Wednesday, November 30
Yesterday we met with Dr. Beer and learned that my PSA continues to climb. This is despite the continued use of two anti androgen (testosterone suppressing) drugs. I was a little surprised and quite disappointed with the news! I’m not exactly sure why I had expected 9 to 12 months of this treatment before an escalation to the next level. After all I am feeling GREAT these days – in matter or fact, I had just mapped out an ambitious training program for the up coming climbing season and a hiking/biking trek to Europe in the fall! On the drive home from Portland, Laurie, the realist, told me that although disappointed, she was not all that surprised. She was more surprised by my optimistic outlook all week long.
Perhaps the ups and downs of cancer treatment are not that much different than the ups and downs of every day life?
There are a few options for the next line of treatment and before launching Dr. Beer would like another PSA data point. So until Dec 20, I hope to continue to feel well, enjoy my free time and experience the joy of the season – maybe even a jaunt to the mountains for a ski run on the new fallen snow.
It has been nice to run into the Heil brothers over the years. Your enthusiastic and fun approach to life is contagious and I enjoyed the times we spent together in grad school, (don’t study just go on residual knowledge), the 1980 track and field Olympic Trials, loving our Ducks, the Dog Dish Relays, playing co-ed baseball, pushing ourselves to get 20 runs in a day on Mt. Bachelor, riding our two wheeled horses up Gimple Hill (hating every second of that steep climb) and sharing meat head and veg head spaghetti with your extended family and friends. I’m grateful that You and your brother walked away un- scathed from icy roll over on the way to Willamette pass when I last saw you and I’m grateful Rich shared your blog with me. I love you and I’m sorry your having to fight the beast. But, you are not alone! I would love to ski with you this season and I’m sure you’ll still kick my northeastern Oregon butt!
…feel well, enjoy your time, and go skiing! Love you Mike and Laurie!!
PS. down PSA down, down, down
I went skiing yesterday and with temps in the mid-20s the snow was awesome. Bachelor had its windy times but also caught a few hours of sunshine and great visibility. I hope we can leave some tracks together.
You continue to live life well, Mike! You are an example to me and clearly so many others! We are always thinking of you.