Friday, June 13, 2008

POD #2

Sorry the updates come so late at night. I like to have a good perception of how the whole day goes before I comment. Today was "change of shift day". His two private nurses from Michigan, who came out the night before surgery, will be on their way out. In their replacement, comes in his best two guy friends from Michigan. Their first words to Michael were "we are here to get you out of bed! Time for morning exercises!" And that is exactly what they did. They had Michael walking the halls three times today, whether he liked it or not. Doctors Orders!! Michael was able to stomach two cups of juice and we are looking at jello by Sunday. The 5 o'clock shadow is now settling in and it is either a dry shave by the "boys" or Virgil's (Michael's dad) electric shaver (the kids hate dad with a picky face).

The kids continue to scout out and find new parks around the area. Today was a little soccer, football and basketball. The kids are getting very skilled at putting puzzles together. Every waiting room in the hospital has huge puzzles to put together. I still am reaching for my waist every time I hear a pager or cell phone go off. I'm not sure how long it takes for that instinctive reflex to go away.

Path report: All lymph nodes negative for malignancy (cancer):
Tumor margins negative:
The liver will be re-imaged in a few days and again in a month to see if any further treatment will be needed. Most likely, chemo in a month.

Everyday when I read the comments I am blown away at the people that I am hearing from. It is like a blast from the past. Some people I have not seen or heard from in 15-20 years (same for Michael). Hopefully a few more days and Michael will be able to read the Blog. He has a lot of catching up to do.

We miss all of our dear friends. We appreciate all the "reinforcements" that keep filtering out to Minne"soooda" (as my kids have learned to say). They come not only for Michael, but the kids, myself and for Michael's parents.

Keep the home fires burning for us!
Dawn & Kids

24 comments:

chris dandendeau said...

Hi Guys!
Looks like the 5 o'clock shadow has also made it to your front lawn. I am going to 'shave' it tomorrow before trees start growing where you don't want them. Than immediately off for my Loooong ride, as i prepare for IM.
Michael, you're journey has become my inspiration for NY this year. Thank you.

-out. D.

BTW, Dawn make sure you get rest too. - deserve it.

peggyd said...

Great news about the path report. Betsy and I were checking the progress for the day. Continued thought and prayers. Love and Hugs
Peggy and Betsy

Bobby, Anna, Bowdy, Bailey and Tucker said...

Hope you got your sponge bath before the guys arrived! Very glad to hear that even though it was against your will, you were able to get around a little. It really sounds like things are going in your favor.
Talk Later!
Bobby

sue said...

So happy to hear you are up in walking the halls. I hope they made sure your gown was closed in the back so you weren't mooning the world. Good job!!! So I do have a chance at beating your time this year in the 5k in July. Take care and keep walking the halls, good behavior gets you a ticket to go outside to the court yard for fresh air (I only got to do that 1 time) Love Sue

Unknown said...

Dawn - Thank you for keeping us all up to date even though I know you must be dead tired at the end of the day. Michael's progress is concern number one everyday, thank goodness that we have this vehicle to let you all know. Keeping up with the kids in a strange environment alone would keep most of us wiped out. Wish we could do more to ease the stress.
Give a hug to everyone for us.
Shirley, Carrol and Grandmother

Matthew L Visconti, M.D. said...

Mike/Dawn

You guys are in our thoughts and prayers, DAILY.
All the best as you travel the road to recovery.

Happy father's day.........Mike.

Be strong and put up the fight we know you have in you!

The Visconti family

Karen Storey said...

Great pathology report. Hey Michael - bet if feels like "boot camp" with the "boys" giving the orders now. Yeeks.
I update Uncle Charlie and Aunt Monnie daily thanks to this wonderful blog.
Our continued prayers and support from the UP.
Love, Karen

OBShell said...

So glad to hear that everyone is fairing well. Hope Michael enjoys his Father's Day jello tomorrow. He and the kids are blessed to have this Father's Day together. Great to hear that everyone is occupied with exercise. Wishing you well from OMH. We miss you Dawn, we are having Dr. E withdrawals!
Love,
Shell

Sean86 said...

Mike,

You're doing great! From what Dawn writes, in sounds like you're definitely in the best hands possible, and it's paying off. Keep up the hard work. We look forward to having you back in Gaylord soon.

And Dawn, thank you for the updates. I'm sure you're wiped out at the end of your day, but they are greatly appreciated.

