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Monday, March 26, 2012 9:03 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are doing well!

Mike is enjoying spring snowboarding! We were at Children's Hospital over the weekend for Mike's "tune up". Mike is now accessing his own port each time. He needs to be able to put the size 20, 3/4 inch needle into his chest in order to receive the infusion. We are trying to get Mike set up for home infusions so we need to be able to do the complete infusion ourselves. Mike is really excited about the idea of being able to treat himself at home. He has been going to the hospital, every 2 weeks for treatment, since he was 3 years old. It would be so freeing to just be able to manage his care in the privacy of our own home. He could just hook himself up, while he is studying in his own room! We hope to have it all set up within the next 2 weeks. We'll let you know.

Mike is graduating from high school in June and will be starting college at Fresno State in the Fall. He is reffing soccer games on the weekends and is looking for a summer job to earn a little gas money.

Dr. Marvin Ament, Mike's G.I. doctor, is willing to write a paper on Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL). We are asking for all IL patients, who are interested, to please contact us with your information. Because IL is so rare, it is difficult to find much information on this disease. Let's help him, to help us. With your permission, I am compiling as much detailed information on IL from the other patients that we have met over the years. Let's find the common links that we share and hopefully find new treatment options or even a cure for our loved ones!

Thank you for checking in on Mike! We appreciate your kind words of encouragement.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Monday, February 27, 2012 4:05 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well. He was in the hospital over the weekend for his "tune up". Mike was able to access his own port for the first time ever! Mike wants to be able to give himself the infusion. The biggest obstacle was being able to put the 3/4 inch/20 gadge needle into his chest! If he couldn't do this, he wouldn't be able to run the infusion and draw blood for labs.
The nurses said that they had never seen a patient do this. Mike was so brave and made it look so easy. The nurses taught him by having him practice putting the needle into a doll with a port, (a learning tool). Mike got the feel for how to do it by practicing this way. Then he stood in front of the mirror and put the needle into his chest for his weekend treatment. I think that he earned the name IRON MIKE again this weekend!

Mike's GI doctor would like Mike to start receiving infusions EVERY week as he is leaking out most of the albumin within 48 hours. We are hoping that Mike can be approved to give himself his treatments at home. (We have never been able to do this because he receives ionized calcium which can stop your heart if it is run too fast.) After 15 years of going to the hospital hundreds of times, it would be so freeing to be able to do the treatment himself at home. We'll keep you updated on this.
Mike will be graduating from high school this June and will be starting college in the fall. He is hoping to go to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo but may have to go to school locally, which would be more affordable. After years of medical bills, I am not sure that we can afford it. Mike is filling out every scholarship that he can find to achieve his goal. He has done a lot of community service and has good grades so hopefully one will come through. He certainly deserves it!

We are asking any IL patients to please email me with information about your experience with IL. Mike's doctor is willing to write a paper and I would like to provide him with as much information as we can give him. Let's help him, to help us learn more about this very rare disease.

Thank you for checking in on Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 11:23 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are doing well!

Mike is a senior in high school now. He is busy filling out applications for college and for scholarships. He would like to study Business Administration and Accounting.

We were looking at a new treatment for patients with IL, called the Dave Project. (There is a link on this site if you would like to learn more about it.) We have learned that this new treatment would not help Mike. However, another IL patient, named Darla, is trying the treatment. You can contact her through at:
Littleleakers.com
to learn more.

Mike has a wonderful GI doctor named Dr. Marvin Ament. He came here from UCLA and we are so grateful to have him treating our son.

Mike is still going in for his "tune ups" every 2 weeks and may have another surgery soon. He keeps a very positive attitude and we never hear him complain. We are so proud of him!

His Uncle Mike is taking him to the Raiders game on Sunday. He is so excited!

Thank you for checking on Mike.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Saturday, July 9, 2011 8:56 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you are enjoying a wonderful summer! Mike went wake boarding with some friends at the lake and had a great time!

When Mike and I went in for his last "tune up", we were able to see Dr. Mike Haight, GI doctor at Children's Hospital. Mike had seen him years ago when he was practicing at U C Davis. It was so nice to talk with him about how Mike is doing managing his IL. He was interested in the "new treatment". He also mentioned Octeotride (which I don't like) and another treatment, a pill, that we will research.

Darla, another IL patient, did the "new treatment" on July 5th. We will pass along any information that we receive from her to Mike's doctors.

Mike will be going in for his next "tune up" on Wednesday. We have an appointment with Dr. Marvin Ament, another GI doctor (who was previously at UCLA) on Thursday.

We have heard from several IL patients, around the world, and we are all hoping that this new treatment will be the "cure" that we have all been praying for! I am still cautiously optimistic because I don't want to be disappointed but it looks promising!

Thank you for checking in on Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike Taylor

Friday, June 17, 2011 10:05 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

The boys are out of school! We went down to Newport Beach to visit family and Uncle Tim took the boys surfing at Big Corona Beach. So fun!

Mike and I went in for his "tune up" on Wednesday. He was having some breathing problems so he had some nebulizer treatments and his lungs sound a lot clearer now. :-)

Mike had the honor of introducing the country singer, Billy Dean, at the Change Bandit Concert that was help for Children's Hospital Central California. He was so nice to Mike and took his picture with him, signed it, (Mike has this on his wall in his room)! Also, he dedicated the song HERO to Mike. Billy Dean will be on FOX & FRIENDS this Sunday at 9:45am EASTERN TIME. We will be watching when Billy Dean sings "Let them Be Little"!

As you know, Mike was born with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia,(IL) which is a life threatening incurable illness. He has been raising money for our local Children's Hospital in order to gain awareness for IL and to seek new treatment options or hopefully a cure. Stanford is trying a new treatment that looks promising. Please pass Mike's web site along to all of your friends and HELP IRON MIKE FIND A CURE!

Thank you for checking in on Mike.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 5:57 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are doing well! Mike is counting the days until school is out and summer is here! We are heading to the beach this weekend to ride the waves!

We went into the hospital over the weekend for his regular "tune up". His albumin is going a little lower each time...he was at 2.0 and only came up to 2.6. Let's hope that he starts moving those numbers up soon.

An update on the new treatment for IL, The Dave Project, follows:
You can view the video and read about this by going to:

http://daveproject.org/viewfilms.cfm?film_id=599

Darla is an IL patient that is being seen by Dr. Gary Gray, GI doctor at Stanford. She has been very ill, with her albumin only at 1.0, so she has not been able to try the new treatment yet. Stanford said that they will do the treatment on her and that they are excited about it. We are hoping that Darla becomes healthier and is able to have the treatment done.

The study shows us that The Dave Project treatment "cured" or stopped the albumin from leaking on a 17 year old girl. If Darla is able to have the treatment, and it is successful, this could be a real breakthrough for IL patients.

Mike would like to try it YESTERDAY but as his mother, I am being cautiously optimistic. I would feel safer trying it if the treatment is successful a second time. This could be the answer to our prayers!

Thank you for checking in on Mike. He loves reading your messages!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Saturday, March 26, 2011 11:15 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Just got home from Children's Hospital with Mike. He had his regular "tune up" and is doing fine.

We were contacted with information about a potential "cure" for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia! We are cautiously optimistic but it does look promising. You can view the research study at:

http://daveproject.org/viewfilms.cfm?film_id=599

Darla, who has IL, is seeing Dr. Gary Gray at Stanford on Monday to talk about trying the treatment herself. I also called Alecia (who has a son with IL in Los Angeles). Her UCLA doctors have been studying IL but have not told her about the Dave Project research. No one that I am in contact with had heard of this new treatment.

We are all hoping that this will work. The patient in the study, is no longer leaking albumin and is "cured".

Mike has been going to the hospital every 2 weeks for 13 years in order to replenish his albumin. If this treatment works, and can stop the leaking, he wouldn't have to go to the hospital for ongoing treatments to keep him alive! Let's hope that this is the answer to our prayers!

I will update as soon as we receive more information. After so many years of searching, we are a little cautious about new treatment ideas, but this one looks promising.

Thank you for checking in on Mike.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron Mike"

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 8:29 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike became sick last week, with a fever. After being up all night Wednesday, I called his doctor and Mike was admitted to Children's Hospital on Thursday. They gave him his "tune up" a couple of days early and ran some tests. He was put on a couple of IV antibiotics but the fever still rose Thursday evening.

As I sat by his bed, I quietly read Bill O'Reilly's book, Pinheads and Patriots. I didn't want to wake Mike up while he was sleeping. I still feel anxious when Mike is sick and it was a wonderful distraction to read quietly.

