I write tonight with the bag containing dose number four dripping away above my head and into the PICC line. In spite of the brief bout of nausea and the shake, rattle and roll bit last night, today I have felt great. Although I haven’t looked in the mirror to check it out, I have been told that my skin is quite red, from my scalp to my feet. My face does feel a bit like I’ve spent too long in the sun.
As of this morning, I haven’t gained an ounce. I’ve been told that I’ll likely gain 5% of my rather ample body weight during this first half of round number one. I asked the nurse who just came into my room how I was doing compared to others who have come through Duke’s HD-IL2 program. “You’re doing great,” she said, but I could tell she had that “I-tell-everybody-the-same-answer-to-that-question” look on her face.
One of the attending physicians came in today and somehow (you guess how) we got to talking about whitewater rafting. He lit up! He’s an enthusiast who has several runs of the New and Gauley rivers under his belt. I whipped out my iPad and showed him just enough video for him to know that he’ll be making a trip to Columbus sometime next year. Richard Bishop must have the best job on earth. I consider myself an able assistant in the task of selling our tri-community region to people around the world in our magazines, printed and digital, my blog and in person. We live in an incredible place at an incredible time.
Back to cancer land: I spoke to Dr. Mike Morse’s physician’s assistant today and she gave me high marks for how I’m tolerating this difficult therapy. I also realize that I’ve claimed this and will likely be slapped down by karma, maybe even by the dose that is dripping right now. But for right this moment, I am here with my best friend, surrounded by some of the best medical minds on the planet in a most beautiful city. All in all, I’m happy. I’m enthusiastic and I’m optimistic about the next few days and for what is to come.
Thank you for all the great Facebook messages and the posts on this blog. Jill and get together and read them every day and I want you to know that these messages of hope and encouragement are hitting their intended mark.
I’m going to regret this blog post if I’m up all night hugging the porcelain throne. Selling Buicks. Talking to Ralph on the big white phone. You get it.
Just as I’m prepared to sign off, the beeping of the power pole next to the bed says that does number 4 is fully integrated into my body. Goodnight!
Jan Venable Davenport says
GO TEAM SOCK MONKEY !!!!!!
Keep fighting, Cuz…u r doing great !
Bob Best says
Hi Mike, You convinced me that “the web” is the best advertising tool, I followed your advice and it is doing amazingly well. I have come up with an idea that incorporates your advice with an idea I came up with. Please “pencil me in” so when you are well we can go over this (I know you are amazed I have come up with an idea)but I think you will be shocked with it. See you soon,your friend Bob B.
Cathy Alford says
Mike and Jill,
I wait for the emails to pop into my box as I anticipate your words and thoughts that allow each of us to journey with you albeit from a distance. Prayers keep going up for you and I pray one day you will tell the world about this experience from the back side of being in the 5% so others can have hope, too.
Blessings to you both,
Cathy
Betsy Covington says
“We live in an incredible place at an incredible time.” I love that, ’cause I really do believe that that’s true. And it’s even better, dude, ’cause of you & J. Keep up the great work up there!
Marquette McKnight says
You are in my sister Marissa’s words, “freakin’ awesome’. My heart is so filled that you’ve made it this far without an exorbitant amount of pain, sickness, or anything but your normal optimistic self. And if you get sick tonight it’s not any kind of karma, it’s just the journey you are on to make you WELL. I love you bro….try not to make me cry again, but if it gets you through anything…please have at it.
Dave Keller says
Keep the faith. I went through 4 weeks of IL2 over a 4 month period. Shakes(thank ya very much) sweats, no real sleep without the drugs, and have lived over this past year trying to forget all I went through and can only tell you for me it was worth the trip….I can only share my thoughts and experiences from the past 14 months, but am happy to listen and give advice when asked…………..e-mail me anytime………….Dave
Spencer Champion says
Following closely. Give it hell Mike.
Jack Basset says
Jay will appreciate any Buicks you can sell – call friends.
borden says
Sleep well and stay strong. I admire you.
Patty Branch says
Mike, you are awesome! Hang in there you are doing great. Praying for you! You and Jill are in my thoughts and my heart. We are all cheering for you our inspiration! Love to ya!ll!
Allison Kennedy Owen says
If you do succumb to the porcelain god, remember that your friends surround you–even there. Much love, Allison and the other mikey
Cindy Hodnette says
Keep up the fight! you have so many fighting and praying for you! Just picture relaxing on a beach with a wonderful breeze with Jill and company surrounding you. praying!
Jennifer says
Mike, you are a badass
Karen says
Mike, You sound fierce, upbeat, and calm all at once! I’m in awe!
Cher says
Sending our love to you from Sweet Home Alabama!
Marianne says
Keep it up Mike!
