From Gloria

Mike and I saw the oncologist last night. Mike will start a new regime of chemo this week or next. The drug is taxotere, one form of a drug originally manufactured from yew trees. The side effects are bad, as with all chemo. This time he might lose MORE of his hair and have more problems with fatigue and low blood counts...probably not as much diarrhea/nausea. The plan is to have weekly infusions for three weeks, off one for 9 treatments and then a PET scan again. Right now the pain in his back is being controlled with a longer-lasting pain med which he takes twice a day and then shorter acting one if needed. If the pain gets worse, he can have radiation for pain control.

The lymph nodes that necessitated the most recent chemo are OK; the bone is worse. The goal of the chemo is to keep the cancer from spreading to organs. The bone cancer is not affected by the chemo. If the organs remain cancer free, then, generally, the bone metastasis can be managed with radiation for pain control and, possibly, a medication that helps keep the bones from becoming too weakened.

Mike is determined to keep on keeping on with pretty much the same schedule he has had. Both of us wish we didn't need to do this all again....GLO

From David Miller

Mike - Karen and I heard from Gloria about all you are going through. May you feel God's peace and presence amidst it all.
best,

David Miller

From Diana

That's an awfull lot of stuff you are going through Mike!

We are pleased to have heard some bright news in among the details....but it's hard to start new regimes I know...we are praying for you and know that you will do well.

Again, you are in our thoughts,

Diana and Bart

From Marianne

Just wanted to let you know that Bob and I are thinking of you! Sometimes it just seems like it gets piled on more and more everyday....keep your chin up! I know there is a lot going on now for you in lots of areas.
Hang in there!
Love
Marianne Clyde

From Sue Pond

Hi Mike,
You've been on my mind lately & I thought I'd (finally) sit down & say hello!
I hope you know that Rich & I are among the MANY friends praying for you & Gloria. There was some good news in your PET scan...lymph nodes are better - GOOD! Now on to the rest! Keep picturing your healthy cells eating up those pesky cancer cells (pac-man style!)I hope the next course, whatever they & you decide on, goes well.
I'll try to say hello a little more often-
Give eachother a hug for me, ok?
love, Sue

From Judyth

Dear Mike and Gloria,

I am very happy to hear the good news about Mike's condition. May you continue on in your quest for health and happiness--sounds like you are a fighting team and will conquer the mountain! Keep going and know that I am thinking of you both and praying for continued success in treatment.

Hoping you are enjoying the glorious sunshine and radiant beauty of October as you move forward in the battle.

With love and many blessings,
Judyth (Berman) Woolfe

From Joyce

Hi Mike -

We just read your medical update. Lots of good news there. We're thankful for all the good stuff, will pray about some of the more questionable items, and wish you well with the next steps!

Ralph and Joyce

From Roberta and Howard Fogle

Just rec'd the message re your Thurs. meeting w the Dr's...we tho't of
you at P.W. Bible Study and offered prayers, as always...

So this news is a mixture of good and not quite so good reports. Will
be anxious to hear of further treatments and how to go about battling
your dragons!!

Just know we all love and support both you and Gloria... times are so
hard all ways around right now but knowing we have our FAITH gives us a
leg up over some who may not...

We will hope for good reports after next Dr. visit and keep you
constantly in prayer...

Much love, H&R

From Raj Singhal

Mike. We are thinking and praying for you. Please let us know if we can help in anyway.



Raj Singhal

From Gloria

The PET scan showed that the lymph nodes have responded well to the chemo, but the bone lesions have increased in size and there are new ones. Don't know where they are, but I think they are probably in vertebrae where the very small ones were before. The adrenal glands may have metastatic disease and maybe something pre-problem in the lungs. It's a little hard to tell what happens in Mike's lungs because of some scarring from pneumonia and past asthma problems. But, that can be followed up. Liver, spleen, colon, and kidneys are good, which is great news! There are no new lymph nodes!

We'll see the oncologist on Monday at 6pm to talk about options for treatment.

So, we're on to the next regime, whatever that may be....GLO

From Yael

Dear Mike,

First of all and most important, now that you finished the round of chemotherapy, we are waiting to see you strong and healthy as soon as possible !!
I understand you handled it more than well, with your great spirit and heart.

For me and the kids it is a new experience to leave abroad. Moreover, it is the first time in my grown up life that I am not working (yet...).

Everything is so green around and people are kind. I have time to examine the details. So far I like it very much.

The kids started school. It is a great and nurturing school and both kids love it.

Inbar remembers you and when we look at the picture of both of you he does remember your name. I attach a picture of Inbar doing Yoga and I hope this will make you smile… This kid is so funny.

We look forward to inviting Gloria and you to our new home as soon as possible !!

As you probably know these days are the beginning of the Jewish year and it is a good time to wish you and Gloria a healthy and happy year.

Best wishes to you and Gloria and be healthy soon,

Yael

From Brian and Kathryn Summers

Dear Mike,

Hope you're doing well. Kathryn and I send you our best wishes.

Here's a journalism blog you might enjoy.
http://gangrey.com/

Kathryn and I both love the humor at This Old Grouch.
http://www.thisoldgrouch.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you soon.

Best wishes,
Brian and Kathryn Summers

From Eva and Hiram

Hi Mike,

Didn’t want to miss a very special day so we’re sending this note off a little early …..

Our very best wishes to you for your birthday, tomorrow.

Wishing you a very, very special, blessed day!

May God wrap His loving arms around you, keep you safe and secure and fill you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Feliz Cumpleaños from Ocala ….

Love, Eva & Hiram

From Rachel Muller

Dear Mike,

Today is the day our Lord chose for you to make your entrance. It is your Birthday. He gave you life and the promise of His eternal love.

Mike, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday. I want you to celebrate every day as if it is your introduction to your new life. When we are first born we struggle to survive outside our mother's womb. Soon after, we learn to walk, then to run. We marvel at all of the miracles that surround us, but the most marvelous miracle of all is US.

Happy Birthday friend. May the peace of our great God be with you always. God gives us the measure of faith (Romans 12:3). By the grace of God and His Love and mercy, you will be healed.

Love,

Rachel