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March 30, 2007
Brief follow-up....
Mike has started a new chemotherapy treatment last week. He has received 2 treatments and will get 4 more. This is done at the hospital once a week for a total of 6 weeks. The next MRI will occur at the time. This new "cocktail" has been very successful with shrinking this tumor. It is used when the tumor has recurred. It was not an easy decision to make, but after lots of reading (and prayers) we decided that this was the path to take. We are very hopeful that this will be effective.
The last 5 weeks have been extremely difficult for Mike....I feel that in the last few days he has taken a turn for the better (especially when asking for his cell phone and wants to talk about business :) ).
I have said this before he is the bravest, strongest man I know.
Once again thank you to ALL for everything.
Evonne
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March 15, 2007
One Day at a TIme..........
We were told the road would be long and difficult. I have told Mike on many occasions that we are in a war and every set-back is a battle within the war.
The results of Mike's MRI were not what we had hoped for. The tumor has resurfaced. One important factor is the tumor is in the same area (not as large as the first time) and has not spread within the brain.
The good news is the doctors say we have many alternatives and time to try them. In the beginning surgery was our only choice...now 5 months later we are in a better position and have more options.
We are meeting with another doctor tomorrow who will suggest other treatments/clinical trials for Mike.
Please continue to keep Mike in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Evonne
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March 5, 2007
Our next MRI is this Friday, March 9 @ 4:40PM. We have just completed the first round chemo in this phase. This cycle consisted of 5 days of dose intensive chemo with 21 days off...and another 5 days of even stronger chemo. We are having the MRI at the end of the last 21 day cycle.
(5 days chemo/21 days off...5 days chemo/21days off ===MRI ... hope to do this for 1 year)
Our next form of treatment will be determined by the results of the scan on Friday...(could be the same formula)
This has been a very difficult time for Mike. Extremely tired and weak, but we are both even more determined than ever to not give up.
Please keep Mike in your thoughts/prayers.
Love,
Evonne and Mike
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January 25, 2007
News That Was Worth The Wait!!!!
Today was the day (15 weeks today) that not only that I have been dreaming of, but the day many prayers were answered!
Many do not know that we were back in the hospital this past week for 5 days...another complication. Mike and I were needless to say a bit down...still no results from the MRI on 1/12/07 and in the hospital. During this stay our doctor ordered another (more specialized) MRI. Of course we were concerned and I had nothing to do but put our faith in our team of doctors.
Mike had an appointment this morning for the results. "Everything looks great"...our Dr. told us. The tumor is in remission and he then said there is "no sign of tumor recurrence". After the shock of this incredible news and looking at how far we have come, I don't think I have ever felt this overwhelmed!
We will start another round of chemo today, this phase will take 8 weeks and will follow-up with another MRI. This round will continue for one year.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING, please keep up the prayers!!!!!!!! The power of prayer and believing in true miracles is what has taken us to this level.
Remember:
"If God brings you to it
He will see you through it"
Sincerley,
Evonne and Mike
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January 2, 2007
Good Morning,
We have scheduled our follow up MRI for Friday- January 12 @ 11:00 am. This scan will show the results of the first round of chemo and radiation.
On December 14 we had a set back and went back into the hospital for 8 days. Complications from one of the medications and minor surgery due to blood clots. The good news is that Mike continues to conquer all of the obstacles that have been put before us.
Please keep Mike in your prayers as this MRI is VERY important.
Sincerely,
Evonne Schott
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December 11, 2006
Well it's been 8 weeks and 4 days...but who's counting...Thought it was time to take a moment for a brief update.
I know I've said this before, but the cards, calls, flowers, fruit, dinners......PRAYERS are more than we ever imagined.
On Monday December 18 we will have finished Phase 1 of chemo and radiation. Approximately 2 weeks from then we will have a follow-up MRI to determine the status of the tumor.
The MRI will show the one of the following...
1. tumor the same
2. the chemo/radiation have made the tumor smaller
3. tumor is growing
Once we have the MRI results we will make a decision on Phase 2.
At the moment Mike is part of a national study with MD Anderson Hospital in Texas. I have also sent all of his records to Duke University and Mass General (Boston). The most important part is what we do next. We are very happy with the Beaumont/Henry Ford team, but need to make sure all avenues are explored.
All things considered Mike is doing well with the treatment. Side effects have been weight loss, being very tired and feeling very thirsty all of the time.
We have a full schedule with daily trips to the hospital for treatment and 1-2 hours of therapy a day.
On a side note our Christmas tree is up and we are looking forward to the Holidays! Enjoy each and every day you have with your family and friends..............
Sincerely,
Evonne
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November 22, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
To All...
Mike and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving...Enjoy the day with your families and remember all that we have to be thankful for.
Those on the outside may not understand how truly lucky and thankful we feel right now.......but after what we have been through that is all we feel.
A special THANK YOU to Ray LaRue and the rest of the incredible team that we have been able to put on the playing field from top to bottom ...... from each and every DVP-NAM-RM-TDM's.
Carolyn and Adrieann........you are the best!!!
Sincerely,
Evonne and Mike
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October 30, 2006
First of all I can not thank you enough for all you have done....the love, support and prayers go beyond anything we could have ever imagined!
The first round of chemo and radiation is to begin tomorrow. I brought Mike home on Saturday for a few hours and it was wonderful...better than any medicine the hospital had to offer. I will be bringing Mike home after the first treatment tomorrow, as he has said there's no place like home.
We know the road ahead will not be easy, but rest assured we can all learn from him, his attitude is amazing and I'm learning from him each day as we go through this together. We all know how strong and determined he is and with that in mind we move on to this next very important chapter in our lives.
One of our favorite words is "PEACE" ...so in ending this brief update I'll just say keep up the prayers and peace and love to all!
Sincerely,
Evonne Schott
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