All I can say is "Wow!" It was just an incredible day. I am almost overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of love and support that reached a crescendo this week. As I said in my last post it started early in the week and just continued to build all week. Between text messages, emails, calls, and the family and friends who were able show up today, it was absolutely amazing.There were lots of pictures today so this post will be a filled with them.
Mom, Dad, Pete, Les, Little Joe, and Sharon came over bright and early. Jen and I joined them in the short trek to the chemo facility. Traffic cooperated and were were early. And Sharon's blood pressure didn't suffer too much as she rode shotgun with dad as he navigated the Baltimore beltway traffic trying to keep up with me. The "crew" nearly filled the back part of Dr. Seifter's waiting area...see below:
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| Most of the Heart of Team Brack |
My consult with Dr. Seifter was uplifting and congratulatory more than anything. My vitals were fine and there were no major issues to address...other than the Ravens rapidly disappearing defense during free agency. We talked about the statistics going forward...there is a 1 in 200 chance of developing acute leukemia or myelodysplasia within 7 years, and there is as high as an 85% chance of total cure (no relapse) with classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma within 5-7 years. And I'll say it again...I like those odds. My schedule going forward is one final PET/CT in 4-6 weeks. I'll see Dr. Seifter in 3 months and every 3 months for a year, followed by every 4 months for year 2, and every 6 months in year 3. All we can do now is look for the standard symptoms like swollen lymph nodes around (primarily in and around my neck), night sweats, unexplained fever, or unexplained weight loss.
Dawn and Nancy were working in the chemo facility today. Two wonderful, caring and friendly "angels" for me. Other than some uncooperative veins, chemo went smoothly. And my third Angel, Anna, called in and wished me well on her day off. I'll see her at my next checkup in 3 months.
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| Dawn and Nancy |
I had a constant stream, 2 or 3 at a time, of family and friends sitting by my side the entire time with a few surprises. John and Lisa showed up early and their two oldest, erin and Ryan, came a short while later. And they came bearing gifts - balloons, chocolate chip cookies and whip cream (Ryan knows I'm a fan of whip cream on any dessert)
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| Jen |
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| Mom and Dad |
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| Les, Peter/Little Pete, and Little Joe |
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| Sharon, Mom and Little Pete |
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| Lisa and John |
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| Erin and Ryan |
After we were done, the majority of us went out to Catonsville Gourmet for lunch that started with a Champagne toast (thanks John!). The food was great and the time spent together was even better.
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| Lunch |
The support didn't end there. When we got home I was greeted to balloons at the end of the driveway, a Panera care package (love you Eileen, Mitch, Tim, Matt and Jason), and an Edible Arrangement (love you Maura, Keith, Connor, Nolan, Bridget, Maeve, and Quinn). I'll take a word from my dads vocabulary - FAWESOME!
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| A Surprise |
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart (that has not weakened as a result of Adriamycin). Your incredible support has made it tolerable and much easier than I could have ever expected to make it through 12 treatments/6 cycles over the last 154 days or 5+ months.
Much love to you all.
10 comments:
Congratulations brother. I am so happy that you are through with this and the biggest concern at the end of the day is the 2013 Ravens’ defense … Joe
Mike, I hope we would all have your courage and sense of humor if we have this situation. I am so glad to hear that you are done and that the odds are good for being done forever. I have a friend much older than you who was completely cured!!!!! Meg Nugent
I love you, Sweetie!
You are an amazing man. You are surrounded by an incredible family and the truest of friends ... success is a given.
Jen
First I have to say I am somewhat dissappointed you opted for traffic cone orange vice sunshine yellow for this momentous day. I expect the charts to now focus on the rate of hair regrowth. No doubt you were going to make it, and with all the humor, determination, wit, and spunk I would expect from someone with such an amazing wife ;-). Love you all! Dr D and the good (soon to be major) captain.
What absolutely great news Mike! Can't wait to hear see the super hero costume!! Keep that enthusiasm and energy running high. Your whole world is ahead of you.
You've done remarkably well through all of this. I'm so proud of you!!! I know how good it feels to be done with the chemo - and maybe a tad bit scary. Spring is coming and you're going to feel like yourself again in no time - now it's time to celebrate!!
Ellen xoxo
PS I like the idea of charting the hair growth.....
Excellent, brilliant! Congrats Mike. Hope to hook up one day and wish you well in person. Till then keep up the positive and humorous attitude. XOXO sudi
Overjoyed for your concluding this difficult process and the amazing group that has supported you and made it a lighter load to bear. It's all a result of your terrific attitude and indomitable spirit. Much love and well wishes from your FL family.
John, Kirk, Tom and Jennie
I'm so glad you've been so well loved and supported through this scary ordeal. Sending you love and prayers.
glad to hear. my husband will finish his 12 treatments on 4/30...
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