Mike was able to come home on Saturday and he is back at school. We are so grateful that he is feeling well again.

Mike was chosen to be the Student of Promise! There is an awards dinner on April 5th and he will receive scholarship money for college. He is so honored to be chosen for the fundraising that he has done for Children's Hospital Central California.

Thank you for checking in on Mike. We appreciate your kind words and prayers!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron Mike" Taylor

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 11:13 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is enjoying a happy and healthy New Year!

Mike and I went in for his "tune up" over the weekend. His albumin levels have been low the last 3 visits and we are not sure why. He has some wheezing so they put him back on Qvar along with his albumin breathing treatments. He received IVIG this time which we hoped would boost his albumin level. Unfortunately, it only brought him up from 2.3 to 2.9) with a normal range being 3.7 - 5.6.

Mike has finals in school this week and was studying his Physics and Advanced Math Analysis while he was hooked up at the hospital. He has a 4.0 that he is trying to maintain!

We reorganized Mike's bedroom over the last few days. I had forgotten how many people have taken an interest in Mike's Story along the way. We were hanging up pictures from Jim Abbott (who was a one handed pitcher for the Angels who keeps in touch with Mike). A signed picture from Billy Dean, who Mike was able to introduce at the Change Bandit concert, and has friended him on Facebook. Jody Jo, from Kiss Country 93.7 has been with Mike over the years. She had signed Mike's cub scout book when she took Mike's den on a tour of Radio City. There were many others.

Just wanted to thank everyone who has cared about my son by saying a prayer, writing encouraging words to him on this site, or have given money to our local Children's Hospital in his name. As much pain and fear as this illness has brought us, we have been so grateful for all of the good that has come because of it. I would not have choosen this path, but I do believe that there is a master plan and that we all have the ability to make the best of any situation handed to us. Mike makes me so proud every day to be his mother! True grace under fire!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike Taylor

Monday, September 27, 2010 10:14 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike went in for his "tune up" this weekend. Children's Hospital was having a radiothon to raise money. We saw Greg Lane from Kiss Country radio! He got right up and came to Mike's room at the hospital to see him. Then later, he came back with Jody Jo (who is now back at Kiss Country 97.3)!!

It was so fun to see them again and I can't tell you how much we appreciate how kind they are to Mike. They are genuine and caring...no wonder they have raised so much money for our Children's Hospital over the years.

Mike was just saying how he wished he didn't have to spend every other weekend at the hospital (he never complains so this was unusual for Mike) and then Jody Jo and Greg visit and make it a special day. Amazing!

Mike's albumin was 2.4 (3.8-5.4) and came up to 3.7. Pretty good. We spent the night and came home Sunday for church.

Mike has his drivers license now and is reffing soccer games on the weekend. He is saving every penny to get his own car. Knowing Mike, he will accomplish that goal too! He is an expert at overcoming obstacles!

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron" Mike Taylor

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:43 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike got his drivers license!!! Hurray!
He had such a BIG smile on his face when I gave him the keys to the car and he drove off by himself for the first time!

He drove us to the hospital this weekend for his "tune up". His albumin level was 2.6 and ended up at 4.1 (3.8- 4.8).
Those are good numbers for Mike. He has had 3 good lab results over the summer. He said that he can feel the difference in his health when the albumin numbers are in the normal range. We are so grateful that he seems to be doing better!

Mike is a junior now in high school. He is busy taking Advanced Math Analysis and Physics. He would like to become a nurse at Children's Hospital and help other sick children. I think that he would be a natural at that. He knows so much already from his personal experience.

I visited our friends at Longs/ now CVS pharmacies. They ran a fundraiser with Mike for Children's Hospital and raised over $10,000.00!! We will always be grateful for their friendship and support!

Hope you are all doing well. Mike loves to hear from you so drop us a note and say "hello".

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:18 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are having a wonderful summer. We sure are! Mike has been practicing his driving and will try to pass the test in a few weeks.
Mike will be turning 16 on August 1st! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!

Mike had a surgery 2 weeks ago, to help stop the leaking, and has recovered. This was his 8th surgery. We had his "tune up" on Monday and his labs were good (albumin at 2.3 going up to 3.9) Hurray!!

We were contacted by a new IL patient from New York. I hope that I can help them by telling them about Mike's experience. IL is just so rare that it is hard to find any information about treating it.

We are going on a family vacation to Lake Mojave for water skiing. I'm sure we'll have lots of fun and laughs!

Thank you for stopping by to check on Mike. He always enjoys reading your kind words in his guestbook.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Saturday, May 1, 2010 7:39 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike and I went into the hospital last weekend for his regular "tune up". Mike was so excited when he got his labs back and his albumin was 3.9 (3.8-4.8)!!! This is the highest he has been in over 10 years!! He also had a good result 2 months ago at 3.8. Mike had never even gotten into the normal range even right after a full tune up. It's amazing and we are so happy!

Now we are trying to figure out how he is getting these good numbers so that we can repeat these good results. We are recording everything in his diet, his medicines and even his exercise pattern.

We were always told that Mike's illness would get worse as he grew and increased his weight. They said that it would overtax his underdeveloped lymphatic system and make his symptoms (edema/leaking) get worse. We are so surprised to enjoy his better albumin levels. Way to go Mike!!!

Mike is driving with his permit now. Every time that I need to go anywhere he is right there with his keys in hand and a smile on his face asking if he can drive. I am just so grateful that he is doing so well. It still amazes me how he can spend so much time at the hospital and still be such a happy normal kid! He is an inspiration to me and I learn how to be a better person because of him.


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of the Mom's out there. We are the lucky ones to have our precious children who are our treasure's!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Tuesday, February 16, 2010 9:04 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike and I were in the hospital over the weekend for his regular "tune up". He received IVIG along with the calcium and albumin infusion. When they drew labs at the end... his albumin level was 3.7 (normal range 3.7-5.6)!! This is the first time that he has gone into the normal range in years!!! He was so excited.

Mike is going to take his written driving test this week and then you know what that means...I get to start taking him out driving. I'm sure he'll do a great job.

We are all enjoying this nice sunny weather. The boys want to put a garden in on the backyard. They want to plant strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini, corn and carrots. It should be a fun family project.

Kid's Day is coming up on March 9th. It's a great fundraiser for Children's Hospital where volunteers sell newspapers for $1.00 on the street corners. Mike and I used to always sell papers on the corner of Shaw and Clovis Ave. with the Buchanan High School students. I'll see if they want a couple of extra helpers again this year. We really appreciate the wonderful doctors and nurses that take care of Mike and it's a fun way to give back.

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement for Mike. We really appreciate your support!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron Mike"

Saturday, December 5, 2009 3:45 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. I have already started on my Christmas cards. Brian put up the outside lights and the tree went up yesterday.

Mike is in the hospital this weekend for his regular "tune up". Wish I could be there with him but I'm still recovering from my last surgery. Ken is with him and brought a lot of Christmas movies to watch while he's hooked up. The UCLA doctors all agree that I have beat the cancer and I should be feeling a lot better by Christmas.

Mike has been having breathing problems so is using his inhaler regularly now. He always seems to be more sick during the cold months. His immune system is compromised and there is a lot of cold and flu going around. He never complains but I can hear him wheezing in his bed at night.

Our oldest son, Joe, is graduating from Sacramento State on December 19th with an accounting and finance degree. Hurray!

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful friends and family. We appreciate your prayers and words of support for Mike. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Monday, September 7, 2009 2:34 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are having a nice Labor Day Weekend. Mike is getting back into the school routine. He is a tenth grader now and is doing so well! He is very bright in math and science and wants to go into the medical field.

Mike and I went in for a "tune up" and he was 2.1 (3.4-4.8) on albumin. The doctor gave Mike a letter for school for "self Paced" PE. Mike really tries to keep up with the other kids but running can be a real challenge.

Mike and his brother, Steve, have signed up to ref soccer games again this season. Mike didn't make the team, but he loves dressing up in his referee uniform and being out on the field. Soccer is the sport that he loves!

Mike and I had an appointment with his GI doctor. He ordered some more tests but we haven't heard the results yet. I always think that "no news is good news". Whenever Mike has had a problem, they call us right away.

Thank you for checking in on Mike. We appreciate your prayers and kind words of encouragement.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, July 6, 2009 11:39 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you are enjoying a wonderful summer! We had some friends over for the Fourth of July fireworks and had a great time.

