Just Living Is Not Enough - One Must Have Sunshine, Freedom & A Little Flower!

“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark ~George Iles”

Days before my birthday, I had hoped that my wish would come true and Mike would be Cancer-Free – at this time, it is not GOD’s plan, but we are still on the road of complete healing!

As always, I was anxious prior to our visit. I hate that the results from the PET Scans and MRI’s are days apart – I wish they were instant! Mike for the last week has had an enlarged lymph node in his neck (remember this is what prompted him to tell his primary care, which led him to get an MRI which led us to receiving the news of the Cancer Diagnosis), I immediately called the doctor to check if this should raise concern. Being that we were days away from the PET Scan, we were just told to wait and we would discuss the results when we meet with Dr. Tsao.

Well the day arrived, and first of all, I must just say how completely blessed we have been for each visit since Mike’s treatment started, has been a positive one and ones that we have walked away from feeling over-joyed and smiles from ear to ear. Today was slightly different. Now don’t misunderstand, Mike remains to be reacting GREAT to the chemo he has been given, in fact so well, he was able to take a break from the HEAVY Mega Chemo to go onto a “maintenance” treatment. As Doctor Tsao and Vikki walked in, they were still VERY happy to see that Mike remains in good spirits and his body along with the chemo continue to fight the Cancer BUT a small raise of concern arose with these current results.

As we figured, the lymph nodes were swollen for a reason. The PET Scan shows several of them inflamed, which Dr. Tsao explained that with the Cancer lying stable for a little while now and continuing to shrink, it seems to be waking up a little, so with that the lymph nodes sense this and go into attack mode and start fighting. Dr. Tsao is very confident with his health and his “Strong Like Bull” immune system, that he will continue to fight the Cancer very well! However, to ensure that no chances are taken of the Cancer getting out of control, they have put him back on the MEGA-Chemo starting today (05/18/11) and he will under-go four treatments – after this, they will do another PET Scan, re-evaluate the need for the MEGA-dose and if needed continue or remove again and just continue with the maintenance chemo. Dr. Tsao warned him that he will lose his hair (which we are already are used to and enjoying his bald noggin). We do continue to pray that he will have minimal side effects as he has had in the past and maintains his energy and strength that has been built back up.

Onto the 2nd part of our visit. (See I suppose it is better when I do not bombard you all with constant emails, it saves me time to enjoy writing my novel – haha!) Dr, Tsao also informed us today (which was another reason for getting back on the MEGA-Chemo), was that a new lesion has popped up on Mike’s spleen. Now we both were not immediately familiar of what the spleen actually does, but thank you Dr. Tsao for the information ---- > “The spleen is an organ located under the ribs on the left side of the body. It is part of the lymphatic system, which is composed of lymph nodes” Immediately we both panicked, but we were quickly calmed by Dr. Tsao and Vikki --- They both went directly into battle mode and before we knew it, had his chemo switched and added a new chemo agent to help with this attack. The reason for the Cancer ending up on the spleen is not specifically known, but not uncommon with Lung Cancer.

Mike and I have become quite spoiled with every doctor visit ending on a GREAT note, and today we felt a little sad before we left, but Dr. Tsao and Vikki reassured us that Mike remains in GREAT health, he is strong, his immune system is VERY strong (therefore why the lymph nodes are inflamed fighting off this Cancer) and they remain very confident that Mike will continue to stay on the road of recovery and remains on the path of healing and being Cancer-Free! She reassured us that his Brain and Spine remain Free and Clear of Cancer and that within itself that is a great triumph with the Cancer that Mike was diagnosed with almost a year ago. Dr. Tsao reminded us that it has ONLY been since October 2010 that Mike started receiving treatment, and from the original reports that he had when this started to how well he is doing now, he remains a miracle of GOD and this is a small curve ball, but nothing that the chemo will not knock out.

Mike and I move forward with our hearts focused on GOD and remain knowing that GOD has HUGE plans for Mike – this battle is not Over and the Devil is not winning! As Mike has said, he does remain Strong Like The Bull and though this was not a visit that consisted of us Kart-Wheeling out of MD Anderson, we left the Doctors office grateful for the news and the strength to continue this fight and the courage along with complete faith that is instilled in us to know that Mike WILL BE Cancer-Free!!

To ALL that read this, Family and Friends – you ALL continue to amaze us daily with your warmth, words of wisdom, hope and messages of inspiration! There is not a day that goes by that we are not so very thankful for GOD putting each and EVERY one of you in our lives Before, During and After this Journey…for you all have given and continue to give us the gift of love – something that the DEVIL can never take away from us – NEVER!

In closing, Mike will undergo Brain / Spine MRI’s the first part of June and we will continue to pray for clearance of those areas. I will continue to keep you all posted on the progression of the chemo attack on the Cancer. Mike feels ALL of your prayers, believe this. GOD has ALREADY and continues to perform miracles daily in our lives – he is not about to stop!

Much Love to you ALL – XOXO Lyndie

PS – Please continue to keep ALL families and friends affected by Cancer close to your heart. Some are not nearly as fortunate as Mike remains and GOD has chosen their journey to end…we have been inspired by many and will continue to be. Also, please keep close in your heart all that are being affected by the floods of the Mississippi River…many are family and friends of ours. Thank you!