I Need A Favor |10-3-17|
First of all, I'll update: I suppose I left things with a bit of a cliffhanger. It just felt so ridiculous to get back in here and say something dumb again like, "what a rollercoaster!" But for real! The appt after Mike felt they were telling him he had 6 months to live, was another twist.
The doctors all met, discussed his case, talked to the cardiothoracic surgeon, and decided these new spots were probably scar tissue, and there wasn't much point in biopsying it.
So now he's back to getting brentuximab every 3 weeks, and he will get scanned in a couple months.
We're good with that. He's especially happy right now because he feels pretty good, and he's able to harvest this fall! Reid and Mike have already spent some quality time in the combine, which makes my heart burst!
So now to the part where I need a favor: through this crazy life of cancer, I have become friends with my cousin's best friend, Brittany. Brittany's husband, Kiefer, was also a patient of Dr. Ganguly. Kiefer was diagnosed with Leukemia right around the time Mike was diagnosed, and he also had a stem cell transplant.
Last Thursday, Brittany held Kiefer in her arms as he took his last breath. Their 3 year old son will remember his dad through pictures and stories. I feel so broken hearted.
Today I went to Kiefer's memorial service, and cried tears of emotional and physical pain for Brittany. Wife to wife, mother to mother, woman to woman, my heart hurts for her.
It would be impossible to not imagine being in her shoes. As our boys played together on the playground afterwards, I couldn't help but think of the beast (cancer) which brought these two innocent babies together in this day.
I got to hug, and talk to 2 of the ladies from the BMT Clinic who came to the service. It's a pretty tight knit community we have, and I wish I could also so it's a "small" tight knit community.
Anyways, today, I am holding Brittany, Kiefer, and Brant so tight in my heart. I feel so sad, and a little angry.
So if you could take a minute to think loving thoughts for their little family, or pray for them, whatever your thing is--- I would appreciate it, and I hope Brittany will feel it.
Man, I hate cancer.
Comments (8)
Heartbreaking prayers sent up to her and her family as they walk down this path now-
Count me in! I send those positive thoughts daily to you and your family....Kids, cousins, in laws, whatever family name you give them.....now I will add friends and that special community you are a part of. Thanks for farmer Mikes update.
I hate it also. I hate all the bad stuff in the world and the evil fallen angel responsible for all of it. I PRAYED for this family...that they have strength and love no matter what and they learn their new normal and can find wonderful ways to remember their good man they had for a short time. Jehovah God will remember Kiefer perfectly and they can see him again if they pay attention to God's will for our lives. We are here for a purpose and it is to support our Creator in His mission. He wants such GOOD STUFF for us...not this terrible death thing (the enemy the Bible calls it!). It is the enemy. We can still have joy even after it but not an easy road. My prayer is that these two special people continue to experience joy even without their loved one with them (and remember him well!) and learn the hope for a beautiful future in paradise! ....with no stinkin' bad stuff like cancer and death anywhere in site!!! LOVE to you all. Hang tough! Hard to see others hurt!!!! Enjoy this harvest time Hortons!!
Prayers for the family, heart breaking. Always keeping Mike in my prayers and all of you. I have two friends battling cancer and I see the pain and feel helpless. Robin you are a strong wife to watch Mike with all the pain and not be able to help cure this horrible disease. Keep the posts coming, much love. B
Robin — I will keep Brittany, Kiefer, and their entire family in my prayers. I think of your family often. Love and prayers to you all.
Thoughts and prayers for Brittany, Brant and their families as well as for you, Mike and your lovely family. So glad to hear he is feeling well and able to harvest.
Praying!
Prayer is my middle name, because I do a lot of it, because God has given Me so much, and I thank Him every day. I do not have everything I want, but I have all I need and that makes all the difference. I caught this bug that has been going around, head cold, chest congestion this is the second week of it, but I think how lucky I am to still be on this earth. I keep you all in my prayers, hey Mike I'm your Huckleberry.