We have our first appointment with a renal cell cancer specialist on December 30 at noon. Dr. Janice Dutcher is at Roosevelt Hospital on 10th Avenue in New York City. Here’s some info on her: http://www.docnet.org/physicians/phys_bios.aspx?phys_id=12541
I have known of her since my diagnosis, because of her incredible reputation among the couple of thousand kidney cancer patients with whom I correspond daily on acor.org. She is one the world’s authorities on the high-dose interleukin-2 (HDIL-2) treatment that I will likely take as a next line of therapy. I have exhausted my possibilities with radiation therapy at the offending spot in my spine. According to Dr. John Cabelka, my radiation oncologist, when disease progression is proven in a spot in the spine that has previously been treated twice with radiosurgery, there can be no more radiation treatments applied in that are.
Dr. Pippas has told me that any further surgeries to my spine will likely end in my paralysis. I’ve asked Dr. Gorum about this, but I haven’t heard his emphatic opinion yet. Whatever his response, it is becoming much more critical that this tumor be stopped. Systemic therapy is the next best path for me. And the sooner, the better.
Jill and I are flying to New York City on December 30 for a consultation with Dr. Dutcher. The big determining factors about HDIL-2 is whether I’m fit enough to weather the treatment. Dr. Pippas thinks that I will be able to take it on. My guess, is that if Dr. Dutcher blesses this therapy for me, we’ll likely have it administered at Duke University Hospital with Dr. Dan George, whom Dr. Pippas knows well. In fact, Dr. Pippas has consulted with Dr. George throughout the time he has treated my RCC.
So, the journey continues. We are hopeful that HDIL-2 is exactly what I need at this moment. My prayer is to be among those in the small percentage who are cured by HDIL-2. I intend to bring it when the time comes. Although, I will be completely out of it most of the time, I know Jill will be by my side and watching over me. She is an indescribably perfect mate. And when I’m sick and down, she turns into some kind of warrior monster. I’ve seen it happen. She is the mother lion whose family you had better not f&#k with.
I’m completely terrified of this next treatment. I’m seeking the advice of the best doctors in the world and their nurses, techs and staffers will also be world-class. I’m so thankful that Jill will be beside me. I’m guessing that the actual treatments will begin early in January. We’ll know more when we talk to Dr. Dutcher and Dr. George.
In this Christmas/Hanukkah season, Jill and I and our children and families want you all to know how much we appreciate all your love and kindnesses while we battle this cancer. I have chosen to open my life to the readers of this blog. It is apparent that everyone within the sound of my voice is going to have to deal with cancer. Either in person or within their family or circle of close friends. I don’t wish this on anyone, but if my words bring solace, strength or a sense of direction for a single person, then all of the effort I’ve taken to communicate my feelings will be worth it.
Betsy Covington says
I want so badly to “say the right thing.” I’m not quite sure what that looks like, but I keep thinking of this story: When I was in 4th grade, Autograph Books were really “in.” (Or at least my nerdy self thought they were “in.” When I presented mine to my daddy for his signature, he wrote, “I’m for you. Daddy.” I thought it was the lamest thing I’d ever seen. I asked him what in the world it meant, and he said that no matter what lay ahead for me, no matter what I might chose to do or to do it with, no matter what hard things I might have to face, he would be on my side. He might not always even agree with me, but he would be “for me.” He’s been true to his word, and it’s been mighty comforting to me all these years. So, friend, I’m for you.
Chuck Cumiskey says
Not the best reason to be in New York for the New Year, Mike, but I very much hope that this highly regarded specialist has some positive answers for you. Wishing you and Jill all the best for the Holidays.
Lisa Scrivner says
Mike,
Your spirit of optimism, perseverance, determination, and faith will see you though this – so keep up the good fight my friend!!!
I will be thinking and praying for you and Jill.
Take care, Lisa
Allison Kennedy Owen says
Betsy, that’s a beautiful memory! I remember those books! Mikey, we will be cheering for you from here. Thanks for sharing your words with us! Love allison
Margaret Angell says
Mike, thanks for always keeping us posted on your progress. You know our prayers and good thoughts will go with you to NY or wherever you decide to go! In the meantime, enjoy Christmas with all your family!
