Four and a half years ago, I received a dire diagnosis. Renal cell carcinoma. Kidney cancer. I opened my internet browser and found out just how dire — I had a five percent chance of being alive in five years. I saw my life pass before my eyes. My beautiful sons. My parents, my friends, my pets. Oh God, my sweet Jill. I didn’t want to leave them. How would I ever start the process of dying? When someone tells you that death has come knocking, you just never know how you’ll react. Much like, I’m sure, that warrior’s realization that the only thing between them and an angry enemy is the grit and determination they can conjure as they plan their attack. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what the hell to do. So, I did the only thing I knew how to do. I wrote — a lot. Prior to this post, the words I’ve written and those that have been written back to me fill up over 400 8.5″ by 11″ single-spaced pages! I was, and continue to be, scared to death.
At my first visit with local hematologist/medical oncologist, Dr. Andrew Pippas at the John B. Amos Cancer Center, he cautioned me to be aware that the internet would likely deliver an outdated view of my prognosis. He assured me that there were new drugs coming online and he looked right into my eyes and said, “You’re not going to die any time soon.”
Since that office visit well over four years ago, Dr. Pippas and I have had many ups and downs. We have argued. I have even refused at least one treatment course he wanted me to begin. Our relationship has been one of give and take. Despite any differences we’ve had, what Dr. Pippas has never wavered from, is his position as the most solid, wonderful leader of my medical team. We’ve sought opinions from the best RCC doctors on the planet in New York City, at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina and at cancer mecca, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tex. I have also relied on the testimony from a cadre of RCC patients, some of whom are still alive and others who have, despite the best efforts of the best doctors in the country, have gone on to their greater rewards and have left pain and suffering as well as their loving friends and families behind.
Those of you who are regular readers of this blog know that if I am posting, I am likely in a frightened state. That I have not posted much lately is a sign of good things in our lives. Yes, I’ve lost 90 pounds. That is good. Good for Strainer, my remaining kidney. Good for my body’s processes. Great for my creatinine level. Great for my blood pressure. Great for Chancellor’s Mens Store, because not a single item of clothing I own, including shoes, underwear, pants and shirts fit me. Only my socks and hats fit me. I have managed to cobble together a manageable skinny wardrobe that I am not embarrassed to be seen in out on the street, gratefully discovering that really expensive “stretchy” jeans are now a luxury that I will never be without.
So, the good news is that this cancer, for the moment, is not trying to kill me. Sadly though, the Votrient that I’m taking 800 mgs. a day of, is whipping my ass. Votrient has taken the pigment from my hair. All of it. Votrient has given me chronic, daily diarrhea. Votrient makes me throw up. Out of the blue and without much warning. In addition to the original site of this cancer in my left kidney and in at least one lymph node near that kidney, I have endured metastases in my spine at L2. Two back surgeries, two rounds of stereotactic radiosurgery (radiation) have beaten those metastases back.
Last year, doctors discovered other mets in my left adrenal gland and possibly in my right kidney. The Votrient was begun, according to superstar surgeon, Dr. Christopher Wood at M. D. Anderson, to “see if it will make these tumors smaller in advance of another surgery to remove the adrenal gland.” That was a year ago. Despite making me skinny, washed out and pale and always in a gastrointestinal turmoil, I found out yesterday that Votrient is working for me. When I say “working,” I mean working like a son of a bitch! After reading my scans yesterday, Dr. Pippas told me that my tumors are gone. I am by no means cured. But what I am is alive, still among my loved ones and fairly well able to enjoy life. I’ll take that for now.
I am still in research mode. There is a new clinical trial at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore that delivers a combination of two new drugs and it is showing mind-blowing response rates among RCC patients. The bad news is that the tumors will have to return in order for me to qualify to enter that trial. With cancer, there is always bad news sprinkled in the with little good news you hear. I’ll keep looking for that magic bullet. I’ll keep taking Votrient. I’ll keep loving my awesome family. I’ll keep hugging my pets. I’ll continue to bathe in the gentle love coming from our huge cadre of friends.
Thanks for using this blog to stay connected with us. Please share it.
Peggy dozier says
I think you look amazing !!! Love the hair and may God continue to bless you and may you, mike, continue to inspire and bless us all …
Bob Ludwig says
Great news my friend. Your battle continues to be an inspiration to all who know, appreciate and love you and your Jill. Your belief in God, your undogged determination to find an answer and to tackle whatever medical science throws at you is mind boggling. Thanks for sharing it all so that others who will take a similar path will know there is a reason to keep on keeping on.
Jim Thomas says
Cancer is probably sorry it ever tried tho mess with you and the sock monkey. You’re giving it quite an A– Whipping.
Jim Railey says
Mike, your blog always serves as an inspiration to all your friends. Corrientes may be ” whipping your ass” but I’ll put my money on you. I can only hope that if I was faced with the adversity thrown at you, that I would exhibit half the tenacity you have shown all of us. You are touching a lot of people with your writings. Keep the faith and keep kicking butt. We’ll keep praying!
Cindi Ludwig says
Mike, you are truly an inspiration! I continue to celebrate your progress and pray for continued healing.
Debby Delmore says
Dear Mike, God Bless You, you are in and have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your courage is amazing! Thanks for your inspiration! Your ‘ole’ friend, Debby Delmore
Debbie Rhodes Hinman says
Mike,
I think you look great! Hang tough and know so many are praying for you and will continue to. I am proud of you and I so admire your humor in light of all you have been through!
