The challenges facing Mike have continued. The chemo caused blistering in his mouth, painful joints, general weakness and an increasingly poor lifestyle. It got so bad the oncologist decided to change things up to try and give Mike some relief. The entire protocol was abandoned for an entirely new group of meds.
The change has resulted in a couple of tics on the "good" side of the equation. First, Mike is feeling significantly better. He has modified his daily routine to accommodate his condition--for example, he takes his major meal at noon so he won't have so much indigestion when he wants to sleep at night. That has allowed him to get better rest, and that alone has improved his outlook. Second, he went in for another round of scans last Thursday. The results showed that many of the tumors are now measurably smaller.
It's certainly not a cure, and the oncologist has been forceful in cautioning against unwarranted hopeful feelings. Mike is still likely going to die sooner rather than later, but he may have a bit more comfortable time left than we first thought.
Your prayers have helped. I know this because I can see the positive results in my friend. I humbly ask you to keep the line open on Mike's behalf.
Gratefully,
Crusader