First of all, a big thank you to the angel who provided flight time for us today. What got accomplished in exactly 11.5 hours would have taken two whole days and more energy and expense than we had to throw at it right here at the holidays.
Despite the great flying accommodations, it was still a very stressful day, and we are exhausted from all the stress and conversation. Roosevelt Hospital is well over 100 years old, located in the Hell’s Kitchen area of lower Manhattan on 10th Avenue at 55th Street in New York City. Funny story: Our cab fare from the airport to the hospital was $102. The return trip cost us $56. Go figure! Guess which trip was made in a yellow car? By the way, it was a 20-minute drive. I’m in the wrong business!
I had completed all my new patient paperwork and sent them to Dr. Dutcher’s office a couple of weeks ago, so the check-in process was a breeze. The people we encountered at Roosevelt were extremely nice and helpful. When we got off the elevator on the 11th floor, we must have looked like a package of pork rinds at a bar mitzvah. A guy walked up to us wearing a welcoming smile and with his arms extended out to his sides, palms facing us, said, “Baby, or cancer?” Both the maternity stuff and the oncology stuff are on the 11th floor. As we approached the check-in office for Dr. Dutcher, we ran into the same smiling guy who engaged us in another upbeat exchange of words. He was such a great ambassador for the hospital. He seemed to enjoy his work and honestly, I don’t know what his job is, beyond making Alabama people feel comfortable in a strange place.
Before I get to what you really want to hear, I want to tell you another story about the elevators. There is a “Sabbath Elevator” at Roosevelt. During the sabbath and on Jewish holidays that elevator is programmed to stop at every floor, no matter who is on it or where they’re wanting to get off. I know that strict observers of the Jewish faith can’t turn on lights on sabbaths and holidays. Now, I know they’re also not supposed to press elevator buttons. It is interesting being in a big city surrounded by so many people who are different from you. Interesting and fascinating.
By the way Gayla and Sandy, we were two blocks from the Columbus Circle Mall, which is next door to the Time Warner building. It is three gargantuan floors of every kind of shop, restaurant and boutique you can imagine. I thought of you both when we walked through those revolving doors looking for a place to lunch. I know you two could have done to damage to your Visa cards in that place!
We checked in and while we were sitting there waiting, Dr. Dutcher walked in. I said, “I know that face! Hello Dr. Dutcher.” She said, “You must be Mike.” She only scheduled four appointments today, so it was easy to know them by name. We only waited for about five minutes before we were escorted to a consultation room.
I promised video. I have about an hour of video of our meeting, but I won’t be able to post it until tomorrow. First of all, I don’t know how to post it, and I’m just too tired to fiddle with it tonight. That will give me something to figure out tomorrow.
That reminds me of one of our most cherished family stories, and my son Michael is going to kill me for this. When he was five years old, he came roaring into our great room like a house on fire. I was sitting there watching TV and he ran right up to my recliner and said, “Dad, does your penis get big sometime?”
OMG, this was it, I thought. This is the time when I’m not supposed to lie. I’m supposed to answer the little guy directly. Nothing more, nothing less. Just answer the question. So, I did. “Yes,” I said — hoping that was the end of it — and he’d go on back to, Lord only knows, what he was doing. He didn’t. He continued, “Is it cause you’ve been fiddling with it?”
“No,” I said. What the hell, I wasn’t going to go THERE with a five-year-old. “Okay,” he said and roared back out of the room. I was thinking, “Well, alrighty then, that went better than expected.”
But I digress.
Dr. Dutcher came into the room and Jill and we over the renal cell carcinoma history, all my medications, surgeries and procedures. One at a time, she popped in the two disks I had mailed her containing the images from the recent CT and MRI scans. After much discussion and many questions from her and from us, she has agreed that the HDIL-2 procedure is the next best step for us.
I will outline her protocols in my tomorrow post, but we determined that it really doesn’t make sense for me to have this therapy in New York. Dr. Dutcher is very familiar with Dr. Dan George and Dr. Andy Pippas, my oncologist, is a Duke colleague of Dr. George’s. Duke is the place we need to be. Dr. Dutcher said there were three facilities that she would recommend that are nearer to us. One of them isn’t in Atlanta. So, we’ll be making a drive up to Durham as soon as I can get an appointment and have a talk with Dr. George. If we are satisfied that he will be agressive enough, and if I can pass the physical testing that will be done to assure that I’ll be able to withstand the therapy, we’ll likely do this at Duke University Hospital.
Dr. Dutcher says that about 30% of people respond to the HDIL-2 therapy. Respond means that the tumors in their bodies shrink more than 50%. Seven to ten percent are complete responders. Those are the lucky ones where the disease disappears and stays gone. I want to be a complete responder.
I want to be able to live much, much longer and continue to be able to embarrass my children. Sorry, Michael, you are a beautiful man. You were a beautiful child. And, that was a beautiful story. It just needed to be told.
This was a good day. HDIL-2 is a good option for us. It is one that could cure me. Even with the side effects that we know it will bring, I’m ready to take it on. The sooner, the better.
Keith Murray says
Well, I was delighted to read what I wanted to see. That it looks promising that you will get the therapy, and that it might be done at that Coach-K place rather than way up in New York. Only Mike Venable, however, would make us read about pork rinds, bar mitzvahs and a five-year-old’s most private part before giving us the relevant information! Ha!
Jill Venabe says
I am certain that you will be in the 7 – 10% group. You are a Venable, aren’t you?! Survivormen!! I am reminded of another Michael anatomy story that would really make him blush! Maybe next post you can tell that one. (it involves another part that your brother is thankful to still have) Love you and Jill to pieces!
