I had a nice conversation with Dr. Tamorie Smith this morning. I was up front with her that I had beaten her up pretty badly in my last evening blog post. She was really nice and we had a great, although short, conversation. She answered all my questions with professional ease and I feel good about the medication Dr. Shah prescribed and the prospects of controlling the gout for the future. The pain is almost completely gone in my toe and I’m able to move it with ease.
That is a good thing, because I’ll be doing some walking tomorrow in New York City before our appointment with Dr. Dutcher. We fly very early in the morning, so we’re just about to turn in and try to get some sleep.
Jill and I really appreciate the outpouring of love and support from so many people as we prepare to take this next step on the journey to beat this cancer. I got a call tonight from someone who has a very similar tumor in his spine to the one I had. He is seeking some feedback from my neurosurgeon, Dr. Mike Gorum, because of the good outcome I had from my very tricky operation.
I also want to thank Chuck Williams and photographer Mike Haskey for the very nice Sunday story and photos in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. They did a great job and I’m particularly happy that the Salvation Army got some great ink during a vital part of their year. They do so much good work across the country for people who are in need, especially during the holidays. I was happy to ring that bell again this year!
Just a short post to say thank you to our legion of supporters. We go tomorrow with hope, determination and the knowledge that our “Verizon Network” of supporters will be right there with us throughout the entire trip. I just wish Dr. Pippas could be with us. And Gayla and Sandy (two Hardaway High School classmates and also medical professionals who volunteered to go along with us) who are just trying to wrangle a shopping trip to NYC, I’m sure.
Goodnight. I’ll post again tomorrow as soon as I can. I also hope I’ll be able to upload some video of the meeting with Dr. D.
Allison Kennedy Owen says
December 29, 2011 at 9:18 pmHope you catch all the green lights on your flight, Mikey! Love from C-town.
Allison
Ashley Parkman Smith says
December 29, 2011 at 9:22 pmSafe travels to you, Mike and Jill. My prayers are with you. Cheers to 2012 and being cancer free!
Chuck Williams says
December 29, 2011 at 9:23 pmMay you and Jill find the peace that passes understanding.
Sherry Wade says
December 29, 2011 at 9:27 pmYou know we will be with you every mile of your journey tomorrow and hoping you come away with a new plan of attack. Your McKnight buds and I have managed to eat and drink our way through our time here at the beach. Tom will join us tomorrow. Sure wish we were all celebrating New Years together again. Love to you and Jill.
Sherry
Betsy Lawrence says
December 29, 2011 at 9:27 pmKnow we are with you on this next step with love and prayers.
Kim Rozycki says
December 29, 2011 at 9:38 pmPraying for you all!
Patti Trotter says
December 29, 2011 at 9:46 pmGodspeed, Mike. Prayers are going up for you and Jill…for safe travel and good news.
Hope Phillips says
December 29, 2011 at 10:03 pmLike so many others, Scott and I will be “with you” and Jill tomorrow — in thoughts and prayers.
Hope
Charlotte Bowman says
December 29, 2011 at 10:20 pmHave a safe trip, Mike & Jill. I’ll be praying for you. Best wishes!
Charlotte
Alenna peak says
December 29, 2011 at 10:30 pmSafe travels and fingers crossed for the news you want to hear..
kim jinks says
December 29, 2011 at 10:55 pmGod speed and lots of love your way!
Jim Railey says
December 29, 2011 at 11:04 pmOur prayers go with you and Jill tomorrow. Go knowing a lot of friends are thinking of you. Remember our God never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is with you every step of the way. Jim
Laurel and Fred Blackwell says
December 29, 2011 at 11:31 pmPraying! Praying! Praying! Laurel and Fred
Pat Bass says
December 29, 2011 at 11:37 pmMy prayers are with, and Gods Angels will be your strength…….
Teresa Bennett says
December 30, 2011 at 12:26 amOur prayers are with you and Jill for a safe journey home and some peace of mind. Glad you and Dr. T finally connected. I meant to tell you that I really like Dr.Pippas….he was so great with mom. Now he is not only one of your doctors, but a good friend by now, I would imagine. So glad you have all these wonderful angels with medical degrees, who continue to fight the fight with you. With love always, Teresa and Paul
Debbie Seeley says
December 30, 2011 at 8:47 amJust imagine one BIG set of arms around you…..representing all of the love and prayers going with you. Have a safe trip and we all expect to see that great smile on your face when you return!
Laura Cardin says
December 30, 2011 at 9:01 amMike & Jill,
My prayers and thoughts are with you today.
Laura
Beth and Bob Martin says
December 30, 2011 at 9:14 amMike & Jill,
Our prayers are with you as you travel to NY. May you get the answer that we are all praying for and that you can get rid of this cancer for good. We love you both and look forward to hearing some good news soon. Be safe and positive thoughts are with you both.
Bob and Beth
Theri Brooks says
December 30, 2011 at 9:27 amMike and Jill, all of us are praying and thinking positive thoughts for this trip and for 2012! God bless you both!
Neil and Debi Clark says
December 30, 2011 at 10:16 amDebi and I are praying for a great outcome for you and Jill. Travel safe….
ginny pierson says
December 30, 2011 at 10:42 amThe heart of the One who holds you so dear has been steadfast in directing you to the perfect medical teams. New York chapter in your book/journey called life…expecting and believing great things! May prayers once again be answered! Love and blessings, Ginny
Debby Payne says
December 30, 2011 at 10:54 amSending love and prayers…and LOTS of hugs!!! Safe travels and praying for a great outcome! Love to you both!
Debby
Callie says
December 30, 2011 at 11:03 amYes, your legions of adoring fans are with you now on the streets of NYC. You might catch a glimpse of us in the reflection of a shop window or among the faces that line the busy sidewalks. We’re smiling, cheering, and most of all, loving you to health. If a moment of fear or doubt creeps in today, just close your eyes and feel the power of the Venable Network lifting you up!
We’re waiting with bated breath for your next blog and the plan of attack for Project NED.
All our love,
Callie & Rush
Bob Best says
December 30, 2011 at 1:03 pmOur prayers are with you Mike.
gayla says
December 30, 2011 at 2:45 pmD*** right, Mike! Sandy and I could have done some serious damage in the Big Apple! After Christmas sales. We would have needed to charter another plane to bring it all home! Seriously, I am praying for a FANTASTIC outcome!
Jim Irvin says
December 30, 2011 at 3:30 pmMike and Jill,
Godspeed. An entire city is supporting you.
Jim