Mike's Medical Updates

...........................................................Most Current News...................................................

January 17, 2007

Since it's been over six months from my last update, I'm sure you're expecting a HUGE, immense volume of knowledgeable and informative smart information, conveyed in a concise, non-repetitious manner. If so, I'm already off to a disappointing start…

Since most of you probably saw our holiday card, I will avoid repeating all of that. If you haven't, go here to the photos page to view the very life-like digital version.

One important point to emphasize is that Mike's bone marrow is still maintaining his platelets just above transfusion level - which, for those of you versed in this stuff, is currently set by the docs at 10k. Granted, they are still very low for the average body, but not needing a transfusion since August is a wonderful liberation for him. (I'm sure you all remember, but he has progressed from needing them less and less, from daily in June '05 to about once a week this past summer.)

While his bone marrow is slowly but surely gaining strength, unfortunately his disease is growing…also slowly. Growth of the old tumor, in addition to new tumors, is seen in his lungs, as of the last Stanford appointment and chest x-ray. Dr. Horning met with us then and explained that the benefit vs. risk assessment for any treatment right now falls on the side of not doing treatment. Since Mike has expressed that he doesn't want to embark on another course of action which might end up with an inpatient stay, she has taken that into consideration.

Mike's usually had an “active” course of treatment to undertake so this is somewhat unfamiliar territory for both of us. We are enjoying that Mike is having a relatively high quality of life but it is difficult not “doing something” about the disease progression. Dr. Horning explained that, especially with lung involvement, progression may be asymptomatic until at a critical point. (She used a good analogy of a glass of water being filled and not having a problem until it overflows…of course, it sounded much smarter coming from her!)

We are not sure what this means for the future but want to reassure all of you that he's still a fighter, like he's always been. Unfortunately, his dream of transforming into a superhero from all the toxins pumped into his body over twelve years hasn't come true, but there's always hope!

During our last Stanford visit, we reluctantly said good bye to Dr. Ai. Three years ago she took on Mike's case as a fellow under Dr. Horning and now she (deservedly) earned an assistant professorship at UCSF. We wish her well and we will miss her deeply. We saw her almost every day for three months during Mike's treatment and recovery in 2005 and we know that he was never far from her thoughts in that amazing mind of hers. It was a tearful parting but we plan to keep in contact … she might even make a “guest appearance” at Mike's next Stanford visit!

Now…on to the news which prompted this lengthy prose: We applied for and received a spot in an upcoming Planet Cancer retreat for young couples dealing with cancer!!! This group is one I've followed for a couple years and once I saw they were organizing this gathering, I knew I really wanted to attend. Mike needed some motivation, however…even after twelve years he doesn't really identify with being a cancer patient or doing accompanying activities (other than treatment, of course). From past experience we both know that once he tries something, he usually enjoys it. This weekend retreat is at Camp John Marc outside Dallas , Texas , and we will also go and visit Mike's Army buddy Bryant in San Antonio and my college friend, Reggie in Houston (and their families). We don't know when we'll be in Texas again so we just had to take advantage of the good timing.

And, then, speaking of travel…we are planning that Mike will go back out to Idaho with his parents for another multi-month stint after our Texas escapade. This will give me a chance to work for a short time. Most likely, I will be looking for temporary jobs (just in case I have to interrupt the work to go out to Idaho or get Mike home) and this is something I am really getting excited for. As most of you know, I am more productive when I'm busy! So, if you know of any good temp job contacts or leads, let me know.

We hope all of you are doing well. We enjoyed visiting with some of you over the holidays and look forward to getting to see others of you soon.

........................................................................Less Current News.....................................................................

June 14, 2006

It is hard to believe, but we just past the one year mark...Mike started the most recent chemo he undertook last year on June 2nd. I have made the comment that "the year has gone by fast, except for the days that drag on." I think that sums this past year up fairly well.

Mike has gained strength since last June and we are glad he hasn't had the need to return to the hospital. However, it has been a difficult journey and, I think I speak for the whole family when I say that, it has taken its toll on all of us. Harry & Judy have spent a chunk of time living in the trailer in our backyard, Molly gave birth to her second child, Michael Clinton Reem, after having visited three times in 2005, and the rest of the family gave their encouragement and strength supporting all of us through the treatment and recovery, which evolved into more than any of us imagined it would be.

I have posted some new photos. If you haven't had the chance to donate blood and/or platelets at you local blood bank and you are physically able, please seriously consider it. Mike still receives weekly (if not twice-weekly) platelet transfusions, so we are immensely grateful to those who are able to make the added effort to contribute.

Our most recent visit to Stanford was productive and enjoyable. Dr's Horning and Ai were pleased to hear that Mike was still feeling well. Dr. Negrin, a bone marrow transplant specialist who has been aware of Mike's situation for a decade, was able to give us his opinion about a potential treatment which Mike may consider in the future. We brought along Mike's new wheelchair (shown at the end of the photos page) and it was great to have his added mobility without the risk of falling or tripping ...although it did create shoulder soreness the next day!

Hope all of you are well.

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