Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water….
I got a call from a physician’s assistant in Dr. Lance Pagliaro’s office today. She is part of the team that is responsible for my care at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She, along with Dr. Pagliaro and Dr. Christopher Wood as well as a host of pathologists, radiologists and other “ists,” all work in tandem within the genitourinary oncology clinic.
She informed me that the M. D. Anderson radiologists’ reading of the CT scan that I had done at The Medical Center in June showed that in addition to the left adrenal metastasis (which has been confirmed to be renal cell carcinoma), I also have two small nodules on the upper pole of Strainer, my remaining kidney. That is not what I wanted to hear, but this news confirms that the time has come for me to take one of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that I have not wanted to have to take.
I have enjoyed a good quality of life during most of the just over three years since the diagnosis of renal cell cancer in May of 2009. These drugs are very potent (an oral chemotherapy is the closest description I can muster) and can wreak havoc with a body. Depending on which one I choose, I’ll likely have to deal with some significant side effects. The hope is that I’ll respond well to the drug and that these three existing tumors will shrink and allow the inevitable surgery to be done sooner and be more successful.
I will discuss my decision with Dr. Pippas here at the John B. Amos Cancer Center who continues to oversee my case. We continue to be confident that we’ve made good decisions throughout this cancer journey and as we prayerfully consider this decision, we plan on making the right one.
I’m guessing the therapy will begin soon, so if I’m off my game the next time we talk, I hope you’ll cut me some slack. By the way, the doctor said I should definitely not vacuum, take out the garbage, empty the dishwasher or cut the grass. I have also been told that I should continue to pester Marquette McKnight, as her only (and also faux) brother.
BORDEN says
So sorry to hear but love your spirit. I am waiting as well for results of CA125. We need to get a drink and comiserate about the agony of the wait.
Carol Ann says
I will continue praying and sending positive healthy vibes. I am so sorry that you’re going through this. <3
Betsy Covington says
Well, damn. But it’s better to know what’s going on, and you’ve got good advisors. And you’ve got enough sense & faith to make good decisions. And you’ve got enough good friends to love you through it.
Jan Venable Davenport says
Just another hurdle to overcome ….I have faith that you will.
Love ya Cuz;)
gayla ahlquist says
PRAYERS MIKE AND POSITVE THOUGHTS!!!!
Betsy Lawrence says
Hoping for different news! We pray for quick shrinkage so you won’t have to be on it long.
Kate Nerone says
I feel flushed & tearful reading this. I promise I will cheerlead later. Always in your corner nonetheless. Love you xo
Pat Page says
Mike, you are tougher than you know; and God is tougher than that. Miracles happen every day. Keep up the good fight – we are all in your corner.
Patty and Larry says
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Patty and Larry
Richard Barrett says
Mike, just continue to fight with that spirit that you always share here and there is no doubt you will win
Tripp wade says
Mike, you are a fighter! I feel sure you will deliver the punch ! We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Clark Gillett says
It wasn’t what you wanted to hear, but at least you finally have a path to follow. Don’t worry about how you sound to us, it’s Jill that is going to have to put up with you!
Allison Kennedy Owen says
Church Lady is cussing. . … And also praying. Love you.
Beth & Bob Martin says
Mike, Definately not the news we wanted to hear. You are a strong person and a fighter so we know that you will be giving this your all. You, Jill and your family are in our prayers.
Love, Berh
Callie says
We can’t take the side effects away, but we can entertain you, soothe you, cheer you, motivate you, distract you (gee, your hair looks fluffy today), goad you, tickle you, feed you, [insert countless other verbs here within our power to help] you, and most of all LOVE you through the six months of whatever the drugs hold in store. Mainly we hope they hold in store many, many more years of Mikedom.
Hugs & kisses,
Callie
Ann Blondheim says
My prayers are with you through this next step.
Craig DuPriest says
I like the last part, Mike. Today is my day to help clean the house. We’ll keep the prayers coming and hope for the very best outcomes as you respond to this latest round of testing.