I took Mike in for his "tune up" on Friday. His albumin level was 2.1 (3.8-4.8). He has been having some difficulty breathing and has been using his inhaler a lot lately.

Mike is working for the Smittcamps again this summer at The Peach Tree stand. Stop by if you have a chance and let Mike sell you a box of their delicious peaches! Bill Smittcamp is on the Board at the Children's Hospital and he raises a lot of money for the kids.

We are going down to Newport Beach next week to see family and have a nice vacation. Mike hopes to get back on a surfboard so I'll take some pictures.

Thank you for stopping by to check on Mike. He loves reading your encouraging messages!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron" Mike

Monday, May 11, 2009 4:32 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

I took Mike in for his "tune up" over the weekend. He is doing well. The doctor wants Mike to come in more frequently for his treatments, every 2 weeks instead of every 3. They have also increased the amount of albumin he is receiving by 50%. Even though he is coming in more frequently and receiving more albumin, his labs are still low. The levels that Mike maintains are almost the same even with the extra help.

Mike continues to have a wonderful attitude! He said that he is sure that this will help him to feel better. Maybe his numbers will go up over time. I am praying for that!

The boys gave me a wonderful Mother's Day. It was 80 and sunny and we all just enjoyed being together!

I will be a SURVIVOR for the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" this Saturday. Looking forward to doing my lap with the others.

Have a great week and thanks for checking in on Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all doing well.

I was able to take Mike in for his "tune up" over the weekend. His albumin was 2.0 (normal 3.8-4.8).

Mike got hooked up, drew labs, and received his Ionized calcium. Then the nurse let him get unhooked for a little while to go downstairs, in the hospital. My friend, Liz Bockhop, had invited Mike to Parker's Prom. Her son, Parker, lost his battle with cancer. She puts on an annual Prom for the sick children at the hospital in his memory.

A photographer took our picture and the dinner was wonderful! The best part was seeing some of our old friends and seeing how everyone was doing. For the last two years, I have been too weak from cancer to take Mike to the hospital. I was so grateful to be able to be there for him again! There were lots of hugs and catching up with old friends and it was a truely memorable night with Mike.

After wards we went back to our hospital room, Mike was hooked up again, and he was given the rest of his medicine. My husband, Ken, joined us and spent the night with Mike. Mike was home Sunday and was feeling better so we all went to church.

Thank you for checking in on Mike. He loves hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 11:37 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

I took Mike in for his "tune up". We baked cookies fr all of the nurses who take such good care of us. His albumin was a little low but they treated him and he is back home.

Longs Drug Stores have been raising money for Children's Hospital for Mike for years. Mike went in and spoke at one of their meetings to all of their District Managers. They put donation boxes with Mike's picture and website up at their registers. In December they emailed us to let us know that they had raised over $10,000.00!! They are being bought by CVS so the boxes have come down. We appreciate our friends at Long's. They raised money for children, like Mike, and helped us to spread Mike's Story as we seek a cure for our son. They are awesome!

Mike met Jim Abbott a few years ago. He was a pitcher for the Angels and was born with only one hand. He was kind enough to write Mike a letter and give him a signed picture and baseball cards. (Mike has framed them and they hang in his room.) Mike is back in touch with Jim. He is a true inspiration to Mike!

We hope you are all well and appreciate you checking in on us!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron" Mike

Monday, December 8, 2008 1:24 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all well and are enjoying the Christmas season! Mike has joined the French Club and they will be singing at Children's Hospital this Thursday at 6:00pm. Should be fun!

My brother, Rick, is coming for a visit. We are going to make my Grandma McCormick's homemade bread to give out to the neighbors. This is a family tradition that we enjoy doing each year. Then we are going to look at the Christmas lights at Alluvial and Peach. We drive around with the Christmas music playing and sing carols.

I was able to take Mike in for his "tune up" last week! It was so nice to see everyone at the hospital again. I thanked them for taking such good care of Mike while I was recovering from cancer.

We're going to Christmas parties and are catching up with old and dear friends. I just love this time of year!

Hope that you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We wish you all the best in the New Year!

Much love,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, October 23, 2008 2:52 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well with you!

Mike is doing well. He will be going in for his "tune up" this weekend. He had a little bug bite on his finger and his whole hand and forearm turned red and became swollen. He got a fever of 102 degrees so he went in to the doctor. He put him on Benedryl and antibiotics and he is doing much better.

In the past, Mike has had to go into the hospital for 10 days of IV antibiotics to treat his celulitis, so we were very grateful that he was able to fight it off more easily this time.

Mike is reffing soccer games now! He couldn't make a team because of the lymphadema in his legs, but this put him back in the game that he loves! He dresses out in his referee uniform and is really enjoying being back on the field. He is saving all of his paychecks because he wants to be a doctor!

I am so proud of Mike. Whatever challenges have come along with his disease, he always finds a way to win! He is limping sometimes now, but never complains. Amazing!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and "Iron Mike"

Friday, August 29, 2008 4:28 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are well!

Mike went into the hospital over the weekend for his regular "tune up". His albumin level was 2.2 (normal level is 3.6 - 4.8 ). He hasn't been receiving the IVIG. An immunologist told us to only give Mike IVIG when he "crashes" and not to give it with his regular treatments. Mike will need infusions for the rest of his life, unless we find new treatment options, and it would be wise to only give the IVIG to help him when he is in trouble.

Mike was needing albumin infusions every 2 weeks until we added the IVIG. It helped keep his levels up for 3 weeks. Now that he is not getting the IVIG, Mike is becoming symptomatic after only 2 weeks. We may need to take him in for "tune ups" every 2 weeks again. I hope not, but we are watching him closely.

Mike started high school this week and looks so grown up! He is taller than me now!

I am so grateful to be in remission now. I will be going down to UCLA for surgery in a few weeks. Then, after I heal, I can put this cancer behind me. I will do the neccessary follow ups but don't want to give cancer one more minute of my life.

Mike asked when I will be able to take him to the hospital again for his treatments and I told him that it will be soon!

Thank you for checking in on Mike. He loves hearing from you!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Saturday, May 3, 2008 7:22 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

I am so glad to be able to update the website! First, let me THANK YOU for checking in on us and for your prayers and wonderful messages.

Mike is doing well. He is still going into the hospital every three weeks for his "tune ups" but is feeling well. We are so grateful that we haven't had any complications this year.

I am "cancer free" and am getting a little bit stronger each day. This was definately the most challeging year of my life. I have been bed ridden with the cancer all year and "dodged the bullet" two times last year during a couple of surgeries. I am so grateful to be getting my life back a little bit more each day.

We are so grateful to all of our family and friends for all of their love and support! You are the best! So many of you brought over dinners, visited, and kept us in your prayers. It truely brought us so much comfort and peace. We are eternally grateful.

Things are going much better now. The boys are all doing well. Joe will be graduating from Sacramento State next year and will be a CPA. Brian has been accepted to U C Davis and wants to become a doctor. Steve is getting straight A's and is playing in the finals at State Cup in soccer. Mike helped out with the Blood Center's Baskin Robbins Blood Drive and they collected 2,600 pints of blood. As a mother, I am so proud of them for keeping up the good work over this last year.

Ken has been wonderful! He gets up at 5:00AM and goes to work and then comes home and takes care of everything that I used to do. I sure picked a great husband and am very lucky.

We hope all is well with you. I'm looking forward to keeping the site updated and look forward to hearing from you again.

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday December 4,2007

Hi Everyone: Teri asked me to update the page for her. She is still in the rehabilitation facility but is doing well and should be out by Thursday she thinks.
We got the result of the latest petscan and it seems that there is still that area in the upper left quadrant that is the same size. Dr. Kuzma is talking with UCLA and is going to see if they can do a biopsy and surgery to remove it. He doesn't want to give her anymore chemo right now. We should know more after UCLA reviews everything. thanks for your prayers, love, peggy,ken,teri,joe,brian,steve and mike

October 13, 2007

Hi Everyone:

I am Peggy, Teri's sister. She asked me to update the website. Teri is in the hospital at St. Agnes and wants me to let you all know she is feeling your prayers. Teri has completed one round of the RICE chemo treatment and will be getting her second one hopefully according to schedule on the 17th. I will be with her for that.
Mike is doing great! He will be getting his next tune-up on the 20th of October.
Thank you all for your love and get well wishes. Teri and her family appreciate all the love and support.
With love, Peggy
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, September 23, 2007 3:46 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing great and will be going in for his next "tune up" next weekend. He is enjoying school and has friends in all of his classes!

