Saturday, July 12, 2008

Hospital Day #9


Michael had company yesterday! Craig Soderberg, a classmate from Gaylord High, stopped in to visit. Michael is two days out from his latest ablation on the liver. As you can see the tube is out of his nose and he is drinking broth. This week Commando is back in town so some decisions will be made as to where we go from here. Michael is down to 125#.
Let Michael know we have not forgotten about him! If you haven't said hi in awhile, type a few lines. He has a computer and reads the blog daily. Cancer is evil in that it creates isolation for its victims.
CRAIG, YOU ROCK!
Dawn & Kids

40 comments:

Dan Wagar said...

Good to see you smile!! 125 lbs Hummmm think ive got just a few pounds on you! Keep the Faith my friend.

Renee' Elias said...

Hello Michael. Just getting over the initial shock that my ass is much bigger then you.....all of you. Hey, I wonder if I can give you some of my adipose tissue......
You do look good and thank God you are stable. Just keep up the strength and faith. Michael you are in the best of hands and many around the country are lifting you up. I am so glad that you had an awesome visit from one of your friends. I know it was a blessing. Take care my friend. Renee'

Patricia said...

Michael,
I love seeing the pictures of you on the blog. I could never get tired of seeing your smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Wish I could visit you, too. I'm sending you a hug.
Love, Patty

Anonymous said...

Hey Michael - I met you last summer at IMC in Penticton. I heard about your your blog and thought I'd drop you a line. I want you to know that I am out here praying for you. Get better!!
Amy

BARRY YUILL said...

Hey Micheal....Its been along time since we have spoken my friend and i see you and Dawn have been busy with raising kids, wow you have a beuatiful family Micheal. Missy Hyde notified me about your cancer and about the blog. Im sorry that i have lost contact with you over the years its funny how life goes. I would really love to make contact with you sometime. Micheal you and your family are in our prayers. Stay strong my friend.

Barry
adrenalinpb@bellsouth.net
478-213-8597

sue said...

Hey there buddy.....You look good keep the faith...take care and talk to you soon...Theresa and Virgil you are both wonderful parents, Michael is so lucky to have such support from you both.

Melissa said...

Hey Michael!

Love seeing your smile. Keep fighting!

God Bless,

Melissa Krumbach (Hyde)
soccerdancemom@charter.net
608-397-4836

rhondaa83 said...

I remember you michael from about 4 or 5 years ago. You did an auction by my house on the north east end of otsego lake. There was this lady who kept getting cell phone calls of a particular song as her ring tone during the auction. After the third phone call you started singing when her phone was ringing, to the beat of her song, and you said something to the effect of " could you please hang up your phone right now, can you please have them call you later, I LAUGHED so HARD, I am sure I made an idiot out of myself for laughing so much, but it was so funny, and for the last 4 years whenever someone has their cell phone calling at the wrong time I think of you and I smile. It is amazing how people touch your life. My sister works at Otsego Memorial and that is how I found this blog, my thoughts are with you. Rhonda

Lisa Powell-Bollinger (Guiney) said...

Mike & Dawn,

I was just contacted about everything that you and your Family are going through. My Family's thoughts and Prayers and with you and your Family. Keep your faith!!

GOD BLESS!
Lisa Powell-Bollinger (Guiney)
fishermanfranco@aol.com
734-524-0362

Sean O'Connor said...

Man, the things you have to go through to get Soderberg to pay you a visit.

Sean O

Tammy said...

Dear Michael, I just wanted to write and remind you that the difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a persons determination! You are strong on the inside so dig deep and remember you are loved by many. Wish we were closer we would love to drop in for a hello. So glad Craig came by, how nice for you both. We will do anything we can, you are always present in our thoughts and prayers.

VICTORY - A matter of staying power!

Love,

Todd and Tammy Seidell
ttseidell@yahoo.com
989-370-7891 CELL Tammy (text me!)

Harding Family said...

Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you. Dawn is great at this blog thing! I am so glad she keeps us all posted. When I say ALL I mean too many to number. You have no idea how many people are out here praying for you and checking up on you every day. We think about you all the time so it's great we know what is going on! Take care!

rnowicki said...

Hello Michael:
Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about you and that I am praying for you every day. It is amazing the amount of people that are pulling for you to get well and to beat this thing. Hope this stay at Mayo won't be as long as the last one and that you will be home soon.
Renee Nowicki (H.I.M.& OB)

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

Hey there! Since you are probably checking this blog more than email (well just an assumption) I figured I would try to keep up to date as well this week. Check our blog for some stories and posts throughout the week. http://texasspacefamily.blogspot.com/ I'll try to keep the picture taking and getting them online. We miss you here and are really looking forward to seeing you when we can. Who knows, if your in MN much longer we may have to take another trip that way! Take care,
Bobby

Dr. Pam said...

Hi Michael,

We were at the Houghton Lake music fest this weekend and were impressed with how many people know you and are praying for you. It sounds like you've not only touched a lot of people's lives with your musical talent but also with your talent in the auctioneer world. Keep fighting. We think of you often.