Pat Daniel says
Well, that is soooooo not the news we were hoping/praying for. . . but, we will continue to pray, every single day, this time that the medications do their job with few side effects. In the meantime, I just know you are going to be über careful about following your drs orders about the trash etc!
Rodney Mahone says
Mike,
We are praying for you and Jill. Keep fighting!
Cindy Hodnette says
I am praying for the chemo to do its work quickly with as little side effects as possible! Keep up that sense of humor-it means everything. Hang in there.
Fletch says
V.
I know you well, but NEVER thought I would hear a friend of yours hope that you would experience “shrinkage” or that the Church Lady was cussing. Is there nothing sacred? Love you brother, chin up, all ahead full!
Fletch
mike says
Fletch, reminds me of the “Hampton Tomatoes” episode of “Seinfeld,” with George’s shrinkage problem from the cold pool water. And, by the way, Church Lady cusses all the time. I’ve heard her. Thanks for the love and encouragement.
Shannon Summers says
Mike,
You and Jill continue to be in my prayers. You have a wonderful spirit that will pull you through. You’ve got this!
Carter & Richard says
Well damn! I know it isn’t the news anyone wanted, most of all you and Jill. But I think you’ve identified the right course of action-cutting grass is definitely not the prescribed treatment! Seriously, I know you and your team of “itsts” will make good decisions as you fight through this blip on the screen. Beat the drums! Mikes on the warpath!
Ann Renner says
I am sorry that you have to go this route but it is what it is and I know you will make the best of! Continue the Big fight and remain postive. And about the trash and. Get that in writing for Jill. Ha HA. I love you and continue to keep you, Jill and the rest of your family in our prayers. Can’t wait to see your mom this weekend and give her a BIG hug.
Lots of Love, Ann
Bob Best says
You continually amaze me. Thanks Mike
Carole and Bob says
You are such an inspiration even in the most challenging times. We are with you and praying for your recovery in record time.
Cyndy says
I believe the doctor also prescribed continued pestering by friends. Consider it our way of keeping you tough!
Jane Bayer says
Keep fighting — you are in our prayers!
louise tennent smith says
If I could beat it, so can you! Just keep on going. kiddo!
louise tennent smith says
The big C is not as bad as we all fear–really!
Just keep on putting one foot after another–
Love, Louise
Dr. Who says
Dear Mike,
You need to have your adrenal gland removed ASAP by Dr. Todd Jarrell, then see Dr. Pippas for everything else. If you do these two things like, yesterday, you will live. This is the only way.
Chuck Williams says
Tough news, Mike. Keep fighting and we’ll keep praying. If you need a pinch hitter, I can pester Marquette.
Debbie & David Harrell says
We are with you. Just keep fighting.
Margie Ivey says
Not what we wanted to hear, but you’re a winner…so keep fighting!
Grandin says
Prayers that the regimen you choose will beat those tumors down like a drum at a Columbus Drum Circle!!!!!!!!! Prayers friend for continued peace in your life and with your decisions!!! – G
David Adams says
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear the diagnosis. We will definitely begin praying for you. I’m in Columbus to see my mother fairly often & would love to say hello sometime.
Tammy Beck says
!?+*!?? Fill in the blanks! Damn it! We will pray for your continued strong, determined fight. Know we are thinking about you and Jill often. Tammy and Don
Debbie Seeley says
You’re so forth-coming and deliberate which I find awe-inspiring. You are a true warrior in this nasty game of Hell, and I just love you for it. Always here for you and Jill.
May be picking your brain from time to time as we get ready to kick off the meetings for the 2013 American Cancer Society Crystal Ball in March. It’s the 25th year, and as creative as you are, shoot me some ideas!
Peggy Gray says
Mike, this is certainly not the news you wanted to hear, but your strong will & dettermination will just have to Kick in BIG TIME once again!! Your are one strong man & I know you will fight this evil thing & come out a winner!!! We love you, & will continue to pray for you & Jill.
Peggy & Paul
Grandin Eakle says
WHO are you DR. WHO??????