Cancer patients don’t fare well when they’re running without a plan. I’m running. And, at this moment, there is no plan. I have a new renal cell cancer metastasis in my spine at L-2. This is the worst possible place for a new metastasis, because it is likely that I have maxed out the amount of radiation I can have at that place on my spine. After all, my middle initial is M., which surely must stand for Murphy, as in Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, and at the worst possible time.”
Dr. Pippas has scheduled a nuclear bone scan which will be done this Friday. It will show whether there are any other bone metastases in my body. This coming Tuesday, March 14, I will have a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis with contrast to determine if there are any soft tissue mets anywhere.
Once these files are in hand, we’ll meet with Dr. Pippas on Wednesday of next week to discuss options. In addition to Dr. Pippas’ input, one of our angels has arranged to have my files reviewed by some world-class renal cell cancer physicians both in Europe and around the United States to see what they deem is the appropriate next steps for us to take. We’ll take all this information, along with our conference with Dr. Pippas and Jill and I will make decisions about what is next.
Right now, there are way more questions than answers. We intend to flip that around just as soon as is humanly possible. Primary RCC tumors can grow at about a centimeter per year. Metastatic disease can grow at the rate of a centimeter per month! There is not much room for error and NO TIME to screw around making a decision. We’ve got to make the perfect call, and put a plan in place right now.
Jill and I just got back in the office from a long walk through downtown Columbus. Collecting our thoughts, expressing our love and commitment to each other, even in the face of fear and anxiety about what lies ahead. On this day, International Women’s Day, I am so grateful to be bathed in the love of an incredible spouse, a wonderful mother-in-law and a lion of a mother.
We expect some rough days ahead and I’m asking in advance for your prayers and supplications on our behalf. Our sons are in our foxhole along with a solid team of medical professionals and an army of thousands of supporters and prayer partners. With all this, we surely can’t lose this battle now. If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you know that increased fear equals increased blogs posts. I invite you to come along. This blog is as real as it gets when it comes to kidney cancer. I’ll try to stay up to date with posts about what is going on. This is the best way for us to communicate with friends near and far.
John Adams says
With you folks… All the way! Positive thoughts, prayers, contributions for research, sharing with our prayer partners. Thank you for sharing your honesty and integrity on this journey!
Keith Murray says
Sorry to read of the newest challenge, Mike. But I know, with your family and medical team – all the way to Europe – that you are in the best hands possible. Will be pulling for you, and looking for updates.
David & Debbie Harrell says
Thank you for sharing your experience. You Jill and loved ones are in our thoughts as you go thru all the info. And get the plan.
Tom and Liz Kendrick says
You’re in our prayers now and always Mike
And Jill. With all your prayer warriors on the
Warpath you’ll be just fine. We love you ❤
Terri Parodi & Jeff Ribnik says
Thank you for letting us know. You and Jill continue to be in our prayers.
Callie says
If love could cure cancer, you would never have another cancer cell in this or any other lifetime, Mike. We are all here for you, wishing, praying, hoping for a clear and easy treatment plan that will have you back to NED very soon.
Hugs and love,
Callie
Gloria johnson says
You know that Lamar and I are with you and Jill all the way!
Becky Ivey says
Praying for God’s prevenient grace in the days, weeks and months ahead.
I continue to pray without ceasing for you and Jill.
Candy and Walt says
Walt and I will continue to keep you, Jill, your family and your medical team in our prayers and maintain positive thoughts. Iwe believe in miracles and the power of prayer. We also believe in you, Mike!
Pat McDougall says
Mike, thank you for sharing. I honestly know that you and Jill are amazing angels yourselves. For you to share such a private story with all of us….well, it speaks volumes. I’M IN .. ALL THE WAY! I know you have SO MANY supporters and we are all praying for you, Jill, our wonderful Dr. Pippas, and all of your caretakers. LOVE YOU!!!!
Victor Crot says
Mike Cindy and I are in your foxhole you Jill and you whole family are in our prayers!