Love,

Sean and Cathy OConnor and family

Mrs. Lindsay said...

Hi Michael, Dawn & Kids-

We are thinking of you and praying for you!

Love,
Kenny & Lindsey Lindsay
(MSAA auctioneer)

Harding Family said...

Its good to here you are up and around. Keep up the good work!
Love, The Hardings

Kathy Morris said...

Excellent news!! I remember how good it felt to hear that same news - the tumor margins and lymph nodes are clear!!!!

Keep up the positive attitudes and wonderful updates!!

Kwapis Family said...

Well Michael
Today is Saturday and I got home yesterday (Friday). I am glad to hear that you are up and walking the halls. On Thurday when I was with you for the day it was good to see you sit on the side of the bed. I know it has been very stressful but keep up the good attitude and get home soon. I am glad that we got to spend the day together. (even though you didnt talk much). Talk care and feel better soon.
Love sis

Anonymous said...

Dawn and Michael,

Great News!!! It was wonderful to hear that the path report was negative. Michael, I know it is hard, but you have the strength and stamina to overcome. Dawn, please take care of yourself and get your rest. Stay strong. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin

Peter D. Gehres said...

Best of luck and get well soon. It was great to meet Michael at the MSAA C&S last winter. God bless you and your family.

Unknown said...

Hi Mike,

It has been a long time since we talked. I just found out today about your cancer. I am so very sorry to hear about everything you have been through. I know it is hard, but you have the strength to overcome this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

John and Christy Krawisz and family

KennyLindsay said...

THAT'S the news I was waiting to hear.

NEGATIVE. NEGATIVE AND NEGATIVE!

You WILL and ARE beating this thing but obviously it takes a bit of a hell ride first to get there.

That last post took a really sharp edge off over here.

Thanks a million for the regular updates as that last one was the best ever!

Becky said...

Michael,

Hope you are drinking and eating... you need lots of strength ... Hope your walk wasn't too painful...

You have a lot of great friends and family... Our thoughts are with them also...

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Renee' Elias said...

The power of prayer Michael. You are one strong great man. We will continue to keep you lifted in prayer. Love, Renee'
Princess, I am AMAZED you are up so late......Michael is the nightowl you go to bed early. Get rest too.......you don't need to have an S on your chest. Thank you for all the updates. There is nothing better then hearing daily how Michael is doing. Your family means alot to so many. You have touched each of us in many ways. More then you will ever imagine.

Linda said...

Hey Tigger: We are all waiting to hear your quick steps and your keys rattling as you dart for the desk. It is good that you are keeping us updated. I have read all the comments. You really have a lot of friends. It sounds like the kids are staying upbeat and most likely keeping you busy, which is good. Get some rest. I think we are having the "calm before the storm" here in O.B. It's actually kinda spooky.

Dr. Pam said...

Hi Mike and Dawn,

We have been thinking of you and keeping you all in our prayers since we heard the news earlier this week. It sounds like phase one has gone well. We will continue to follow your progress with your blogs (gotta love modern technology).

Happy Father's Day Michael...we love you man!

John and Pam Zelasko

jan said...

Dawn, Michael and kids: Thank you for the updates. Such wonderful news; so positive and hope-filled. We are keeping all of you in our prayers. Stay strong. I hope they know when you start really eating they will have to have a special semi filled with food just for you, Michael. Take care. Jan

Weiss Family said...

Michael,
It is so wonderful to hear all the positive reports! You are such a strong person....keep fighting :) You have been in our daily thoughts and prayers since we heard the news of your diagnosis. We look forward to being able to visit you once you return home and are ready for company!!
Dawn,
Thank you so very much for keeping us all informed through this blog; what an awesome form of communication! You are doing an incredible job; thank you for taking such great care of Michael!! Since we are out of school for the summer, we have plenty of time in which we can help in any way......if you need anything, anything at all, please just say the word and we'd be MORE than happy to help :)
All our love,
Linda, Jason, Kate, and Cooper

Unknown said...

Just found out about this tonight. I am praying for you Michael and for the whole family. Mayo is a fantastic place and you can't get better care. You are starting your recovery and my thoughts and prayers will be with you every day. I wear a bracelet dedicated to finding a cure for prostate cancer and will do all I can to support research.

Love to you and your family.

Fran Dittmar