Update from Gloria

This is an update for any of you who don't know what's happening to Mike, Hans, and myself. Mike's cancer has returned after more than 3 years. Granted, once he recovered from the surgery, we've had some good times, feeling a new appreciation for life. Now the cancer is in some lymph nodes and probably in some vertebrae. He's had a lot of back pain, which is probably from pressure of swollen lymph nodes. He was in the hospital for a week (returned home this Tuesday) for severe abdominal pain which is probably from a thrombosis (blood clot) in the portal vein, which goes from the small intestine to the liver. Probably back-up from the poor liver circulation contributed to the abdominal pain. While he was in the hospital he had his first chemo treatment of Irinotecan and Cisplatin. He tolerated it well; just felt hot with cold sweat. A bit like a sauna, but instead of jumping into the snow after, he had it all at once! In the morning he has had dry heaves which are relieved by a very quick dissolving tablet on the tongue. "Lots of probablys", here, but that seems to be the case.

He's at home getting the activity level and pain med adjusted so he can get to work Monday. His feet are swollen still from all the IV fluids, so we're busy creating the most outlandish outfits in which he can work with shoes being the main variable. Seriously, he gained 14 pounds in water weight.

His appetite is not great and he was losing weight before teh abdominal pain. We're working on that. I had a colleague of Mike's bring the microwave out of storage; he takes a long time to eat a little bit, so it will be nice to warm things up quickly.

He will have chemo for 2 1/2 hours once a week for three weeks and then a week off. That continues for three months when he'll have scans and decide what to do next.

He now "passes gas" with a huge smile on his face, and says "YEEEEEES" as if we all should be excited as he. Since he was told that this is a "good sign", it's become pretty hazy around here.

We have an extensive support group all over the world, from church, AIG, and neighborhood friends. We need your thoughts, prayers, chants, or whatever you do to make a difference; we thank you for all you've done so far.

Thanks...Gloria