal organs. Pitched into the black ether of my insides. A perfect gut shot, suitable for TV replay on The Medical Channel (if there is such a thing). My joints ache. I don’t move as well as I used to. My hair appears to be holding on, but irrevocably grey. Parts of my feet are numb. I get completely freaked out sometimes by a phantom pain, worrying that something is knocking on my cancer door again.
In spite of all this stuff, I could be arguably NED again, for more times now than I can remember. If I could live with all of these and maybe even a few more encumbrances for another 30 years, I’d take it and run! Chances are, we haven’t seen the last of this ugly disease. I’m ready for the son of a bitch, if it decides to come at me again.
Meanwhile, I will get to witness the marriage of our eldest son on October 25, wish my father a happy birthday on October 23 and get tuned up for my favorite holiday when we host another Thanksgiving Day dinner. With just a few modifications, life could really be good for us next year.
Patti Trotter says
God continues to hear all the prayers lifted up for you, Mike, and you continue to be an inspiration to many. Tell Michael I said congratulations. I remember holding him in my lap during church. Time flies.
Keith Murray says
Good news! Happy to read that!
Bill Plock says
So great to hear Mike. I always look forward to hearing about your great progress against such a terrible foe. You make me feel so much better about my own battles!
Betsy Covington says
News that makes me happy. Big Fat NED is in the house! If you wanna bike this weekend, I’m your gal.
Ann Blondheim says
Wonderful news! Happy holidays!
Joel Smith says
Great news, Mike! So glad to hear it.
Bonnie claridy says
So good to hear, very motivating, thanks for sharing!
Jan Venable Davenport says
Yeah !! Great news;)
Mark Venable says
I’m very thankful for the news, Mike. Your family in Florida continues to follow your progress and pray for you. You should know, too, that all the members of the Northeast Church of Christ, in Clearwater, of which several of your relatives are members, have prayed for you countless times as you have been on your journey. This year, Lord willing, our family, which, by the way, is sizable, will be having our yearly Christmas Eve gathering at the home of Lauren and Peter. We would love for you to come. Please give your son my regards as he approaches his marriage. And finally, Mike, when you are at home late one evening after your first grandbaby has arrived, if you hear a knock at your front door…open the door. I will be there to hug you and rejoice with you.
Cindy Hodnette says
Mike and Jill,
This is such wonderful news! I am so glad to be reading such a fantastic report.
I think the sock monkeys helped kick Cancer’s butt!
So glad you are back to the yard work; it is important work for the body and soul .
???? So happy for you two and glad family reunions are filling up your calandar.
God Bless you both! Oh, He has! He has in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your journey
And I look forward to more good news.
With love,
Cindy Hodnette
Grandin says
To those that this may offend I apologize but I really just want to say these two words…… HELL YES!!!!!!!!!!!
Debbie Rhodes hinman says
Mike,
You have always excelled in all that you have done! You will beat this dreadful SOB! you have far more spirit and attitude than The big C has ever encountered! Hang tough sweet friend!
Cindi says
Mike,
You and your warrior spirit, along with your skilled and knowledgeable physicians, loving family & friends have brought you to this point in your battle. Many prayers and warm wishes for continued success and freedom from a return of the big C!
Kim Farmer says
Such wonderful news. Will continue to keep you, Jill and the rest of your family in my prayers.
Brenda French says
Something else to be thankful for on your favorite holiday. One thing about your “adventure” that I have been most proud of as a healthcare provider myself is that you are “in charge”. You the patient have taken into consideration the expert opinions of those you sought out or were referred too. It is the patient at the center of all healthcare plans. Insurance companies, physicians and government are generally about the money. OK I said it. Surgeons do surgery, oncologist give chemo, etc. Each person “patient” must take responsibility for their own health. You inspire me as has “E Patient Dave” for those who do not know him check him out. What a story…much like yours. I on the other hand as a nurse, educator, wife, sister, daughter and now proud grand mother of two continue to be vigilant. I have 2 sisters post breast cancer and one post colon cancer. If and when my time comes I will try to follow your example of captain of my own ship. Good job mate and I am thankful that you have things to celebrate with thanksgivings.