Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Where did December 2008 Go?

Well, we are back after taking a month off from the Blog.  Sorry to those we left hanging out there.  This was a very important month to get through for our family.  Lots of doctors visits and yet another hospitalization,  compounded the chaos that normal occurs around the holidays.  This was an extremely important Christmas, to be able to spend it together as a family and to make life as "normal" as possible given these extraordinary circumstances.

We needed a month off after learning Michael has metastasis (spread of his cancer) not only to the liver but the lungs and lymph nodes.  This obviously was not the news we were looking for on his last CT while hospitalized at the University of Michigan in December.  After having some time to ourself as a family, Michael has made the decision to keep up the fight by getting into a Phase 1 Clinical Trial at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.  What is a Phase 1 clinical trial. A typical Phase 1 trial evaluates how a new drug should be given (oral, IV etc.), how often and what dose is safe.  It can be the first time a drug is given to humans, or it can be another initial use of the drug, such as the first time it has been given in combination with a standard cancer therapy.  There are no placebos used in Phase 1 trials.  Phase 1 trials provide the initial pieces of critical information about the effect of a new drug on humans which is necessary  for further clinical development.  This type of trial is only conducted with cancer patients.  We are hoping that they find a drug that might slow down the progression of his cancer or miraculously cure his cancer.  However, we realize that more than likely this will ultimately help other people in the future.  Michael feels he has nothing to loose and possibly something to gain.  We are still undergoing testing to see what treatment he might receive.  We anticipate the new treatment will begin in several weeks.  

On a bright note, the Team Winter Christmas Party was a huge success.  Thanks to all those who came out to say "hi" to Michael and the family.  Over $2000.00 was donated to Team Winter which will all go directly to the Prostate Cancer Foundation for furthering research.  Thanks to all those who donated their time and proceeds.

The kids continue "life" as usual.  They are skiing and swimming almost everyday.  They got their dad out on a snowmobile a few weeks ago and continue to keep him as active as possible.
 Michael has good days and bad days.  The bad days consist of extreme fatigue.  The different aches and pains are manageable at this time.  We appreciate all of your prayers. 

Good Health to our extended family in 2009,

Michael, Dawn, Yukon, Winter, Magnum & Ruger

30 comments:

Stacey Loshaw said...

My prayers are with your family. Stay strong Mike and keep up the fight. Thanks for the updates.

Stacey Loshaw

the parental unit said...

Thank you for the update, Dawn...I know it takes time away from the family, but we appreciate knowing exactly how to target our prayers!
Please know, Michael, that you will remain constant in our prayers..keep up the good fight!
Blessings to you all in this New Year!

Lyne (Breckow)Lutz

Melissa Fleszar said...

Thanks for the update and a special thanks to Michael for being so brave in taking part in the experimental protocal. I truly believe that this will not only make a different in your future Michael, but possibly the future of many other people's lives. When you get better . . .you should write a biography of your life. You have been an amazing fighter!
Love and Prayers to you, Dawn, the kids and Michael.
Dave, Melissa and Josh Fleszar

Unknown said...

Michael, Dawn & Family

Thanks for the update on the blog.

Keep your spirits up, stay strong and Keep Fighting!

Well okay I'm going to put this into type for all to see, I've avoided it in the past but it needs to be typed. Here is goes.

What do you Most Desire? Set your mind on the end results. Visualize it, know what it is that you want and be grateful for it as though it has already happened. Don't worry about the how or when. Just Be Thankful for your healing, keep your mind positive as if you have already been healed. Focus on your Healing. Know that you are healed. Your body is a mass of energy, focus your energy on the positive, on your healing and knowing that you are healed and in good health. Don't focus on the bad, turn it around and make it a positive.

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe he can acheive." -W.Clement Stone

I know some of this may sound corney - but believe me I know it has worked on other things for me.

Why not give it a try, mind over matter. Many books out there on this, the one I've read is "The Serret" by Rhonda Byrne. Get it, Read it, Believe it. I have seen many things work for me.

My heart goes out to all of you. I just know if you believe you will receive.

There is also a video, I highly recommend it. I have both. This is a Mind, Body, Spirit, Self Help type book/video.

Anyways - I'm really not as corny as that all sounds, you'll see -

Hang in there Michael, we have not yet really gotten much time to work together on the Michigan State Auctioneers Assoc. Board. Missing you at the Board Meetings.

All of you Take Care,

Donna

Unknown said...

The Book/Video is
"The Secret"
sorry for the typo.

heidimw said...

Hi Guys...

Not the posting I was hoping to see after the holiday break. What do you say/do after news like this? I guess, just know that people out here are praying for you, and your ENTIRE family are in my daily thoughts.

Michael, you are a brave guy, our prostrate cancer hero. Dawn, I think you should make an outfit for him, and don't forget the cape! OH...and you could use donuts as your mask! I can see it in my mind...LOL

As you start your clinical trial...may you find a miracle that we are all wishing/praying/hoping for you.

((BIG HUGS))
Heidi (Hella)

Matt Thornton said...

Dawn-

Thanks for the update.

Michael-

Sorry to learn of the developments :-( Your decision to participate in the trials is admirable, and as posted, has potential to benefit others to!!! Thank you, and congratulations on making a difficult decision~ truly an act of selflesness!

Hope this finds you feeling well. Maybe you will be able to stop by the Convention next week if you are in the area???

Take care, and keep spirits up!

Matt

Becky said...

Michael,

God Bless you and your family...


Keep Smilin'

Becky

Dr. Pam said...

Hugs and prayers. We think of you often.

Love,
John and Pam

Diane said...

