Sunday, August 24, 2008

Check-Up

Well, it is time to update the blog. We have started to hear rumors like "he is cancer free" etc. so it is important to keep everyone up to date. We just returned from Mayo clinic on Saturday morning after having to extend our stay at Mayo by a few unexpected days. Michael had more CT's and the liver looks "stable" at this point. No new areas have developed on the liver over the last three weeks but we have to be cautiously optimistic and only after a year of no new lesions would we even consider saying he is in remission or cancer free. We are uncertain at this time if the chemo is having any affect but with no new lesions found at this point we will continue chemo for a total of 6 doses. He got his 2nd dose last week at Mayo. They attempted to take the catheter out of his bladder on Wednesday and he did well for about 12 hours, then urine started coming out places it wasn't suppose to (like his rectum). That is when they decided to take him back to surgery and put a camera in the bladder on Thursday to see if they could visualize the hole. After several hours of looking they were unsuccessful and just assume the hole is there but very small. The catheter went back in the bladder and will stay for at least 2 more weeks. The hole in the rectum is slow at healing due to the chemo, so the butt drain stays in.

Although the CT findings were good, Michael still has more tubes then he would like. He is tolerating the chemo extremely well despite fatigue and exhaustion. He still has an appetite. He craves chocolate right now so chocolate chip cookies, and hot fudge sundaes are a hit.

With school starting in just over a week, a whole new routine will have to set in at home. I am not sure if it will be harder or easier.

Hanging Tough
Dawn & Kids

17 comments:

jan said...

Thank you, Dawn, for the update. All you said seems pretty positive although still hard with all the tubes. I am really glad you were able to go with him with the kids. I will call soon and bring dinner again and hopefully some chocolate chips. My Jim will be happy too.
Take care. Jan

Matt Thornton said...

Dawn-

Thanks for the update! Sounds like Oatmeal cookies, or celery with crunchy peanut butter are off the food list for a while longer ;-)

Michael- Glad to hear the liver is maintaining! Hate to think it might be a year before we can share a beer together!

Sorry to hear about still needing the Cath... NO fun there! Hope the time at home continues to help with the recovery!

Have a GREAT, & pain/nausea free day!

Matt

Becky said...

Michael,

just checking in on your progress...

I hopes of good news... The news isn't the greatest but it isn't the worst either...

Maintaining is very good...

I hope you are eating more than just chocolates... maybe some mashed 'taters & gravy...

Prayers are always said..

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Sean O'Connor said...

Dawn, thanks for the update. I know it's not easy when you're overflowing with things to do. Mike, it sure isn't any fun right now, but we're all hopeful that each passing week will get a little easier for you. Fortunately, with time, the mind has a way of forgetting all this severe discomfort. Just keep slogging it out (like you have any choice).

Love,

Sean and Cathy

Anonymous said...

OK, pink toenails and now you're craving chocolate. Somebody is going to start asking questions:) Don't ask me how I thought Chocolate would be on your mind, but I guess I just knew! I'll see what I can do about getting a fresh batch of those chocolate brownies with that super yummy chocolate frosting over to ya. I seem to remember your fingers in the pan at the board retreat, so I'm sure they'll be gone the first day:)

Talk soon,
Tricia

heidimw said...

Chocolate, the 5th food group:

Thanks Dawn for updating all of us! On behalf of "cyber-land," we appreciate your updates more than you know.

Ok...Michael...here is something to remember...

If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly!

Thinking of you and your family constantly. Michael, continue to be strong and smile!

Hugs,
Heidi (Hella)

Gregg said...

Thank you for keeping us all in the loop, Dawn; I know how busy you are outside the home (let alone AT home). We all appreciate your updates on Michael and the family.

Michael, I have a question for you. Thinking back to High School... was that a bottle of nail polish you kept in the back corner of our locker? I thought it was ink for some fancy pen you had... Hmmmmm ;o)

Chocolate cravings... I have those all the time, no big deal! I might be able to whip up something chocolate for you as well.

I'm glad to hear you are home again. Hope to see you when you are up to it.

Take Care,

Gregg

Anonymous said...

chocolate is ALWAYS good :) Take care!! ---Craig

Anonymous said...

Craving chocolate? Interesting. Are you sure you don't have PMS?? Hey, if you're feeling better, get yourself on Facebook and join the GHS '86 group. I think we're up to 20 now!

I am currently preparing to teach a young Irish minds about the ins and outs of adapting stage plays into films. Should be interesting.

Yours in rain (no shine, I'm afraid, just depressing overcast skies and rain, rain, rain!), Shelley

the parental unit said...

Michael and Dawn,
Thank you so much for the update! I ate a Hershey bar in your honor Michael, though, it's probably not quite the same as you actually eating it, but hey, it's the thought...right?
Still praying for you daily for recovery and comfort through your tough times. A special prayer for you too, Dawn! I can only imagine the juggling you have to do, you're very special.
Blessings & Hugs
Lyne

jester said...

Hey Mike!! Glad to hear you're doing well. Eat lots of chocolate -- the worst that can happen is you gain a little weight, which, from the sounds of things, would be good. Thanks for the update, Dawn, and both of you take care of yourselves. - Eric

Dr. Pam said...

Hi Michael and Dawn,

You are often in our thoughts. We hope the new school year is good for the kids. We hope that each day brings strength and healing.

Take care!

John and Pam

heidimw said...

Michael...

Thinking of you today, as well as every parent who sent their happy little nervous children off to school for the first day. I am sure your kids will come home excited and buzzing about school! So, you probably should rest up during the day today!!!

Can't wait to hear from you, if you are up to it..."Give a shout out to your peeps!"

Hope you are having a GOOD day!
Hugs,
Heidi(Hella)

KennyLindsay said...

No more updates?

Anonymous said...

Hey Michael. It's cold and rainy here in northern Michigan. Hope you are wrapped up with a blanket on the coach with some HOT CHOCOLATE like we all should be...and getting some rest! At least we're finally getting some rain, huh? I planted several hundred trees the other day when they SAID it was going to rain...already lost a few in the heat. Hopefully they'll get going now. Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of you and hope you are getting better every day.

Tricia

williamzachary said...

Michael, I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you or your beautiful family. I am a fellow auctioneer down in Mississippi. My prayers and heart are with you and your family. I hope we have opportunity to meet some day. God Bless You and Your Family.
William

gvstarbucks said...

Dear, Michael,Dawn and Family!

Guess who's going to miss yoU!!!?

Geno! Starbucks!

I truly, Loved The Spirit!

I Will Miss You !!!!!!


Much Love!

Geno