After several days of scanxiety in advance of my Tuesday of this week MRI and CT scans, I have been given the results. I had an 11 a.m. appointment with Dr. Andy Pippas this morning and this is how it went: I got checked in, paid my office co-pay, donated a couple of vials of blood and settled in to wait to see the doctor. The waiting room was uncrowded and quiet today, so it didn’t take long to get in.
They called us back and we were escorted to a treatment room. When Dr. P came in, he greeted us and sat down to review my chart. Based on what happened the last time I saw him, the fact that he stayed on his side of the room and didn’t roll his chair over so that he could take hold of my hand was a good sign. He started reading and commented along the way. “The tumor site in your spine is unchanged. Your chest, lungs, abdomen and pelvis are clear. Mumble, mumble, snarky, lake, cityscape, beemer, hot dog, silver coin, hopscotch, pink elephant…..Mike, you are NED,” you get the point — I had checked out because I had heard all I needed to…..DID YOU SAY, NED?
Yes, he said it. No Evidence of Disease. And he continued: “Mike, the biology of your disease doesn’t seem to be agressive. You went 18 months until there was a recurrence and it was only a single site. Your creatinine level is great and everything is looking good. Spend some time getting back into shape. Work on the parts of your life that you can control.” We are so thrilled to hear this news!
On March 19 I am the honoree for the 2011 American Cancer Society Crystal Ball, presented by the Columbus Regional John B. Amos Cancer Center. I would greatly appreciate it if you would either make a donation to the ACS, buy a ticket to the ball, buy a ticket to the Fire and Ice after party or become a sponsor of the event. Here’s how you can do it: http://www.acscrystalball.org
This is really not about me. I have a great health insurance policy, an assertive personality and great medical connections. This ball and the money it will raise is about all the folks who don’t have this kind of access. I’m just the guy they picked to carry the flag this year. We’d love to have a huge fund raising year, and honestly we’re not there yet. Last minute checks, credit card donations or sponsorships would be so much appreciated. If you’re on the fence about supporting the Crystal Ball, I’m hoping this will convince you that you’re really needed this year.
And, if you decide to come out for the party, we’ve got a hell of lot of good stuff to celebrate after the news I just got today. So, y’all come!
Sandy Lewack says
AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Donna C. says
That’s great news Mike. A customer came into the studio this morning and told me that she had been laid off in the Synovus job cuts with only 2 yrs until retirement and her husband has since been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It just broke my heart to hear the pain in her voice and there wasn’t much that I could say to make any difference for her. So, it’s good to hear that you do have good news and we will certainly see you at the Crystal Ball.
gayla says
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!
Betsy Covington says
I am so thrilled for your news. A weekend to celebrate, for sure!
Nonie says
All I can say is WOW! I am so happy for you, Jill and the rest of the entourage!
Connie Jackson says
Mike and Jill, I couldn’t have heard better news from you. Tis indeed cause for celebration and if your weather is anything like ours right now, then Mother Earth is starting to celebrate right along with you. The flowers, the bees (and birds?),the grass and butterflys are all putting on a big, bold and colorful show just for you and all your many friends!! (OK, maybe I exaggerated a little on that last bit). CJ
Delane Chappell says
Delightful news! It makes my day!
Patti Trotter says
Praise God for such wonderful news! I’m so happy for all of you.
Cyndy says
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth Martin says
This is the GREAT news we’ve been praying for! Have a great weekend and Celebrate!! Love to you and Jill.
Sandy Gunnels says
Whoop! Whoop!!! See ya Monday. Love ya.
Jim Lamm says
Cool beans NED! See ya next Friday and we’ll toss back a few martoonies to celebrate.
Lambo
Susan & Fred Morgan says
Fred and I are thrilled! If we are in town, we would love to join you at the ball to celebrate life and all of the goodness.
Wanda Edwards says
Mike, this is wonderful news. May God continue to bless you both.
Roger Ashley says
WOW Mike this is truly great wonderful news!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow……
Carter & Richard says
That is such great news. I’m so happy for you and Jill. And it’s wonderful that you have been chosen to carry the banner for all those who are still fighting this fight! Go Mike!
Sherrie says
Praise the LORD! You, Jill and Strainer are gonna PARtaaaayyyyyy at the Crystal Ball. What great news!
Ngozi says
I am so happy for you and your family! I have been praying for you regularly ever since I heard. God is good – He answers prayer! I am very happy for you!
Margie Ivey says
NED…. a sweet medical term!! So happy to hear this news!!!
Paula Acton says
So very, very glad to learn that you are NED!!! Looking forward to seeing you and Jill at the Crystal Ball.
Debbie Seeley says
I am expecting a complete “Throw Down” from you at the Ball! Fabulous news and I am thrilled for you!
Rusty Scoven says
Mike, Callie told me the good news. How wonderful. Whether it is about you or not, they certainly picked the right guy to carry the flag. Stay tough brother, you have a big crowd in your corner!!!