Ted Short says
You may not hear from me, but KNOW you’re in my thoughts & prayers. I’ll do a better job of staying current; please do not spend poker winnings in Big Apple…let me win it back!! —ted
Eddie and Nancy Reid says
Bety’s dads words to her are the same words that God says to you Mike, because of your faith and trust in Him he will never leave you or forsake you. Fly high my friend,for He is the wind under your wings!
Prayers and love always,
Eddie and Nancy
Connie Jackson says
Mike and Jill – Fly high and come back with great news in time for your(Mike)birthday. What a wonderful gift this WILL be!!
Positive energy coming at ya’ (always)
Connie & Gene
Peggy Zuckerman says
Dear Mike,
You may remember that I am of that fortunate few to respond completely to HD IL2. At the time, my 100s of lung mets were growing quickly, and 4 1/2 months after the surgery and a failed clinical trial, I headed in for treatment. Never an athlete, still recovering from surgery and an unintended weight loss of 20 lbs, and finally with a normal hemoglobin after years of anemia, I went in with the absolute conviction that I would do anything and endure anything to be better. Since I can’t remember more than a few minutes of the four weeks of treatment, I can’t take credit for any conscious enduring, but assume that resolve helped me stay the course, in the most trying of times. I send you all that resolve and blessings on you as you take this next step. Peggy Zuckerman
Will and Beth says
Mike and Jill,
We pray that you and Jill get the answers you need in New York. Will and I think of you and constantly keep you in our prayers.
Ed and Denise Kendust says
Mike and Jill:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck in NYC and be safe. I hope the trip brings good news. Have a merry Christmas with your family.
Love you and thinking of you both!
Ed and Denise
Roger Ashley says
Mike & Jill: God Bless You Mike as you continue to battle this cancer beast. I pray the expert Dr. Dutcher in New York will provide you with good news, a plan, and a path to full complete healing!! Merry Christmas and best wishes for a safe trip, Roger.
Carol Ann Kaplan says
Mike,
When I read or hear any updates from you, I always hope it’s going to be good news.
You, Jill and your family deserve the very best. You will be in my prayers as always. I am so fortunate to be a small (very small) part of your life.
Sadly, it is true that just about everyone reading your blog will be touched by cancer. It’s a sad statistic. But survival rates are increasing. You do have the very best care possible. You are blessed.
David, Morgan and I along wil just about the entire community are sending happy, healthy prayers for you.
I admire your courage.
Grandin Eakle says
Hey Mike in your last post.. “The Price Of Poker…” You said this HD-IL2 is the biggest arrow in your quiver. I say if all the apples line up and the docs, Jill, and you all agree it is the right thing to do then let Dr. Dutcher and Dr. George Nock that puppy on the string pull it back and let it fly so God can guide it into the heart of that nasty ass tumor!!!!!
Praying for rest and serenity for you my friend.
Grandin
Betsy….. Your post brings to mind Romans 8:31…. “If God is for us , who can EVER be against us?!!!!!! And HE is!!!!!!!
Karen Cook says
If Peggy can YOU can!!!!!!!
Anne Rankin says
Your story inspired me. I admire your faith and courage, and hope that your journey thru cancer is successful. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Anne (Johnny’s sister)
Judy W says
I see you SOARING through the treatment and onto the next cancer-free stage of your life. Prayers go with y’all to New York City.
Margie Ivey says
So glad you found this impressive doctor. We’re all praying for good news! Merry Christmas.
Pat Loyd says
Dear Mike, I read your inspiring story in today’s Ledger Enquirer. I’ll be praying for a complete recovery for you. I was diagnosed with a microscopic condition this year and have done a lot of reading. I want to recommend a book that was recommended to me. It’s an international bestseller written by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD titled “Anti Cancer A New Way of Life”. It’s filled with valuable information that will compliment and supplement conventional medical treatment. I believe it will aide you in your healing. It has for me. Take care.
Jacquie Thacker says
Mike,
I read the article in the Ledger yesterday. Larry and I want you to know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and Jill. You have had a difficult journey but your inner strength and faith has and will continue to aid you through this time. I know many of your friends have offered help but please know that we extend that offer also….we are just down the road so if you need us just call.
I am sending positive thoughts and prayers for your trip to New York.