I received some bad news. The CHEMO/ RCHOP that I have been taking is not working anymore. I will need to go on to a new CHEMO, called RICE. It will prepare me for bone marrow transplant at UCLA. Ken and I drove down to UCLA and met with the doctors on Thursday and Friday. I will be able to get the RICE here over the next few weeks before I go down to UCLA for 4 weeks.

Thank you for your prayers and the cards with words of encouragement. I really look forward to them!

Teri Taylor
492 W. Omaha Ave.
Clovis, CA 93619

Please call or visit if you want to this week because my white counts are good (being 5 weeks without CHEMO) and I feel good. I imagine once I start the new CHEMO, I won't be able to be around people again.

Have a great week!

With love,

Teri, Ken, Jow, Brian, Steve and Iron Mike

Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:14 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Ken took Mike in for his "tune up" last weekend and he did great! Mike is feeling well and hasn't had any complications so we are so grateful!

I have needed to do a few tests and they have cancelled my CHEMO for now. The PET SCAN lit up and it could be inflamation or Lymphoma! I will be getting a biopsi and the results will have a big effect on how we proceed with my treatment. We are praying that it is only inflamation and that I will complete my 2 CHEMOS and be done. I'll keep you updated.

Costco put up a nice display at the Ashlan and Peach store to thank Mike for helping to raise money for Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network. You can see a picture of it on one of the most resent entries on Mike's site. It shows one of the paintings that Mike has done too! I am so proud of that boy!!

Hope all is well with you. Thank you for checking in on us and for your wonderful words of encouragement, prayers and friendship!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe , Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:58 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

The boys are back in school! They are excited to see their old friends! Mike is an eighth grader at Alta Sierra Middle School.

Mike went in with Ken for his tune up last weedend and did well. I had my 6th CHEMO last Friday and have just 2 more to go!! I should be done with treatments by the end of September!

I am driving a little bit now. I went to the drug store to get my medicines and it was great to be able to get out. I had Brian ride along with me because I hadn't driven for months. I was teasing him that I had taught him to drive and now he's helping his Mom!

I can't thank all of you enough for helping us through this challenge. Debbie brought dinner and school supplies for the boys last week. We have the best friends and family in the world!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, August 5, 2007 1:31 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing fine. He went in for his lastest "tune up" last weekend with his brother, Brian. The nurses and doctors have been wonderful stepping up while I can't be there with him. We are so grateful that there have been no complications.

I had my fifth CHEMO last Friday. 3 more to go!!

The great news we received last week was from the results from my PET/CAT SCANS. NO LYMPHOMA WAS FOUND / I AM CANCER FREE!!!! I need to complete my treatment schedule as planned but I am very hopeful that I will win this fight and that the worst part is behind me.

I am looking forward to doing so many things when I feel better. I already was grateful for so much but now I have a new appreciation for life and will enjoy so many simple things so much!

I am so grateful to my family and friends who have supported us through this challenge. Each kind gesture has made each day easier for our family and we will always be so grateful to have the best family and friends in the world!

Soon I'll be able to get out of the house a little bit and I just can't wait to seeing everyone again!

Hope you all had a wonderful summer. The boys can't believe how quickly school is appoaching!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve, and Mike

Saturday, June 30, 2007 3:53 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Sorry it's been so long since I've been able to update. I've been in and out of the hospital over the last 8 weeks and am so glad to be home!

Mike has been doing well. Ken and Brian have been taking him into the hospital for his regular "tune ups". The hospital nurses and doctors have given him such great treatment while his Mom can't be with him. We are so grateful for their special care for Mike!

I have had several proceedures and a major surgery. I'll be getting my fourth CHEMO on Friday. My spirits are good and I feel mentally alert, just very little energy. I plan on getting through this over the next few months and then coming back stronger than ever, with even a deeper appreciation for life!

I just can't thank my family and friends enough for all of your love and support. The neighbors have brought dinners for months which we so appreciate! Mike is on a restricted diet and surely would have had many complications if Dad had him living off of McDonald's.

I would love to hear from you by phone or email, now that I am back home. I've really missed my family and friends while being in the hospital. We are going to be out in front of the house for Fourth of July to watch the fireworks. Hope to see some of you then!

Hope that you are having a wonderful summer vacation!

With much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, May 7, 2007 10:55 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

I am home from the hospital after a 2 week stay. It's great to be home!

Mike went in for his "tune up" over the weekend with Ken and he did well.

I am feeling in good spirits and am trying to get stronger everyday. I had my second CHEMO last week and handled it well. I picture the cancer shrinking with each treatment!

Thank you so much for all of our friends that are still bringing meals over for the family. I can't thank you enough for all of your love and support!

Have a great week!

With love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, March 15, 2007 1:53 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you had a HAPPY EASTER!

Well in the last journal entry I told you that I had been in the hospital with a fractured spleen. We thought that it was going to heal on it's own but I was still sick so they ran some more tests. I have been diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage 2, diffuse cell B e. I now have Cancer!

It was quite a shock to hear the news and my thoughts were instantly concerned for Mike because he depends on me to help him mangage his disease.

My family and friends have been wonderful! They have organized dinners through May for my family! My sisters are coming up to care for me and the Children''s Hospital sent beautiful flowers!

I appreciate all of your love and support so much!

I have very little physical strength but spiritually and metally am very strong and peaceful.

I plan on fighting this and being as "good as new" before too long. I hope that I am as brave as Mike has been, all of these years, so I can earn the nickname "IronMom"! That's the plan!

We would love to hear from you by email or mail.

Our address is:

The Taylor Family
492 W. Omaha Ave
Clovis, CA 93619

Taylor.Theresa@comcast.net

I will update for Mike and me now, as often as I can.

I had my first CHEMO treatment yesterday and did GREAT!

Mike had his last tune up 2 weeks ago and is doing fine.

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:35 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike woke up one night last week throwing up. His left leg is more swollen with Lymphedema than I have ever seen it. So we headed into the hospital Saturday for another "tune up" with an infusion of albumin, calcium and IVIG. That did the trick and he is back at school!

While we were in the hospital, we saw one of Mike's little friends, Parker Bockop, who is being treated for cancer. We brought in a Nintendo Wii to play while the boys were receiving their infusions. There was so much laughter from the boys, that we needed to close the door so we didn't disturb any of the "sick kids". Too funny! It amazes me how resiliant our children are! They just want to play and have fun, even under the most challenging circumstances. We are always so proud of Mike's positive attitude!

Mike is going to be helping out with a blood drive on March 25, at our church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Clovis. It will be posted on ABC30's Community Calendar for more details. Mike needs to have albumin (which comes from human blood) every three weeks. We have used so much we just thought that it would be nice to help replenish the supply. We hope that some of you will come out and "Give the gift of life".

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, January 26, 2007 0:46 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his "tune up" last weekend. His albumin was 2.3 (3.8-4.8). He received the IVIG without developing a fever too!

Mike had a wonderful time at the Fresno State basketball game Monday night! Fresno State and the Rotary Club invited Mike and some other "Little Heroes" from Children's Hospital to be their guests at the game. We were able to go out on the court at the halftime, which was such a thrill for the kids! Quinton Holsey, top scorer, is Mike's "Big Hero" and plays with Mike about once a month at the meetings. It was so fun for Mike to watch him play and to WIN!! Great game! THANK YOU so much for making such a wonderful memory for these kids!

We received a nice email from Warren Armstrong, from ABC30. They will be putting an oil painting, that Mike made for them, up on the wall at their studio for everyone to see. What an honor! They have been so nice to Mike and have helped us, many times, to share Mike's Story. They have kept Mike's web site linked to theirs for years which has led to many leads as we search for other patients with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL). One of the leads helped us to learn that by adding IVIG to Mike's regimen, that he could make it 3 weeks rather than 2, before he needed a treatment! Thank you for helping us move towards our goal, a cure for Mike!

Thanks for stopping by and checking on Mike. He loves to hear from you and I read the entries to him while he is receiving his treatments at the hospital. It's a wonderful feeling to know how much our family and friends care. Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement!

