Latest Update...

Thankfully, the past month and a half has been pretty boring with little to report.  Since the end of April, Mike has solely focused on building up his strength and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.  To quote Mike, he “walked through” his last round of chemo and even managed to gain ten pounds!  On June 7th we were thrilled to hear that Mike’s bone marrow biopsy came back negative.  To go through the stem cell transplant, Mike must be in remission so the negative biopsy meant that on June 11th  he could begin the stem cell transplant process.  Unfortunately, on that day, we found out that there was a problem with the donor’s recent testing so we were sent home to await further results.  In hindsight we think there was some divine intervention involved; Due to this delay Mike was able to see his brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew (who were in from California), see Colin graduate from pre-school, attend Carly’s year-end ice cream party at school, watch Jack tell jokes at his talent show, and celebrate Father’s Day with his kids!  On Friday the donor’s tests cleared and we were good to go - we were off again to Sloan.

This week, Mike will endure four days of radiation (three times a day), and then four days of chemo.  After a day of rest he will receive the stem cell transplant on June 28th.   Yesterday, the first day of radiation, was a little rough on Mike as he experienced nausea for the first time.  As he put it….”I think I’ve found my kryptonite.”  Today the nausea was better controlled and so he wasn’t feeling the effects as much.  I continue to be in awe of his spirit as he gathers up strength to face each treatment head on.  As you all know, Mike is a fighter and will win this battle. 

Please continue to say Mike’s healing prayer….we know this is why he has been doing so well this far! 

With love,
Tina