The bell rang for round 4 on July 30th. I received the call confirming that the same cancer has come back. Lauren and I were confused and upset while wondering how the heck this keeps popping up.
I did a PET/CT scan in late June and everything was fine. I visited the dermatologist on July 21st and everything was fine. I was stretching my legs after a workout on the morning of July 24th and saw something that looked like a faint bruise on my right shin and it started to look all too familiar.
I went home and found a few more on my left shin and then called my doctors. Lauren and I went into Mass General Hospital and even my doctors were baffled. The spots looked so faint compared to last year's presentations. We were asked to keep an eye on them and see if anything changed before my regular appointment on the following Friday.
Needless to say, Lauren and I did not get much rest that weekend and graciously my dermatologist took me right in on that Monday morning to biopsy the spots. There was nothing else to do but wonder for a few days. We had a good idea what news was coming and that was not in any way being pessimistic. We had been down that road before and the mile markers looked all too familiar.
So, we have met with my doctors, the expert at Dana Farber and even various healers since the bell rang. My oncology team is taking time going over every possible option for treatment and we are going to meet again on August 26th to talk about the best treatments available.
I am in perfect health, otherwise, and I truly mean that. I have no other classic signs of lymphoma and I did another PET/CT scan which was clean (save a small spot in my left thigh bone that we are looking at with an MRI) I did another bone marrow biopsy and the marrow is all clean (and the reason why the place in my left thigh is not as scary sounding). It almost seems impossible that I could have a small area of cancerous cells.
We plan on posting updates as we go along. We appreciate and request all prayers and well wishes as we fight this round and hopefully find the knockout punch.
8 comments:
Dear Mike & Lauren,
I'm stunned to read this, but your resolve is amazing. You will deliver that knockout punch.
I extend prayers from my family to yours. We're thinking of you both.
Jon Lane
http://jonlanesworld.blogspot.com/
Mike & Lauren,
We will keep you in our thoughts as always...
- Tim & Marina
Mike, I'm so sad to hear that. You and Lauren will be in my thoughts and prayers. {Virtual hug}
Dear Mike & Lauren:
We always pray for you both and are grateful that you still have choices & options. Your strength and love will see you through this next round. The glass is still most definitely half full.
Love you,
Dad & Ellyn
Mike and Lauren,
Prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way in abundance. Eye of the Tiger, Mike... Love you both, stay strong... and let me know if you need anything.
Love,
sue
Love to you both all the way from Illinois. Thanks for sharing your heart with us...
Hey Mike & Lauren...
I jumped on your blog and was surprised to hear this. When I saw you at the golf tournament I thought if Mike was to look any better he would have to be twins!!!! My thoughts are with you and as you have in the past you will fight past this!! Go get em !!!
Stephen
On another note I went to the Sox game last Friday V Toronto and Sat there for almost 3-hours before they called it. The make up Game is Sat Sept 13 @ 12:30 if you and Lauren are free and want to go the game let me know...tickets are on me. (call or email me)
Mike & Lauren:
I can't believe what I am reading! Please know that you are both in my prayers, and I pray that God heals you once and for all!
Joann C.
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