4/16/25
This week was tough. There’s really no softer or better way to put it.

Many of the chemotherapy side effects were in full force, and the treatment is hitting the parts of my body that are already the most vulnerable. On top of that, the usual stresses like bills piling up and an unusually hectic week at work, have left me completely drained. Even the journey with Hey Duke, while filled with meaningful moments and companionship, has been incredibly challenging and labor-intensive.

That said, Hey Duke continues to make encouraging progress and did great hanging out at the shop this week. I’m also holding onto the hope that next week, the off-week from treatment, will bring some much-needed relief from the pain and side effects for me.

In the meantime, any prayers or positive thoughts you can send my way would mean a great deal. This is also a perfect time to leave a message on the website, whether it’s a note of encouragement, a personal story/memory, or advice from anyone who has been through chemo themselves. The GoFundMe is still active as well, if you or someone you know would like to contribute.

I’m still in this fight, even when the weeks get rough. Your continued support means everything to me and my family.

With gratitude, Mike

5/7/25
Monday was the first visit with the radiologist and I’m feeling grateful to have him on my care team. He was good at listening, a good communicator, and plans to really make sure that all of the doctors and surgeons that are part of the care team are on the same page about how to best move forward from here.

He was feeling especially encouraged by the way that I have kept up with the chemo so far, and said that many patients who experience less side effects with the chemo, also end up having better experiences with the radiation.

“Hey Duke” continues to be a huge source of encouragement and support, even when we’re still trying to work out some of the kinks of his puppy tendencies and new training.

As healthcare and pet care costs continue to rise, it’s also not too late to share the GoFundMe with your network if you are able or haven’t already. And as always, please continue to share your messages of encouragement here on the website, I really appreciate all of the well-wishes, support, and prayer from everyone.

4/8/25
So, chemo started yesterday, and things have changed quite a bit. Thanks to the advocacy of my nurse Levi, I now have a better understanding of the options available to me. Unfortunately, I can’t stick to just chemo, like I thought I could. I have a few choices: I can pair the chemo with the surgery, or with radiation. (Or, I can just take what I have left by Gods grace, and let nature take its course, which is a scary thought.)

With all this new information, I’m faced with a tough decision. I told them I still want to start chemo, but now I’m leaning towards surgery as my main treatment option instead of radiation. Radiation is a daily commitment that would leave me almost completely unable to do anything I love, like golf, travel to see family, or just enjoy life. Meanwhile, the surgeon doesn’t seem to think surgery is the best choice, but I’m feeling like it’s the better option.

Every new appointment feels like a new hard decision, and I’m so grateful for all the prayers and support. The messages and virtual hugs on the website are awesome too, feel free to leave hugs, comments, prayers, and words of encouragement as often as you’d like! -Mike

4/4/25
Following a difficult discussion with my oncologist after this week’s endoscopy, I was facing a tough decision. Without treatment, I'm looking at a prognosis of about six months to live. With treatment, there's a 20% chance of living five years. I was deep in prayer for guidance on this and hoping for some clarity. Unfortunately, after meeting with the surgeon at KU Medical yesterday, his assessment revealed that surgery isn't a super viable option due to potential complications with my lungs, previous bowel obstructions, and the tumor's proximity to my aorta. With this in mind I'm choosing to forego the surgery and stay committed to starting chemotherapy on Monday and see what God has in store then. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts to help me come to this decision.

On a brighter note, I'm incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support. I’m grateful that I am sober and not drinking or using through this. Additionally, I'm overwhelmed by the compassion and support shown by Stephanie, Mark, and Bradley Challis the owners at my workplace, and his entire family during this challenging time. Prayer is so powerful and God is so good!!

3/31/25
The port is now installed—an important first step. I’m resting while it heals, before chemo starts. Tomorrow is the last endoscopy and then I’ll discuss prognosis details with my primary physician, before the plan is communicated with the oncologist for a treatment schedule to be made. I’ll share updates once they have been shared with me. I also see the surgeon Thursday, to schedule surgery and get more details in that regard.

Thanks for being here and reading this! Please keep praying, and sign up for email updates below if you haven't already. -Mike

03/20/25
The oncologist has confirmed that the cancer is stage 3. They will start chemo in two weeks after the port is put in and the last ultrasound is done and may talk about putting in a feeding tube by the surgeon. The chemo will be for eight weeks and then the surgery, which will be 2 to 3 months recovery and then another eight weeks of chemo after that. He went through all the side effects of the chemo, which is, understandably, scary. So I’m praying to God that he will give me knowledge and direction and the strength to walk through this with Grace. I know I will need to ask for help and I’m not very good at that but I know I have family and friends here as well as all over the country to help me walk through this. -Mike