Vic Cross
Karen says
Praying alongside you both. hugs
Bob Rogers says
Mike I have read all of your blogs. I am so sorry you and your family are facing yet another medical challenge. I use you as an example of positivity and fighting spirit when talking with others battling cancer. I look back on our days together in Kanasas with fondest memories and recognize now that passion was always with you. There in business and life as it is now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob
Donna Culpepper says
Hoping your foxhole is huge for all that will be supporting you. Prayers abound!
Richard Cobb & Carter Seaton says
Holding both of your hands in our hearts. We love you both, Carter and Richard
Barbara Marks says
Sweet Mike, Andy and I are so saddened to hear your news. One thing we do know however is that you are a fighter! God has shown His love for you and Jill and we know He has you covered in this as well. Please know you are in our prayers always.
Cindi Ludwig says
With God’s mercy and strength may you walk one minute, one hour, one day at a time through this next week knowing there are many of us who are praying and beseeching God for answers on your behalf.
Sandy Gunnels says
Another tough challenge but you’ve got this! Save room in the fox hole for me. Praying unceasingly! Jeremiah 29:11
Dianne Henry says
Mikie, Johnny and I are committed to Team Mike. Our love and prayers with you and Jill always.
Dianne
Andrew Merriam says
You and your family are definitely in my thoughts. Like your t-shirt says, Foxtrot, Uniform, Charlie, Kilo Cancer. Love to you and the family from the Merriam family. My father liked to say his cancer was his ultimate marathon. Keep running.
Jill Christensen says
Make room for one more, Mike.
I cannot read your words without seeing you again riding silently a few seats behind Kathy French and me on the Hardaway school bus. It has been a minute and a lifetime, with more to come.
Lorene Register says
You and your family remain in my prayers!
Wayne Lake says
Mike, best of luck and medical help possible. We are pulling for you and Jill
Craig DuPriest says
I do believe you and Jill…and the rest of us…are up to the challenge. You’ve never left our daily prayers and that certainly will continue. Have a martini for me and keep us posted. Peace.
Brenda Oswalt says
Your blog is so honestly written. I’m no so sure I could bare my soul the way you have. Gene & I will continue to pray for you Mike. You have a strong team, lean on them and our Heavenly Father.
Candy Watson says
You are a blessed and loved man. I will keep you in my heart and prayers until you come through this.
Robert B. Simpson says
You may not have a plan at this moment, but it’s obvious you are assembling the components of a plan in the most thoughtful, professional, and determined way possible. And you have the sincere prayers of great numbers of us who are firmly on your side.
Julie and speedy says
Putting our boxing gloves on in prayer!
Wanda says
Praying for you and Jill, Mike!
Dot says
Fervent, continued prayer – for your pesce; for the medical prrsonnel’s guidance; for total HEALING; and for patience as you wait – Ephesians 3:20
Dot says
For your PEACE, that is ~
Anita says
Phil and I continue to keep you in our prayers.
Ann Blondheim says
In your corner with continuous prayers.
Kate Nerone says
On a distant outpost, but here, all the way xo
Guy Sims says
Thank you for your posts. They help keep us connected so we know what to pray for effectively. There are not many people more loved than you. You can count on my prayer support and the support of a host of many other people.
Bill Bence says
I would want you on my team…giv’em hell Mke !
Pat Jackson Bass says
Mike & Jill, my heart & prayers are with you every minute. I have walked this path with my Spud! Our God is so Mighty and Good. I as well as others will keep you lifted up in His Hands.. Love to you both…❤️❤️
Betsy Lawrence says
Praying for doctors to find best treatment for you!
Marcia Johnson says
After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Chuck sat me down and told me we would not give in to fear and pity. From you blogs, I can tell you and Jill feel the same way. May God’s love and strength sustain you each step of the way. Trust Him and glorify Him in each trial. (Romans 5:1-5) Praying for you daily.
Kim Ordones says
Continued Prayers for you and yours Mike!