Allison Kennedy Owen says
Mikey
Glad to have you back on southern soil :), and with funny tales to boot.
Glad Duke will be able to help you. Wonderful place, if you have to be there. The other Mike and I are rooting for you from this side of the river. Much love, “CL”
Betsy Covington says
A good day. I’m glad. Only you could make this into such a grand adventure!
Laurel and Fred Blackwell says
Thanks for the great update, Mike. We have been waiting all day to hear your news! Our love to you both. Laurel and Fred
Delane Chappell says
Excellent news, dear friend.
Pat Bass says
Sounds wonderful you guys and a forward plan which is awsome, I know you are tired, get some good rest tonite. Tomorrow is a new day, and Sun.a brand New Year for you, life is going to be good…..
alenna peak says
Sound’s like a promising pladventure and after reading all your blogs, the studing you have done sound’s like you are on the right path …good luck with the new adventure. I imagine Michael is pretty red faced bout now …too. funny ….
Michael Venable says
Clearly you have neglected to think about all of the tasty nuggets of embarassing history that I have about you old man. Your time will come. As for whether I’m embarassed by this, you must understand that I have as little shame about my behavior as my father has about his so I’m not really too worried about it. Besides, they always say the greats start young. Happy New Year and cheers to a healthy 2012 for all of you!
donna Gafford says
Thanks for the good news from New York. One step at a time, I guess. May God continue to bless you both.I hope you rest well tonight with this part of your journey done.
Gloria Dodds says
I was in New York just last week with my 13 year-old granddaughter and my daughter-in-law to experience NYC for the first time for all of us. It was heavenly – Time Warner Bldg, Phantom, Rockettes, Empire State Bldg observation at night … the whole enchilada, but that certainly cannot top the wonderful experience you had today. I am so pleased you got the answer we were hoping for and know that you know how to beat the odds. So get to Durham as fast at you can. We’re with you!
John Wells says
Great news Mike. You will beat this cancer and you sharing your story will help others be more informed if we were to find out we have cancer. Thank you for informing us by sharing what many would keep secret. Cancer has taken it’s toll in my family so I want to know all the options if I ever have to face it myself. You are in good hands and my prayers go out for you and you will be in the >10%.
Debbie & David Harrell says
You will be in the 7-10% so that is that and it will be a wonderful 2012 for you and your family.
cissie & Bill clement says
Mike & Jill,
Just read your post. Our Savannah lives in Hells Kitchen, and the thought of you both being on her soil makes me smile.
I am always so pleased to hear how kind and helpful people are to you both, and was frankly concerned about how it would be here on the east coast. So glad they were wonderful because you both deserve wonderful and nothing less.
Mike, we love you and Jill and if we can do anything, other than read your posts and pray like mad, tell us. It’s so hard to sit back and know what someone else is going through and that you are helpless to make it better.We are about an hour and a half fromm NYC and have room for you if you ever need or want a place to rest.
Please let us know, dear ones.
C & B
cindy & neal says
We are so happy that new York was a good experience. I know you will be in the winner’s circle in this treatment.
Love you
Cindy. &Neal
Eddie and Nancy Reid says
Read this the first thing this morning, couldn’t wait. You certainly made it worth the wait by telling of an experience that all fathers have had,but only you would tell!!
Great to know your trip went so well and glad you are back. 2012 is going to be a good year for you and Jill and your wonderful family.
See y’all at church tomorrow.
Love and prayers,
Eddie& Nancy
Hope Phillips says
Oh, thank you so much for this post; I didn’t want to have to wait for an update. I’ve become greedy that way. Praying for a triumphant 2012!
Vic Cross says
Mike glad to here u are home and comfortable with the next step. Tina and I are here if you and Jill need us. Love you both and may God bless. Vic
Dianne Henry says
Dear favorite Pork Rinds,
So glad that you are home and can move ahead in the near future.
Get some rest and get ready to take on 2012 like the champions that you are.
Blessings and Love,
Di and Johnny
Connie Jackson says
“BABY OR CANCER?” You’ve got to be kidding! I laughed out loud when I read that. Mike, we’ll be 59 in a couple of days, then 60, 61, 62, 63, -4,-5,-6 etc. etc. etc. I feel sure we will be laughing together at the 50th reunion.
Funny penis story!!! (How often do you read that phrase??) I have a similar one about my son, Ryan, but I’ll wait until I see you and Jill to tell it.
Happy New Year; Happy Birthday; Happy Life!!
Gwen says
You have such a gift with words! I’m praying for you and Jill that 2012 will be full of abundant blessings and your complete healing!
Neil and Debi Clark says
Bravery has many faces, and one is surely yours, friend. Debi and I were both laughing thru tears at your story about Michael. Happy New Year…it will hold all good things for you and Jill!
Fletch says
V-Man,
Glad you did not get trapped in the “Sabbath Elevator” and made it home in time to celebrate the New Year in the comfort of your home and the south. Becky and I are so pleased you have a prudent game plan and are ready for the next battle. I was thinking about you this morning and a couple lines from poet Dylan Thomas popped into my head…”oh I was young and easy in those lamb white days, but time held me green and dying…thou I sang in my chains, like the sea” (with apologies to Mr Thomas). We love you Mike and Jill. Keep on singing brother! Happy New Year!
Fletch
Margie Ivey says
Great News! Rest and be ready to be a complete responder. Happy New Year and Happy Birthday.