Mike and Dawn, we always hope for the best when we check the blog. Sorry to hear the cancer has spread. We think of you often...pray for you often...and admire your courage always.

Diane & Steve Lown

Carrie Vanderbush said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Carrie (Kujat) Vanderbush

Sandy said...

My thoughts are with you. Wishing you all the very best.

Sandy Tedder (Yuill)

Anonymous said...

Michael, Dawn and Family,

Thanks for the updates. We continue to keep all of you in our prayers and look forward to seeing all of you VERY soon.

Lots of Love and Prayers.

Tricia Wiltjer

Robin said...

Happy New Year Guys!!!! Praying daily and always in my thoughts.. Lots of Love, Robin

Unknown said...

Michael & Dawn

HI!

Want to share an email I just got from a Friend of mine:

"Hi you two, Check this site out. Amy's son is taking a class with Joe Fields here at Kirtland. The entire class is based on "The Secret". This site is absolutely amazing. I think I'm going to make a mass of "I love you" and "Thank You" Stickers.

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/twilight/research_emoto.htm

This is the link from Erik about how positive and negative energy affect water."

Read it! : )

Pamela Grayson said...

Hi Michael,

Keep up the fight and knsow that you are loved!

Pamela Grayson

Elizabeth said...

My prayers and those of my daughters are with you and your family. We are thinking about you every day!

Michael, Stay strong!

Elizabeth Crepeau
Kelsie Blackburn
Hannah Blackburn

Nicole Valuet said...

Hey there Vinecki Family!

I am so sorry that Jay, Jack and I were not able to make it to the Christmas party. I am much more sorry to hear that things are again very difficult for all of you. I am, however, very happy to hear that Michael is going to be treated at Karmanos. I have a lot of faith in their care and treatments, and have two very close friends that have had wonderful experiences (as well as results) while under their care. I have limited information about clinical trials, but I do realize what is involved in making the decision to take part in one and I respect and admire your decision to do so. You are in great hands. Your whole family is so amazing and such a wonderful example of what a true family really is. Thank you all so much for sharing your very personal experiences with all of us.

Love and Prayers,

Nicole Valuet

jester said...

Stay strong, my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Stacey said...

Michael,
Keep Fighting!!! Don't make me come over there and start an IV on you :) You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Stacey and Jim (your bald friend)

Matt Thornton said...

Michael, Dawn & Kids-

GREAT to see you at the Auctioneers convention! Glad you and the family were able to attend. What a special family :-)

Hope the videos and pictures turn out well. Keep the spirits, and the smile UP~ truly infectious the last few days!

Hope your travels home went well. Sorry I missed the chance to say "see ya" to Dawn before she had to go to work :-(.

Take care my friend,

Matt

AuctionZip.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
AuctionZip.com said...

Michael and family... I am so grateful that I got a chance to meet you at this year's MSAA Convention. Your strength and determination is very inspiring.

Steve Johnson
AuctionZip

stevelown said...

Thank you for the update Dawn. Been thinking about both of you and your family. Mike, I'm sorry to hear about the spread of your cancer. Your fight and stamina to continue to fight are inspiring. Please know that you are in my constant prayers.
Blees you and the family -

Steve Lown

Becky said...

Michael,

It was good to see you and your family at the MSAA convention... I hope you and your family got enough rest... Winter seems to be going going going like the energy bunny... Your mom and dad are beaming with pride.

I found it a privilege to be in your family's presence...

God bless....

and...

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Jenne said...

I am praying for you and your entire family. You are truly a source of inspiration. I have added you to several prayers lists so you will be surrounded by prayers. Keep fighting Michael don't give up - God can do amazing things! God Bless you and your family

Matt Thornton said...

Michael-

Thought you should be aware of what you might miss if you don't KICK this cruds butt! (see below) Enjoy it Bud :-)

Matt

P.S.- we still are waiting on a post from YOU...
----------------------
Headlines from 2029

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.

White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica . No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to250 lbs.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Abortion clinics now available in every
High School in United States

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Now, send this to whomever you want and as many as you want, then, guess what....NOTHING will happen. No miracles, no money, absolutely nothing, except you might make someone smile or very very scared.

I Love This Country: It's The Government That Scares Me!

Anonymous said...

It seems you have been speaking to the weather gods...it's been very cold but sunny here in the west of Ireland. And I'm sure it was you that dumped all that snow on Dublin but left us high and dry! Thanks a million!!!! Hope the trial kicks that cancer's arse! xxx, Shelley Troupe

Becky said...

Michael,

Still thinking of you and thought that I would check in...

I hope you are keeping warm...

With a prayer...

Keep Smilin'

Becky

Matt Thornton said...

For Michael & Winters fans, thought I'd give a quick "atta Girl" with the following: Winter will be on the Rachel Ray show 2/13/09! Details & link below.

From the MSAA- (Abbreviated version)

"... 10 Year Old Winter Vinecki, daughter of MSAA Member, Michael Vinecki, has been working hard to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer and raise money to help find a cure. ...

Winter was invited to be on the national TV show, the Rachel Ray Show! The show will be aired nationwide on Friday, February 13!

Here are the Michigan air times for your convenience. Be sure to watch!

Detroit, MI – WDIV 4 - 11:00 AM
Flint-Saginaw, MI – WJRT 12 - 10:00 AM
Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI – WOOD 8 - 2:00 PM
Lansing, MI – WILX 10 - 4:00 PM
Traverse City-Cadillac, MI – WGTU 29 - 12:00 PM
For more airing times in your area, go to www.rachelrayshow.com.

Congratulations Winter! For more information about Team Winter and her race for a cure, go to www.teamwinter.org or check out the Team Winter Fan page on Facebook."

-30-