With love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, January 4, 2007 4:23 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We had a wonderful Christmas with family in Newport Beach. Our friends, the Fromes, had a big party with all of our old neighbors and it was so fun to catch up with our old friends. Mike gave the Fromes a special painting he had made for a Christmas gift and to thank them for their support of Children's Hospital (in Mike's honor) over the last few years. Jim Abbott, who was a pitcher for the Angels, was there again. Mike told him about the report he did on him for school (which earned him an A)! He knew everything about Jim's career, and again, he was so nice to Mike! Jim was born without a right hand and went on to become a Major League pitcher. He is one of the nicest guys that I have ever met and he is a real inspiration to Mike!

Mike went in for his "tune up" last weekend. His albumin was 2.2 (3.8-4.8). He is doing well and is enjoying the winter break. Pictionary is the game the boys are enjoying lately. They gather around the table and laugh with their friends for hours!

Fresno State and the Rotary Club are inviting Mike and other "Little Heroes" to a very special basketball game at the Save Mart Center on Jan. 22. Mike is Quinton Holsey's "Little Hero" and we are looking forward to watching him play. The tickets are $5.00 and the profits will go to Children's Hospital. We hope that you'll come out and wear your red shirt and sit with the friends of "Iron Mike". I'm sure that it will be a wonderful event and we hope to see you there!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, December 17, 2006 6:48 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Merry Christmas!! We are all enjoying the holidays. Uncle Pat flew in from Hawaii for a visit and also Aunt Jean with cousin Sean. We drove through a beautiful neighborhood with Christmas lights and sang Christmas carols. Then we all played a game of Pictionary and talked and laughed until midnight! I just love this time of year. We all have so much fun just being TOGETHER!

Mike went in for his "tune up" over the weekend. He helped me to bake a plate of goodies to share with the nurses. Everyone stopped by for a treat and a visit and the time just flew by! We got home this morning.

Mike did well. His albumin was 2.2 (3.8-4.8)and his calcium was 7.8 (8.7-11.0). He is receiving IVIG each time now. He is on a steroid inhaler and albuterol treatments to help with the fluid in his lungs.

The test results for Mike's T-cells are:

CD2 41.5 (52-78), CD4 6.7 (25-48), CD8 4.0 (9-35), Absolute lymphocytes/cu mm 663 (1,000-5,300), Absolute CD3/cu mm 275 (800-3,500), Absolute CD4/cu mm 111 (400-2,100), Absolute CD8/cu mm 93 (200-1,200), Absolute NK cells/cu mm 191 (70-1,200).

As you can see, his T-cell counts are low. The good news is that his Helper/Suppressor Ratio is normal 1.2 (0.9-3.4).

Because Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is such a rare disease, they are not sure what this means. I know that patients at 15n the CD4 receive treatment at that point to increase their cells. Mike is at 16.7ow.

We would like to thank each of you who have offered kind and encouraging words to our family. We appreciate your friendship and prayers more than you will ever know! Let's hope that this New Year will bring the new treatment for Mike that we have been praying for.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, November 22, 2006 6:57 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike came home from school last week with a great big turkey! He won it for beating his record at running the mile at school! He was so proud to win the turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner!

Mike just had his annual physical. He still has regular wheezing so they are putting him on a steroid inhaler to help him through the next few months. We are giving him albuterol with nebulizer treatments regularly too.

The good news is that Mike has been accepted to recieve IVIG with his infusions again! This really helps him to stay healthier longer and to avoid some of those really bad infections that land him in the hospital for 14 day stays. There is a shortage of IVIG in the country and we are so grateful that Mike will still be able to receive this treatment. He'll go in for his "tune up' this weekend and will have the IVIG added back into his treatment routine.

Mike's older brother, Steve, just came home from Florida. His team just won the North American Y-League Championship soccer tournament! They played some of the best competition in North America and WON! We are so proud of him!

We are so thankful to have our wonderful family and friends! We hope that you all have a very special day tomorrow with all of your loved ones. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Love,

Teri, Ken Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, November 10, 2006 0:50 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike had a wonderful time bowling with his "Big Hero" from Fresno State, Quinton Holsey, star basketball player! He generously donates his time to play with Children from the hospital and Mike was his "Little Hero" and was able to bowl a couple of games with him last Wednesday night. What fun!!

Mike has been sick a couple of times recently. We went to the doctors office yesterday and he has broncitis. He is on an antibiotic and nebulizer treatments. We are heading into the hospital this weekend for a "tune up".

The last time we went in a week early. He had been sick and his albumin level had already dropped to 2.2 within two weeks. We were going to add the IVIG treatment to his infusion to help strengthen his immune system, but there is a shortage, and so he was denied. Let's hope that the shortage doesn't last long so that Mike, and other sick children, can receive the medicine that they need to fight their diseases.

Thank you for checking in on Mike and for your prayers and well wishes. Have a GREAT week!

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, October 3, 2006 10:08 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and we are so busy with all of the activities!

Last week we were at the Clovis Fest to help raise money for the Change Bandit Bash. We took our bags full of money to the Children's Hospital and Clay Walker was he featured performer for the concert Friday night! It was so fun to see so many of our friends. I remember 2 years ago when Mike was the "special patient" and was allowed to go up on stage and to introduce Billy Dean!

John and Jody Jo from KISS Country Radio were there and interviewed us for the Radiothon on Saturday. Mike and I were given the chance to share his story and to thank everyone for helping the children at the hospital. These kids carry an extra load with their illnesses and diseases. What people do when they donate is to lighten the load for these children and to ease the burden on the families. They were able to raise $615.000.00 and were still counting! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and for caring so much about our children.

Then, Fire Chief Clark called and asked to take Mike and our family to the Fresno Fair!! We will be in the hospital this weekend so we will join them on October 15th and Mike can hardly wait!

Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement. Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, September 18, 2006 11:11 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike just loves being in middle school! He is in the lap top program and is in Leadership and is making lots of new friends. Every day he comes home with a big smile and a great story about his day!

We were in the hospital over the weekend for Mike's "tune up". We were so happy when his labs came back and his albumin level was 2.6 (3.8 - 4.8)!! Mike is usually below 2.0. He has only been above 2.0 a few times in the last 8 years. We are heading in the right direction.

Mike is helping out with a couple of the fundraisers for Children's Hospital. Mike donated one of his oil paintings to the Harvest Ball, to be auctioned. You can see one of Mike's paintings if you go to view photos. Also, we will be in a booth at the Clovis Festival this Saturday from 11 - 1 PM. Mike will be collecting donations for the Change Bandit Fundraiser and we hope that you'll come by and say "hi"!

A songwriter wrote a special song for "Iron Mike"! You can listen to the song by clicking above. What an honor!

Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes for our son. Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, August 31, 2006 10:05 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike has started 7th grade at Alta Sierra and is in Middle School!! He is in the lap top program and is in Leadership. He loves all of his classes and is making lots of new friends. Everyday he comes home with a new story to tell and a smile on his face!

We were in the hospital over the weekend and Mike did great at his last "tune up". His albumin was a little higher at 2.5 (3.8-4.8). His right foot is swelling regularly with lymphedema now and we are trying all of the treatment methods to keep it from spreading further. It doesn't slow Mike down though and he is planning to join the school soccer team!

Mike is helping out with a couple of fundraisers for the hospital. He donated one of his oil paintings, to be auctioned off, at the Harvest Ball in Sept. Also, we are collecting change for the "Change Bandits" fundraiser this month. Mike will be at a booth at the Clovis Fest and hopes to fill up his bag for the Children's Hospital. We hope that you'll stop by and say "hi"!

Thank you for checking in on Mike. We appreciate your prayers and kind words of encouragement. Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 7:58 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Today is Mike's birthday!! After a quick visit to the doctor this morning, the celebrating began. Mike had a great time at Boomers playing "lazer tag" and driving the race cars!

Mike is enjoying the summer with swimming and lots of extra play time with his friends.

Saturday we will go into the hospital for the next "tune up". His right foot is swelling up now with lymphedema and we are trying keep it from spreading any more. It doesn't seem to slow Mike down at all! He plays basketball and soccer almost every day. He is all boy!

Mike's Story was shared on World Talk Radio! You can listen to Karl Dewazien, from California Soccer, ask listeners to help us to pass Mike's Story along.

Just go to :

WORLDTALKRADIO then click on soccer shows. Click on Inside soccer in the archives for the Dec. 10, 2005 show - Segment 9. This show is heard in 35 countries around the world and we were honored that they wanted to help Mike! Later, on April 29, 2006, they interviewed Mike live also. That was on segment 11.

Long's Drug Stores are raising money for Children's Hospital with "Iron Mike" donation boxes. Last week, we delivered several full boxes to Children's Hospital which totalled $667.56. Mike was so excited and we just wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to this worthy cause!

