Mike49

Mike
Good eye, Diane

Mike - you always told me "dry socks and warm chow" remember?

I hate to hear that the chemo is not working for you - there is so much about this disease that we all simply do not understand - why this works for one and not another and vice versa. I wish there were something comforting that I could tell you right now.

For now, I just wanted to offer you my love and support and hope that something gets things rolling the other way in 2010!

You've always been very supportive of me and I just want you to know that I have not forgotten about you either.

-Craig

grammadebbie said:

Prayers
Dear Mike,

Just want you to know that I am praying for you and your precious family. Please let us know how you're doing and if there is anything we can do for you.

God Bless You,

Debbie (gramma)

Caris Dx
I'm sorry to hear nothing is working yet. Here are some things you might could research and consider. DCA with or without THM.
Ask Lisa about Neoplas. There are half a dozen really good clinical trials going on, olaparib and fostamatinib would be my first two choices.
You're right about getting your cancer oncotyped though. If your cancer isn't responding to conventional treatment then you might have a cancer that is genetically similar to some other cancer. I've been doing a bunch of research. I can't find anything specific but from my reading I'm getting the impression that many colon cancers are genetically similar to breast cancers.
Also, see if you can get your Dr to prescribe you the maximum dosage of Lovastatin. I've read several articles and studies from a decade ago that showed lovastatin improves the patients response to 5fu. This may help with your current drug treatment.

Mike49 said:

Update on Mike49
This is Mike's wife Jenny, I wanted to give you an update on Mike. As you know his cancer has been refractory to all traditional chemotherapy recommended for colon cancer. We recently discovered that the cancer had spread to his duodenum and was obstructing his small intestine. In addition the mets to the liver have increased in size and caused very serious liver complications. He has experienced a rapid decline in health in the past six weeks and has decided to go on hospice care. He decided he wanted to spend the remainder of his time at home and as comfortable as possible. I am taking care of him at home with the help of Hospice of the Valley. He is very weak most of the time and does not have the energy to interact with the discussion board.

Please don't be discouraged because Mike's story does not have to be your story! I think of you all often and hope for a cure from this cruel and senseless disease. I hope you will all be NED soon and wish you luck in your fight!

Let him know that we love you all............
and Jenny, thank you so much for allowing us to be part of Mike and your families life. Understandable how tough this is to us all especially your family, and know that anything at all you need please don't hesitate to ask. Love and Hope, Clift

Mike49 said:

Update on Mike49
This is Mike's wife Jenny, I wanted to give you an update on Mike. As you know his cancer has been refractory to all traditional chemotherapy recommended for colon cancer. We recently discovered that the cancer had spread to his duodenum and was obstructing his small intestine. In addition the mets to the liver have increased in size and caused very serious liver complications. He has experienced a rapid decline in health in the past six weeks and has decided to go on hospice care. He decided he wanted to spend the remainder of his time at home and as comfortable as possible. I am taking care of him at home with the help of Hospice of the Valley. He is very weak most of the time and does not have the energy to interact with the discussion board.

Please don't be discouraged because Mike's story does not have to be your story! I think of you all often and hope for a cure from this cruel and senseless disease. I hope you will all be NED soon and wish you luck in your fight!

Mike the Angel
Dear Jenny

I had one of those mornings where I woke up and threw chlothes on to keep warm and immediately logged onto the board before doing anything.

And the first thing I saw was this post - and it hit me very hard as I tried to clear the cobwebs out of my mind in reading this.

I am HEARTBROKEN! I've always liked Mike and he's been a good friend and a nice guy to me always.

I suppose since joining the board, that I've developed this "shield of naievete" that all of my friends are going to come through this OK and nothing bad will happen to the people I know - that others might not make it, but certainly not my friends. I think that is because the hurt is so great to think that one of us will not be with here with us and their families.

I know the reality is quite different as I am a rational man. The difference to me is that I've become closely attached to so many friends here, that I just deny that something can go wrong - just a self protection mechanism to keep me sane. 'Cause it just pains me that people I know could possibly not be here one day. This is a new one for me - I've watched people pass away at my old cancer center and could acknowledge it, but it became different when I came here to the board - again, I get attached...I'm the type of person that is "In for a Penny - In for a Pound." There is no in between with me...if I love or like, then it is deeply, I just don't know another way and don't want to know another way.

Please tell Mike from me these words:

"DRY SOCKS and WARM CHOW" - from his friend Craig in Texas. He'll know what it means.

I'm starting to cry now and getting emotional, so I'll just sign off. I'm going to think about Mike often and I'll still hold out hope that he'll get better, but I understand the realities from your post, so I'll prepare myself.

I hope that he is comfortable and glad he is at home - if I had a wish it would be to leave this life at my home as well.

Thank you, Jenny, so much for you update on Mike - he's a brave man who's now inspiring me with his courage and bravery in the face of a terrible adversary - may the Gates of Heaven swing wide open upon his arrival.

And I want to also thank you as his CareGiver for all of your love and all you are doing for him right now - you are simply the best.

God Bless YOU BOTH!!!
-Craig

Kathleen808 said:

Dear Mike and Jenny
Dear Mike and Jenny,
You and your beautiful family are in my prayers. Mike, you have been such support to me (and ****) during our time on the board. I hope and pray that your family has some peaceful time together.
Jenny, I will hold you in prayer during this time. Even though Mike can't post, please know we will all be with you in thoughts and prayer.
With aloha,
Kathleen

YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS

YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS

Buzzard said:

Let him know that we love you all............
and Jenny, thank you so much for allowing us to be part of Mike and your families life. Understandable how tough this is to us all especially your family, and know that anything at all you need please don't hesitate to ask. Love and Hope, Clift

So Very Sorry
So sorry to hear of his decline and that nothing is working for him and also that his cancer has spread so quickly. Please let him know that he is thought of with kindness and a very brave person.

Kim

dianetavegia said:

Gosh
My heart is just broken.

Craig... I'm like you. I love BIG. It's hard to explain to people who are not like us. I love Mike and he will be missed.

Aww, Jenny
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Mike's situation and your entire family's as well. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I hope and pray that he's not in pain.
Sandy