My last blog post was April 13. I have tried every day since to gracefully accept the measure of health I can wrestle from a disease process that is for now being held at bay…by a pill a day. Those pills cost my insurance company over $500 a day. The math nearly brings me to my knees.
Thankfully, all my systems are within acceptable limits and the tumor in my spine is being kept stable by a daily 60mg dose of Cabometyx. When I run into friends I haven’t seen in a while, there’s a time warp to connect the sixty-five-old me to a fat profile that, when I last sported it, I was walking the halls of Hardaway High School. If you think that’s weird for you, you should feel it from this side.
Know this, Jill and I appreciate the constant love we feel from every channel of our lives. I never dreamed we’d still be at it ten years after my diagnosis. We are grateful for the gifts we’ve been given and for the legions of family and friends with whom we’ve shared our lives.
We had a perfect Christmas this year. The annual Christmas hayride happened for the first time in three years and I hope we made a few memories. Saturday, on the day of our hayride, a crisp, bluebird day was a perfect backdrop for our ride.
We got some good face time with all the boys and their significant others, our parents, siblings, some nieces and nephews and friends during the Christmas holiday. I think Jill and I had a personal best in the holiday decoration category. Unpacked it, put it up, took it down, packed it up. Back in the barn. Bam!
For the past couple of years, we got a unique perspective of the courtship of our son, Christopher, and his main squeeze, Kathryn Anderson, of the California Andersons. Some few months after they met, Kathryn joined our team at “Columbus and the Valley” and got to witness firsthand, a rare glimpse into what makes her tick that most “parents of the partner” would never get the chance to see.
We are thrilled that Kathryn and Christopher are engaged! Here’s what I’m more excited about: I’ve watched our son blossom with Kathryn at his side. She makes him happy and that makes me happy. She is compassionate about her causes, really smart, protective of her pack, competitive and so much fun to be around.
Having the great pleasure of working with Kathryn and getting to know her organically and we enter our new roles in each others’ lives. I could not be more excited about having Kathryn join our family.
That’s all I’ve got for now. That, and this big ol’ smile.
Happy New Year AND MANY MORE !!!!!
love to you two!
ginny and richard
Nice update. Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year to you and your family.
Are you tired of being called a “walking miracle”?
Too bad! You’re an honest to goodness
walking miracle!!! Reading about your wonderful
Christmas makes me so happy! You’ve been to
hell and back, and deserve every single second
of happiness you experience. Kathryn is a lucky
girl to be joining your family. Happy New Year
to all of you! Love to you and Jill.
Wonderful news! So glad we still have you by our sides…Happy New Year to you, Jill and all the family.
V.,
Happy New Year to you, Jill and the boys. Much love from me, Becky and our boys!
Fletch
Your post makes my heart smile. Feeling your joy, gratefulness and unabashed love for family, friends, and life is a beautiful gift for the new year.
I know your Christmas was special and i hope your New Year is filled with love and stable health.
The lyrics of ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’ are streaming through my mind as I read this.
I am so thankful for this wonderful season you
and yours are enjoying.
Thank you for the update. Wishing you and Jill a blessed and wonderful 2019.
Amazing as usual.
Glad to read your update. I am now on a drug called Opdivo. Not sure how it’s working but it’s great not to be sick. Just itch some. Isn’t the new facility wonderful? We are so blessed to have such a place here close to home. Hope you continue to have good reports. Always makes me feel better when I read about someone I know having a good day! Glad y’all had a great Christmas!
Congratulations to you and Jill. What a thrill to see a grown child find “the one.” I know. And I wish you and no one else ever had to worry about the cost of health. You are both a light to so many of us. Who needs Christmas lights? With you and Jill in our lives, everyday shines brighter. Hugs.
THANK THE LORD for the measure of health you can wrestle from a disease process that is for now being held at bay…by a pill a day. I’m so very proud of you and your amazing Jill. I love you both!
I hope you and Jill have many many more years of CHRISTMAS MAGIC! Cindy and I love you both very much!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
So wonderful hearing from our friend again. Glad to hear you are kicking along. We have always admired your fighting spirit and HOPE. God Bless and hope we get to run into your smiling face soon. Love, Barbara and Andy
Mike and Jill,
I am so glad you posted. It is a lovely read. I am glad you wrote in your magazine. I have missed your articles. Wishing you both a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Thank you for the update. …..now we know how to be more specific with our prayers for you…. You two look really fine
Happy New Year!
Mike, thank you for the update! So thankful God is holding you and Jill in the palm of His hand. Grateful for a wonderful Christmas and Congratulations to Christopher and Kathryn! She is marrying into a great family!
What a heartwarming report! Mike I am so proud of you for fighting for your life. The precious life our God gave to you. And Jill you are such an inspiration. You are Mikes best cheerleader! I love you both. Have a fabulous New Year!
It is a gift to receive your blog updates, no matter the length or topic. All the next to you and Jill for a great 2019.
Happy new year friend! Many more to you and all of us! Keep up the good fight!