Love and hugs to you, Dawn and the kids,

Pam and John

jan said...

Michael; It really is good to see you smile. I keep checking the blog and am lifted up when I see the positive things that Dawn writes about your healing. Everyone wants to come and see you!!! You can tell it in their blogs. If you were in Gaylord they would have to give out numbers to all the visitors you would have. We love you, Michael, and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I am sorry it has been so tough. Wish I could take this away from you. Say hi to your mom and dad for me. I love the thought that they are there with you. Come home soon.
Jan

John@ABC said...

Hi Mike,

Good see you smiling. Sorry I haven't commented in a while, I lost my stupid password. I hate that.

I have been watching your progress. I check your blog, like its a fresh picked corn field in October.

I hope you don't think this is going to slow us down for our next goose hunt. Its still on!!

On a serious note, stay strong brother. You are going to come out on top!

Say Hi to your Mom,Dad and Dawn for me.

Live Strong,

JW

Slivinski Family Blog said...

Mike, Dawn, & family...We have been reading your blog daily and appreciate and admire you for taking the time to keep everyone updated. We think of you daily and wonder what it is we can do to help you? Even though we don't know they kids well and they don't really know us...we would still welcome them to visit (Cedar Point is nearby). Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help!
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Dale, Nicole & Olivia

EJHerst said...

M&D,
I've been following for awhile, and cheering you on. Thanks for keeping us updated. We care. Nice to know you are doing it right.
Peace. E. J., Jill and Family

heidimw said...

Michael...

Forget that broth thing! You need a protein shake! That will get you bulked up fast! You also need to work on your upper body by doing a few pull ups on your trapeze! That is not just for tricks...you need to work, work, work!

Glad Craig made it to visit you. It was good to see both of you smiling. I am sure his visit made your day!

Just stopping by to say hello, and I hope today is a GOOD day. Stay strong and smile!

Hugs,
Heidi (Hella)

Beth Collins said...

Got to spend a few delightful days with the kids. What a wonderful job you've done. We took lots of pics that Dawn will forward. Hang in there! Caeden wears his blue bracelet that Ruger gave him daily...as do we all. Our thoughts are with you all the time. Keep fighting...even at 125 I bet you're one hell of a scrapper!
The Collins Family

Kristie Taubitz said...

Hey Michael,
You look good....well except for that hair. LOL. I tried to get over to your house Friday but you up and took off to that hospital! I can't wait to get my hands on you!
I miss you, love you and continue to pray for your recovery!
Stay STRONG! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

Stacey Loshaw said...

Hi Michael,

Just wanted to drop in and say hello. Thank you for keeping us up to date on your progress. Continue to stay strong and fight this battle. I pray that God will continue to work his power and heal you. Take care.
Stacey Loshaw

ddrost said...

Hey cuz, What is it with the hospital bed? You know you don't have to go to Mayo just for us to write to you. All joking beside, Michael you know we love you dearly and are praying and thinking of you daily. Just keep the faith and know God is with you. By the way, I think your hair looks great-you should see mine in the morning. Love, Diane, Bob, Travis and Dustin

rtroy said...

Mike & Dawn, amidst all the seriousness you gotta love the humor within this blog.

..."things we do to get to see Craig Soderberg"...That could be a blog on its own!!!

....Then I read something about Todd and staying power..., OMG!!!

In one of those small world getting smaller situations, a dear friend and mentor, who happens to have just turned 70 and married a Gaylord girl by the name of Holowinski many years ago, sent me the following...,


It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

Your family remains in our prayers...

Sandy said...

Hey Michael,

I'm not sure if you remember me but my twin sister, Sue and I went to high school with you and Dawn back in Gaylord. Shelley Troupe had passed the news onto me along with the link to your blog. I just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family. Keep strong! Sandy Tedder (Yuill).

Barb said...

This was a good day for Michael..How do I know??? Well...I am one of Michael's many nurses here at Mayo. On a day when he was having pain from his liver oblation, Craig was more medicine than I could have given him and what he had to offer was better than any pill. It was a great joy for me to see the smile on Michael's face!!! The way he talks about family and friends is with love and kindness. I am gratefull for getting to know him and his parents. Everyone we meet touches our lives, and Michael and his parents have touched mine...Michael has shown strength in more ways than I can describe. BUT JUST you wait.....by the end of this hospital stay....I will have painted his toenails PINK. YES PINK! Then..he won't look quite so tough! :)

Anonymous said...

I just returned from Dublin to discover that this has turned into the 'Six Degrees of Mike Vinecki' show. Very impressive. (nearly as impressive as the sun shining in Ireland, which it actually did yesterday in Dublin). I saw Craig in Phoenix in December and we said we ought to organise a 25th. I am expecting you to attend should we actually get our acts together. Whaddya say? Summer 2011? (Oh, and re: 'six degrees of kevin bacon'--you are now at two degrees cuz I tore his ticket stub in New York some years back!)

Becky said...

Michael,

Keep taking photos of yourself... and others / and your environment... we can only imagine your pain...
and missing your family...

Try to..

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Danielle Fox said...