Debi says
My prayers and thought are with you, Jill and the family Mike. Believing in Him to show you the plan.
Susan M. Grist says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jill. You are so fortunate to have her in your corner.
Grace Robbins says
“Not many people more loved than you”
That is so true!!! Bob and I are praying for you and Jill and we are praying for God’s hand to heal you!
Patsy Dean says
You and Jill are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and determined; don’t give into fear. You both, together, can win this battle!
Patricia says
My prayers for you start today. I am not very familiar with your history and am not a personal friend–but I will continue to pray for you, your wife, your sons, and all those who hold you dear.
May Peace reign over every step of your journey.
Judy Talley says
You beat this ugly disease once, you can do it again, Mike. All your prayer warriors are rallying around you, including me. Don’t lean on your own fear, Mike, but lean on our Lord for understanding, strength and truth. Love you both very much. I’m pulling for you with daily prayers.
Susan Jenkins Hall says
Life is never predictable, is it? . We experience periods of time when we feel we have it made, that things couldn’t get any better. Then life throws us a curve ball reminding us mortals to truly appreciate what we have. I will pray for you, Jill and your medical warriors as you assemble the perfect plan for your course of treatment. You can do this. You are one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. Keep everyone updated with what you need from us.
Love to you both
Kim Farmer says
You and your family are in our prayers and I will put you on the prayer list at church.
Gayla Phillips Ahlquist says
Prayers for divine intervention and guidance for the medical staff. And most of all for you during this bump in the road
Dave Clegg says
I think about you now and then when I catch myself grumbling about the “struggles” in my life. Prayers for you and yours, Mike.
Michael Silverstein says
Susan and I have you and Jill in our prayers. And we expect to see you at Kilwins soon – since that is where we seem to cross paths lately. Your courage and determination makes all of us better people. With much love, Susan & Michael
Debbie Hinman says
Fight, Fight, Fight! You and Jill know how to beat this! Get MEAN! Get Mad! Beat it Mike! Prayers all the way for you, Jill and Family.
Much love.
Gail Hines says
Mike and Jill, though I have never met you, I feel like I have been given the gift of your friendship. As this journey unfolds please know that healing masters are present in your lives. I can only imagine your pathway these next few weeks. My prayers are yours.
Blanche and Gordon McIntyre says
Mike and Jill, always in our prayers and back on our church’s prayer list. Thoughts and prayers from Birmingham.
Jack Scott says
Montana Family in the foxhole with you too.
Linda Cliff says
Mike and Jill, praying fervently for you! George was just diagnosed with Stage IV the end of Jan. You have been on my list of success stories as an encouragement as my mind wanders from optimistic to doubtful. With God on our side, all things are possible.
Geri M. Davis says
Mike and Jill, Cancer reaches far and wide…but so does prayer and healing! You both are such inspiration to all of us. My prayers will be offered for you and your family.
1 PETER 5:7
Pat Barfield says
Mike,I do not know you personally but it appears that you have so many prayer warriors that you are “well covered”. Just keep in mind that you also have many unknown warriors as well. Thinking of you and your family and saying a prayer for a great plan and a great outcome. I have learned over the years that attitude is as important as drugs,so keep up your great Spirit!
Ernie and Shannon Smallman says
Continuing prayers for you and the family, Mike and Jill!
Cathy Alford says
You can count on me for continued prayers believing that what God has done once, He can do again. You and Jill are precious folks and I will stand beside you. Please know I am here in the background thinking of you and consistently praying.
Tripp and Alice Wade says
MIke, as always you are in our thoughts and prayers ! Team Wade is here for you and Jill any time and all the time! Let us know how we can help! Stay strong you will beat this !
Kevin Harcourt says
Hi Mike and Jill. I’m joining you in the foxhole. When you’re ready — let’s charge the enemy! So many friends and family are also praying right along with you. It worked last time! God Bless …..
Jo Ann and Rod Beck says
Rod and i Request strength and peace for you and your family in this latest battle. May God surround you with his love and healing