We are so grateful to be sharing another special birthday with Mike! We are so proud of our son!

Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragemnt. Have a GREAT week!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, July 17, 2006 9:01 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

We are having a wonderful summer! Mike is swimming with friends almost every day. His favorite game is Marco Polo and I can never catch him! We discovered that the swelling in his left leg, with lymphedema, goes down a little bit after he swims. I think that it is helping to pump some of the fluid out as he kicks his legs in the pool. :-)

Mike went in for his "tune up" on Friday and we came home on Saturday. His albumin was a little lower at 1.9 (3.8 - 4.8). The right foot is swelling at least once a week now as the fluid is filling up in the left leg and is overflowing into his right foot. It doesn't slow him down at all though. He's busy playing soccer and basketball every day!

Children's Hospital invited us to a luncheon last week. Mike and I were grateful to be able to say "THANK YOU" to Costco for the wonderful fundraiser that they do every year for Children's Hospital. Mike and I helped out and they were able to raise $200,000.00 during the month of May. We had a great time!

Mike's older brother, Joe, is playing soccer with Fuego Soccer Team. The Grizzlies are buying them and we will have a Professional soccer team here in the valley. Joe will be starting at the Friday night game and Mike will be cheering him on!

Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement! Life is a precious gift to be appreciated and enjoyed. Have a GREAT summer!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, June 21, 2006 2:34 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is enjoying the sunny summer days. He loves all of the extra playtime and swimming with friends!

We have been going to the Lymphedema Clinic for daily visits. They are helping us to reduce some of the swelling in Mike's legs. We are wrapping his legs in compression bandages. Mike loves the massage therapy and we can tell that it is removing some of the swelling. They told us that the lymphedema is so full in the left leg that it is "spilling over" into the right leg now. We are hoping that we can slow down the progress with some of these techniques.

Mike has been having fun oil painting! He was honored to be asked to donate one of his "masterpieces" to Children's Hospital to be auctioned off at the Harvest Ball. He worked especially hard on a beautiful landscape piece and we hope that it helps with this worthy cause!

We'll be going in to the hospital this weekend for Mike's regular "tune up". A girl scout troop that we know asked us to give out some boxes of their cookies while we are there. Should be fun!

Hope that you are having a GREAT summer!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 10:44 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did well at his "tune up" last weekend! His albumin level was 2.1 (3.8 - 4.8). He was sick on Monday, but bounced right back! He is enjoying his last week of school.

Tomorrow, Kopi, the weatherman from Channel 26, will be visiting Mike's school. They will film the sixth graders as they get ready to transition to Alta Sierra Middle School. Mike is going to receive the "BLUE RIBBON CUB AWARD"!! This is quite an honor and should be a fun way to end his elementary school years! Tune in tomorrow night to see the Garfield Cubs on television.

Thursday, Mike's class gets to go to the Island Water Park! Friday, they sign yearbooks and then come home for summer!

Starting next week, Mike will begin going to the Lymphedema Clinic daily. They are going to help to reduce the swelling from the lymphedema in his legs. Mike is their youngest patient and Mary is wonderful with him.

Thank you for stopping by to check on Mike. We appreciate your prayers and kind words of encouragement.
Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, June 1, 2006 0:00 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is going in for his "tune up" this weekend. But first, he will receive a wonderful award at school on Friday, THE CUB PRIDE AWARD!! He is so honored and I'll have my camera ready to take lots of pictures!

Mike and his older brother, Steve, just got a summer job. They will be selling peaches, a couple of days a week, at the little fruit stand owned by the Smittcamps at the corner of Nees and Minnewawa in Clovis. Their family has been a big supporter of Children's Hospital for years. Mike has been at several fundraisers for the hospital with Mr. Smittcamp. He is excited to start his first job and to actually get a paycheck! The brothers are saving for a BIG trip to Disneyland!

Mike will be starting daily treatments at the Lymphedema Clinic the week that school gets out. We are hoping that this will help us control the new swelling in the right leg.
It doesn't seem to slow him down at all though. He is still playing soccer or basketball every day!

Just wanted to let you know that my brother, Tim McCormick, is on vacation on the island of Fugi. We have not heard from him since the earthquake hit. I'm sure that he is fine but we are praying that we will get some word soon that everything is OK. I'll update as soon as we hear from him.

Mike wanted me to add, "There are only seven more days of school!" He's counting the days until summer vacation!

Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:40 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and is counting the days until summer vacation! Next weekend we will go into the hospital for his regular "tune up". He is not receiving the IVIG over the next 3 months to give him a break. He'll just get an infusion of albumin and calcium.

Costco has asked Mike to help with a big fundraiser that they are doing for Children's Hospital this month. Mike will be at the Costco at Ashlan and Peach St. in Fresno this Saturday from 11-1pm. We hope that you'll stop by and say "hi" to Mike!

Brian Halliday, from World Talk Radio, called and has asked Mike to be a REPORTER for their show! Mike will call in on Saturdays to tell the latest soccer news in our area. (They are helping us to "spread the word" that we are looking for a cure for our son). You can listen in to the shows by going to WorldTalkRadio.com and go to the archives for Inside Soccer. These shows will air in 35 countries around the world. Mike is so excited!! Should be fun!

Please keep a little friend of Mike's, Parker Bockhop, in your prayers as he is having a very difficult time right now with his second transplant at City of Hope in Los Angeles.

Thank you for your friendship and support. Hope that you have a great weekend!

Love,

Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, May 12, 2006 5:11 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike threw a STRIKE at Grizzley Stadium last week!! He was so honored to be asked to throw out the "first pitch" along with Gaylord Perry, Hall of Famer!!

We are heading into the hospital for Mike's "tune up" tomorrow morning. Mike's right side is swelling with lymphedema now so we will begin going to the Lymphedema Clinic in June every day for a while. Let's hope that they can help us keep the swelling under control. Mike is their youngest patient and Mary is so kind to him.

Wishing all of you special mother's a wonderful Mother's Day!! Joe is home for summer from college, so the whole family will be together on Sunday. :-)

Love,

Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 2:16 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and is enjoying this warm sunny weather! He was sick Monday and missed school but bounced right back!

What an exciting week Mike is having!! Last weekend, Mike was interviewed on World Talk Radio! It is heard in 35 countries around the world. He talked a little bit about soccer and his search for a cure for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL). Let's hope someone heard the show who has more information on how to treat this very rare illness.

Costco has asked Mike to come out to help with a fundraiser for Children's Hospital. So Mike will be at the Costco on Peach and Ashlan on Saturday May 6th, from 11 - 1 pm. Hope to see you there!

Also, Mike was asked to throw out the "first pitch" at Grizzly Stadium this Sunday at the 2:05pm game!! He is so excited! He is practicing his pitch every day with his friend, John. We are so honored that they asked Mike and can't wait to see him up on the mound! What a special day this is going to be!!

The next weekend Mike is due to go in for his next "tune up". Let's hope that his numbers improve from the last 3 times. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging messages.
We are so grateful for our wonderful family and friends!
Have a GREAT week!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, April 23, 2006 9:45 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his "tune up" and we're glad to be home! His albumin was 2.0 (3.8 - 4.8) and his calcium was low. We saw Dr. Kelts this morning and Mike was proud to show him that some of the swelling had gone down in his leg! :-) Mike has already been outside playing basketball with his friends and brothers!

Mike's right leg is beginning to swell with lymphedema. We'll go back to the lymphadema clinic for massage and wrapping to try to keep it from progressing any more. We did this when his left leg developed lymphedema and they were wonderful with Mike! He was their youngest patient and they have always treated him so special! We know that we are in good hands.

Looking forward to some warm, sunny days this week. Thank you for stopping by to check on Mike. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe , Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, April 21, 2006 10:32 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

We had a wonderful spring break. The boys are wearing shorts to school now and are enjoying the warm sunny weather!

Mike has been having a little trouble at his last three "tune ups". His albumin has been low and is not coming up very well after treatment. The last time they actually had to stop running the medicine because he was getting into trouble.

We had an appointment with Dr. Kelts, Mike's Gastroenterologist. He has ordered additional labs for this weekend's hospital stay. Today we have an appointment with Dr. Brownell. Mike's right foot is now swollen with lymphedema! He has had lymphadema in his left leg for years but now the right side is being affected. I'm concerned that the disease is progressing and I'm not sure what the next step will be. That "Mother's Instinct" is sending off the alarm bells! I trust that we are in good hands and pray that we can find some new treatments to manage Mike's disease. He has been such a trooper over the last 8 years and we could not be more proud of our son!

