We’re settled into our VERY tiny room on the 9th floor at Duke University Hospital. They have taken blood, toured us around the unit and counseled with us about the therapy we’re about to begin and what we can expect. Jill has gone out to buy us a small fan, as the temperature in the room in quite uncomfortably warm. I’ve been told that I’ll likely experience chills and shakes after the first dose of meds just after 8 p.m. Can’t say that I’m looking forward to getting cool that way, though.
I’m having a good time watching the sock monkey event that is being spearheaded by Kate Nerone. Killer, the sock monkey given to me by Kate is lounging on my hospital bed right now. We’re waiting for them to come and take me down to the 3rd floor to place the PICC line that will go from my left antecubital vein into my heart. The PICC line is used during this therapy to mainline drugs into my body.
I’m planning to blog my through this therapy, so there may be a bunch of short posts coming along. Some may be written by Jill, if I can’t get to my computer or am too far out of it to type. As she left here, she asked my nurse, Annette, for suggestions to local clubs. She said she was going out clubbing in Durham. You can’t keep a great girl down!
I’m a little anxious and have made sure that I have Ativan available if I should need it. I don’t want to have another situation like we had at Emory when I had my kidney surgery when I was asking for Ativan and they wouldn’t give it to me because the doctor hadn’t ordered it. We’re good to go with the Ativan and soon Jill will be back with a small fan to move some air in here.
Thanks for coming along this journey with me. I’m working hard to be one of the seven percenters that will be cured by HD-IL2.
Cathy and Chuck Williams says
Our prayers are with you.
Laurie & Jerry says
Our prayers are with you and Jill constantly.
Marianne says
Good luck!
Judy W says
As always, thanks for your update. Extra prayers headed your way, especially at 8 p.m. for the first dosage. In the meantime, may your faith be stronger than your fears.
Donna says
God Bless You! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Keep the Faith!
Pat Daniel says
Thanks for the update. We’re keeping you in our prayers and appreciate knowing what’s going on.
Carol Ann says
My prayers continue. Thank you for including us in your journey
Jan Venable Davenport says
7 has always been a lucky number 🙂 GO TEAM SOCK MONKEY !!!!!!
Mary Choi says
Praying for you Mike. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but I don’t. Sounds like you and Jill will fight this horrible disease with everything you have. I wish you blessings.
Bebe says
Thinking about y’all!
Alton Russell says
stay with it and keep on keeping on.
praying every day for you and your family
Tom Lenard says
I hope the treatment goes well Mike!
Suggestion: Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan…the air blowing over the ice will help cool the air. We use to do that back in the early 1950s when Air Conditioning wasn’t as available..
Jack Basset says
I’m scared and I’m not there. You are a good man Mikey.
Patti Trotter says
You have been in my thoughts and prayers all day, Mike. I, too, will especially be praying for you at 8 p.m. and that He will be your Jehovah-Rapha and He will be glorified in your healing. Praying for and thanking Him for Jill. What a blessing she is!
Jessica Barrick says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both!
Tell Jill the best clubs are in Chapel Hill – Go Tar Heels!!! Walks in beautiful Duke Gardens are also highly recommended….
Mary Starke says
Thinking about both of you. So glad you took Killer along!
Ron and Janet says
We’re thinking you both.
Sandra & Bill says
It’s great to see Killer preparing your bed for the fight. Know our prayers are with you and Jill. Your courage and determination are inspiring, Mike. Go get ’em!!
Julie & Keith Chandler says
You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers!:)
Camille Russo says
You’re most definitely one of the 7%, Mike! Top of the class! Prayers for strength and healing for you, tequila for Jill. Love y’all!
Danny Beard and Future Jessica Beard says
Thanks for letting us know how your doing. We will pray for you and send you our strength as you fight this.
Grandin says
Y’all are wrapped in love and prayer…. AND SOCK MONKEY WARRIORS!!!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4464530976690&set=a.1407774359685.2057007.1392218485&type=1&theater
Eddie and Nancy Reid says
We missed you at church the last two weeks.. we prayed a special prayer for both of you after morning prayer yesterday. We know that you will be a seven percenter!!!
Much love and prayers
Eddie & Nancy
Gloria Dodds says
Praying with you both. Hang tough!
Jenny Holder says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jill and that sock monkey. Stay strong because I need to see you play that drum again.
Kaye and Doug Hahn says
You have our prayers and we will remember you during our daily morning prayer. May the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding hold you strong.
Ed Helton says
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Thanks also for allowing your friends to share our thoughts and prayers with you and Jill.
Connie and Jack Friou says
We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers……God Bless all of you!
Betsy and Chuck Staples says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jill.
Callie says
Been thinking of you all day. Forever NED!!!!
Hugs & Kisses,
Cj
Twila says
Lifting you up now. Praying for your peace and courage.
Susan Wiggins says
Your legions of Prayer Warriors are lifting you and Jill up in our prayers. May they place a hedge of protection around you. Expecting success! God Bless You dear ones.
Pat says
Keep Strong!! Sending prayers for a speedy recovery!!
Marguerite says
Ahhhhh, Mike, I just hate that you’ve got to go through this crap to get to the other side! You’ll get there, I know it, but, damn it, it sounds so hard. I don’t want to think of what you and Jill will be dealing with, it makes me weep…but, I’m thankful for this treatment that’s available to you. I trust that God will hold you in His hands and lead you to the other side. Y’all are in my heart and in my prayers nonstop. xoxoxoxo
Brenda French says
7% club sounds like the place to be. Good luck with all the NC nursing staff and doctors. I spent Labor day in Vegas. Your federal tax dollars at work. Attending a conference on Spinal Cord Injury. There are many great things happening in the medical world and I pray they come to you soon so you can get on with the next chapter of your life. The title for the book might be called “Cancer Free and Me”…ok it is just a suggestion! You write your book and I will write mine.
Dianne Henry says
Praying for more members in the 7% club, especially one in particular, that we know and love.
We are with you in heart, spirit and prayer every day.
Love and stength to you and Jill,
Di and Johnny
Bill McLemore says
September 4th. Jill and Mike.
Thanks for allowing me to follow
your journey even though the drama
is often intense and I know much
more for you two. My heart and
prayers continue daily.
Love you both, Bill
Donny says
You will pull through!!!My prayers are with you and your family!!!