With the agony of itching a mere distant memory (I lied, despite all the terrific home remedies โ and I diligently tried them all โ the itching is not only a distant memory, but is so close I can still scratch it!) we’re steeling up to be the “B” side of a human pin cushion at Duke University Hospital’s high-dose interleukin 2 program. We’ll be leaving again on Sunday morning, if my lab report is clean enough for me to be readmitted for treatment. It was late going up to Dr. Morse’s office and I haven’t been able to confirm with him my creatinine level and whether or not we’re a go for this Monday or the following Monday.
I was able to drop by the office for a few minutes today after I went in for lab work at JBACC. Man, it was good to see my office mates and we got the great pleasure to see former tenants of ours, College Resources Center’s dynamic trio Genie Mize, Hope Phillips and Jean Flowers, who stopped by to bring us a bodacious bag o’ goodies for the trip. I love those three women and we miss them so much. It was serendipitous that we got to meet Genie and get back together with Hope and Jean for the too-short time we had while they were in our building. It felt good to have my whole harem back together again. It is hard to get in a word as the only “male member” of the group. Our building at 10th and 3rd has been affectionately been called One Penis Place (OPP) over the years. Now with videographer, Danny Beard, on hand, my gender numbers have grown by 100%.
An update: the gout is on the way out, I’ve almost completely peeled off the entire top layer of my skin, I’ve pretty much lost the water weight I packed on last week during treatment, Andy Pippas and his entire staff are still THE BOMB, the John B. Amos Cancer Center is an absolute healthcare jewel, we appreciate the readers of this blog and we’re ready for the second part of round number one. I’ve got a giant bag of my dad’s peanut brittle, which we’ll be using to try to bribe our way into one of the larger corner rooms at Duke on the 9100 floor.
We’ll blog from NC to keep everyone up-to-date with our efforts to get this cancer gone.
Danny Beard says
Glad I could help lol. Mike it was good to see you I have to doubt you are going to pull though this and come out on top. Have a safe second trip and as alway give that cancer hell.
Beth Martin says
Mike,
It was so good to see you today in the office. Prayers continue for you and Jill as you take your next step of your treatment. You are a fighter and I know you will be in the 7%. Have a safe trip.
Love and continued prayers.
Beth
Paula says
So glad to get an update. We’ve been thinking about y’all all week. Be careful on the road, and know that you’re welcome here anytime you need to rest! Love y’all!
Gene & Brenda Oswalt says
Thanks for sharing your journey Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & Jill as you continue the good fight!
Helen Martin says
Hi Mike! I wish you all the best!!!! You are absolutely right…Dr Pippas and everyone at JBACC are AWESOME!!!! I’m praying for you!
janet p says
I ended up needing an additional week for blood levels to get more in the normal range especially creatinine. Don’t rush it although I know you just want it over with. Good luck with round 2. Hope you get the knock out punch
Best, Janet, kc fighter
Julie Harris says
Round one over and done! You can do this. Good luck with Round 2. You are both in my prayers.
Sherrie says
Thank you so much for keeping us informed. I honestly can’t imagine ….. And the visual of you and that sweet dog was about all I could stand. What a gift and how good that must have felt. Love y’all …are with you along with the rest of the ‘network.’ one question……have you named ’em yet? ๐
Marianne says
Godd luck again!
Callie says
What a treat to see you looking so much better than I’m sure you must feel. I’m looking forward to the break between rounds, as I know you are! So much of my enjoyment at work is wrapped up in the camaraderie that we share. And I know everyone else in the building would agree, it’s just not the same without you two.
Be safe. I know you’ll be strong. Nothing but NED!!
Hugs, kisses & love,
Callie
Jan Venable Davenport says
Onward and Forward !!!! thinking of you …….? ? ?
Jan Venable Davenport says
apparently WordPress did not interpret my special characters correctly ๐ the question marks above were supposed to be little “hearts” ๐ LOL