One tough guy,
Carol Ann says
Today I am most grateful to know that your tumors are gone. Great news for a great man. Prayers continue.
Stacie Reddish says
Mike, I love your Votrient look!! I’m so very happy for the good news for you, Jill and all the boys!!
Andy Gunnels says
Mike, I am thankful that the Voltrient is working for you. It has been an experience for me to share your struggle with this beast we call cancer. Press on! Andy Gunnels
Marian Carcache says
So thankful. Thankful for you, for your sweet Jill, and for your pets. Each time you mention the pets, I get tears in my eyes because, even though I don’t know you very well, that detail tells me just how wonderful a man my friend Jill married.
Pat Daniel says
Wow. Your writings never cease to amaze, scare and inspire me. My frightfully inadequate responses appear to me to be ridiculously shallow. In spite of that, all I know to do is continue to follow your path through this journey and pray. Every time we sit down to pray, we name you. Once, when I was terribly worried about Steve when he was in the middle of something that frightened me badly at the police dept., my dear friend said to me, “don’t worry, I’m sending your angels to stand guard round you.” as if she had all the power in the world to do just that. It was enormously soothing, and brought me a great sense of peace. When I read your posts and include you in my prayer, that is what I hope to impart to you.
Roger Ashley says
Welcome back Mike, so nice to have you writing again after a 3 months pause, keep up the good fight we are all proud of you!!
Ruth Martin says
Constantly praying for you Mike! God is faithful
Tom Butler says
Mike,
Thanks for this update. Frankly, I think the hair looks pretty good and the slim look is fetching! But the clothes bill must be a bitch! Anyway, Marilyn and I send our very best to you and Jill for the coming holidays. Cheers.
Tom
Kaye Kyle says
Mike,
I love the color of your hair and you look absolutely amazing. I admire your strength and attitude. You are an unbelievable warrior. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Kaye
Linda Cliff says
Mike, I am a friend of Melanie and Jill’s for many years and so fortunate to have your blog forwarded to me. I am so thrilled that you are doing well and have you and Jill on my prayer list. Onward!
Mary Starke says
Hey, neighbor. I’m so glad to read the positives–and pleased to read your insightful blog again.
Craig DuPriest says
This has been an long and unexpected road for you, Mike. You’ve more than risen to the challenge at every turn and it’s that fighter’s spirit that will keep you going. Keep hanging tough. You’re a great inspiration!
chris cramer says
Awesome! Stay strong. Renal cell cancer stories are especially captivating to me since I lost my Dad to it 30 years ago.
Becky Ivey says
Mike,
Thank you for this honest and uplifting post. I PRAISE GOD that you received such a wonderful report. We survivors know only too well the times when faith and fear collide and we enter in the JBACC scared breathless.
Again, I thank you for sharing this wonderful news.
Susan Binns says
Yea!!!!!!! How wonderful! I’m so happy for you and Jill and will continue to pray for your good reports to continue. I’ll be looking for you at JBACC…. It’s good to see familiar faces there. Keep fighting and keep writing.
Debbie Seeley says
Anyone else would have thrown in the towel…you never struck me as the type to do that…you perservered and you beat the bastard called cancer! I know, not cured…but you’re on the mend and you sound so upbeat! Hugs and kisses all around you. You’re my hero!
Shelice says
Love, prayers and tears of gratitude!
Dianne Henry says
Mike, I just re-discovered your blog. Could not have been a better time. I am so thrilled to hear this wonderful news. I can’t wait to give your thin, hot white headed bod a big hug.
We love you and Jill,
Di and Johnny
Becky says
You are an inspiration! You give strength, courage,and belief in the Almighty by sharing your story! Love to you and Jill. Sid and Becky
Dee Garrett Culpepper says
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Kathy Gierer says
Your courage is such an inspiration, Mike!! Keep fighting the fight for our community and the many friends and family whose lives you impact daily. So proud to be among your many friends!
Lee brantley says
Mike, your strength and endurance are an inspiration to all!
Donna Comer says
Wonderful News. Happy Holidays and many blessings.
Callie says
Wow. I can’t believe it has been 4.5 years.You have been battling for health for nearly 5 of the 8 years I’ve known you. That doesn’t seem possible.
During those years I have watched you fight so hard to push through the darkest of days, and I am so grateful that you are finally able to stand tall in the light, now a slim, white-haired victor who answers to NED. It is my fervent wish that an ongoing skirmish with your gastrointestinal system represents the worst of what lies ahead for you in the next 8 years and well beyond. And if there is any justice, there will be a cease fire on that front as well!
Much love from one of the sister wives of 214-A,
Callie
J. Sullivan says
Votrient is still working for me. I’ve been on it a year now Nov 2013. The first two drugs were sutent and everolimus. I was diagnosed in Sept 2011. Dr. Wood removed my left kidney in Dec 2011. All in all, doing great now, much better than a year ago.
Good luck to you, Mike.
diana says
I was diagnosed with RCC mets on lungs and liver on 16/10/2015.Right kidney removed and on Votrient 6oo mg since April to present …CT Scan scheduled 8/16/2016.
Thanks for this blog, inspires me with hope to be healed with God’s grace.