Mike's only concern is finding a pair of soccer cleats that will fit his swollen feet. We always get the softest leather that we can find and open them up wide and put longer shoelaces to make the shoe fit. He just wants to be able to keep playing! He's all boy!!

Thank you for your prayers and your kind words of encouragement. Mike loves reading your messages!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, April 3, 2006 10:47 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike was in the hospital over the weekend for his "tune up". His albumin was a little lower at 1.8 (3.8 - 4.8) and his calcium was low at 7.6 (8.7 - 11.0). During the IVIG infusion, his blood pressure dropped to 86/36 and his temperature dropped to 96.9!! They stopped his infusion and ran a bag of fluids at 500 to boost him up for the rest of his treatment. He was able to recieve the rest of his meds all night long until 7:00AM the next morning.

Today, he is fine and went off to school. It's great the way he bounces back! Garfield Elementary School has their Open House on Tuesday and Mike is looking forward to showing us his wonderful work from school.

Also, Mike was honored to be asked to display his oil painting at the Fresno Library on Perrin. You will see it if you stop by during the month of April. They are also doing a fundraiser for Children's Hospital in Mike's honor! You'll see an "Iron Mike" donation box at the front desk.

Thank you for stopping by to check on Mike. He loves reading your messages and our whole family appreciates your love and support!

Have a GREAT week!

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 8:39 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike's labs were very low at his last "tune up". His albumin was 2.0 (3.8 - 4.8) and only came up to 2.8 (after receiving 4 bottles of albumin) which means that he leaked most of it out right away! Also, his calcium was 7.4 (8.7 - 11.0) which was a critical low result! He felt better after his treatment but he is very puffy with lymphedema.

Last week, Mike had a great time helping out with the Kid's Day Fundraiser for Children's Hospital. It was a very cold wet day but they were able to exceed their goal and raise $380,000.00! Mike was honored to be asked to be on T.V. and radio and had such a fun time!

The Lymphatic Reseach Foundation (LRF) will be publishing Mike's Story in their Spring newsletter nationally. Wendy Chaite is the President of LRF and is helping to get research started for Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL). She is helping move us toward our goal, a cure for Mike! I'll link the article to this site when it comes out in case you would like to read it.

Mike's little cousin is going to be baptised this weekend so we are going down to Newport Beach to see all of the family. We're all looking forward to the beach barbeque on Saturday and the baptism on Sunday.

Have a GREAT week! Thank you for your prayers and wonderful words of encouragement for our son! We are grateful to have the best family and friends in the world!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 10:04 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and just received an award for "Player of the Week" in volleyball!! He now is playing volleyball for Garfield, is on a church basketball team, and is trying out for soccer!! :-)

This weekend we will go in for his "tune up" so he'll be all ready to sell lots of papers on Tuesday for Kid's Day! This is Mike's favorite fundraiser of the year. We will be at the corner of Clovis Ave. and Shaw from 6 - 7:45AM. You may see Mike interviewed on a morning TV show if you want to watch or hear him on KISS Country Radio 93.7 FM. Please come out and buy a paper from Mike to support our very own Children's Hospital Central California.

We are so grateful to all of the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital, who have cared for Mike over the last 6 years. They treat us as if we were one of the family and it truely is Mike's "home away from home".

Please show the children how much you care on Tuesday by buying a paper for just $1.00. It does make a big difference in the lives of these wonderful kids!!

Have a great week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, February 20, 2006 2:03 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

We just got home from the hospital from Mike's overnight "tune up". Mike is doing well and is already playing soccer today! His albumin level was 2.0 (3.8 - 4.8) when we went in. After 4 bottles of albumin he only came up to 2.8!! It is a little scary how quickly his body is leaking the albumin.

ABC30 is airing a segment, tomorrow 2/21 at 11 PM, on a Hospital Moms Group. Melissa Fritsch, Theresa Pope, Tiffany Hall and I formed this group 1 1/2 years ago. Mike's Story will be included and we hope that you'll watch!!

Mike was so excited to see his story on the front page of the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) magazine. They sent them out to 230,000 members. Karl Dewazien, the CYSA State Coaching Director, has been kind enough to help "spread the word" and to share Mike's Story. We are looking for other patients with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL) in order to find a cure for our son. This should really help to pass Mike's Story along. THANK YOU Karl! You are so kind to help us and we appreciate it so much!

Mike will be helping out with Kid's Day on March 14th at the corner of Shaw and Clovis Ave. This is a big fundraiser for Children's Hospital Central California that we look forward to every year! Let us know if you would like to come join in the fun!

Thank you for your prayers and kind words of support. Mike loves hearing from you!

Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, February 17, 2006 2:14 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well. Tomorrow he has a basketball game and team pictures! Sunday we will go in for his regular overnight "tune up". Monday is a holiday so he won't have to miss school.

Mike was so excited to see his story on the front page of the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) magazine. They sent them out this week to 230,000 members! Karl Dewazien, the CYSA State Coaching Director, has been kind enough to help us "spread the word" and to share Mike's Story. We are looking for other patients with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL) in order to find a cure for our son. This should really help to pass Mike's Story along. THANK YOU Karl! You are so kind to help us and we appreciate it so much!

Mike will be helping out with Kid's Day on March 14th at the corner of Shaw and Clovis Ave. This is a big fundraiser for Children's Hospital Central California that we look forward to every year!

Also, this Tuesday, February 21st, ABC30 with air a segment on the news for Children's Hospital, including Mike's Story. Hope that you'll watch!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 10:30 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike went in for his "tune up" over the weekend and is feeling much better! His albumin was 2.2 (3.8 - 4.8). His cough is getting better and he went back to school. Tonight he even went to his basketball practice. His new coach was concerned that Mike had missed the game Saturday because he was in the hospital! Mike said, "Oh that, it was just one of my regular "tune ups" and I'm fine." He just couldn't believe how Mike made light of a visit to the hospital! We are so proud of him!

Ken and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary! Each anniversary I feel so grateful to have my wonderful husband and family!

His older brother, Steve, plays on the Alta Sierra Soccer Team. They just won the Championship game today and Mike was his biggest cheerleader. What a fun day!

ABC30 will be doing another story for the hospital, including Mike's Story. It will air on February 21st and we hope that you'll watch!

Thank you for your well wishes and for signing Mike's web site. He just loves reading them!
Have a GREAT week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, January 27, 2006 4:49 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike has had a chest cold for over a week. He is taking an antibiotic and is on the nebulizer treatments but still has a nasty cough. We are heading into the hospital in the morning for a "tune up". Hopefully that will boost him up so he can feel better.

Mike is enjoying his new basketball team and is sorry to miss the big game tomorrow. Hope they win!

Just wanted to thank Long's Drug Stores for their ongoing "Iron Mike" donation box fundraiser. Please stop by and thank them for supporting Children's Hospital when you are shopping there.

Wishing you all a great week!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, January 12, 2006 10:31 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year! Mike is doing well and is busy finishing up his science project for school this week. They judge the finished projects next week and he's hoping to win!

Mike went in for his "tune up" for an overnight stay over the weekend. He had been sick to his stomach so I wasn't surprised when his albumin level came back a little bit lower than usual. He was 1.9 (3.8 - 4.8). He recieved Calcium, albumin and IVIG. Now he's back to school and playing on his new basketball team. He really bounces back fast!

This is the 8 year anniversary from when Mike was diagnosed with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia. I remember the day the doctor told us like it was yesterday. I didn't understand at the time what a change it would mean to our lives. I am very proud of Mike for being so brave and for having such a positive attitude in the way he handles all of his medical care. I am so grateful to have the love and support of all of our family and friends. We have made some real progress in finding other IL patients through this web site. We have learned that IVIG brings the albumin level up. With every patient we find, it is like finding a piece of the puzzle to help us to solve the mystery of this disease. Hopefully, this will be the year that we find a cure for our son and that we can put this all behind us. That is our goal for this year!

Wishing all of you many blessings in 2006!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, December 28, 2005 9:04 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends! We sure did! We went down to Southern California and spent Christmas with 26 of the relatives. We laughed so hard that our cheeks hurt and we are still full!

Mike went in for his "tune up" on December 21st and did great! I brought him a Christmas basket full of cards that everyone had sent him. The look on his face was pure joy! While he was hooked up, he openned up the cards to pass the time. Thank you so much for your well wishes for Mike. He loved hearing from all of the special friends that he has made this year from Radio City and all over. It was the perfect present for Mike! Thank you so much!!