We continue to follow your blog. We are encouraged by your progress and pray for you daily. We will continue to support Dawn and your family here in Michigan while you keep fighting your battle at Mayo
God Bless all of you
Ambulatory Care staff

Carrie Vanderbush said...

Hi Mike,
Just wanted to let you know that that I was thinking about you and your family. Stay strong and keep smiling, "mickey." You're in my prayers. Take care and God bless,
Carrie (Kujat) Vanderbush
cvanderbush@verizon.net

Unknown said...

Michael-

You and Dawn are an ispiration to us all. Keep smiling and know that many of us here in Boyne are thinking of you and your family on a daily basis. You remain in our prayers! The offer stands for helping with your children whenever you need it, Dawn, please don't hesitate to ask. Hunter would love to have Magnum and Ruger over. God Bless.

The Sparks Family

Anonymous said...

Michael,
Hey there ! Glad to see your pictures. I just got back from Nashville from the NAA Conference. The trip to St Jude's Hospital in Memphis was amazing. I passed your info along to the research team we met. Never know? They are working on knew stuff everyday that spans far and wide.

You know, I'm still getting over that 125#. I'll be glad to hand over a few lbs off my butt if you need em! Maybe Becky can make you some more of that Chili when you can eat something more than broth. We're all missing you and praying for you every day. I only spent a week in the hospital at my Dad's bedside and it was excruciating. I can only imagine how BORING it gets in there. Sometime I'll tell you about the wheelchair races we used to have with a friend of mine who was in and out of the hospital all during high school. Wish I could visit...maybe we'll send you Kenny:)

OK. I'll give you some news from National. I met the new CEO...she seems nice...the kinda lady to give you a hug and bake you cookies to make it all better. We had 7 members in the IAC (International Auctioneer Championships for those who don't know). Art & Noah Smith, Doug Heuker, David Helmer, Donna Tuttle, Jonathan Kraft, Matt Holiday (SC). Donna made the final in the women's division. Butch Booker won the men's final and Jodi Sweeny won the women's. Oh, and of course, we had tons of fun bar hopping down on Broadway. You would've loved it. When to Ryman Auditorium for the opening night to see Diamond Reo. Too bad they still don't have the Grand Ole Opry there. OK. I'll leave more for later!

We'll keep checking on you...let me know if you need anything at all..you know how to find me.

Big HUGS,
Tricia Wiltjer
Michigan State Auctioneers Association

Michelle said...

Hello Mike,
Have been keeping an eye on your blog and have you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep smiling and keep the faith. We're all pulling for you! What a beautiful family you have! Take care and God bless!

Michelle(Zelasko)Bojczuk and family
Eden, New York

Pam said...

Mike and Dawn,
My family has all of you in their prayers everyday. I am so glad to read how everything is going on this journey of yours (Mike). If either of you need anything I am a jump away. God Bless Pam (Nawrot) Borowiak
Borojo_99@yahoo.com
989-614-0745

crafticritter said...

Hey Mike & Dawn! Wow, reading your blog is almost like a class reunion. There's names on here I haven't heard in ages. Missy Hyde sent me the link today to your blog. It sucks when anyone has to go through this, but it really hits home when it's someone who you grew up with and has touched your life.
Ya know, I think I still have our kindergarden year book, and you were just a skinny little runt back then too :-) I'll have to see if I can dig that thing out and post a picture of you on here.
As it turns out, I live in Cedar Rapids Iowa, about 3 hrs from the Mayo Clinic, and when I told my husband you were there he suggested a road trip this weekend to say hi if you're feeling up to it. Just let me know.
You are in my prayers. God Bless.
Patty Wilcox (Walther)
patty.wilcox@gmail.com

Weiss Family said...

Dear Michael,
You are a man of true strength!! You've endured more in just a matter of weeks than most humans will ever endure in a lifetime and yet you are still able to flash those pearly whites in your pictures!! You look amazing and I would love to help fatten you up....as soon as you are ready for solids, let me know what you are craving and I will be more than happy to bake/cook/grill whatever it may be!! Keep fighting strong; you've got an army of support surrounding you from all directions!
All our love,
Linda, Jason, Kate, and Cooper
(989)448-8193
lweiss78@yahoo.com

sue said...

Hello Michael Hope you are able to try a few more foods today to give you strength. Take care buddy and keep your toes under the covers I suggest, is pink really going to be a good color for you, ask for a color chart and pick a good one. Love Sue

Mary Ann & Bob Jarvis said...

Michael, Tell Dr. Commando to get back to work and do a good job on getting you back home again. We are keeping you in our prayers daily. Keep that smile and tell them to add some fat to that broth! Mary Ann & Bob Jarvis

brittneybook said...

Hi Michael!

I have had the amazing opportunity to spend some time with your beautiful children! I love how each one is so different and special in their own way. They talk about you and your illness in such a positive way, even "discussing"(fighting) when they think you might be driving again!

We are encouraged daily through your struggle with all of this. So glad to hear that family and friends are lighting up your stay at Mayo. Know that the ones who can't make it out are still constantly thinking about you and praying for you!!

Hugs, Brittney and Ryan Book