Sunday, March 19
Laurie and I have just about accepted the disappointing news of this week and mustarded up the resolve to move on. Before doing so, I would like to acknowledge two wonderful things:
– The overwhelming, heartfelt concern and support of our friends has been absolutely incredible. We definitely feel the LOVE! You’ve expressed it in so many ways, unique unto yourselves. Be perfectly assured we feel it and it means the world to us! Thank you all so very much from the bottom of our hearts!
– Once again the support, compassion, empathy – not to mention the efficiency and professionalism – of all the folks who serve us at OHSU has been simply out of this world. At every turn, we get what we need and our lives are easier for it. Thank you to ALL at OHSU!
Laurie and I will now reset and do what we can to qualify for the immunotherapy involving the drug Pembrolizumab. Ironically, the biggest hurdle might be that the visible liver lesions are too small to biopsy. If so, we will not qualify. All along, I’ve been rooting for those nasty sites to disappear; now I learn that they must be large enough to biopsy. Odd? Perhaps, one doesn’t really know a good break from bad until time plays out. Nonetheless, we are off to Portland on Thursday to find out.
In the meantime, Laurie and I took time out to bond and relax. We went on a special trip to a special place today. We skied alone to Fawn Lake, up in the Diamond Peak Wilderness Area – the site where we got married 7 years ago!
Day by day we continue on!
Mikey, you’re such a role model for living with intention! And, I can only hope to have a fraction of your positive attitude when I get my share of “headwinds” around myself or loved ones!
(BTW, I do follow your posts, even if I mostly don’t respond)
Hugs,
Peter
I remember that ski site as if it were yesterday when we all skied there for the event. I love memories! I remember chatting with Rich as we skied along, and the sound of the skies on icy patches. I remember the enormous smiles on yours and Laurie’s face as I Pronounced you “married”…..the yummy wedding food you hauled up the trail, the heart you drew in the snow and following Laurie down home, back to the car. Amazing! Oh.. and Laurie using my iphone as I drove you all home and loving it. She was a natural, as you are now. 🙂 Memories….they make me feel so close.
I get to see you in a couple days….I can’t wait…..I’m bringing the cribbage board.
Arms around you both……
Lana (L)
With you Mike and Laurie on your day by day journey. I wish our HUGE love for you could eradicate cancer. Keep going Mike. There is always hope. Love you both!