Lori Schumann says
Thinking and praying for you both. I have to admit, I did a quick calculation of what 5% of a weight increase would be……..not a great thing. You are quite remarkable friend!!
Kimberly Celeste Wilson says
Mr. Mike – You don’t know me, but I stumbled upon your column over a year ago. I have been following you since then and I must say…you are an inspiration to ALL who read! You are a warrior and I know your family and friends are so proud! You’ve GOT this!
Tripp Wade says
Great to hear all going well. Keep up the fight !!!
I agree with you about our great City…alot of great things happening in Rivertown !
Marian says
Hey Mike. I don’t begin to compare my breast cancer chemo with what you’re having, but all those days and nights I was hugging the porcelain throne, I just told myself that my body was using all the cancer-killing poison it needed, and this was its way of getting rid of the excess. I doubt that this theory has any proven medical basis, but you psyche yourself out any way you can. Short of that, take your anger or frustration out on sock monkey. Beat the stuffing out of the little fellow! You have everything going for you – faith, optimism, good attitude, loving friends and family, and a world class medical team. I can’t tell you how much I admire you. Just keep your eyes on the goal. You can do this.
Alenna Peak says
Keep on fighting and don’t let it get you down !
Pat Daniel says
So glad to hear that you have this much behind you!!!!! Charge on! We’re there with you in our prayers.
Grandin Eakle says
Thanks for the update pal…. Glad to hear things are going good… I have one concern…. There is that part about…
“I also realize that I’ve claimed this and will likely be slapped down by karma, maybe even by the dose that is dripping right now.”
WELL….. I assert that this sounds SO MUCH BETTER!!!
“But for right this moment, I am here with my best friend, surrounded by some of the best medical minds on the planet in a most beautiful city. All in all, I’m happy. I’m enthusiastic and I’m optimistic about the next few days and for what is to come.”
So my encouragement to you would be to throw the first quote away. Just having hat thought in your mind and conversation opens the door for you to become a puking, snarling, whiny, bumbling idiot that is miserable and has forgotten all he has to be grateful for and has lost touch with all the pissed off snarling sock monkeys that are fighting with him. The second quote keeps you open to HIS PEACE and calm!!! Stay there!!!
Love you two and I am praying for you both to get a goods nights rest along with an entry into the 7%er club!!!!
Grandin
Alice Kay Shoemaker says
I have followed your journey with interest, concern, and admiration. You two are amazing, and your positive attitude is an inspiration to all. Prayers for a good,peaceful night and a strong body for tomorrow’s treatment!
Chuck Williams says
Mike,
Know we are praying for you. A lot of us are. Your courage and honesty are refreshing. Sleep well, brother.
Eliza Mason says
Mike, you are a badass. I hope you continue to feel as well as you’re feeling now and that you show this thing who’s boss. Know that we’re all rooting for you and praying continually. Looking forward to seeing you back in the Valley soon!
Fletch says
V,
You are a BEAST! Love and prayers to you both. Sweet dreams.
Fletch
Eddie and Nancy Reid says
As with everyone who has commented, You are constantly in our thoughts and always in our prayers. It’s as if we are going thru this as you are and we know our God is with you to and you have no greater friend than Him.
Stuart Rayfield says
Mike,
David and I are reading your blog and cheering for you in C-town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and know you will charm every nurse, doctor and random passersby, including the IL-2. As Alabama made it to number 14 this year, I hope you do too! Thank you for sharing this journey with us all.
Much love and prayers your way,
Stuart
Roger Ashley says
Hey Mike and Jill, glad to hear the battle is going well so far, answered prayers!! By the way I have owned 3 Buicks, great cars, smooth ride and very quiet. Wishing you peace, Roger.
Rudy Taylor says
Mike,
Your strength eminates from your writing. It is honest, optimistic, and fearless. May God bless you and keep you.
Rudy
Keith Murray says
Thanks for keeping us posted, Mike.
Keep the spirits up, as I know you will.
And do everything they tell you, which is probably a little tougher, hehheh!
Hang in there. . . .
Dianne Henry says
Mike, you know how you eat an elephant, one bite at a time.
You are getting this behind you, one day at a time.
Love and prayers daily from Johnny and me.
Sherida Brannan says
You & Jill are amazing! Your positive attitude during this adventure is such an inspiration. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Mark Venable says
Mike, yesterday Clay and I were talking about the amazing courage that you have shown and continue to show on your cancer journey. By the way, after you beat this thing and write that book that you’re going to write, I want an autographed copy. We love you, Mike.
Donna Gafford says
Hey guys, I’m so glad it’s going well for the moment. I also hope that your night is peaceful and with out the worship of the porcelain god that is so distressing. ( way way understatement) . You both are strong and surrounded and held close by the love of God , clouds of angels, saints, and of your amazing posse who follow your story. You continue to be in my heart and in my prayers .