Monday, April 3
How bad can it be when my favorite 6 year old, Hayden, comes running across the street early in the morning with a huge smile and excitedly exclaims: “……and I knew it was you, Mike. You put up the signs and balloons on my fence. I remember from last year when I was five……….”
The joy and innocence of youth continues to be a powerful, rewarding, happy force in my life. I think back 45 years when I first experienced this. I then count forward through the years and remember all the solid relationships I have built with innumerable kids. The spontaneous, genuine, carefree, cheerful experiences I have shared with them all rings strong for me. I say, how bad can it be, to have Hayden join this team?
Thursday past was my first Pembrolizumab infusion. This is the clinical immunotherapy trial for which Dr. Beer has such high hopes. I see it as the fourth phase of western medicine treatment, the last two of which have not been very successful. Nonetheless, I am thankful to have qualified for the trial and hope to see positive results. The actual infusion went well and after four full days, there do not seem to be any severe side effects. So again, I say: how bad can it be………?
Finally, I ask, how bad can it be when college friends of 40 years ago come to share time, stories and create new memories with me. Having my brother Rich and two nephews amongst us made the weekend even better. Oh Yea!
Sounds not bad at all, my friend! We think of you always and look forward to news about the Pembro results. Jim and I are back on Orcas and enjoying the PNW rain, wind, clouds, sun, birds, water, quiet. I’ll see you both again mid-April on my way back to the Bay Area. Yay!
Thanks to Mike and Laurie for hosting us clowns…As usual, I really enjoyed myself; great time hiking, watching the Ducks, making fun of each other,tossing the nerf and meeting new friends (Allen, Jane and Orion). M&L continue to impress us all as they manage and deal with their health challenges with such dignity and poise.
My only complaint for the weekend was not getting enough time with Laurie as she politely dipped out to give us dufuses time to hang out. Anyway, thanks again for hosting and you are always welcome to come to Santa Barbara. No advanced notice necessary – guest room always ready for you .
Hey Mike
Sorry to hear of the stabbing pain in your last blog. For it to take a warrior like you down it must have been bad
I again am truly amazed how you are dealing with these ups and downs. You are an inspiration to us all.
Hayden is a lucky lad to have you in his life. As an adult, you were my first pick as a playmate….and if I were 6 years old again, I’d definitely want to be on your team. Continue to dazzle those people in your life, as you know how to do.
Hayden loves you Mike. You bring him as much joy, as he to you! We are so lucky to have you and Laurie as our neighbors. Xo