We wish you all many blessings in 2006!

Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 0:34 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike finished his soccer season and recieved a beautiful trophy! Basketball starts next and he is already practicing his shots every day.

Mike is doing well and will go in for his "tune up" next Wednesday, December 21st, for an overnight stay. The IVIG has been helping to bring his albumin level up. Mike's left leg is very swollen with the lymphadema but he will be getting his new compression stocking soon from Hanger Prosthetics.

Mike is going to be interviewed by world talk radio the week after Christmas! The show is broadcast in 35 countries! I'll let you know the day and time in case you would like to listen. This should really help us "spread the word" in our search for other IL patients!

We went to see the play "A Christmas Carol" last week at Stage 2, downtown. It was wonderful! Mike has been decorating Christmas cookies and is making ornaments to get ready for his school Christmas party! What fun! Friday is the last day of school before Christmas break and the boys are counting the days! Joe is flying home from college and we can hardly wait to see him!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 3:36 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of the family down in Southern California. We stayed at my sister, Katie's, beautiful new home. We had 26 people for dinner and went through 2 turkeys!!

Uncle Bill took the boys to an ice hockey game at "The Pond" and the Ducks won an exciting game! (Now Mike is interested in ice skating lessons).

Mike is doing well. He goes in for his next "tune up" on Saturday. He is receiving IVIG along with his infusions of albumin and calcium. He is using his nebulizer regularly now to help with his breathing. We went to Hanger Prosthetics to order a new compression stocking for Mike's left leg (to help contain the swelling from lymphedema).

A big THANK YOU to John's Incredible Pizza for asking Mike to help host the Grand Re-Openning and for donating a check to Children's Hospital in his name. Mike loved the Twister ride the best, and was honored to be able to cut the ribbon at the ceremony. What fun!!

Thanksgiving is a good time to remember to be thankful, and as we head into the holiday season, I remember how lucky we are to have each of you in our lives! Thank you so much for all of the wonderful encouraging words that you take time to leave for our son. It means more than we could ever express to have your love and support!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, November 14, 2005 7:49 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

We had a BIG weekend! Mike went in for his regular "tune up" on Friday. Mike did well at first. His albumin was 2.3 (3.8 - 4.8). He received his albumin and calcium infusion as usual. The hospital had a dance team emtertaining the patients and Mike felt well enough to get up and dance! (You may have seen them on the ABC 6:00PM news).

But by midnight, Mike was still getting an infusion of IVIG and Mike started getting a fever. It went up to 103.8 very quickly and the nurse was calling the doctor. They drew labs and his White blood count was 4.4 (5 - 14.5). His Lymphs were 6 (28 - 48)!! Mike became sick to his stomach and was shivering with fever. We packed him in ice and I changed the wet cloth on his forehead every few minutes. The fever broke sometime in the early morning hours and we got a couple of hours of sleep.

Mike then wakes up bright and early and wants to go to his soccer game at noon! We not only went, but Mike was a starter, and we won the game!! He earned is nickname of "Iron Mike" this weekend! It was amazing!

Sunday, Uncle Mike came up from Orange County, and took us all to the Raiders game. We saw Mr. Al Davis and had a great time!

This week Mike goes to Sonora for a few days on a school field trip. Then, this Friday (5 - 7PM), Mike will be hosting the Grand Re-Opening at John's Incredible Pizza. They are donating a portion of the money to Children's Hospital! Hope to see you there!

Have a great week!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, November 6, 2005 9:17 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his last "tune up". His albumin was 2.1 (3.8 - 4.8) and his calcium was low again.

Mike was glad to visit with Parker Fritsch, who was staying in a room down the hall from us, on Craycroft. It was nice to see the boys laughing and talking together. They are such troopers!

Mike won his soccer game again this Saturday. He is playing defense and they have knicknamed him "The Wall" because he doesn't let the ball get past him! GO MIKE!!

John's Incredible Pizza has asked Mike to host the Grand Re-Opening of their store on Herndon and Cedar on November 18th from 5 - 7 PM. They are going to donate some of the profits to Children's Hospital. Mike is so excited and wants lots of his friends to come. So we hope that you'll visit us that night for a fun evening that will help a good cause - our very own Children's Hospital! See you there!

Have a GREAT week!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, October 25, 2005 10:07 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and is looking forward to Halloween! He is going to be a soccer player this year and has a neat soccer ball head mask that he is going to wear along with his uniform, lucky number 7!!

We had a fun evening last week with the Big Heroes/Little Heroes pumpkin carving event. Mike's Big Heroes are atheletes from Fresno State! Quinton Hosley with basketball and Eric Welch with Track. Mike was thrilled to spend an evening with them. They made Mike feel so special and we are so thankful to them for showing some of the kids from Children's Hospital such a wonderful time! GO DOGS!!

Mike goes in for his next "tune up" this weekend. He has been wheezing a little and his left leg is very swollen with Lymphadema. That didn't stop him from playing soccer on Saturday though. Mike plays defensive and they call him "The Wall" because he never lets the ball get past him!

Thanks for stopping by to check on our son. We appreciate the support and love of all of our friends and family. Have a GREAT week!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, October 9, 2005 6:23 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his "tune up". We went in at 6:00PM on Saturday and stayed for an overnight visit. Mike was able to SLEEP THROUGH some of the treatment and he didn't have to miss a day of school this week! His albumin was 2.1 (normal 3.8 - 4.8) and his calcium was low again.

We were able to go to see the Sean Hannity/Oliver North show on Saturday. We had great seats in the third row. After the show, we had the HONOR of meeting Sean Hannity in person! He was just as genuine and kind as he seems on T.V. I told him about Mike and that we were heading to the hospital for a treatment again right then. He spoke kind and encouraging words to Mike and said that they would check out Mike's web site. We are hoping that he will help us to spread the word about Mike's condition, Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL) so that we can find other patients, get research moving forward, and to overcome this incurable disease. What a memorable day for Mike!!

Friday night was the school carnival at Garfield. Mike helped me with the cake walk and won a HUGE chocolate cake! Saturday we had soccer pictures in the morning. I'll post the picture of Mike with his "lucky number 7" uniform with his team when I get it.

Hope you all have a great week! Thank you so much for your prayers and your wonderful words of encouragement for our son!

Much Love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, September 26, 2005 10:17 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did GREAT at his last "tune up"! We moved over to the Craycroft area of the hospital for Mike's treatments. This will give Mike the opportunity to receive all of his treatments over the weekend now so he won't be pulled out of school. Also, this will free me up to go back to work. I was in sales with Coca-Cola, but have been home for years taking care of Mike. We are both excited about the change!

Mike's albumin was 2.7 (3.8 - 4.8). Still low but good numbers for Mike. We are going to go back to treatments every 3 weeks as long as his numbers stay high. :-)

We had the opportunity to go live on the air last Friday with Kiss Country Radio in order to promote the Radiothon Fundraiser for Children's Hospital. Mike thought that was so fun! A BIG THANK YOU to John and Jody Jo and all of their listeners who support Children's Hospital and help children, like Mike, to get better! You Rock!!

Have a great week and thank you for all of the prayers and kind words of encouragement for Mike! Each one is so appreciated!

Much love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Friday, September 9, 2005 1:47 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike's enjoying 6th grade! His teacher, Mr Dougherty, is also the Garfield football coach and knows all about sports. What a perfect teacher for Mike!

Mike has his first soccer game tommorow at Mickey Cox at 8:30AM. His coach told him that he will be in the starting line up so he is practicing all of his moves to be ready to get a goal!

The "tune up" went well last week. The albumin was 2.6 (3.8-4.8). We were sorry to hear that Mike's regular nurse, Zella, is moving to a different area of the hospital. She has been helping Mike with his infusions for almost 6 years now so we were sad to hear the news. We may be transferring Mike to the Craycroft area of the hospital. That way Mike could get his infusions over the weekend rather than being pulled out of school every other week. We'll see what happens.

Mike is busy collecting change for the CHANGE BANDIT FUNDRAISER for Children's Hospital. If you want to help out just call the hospital or listen to Kiss Country Radio at 93.7 and they'll sign you up. Looking forward to seeing you at the concert!

Hope that you're all enjoying this cooler weather like we are. Perfect for a bike ride or walk along the trails.

Thank you for your prayers and wonderful words of encouragement for our son!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve, and Mike

Sunday, August 21, 2005 8:46 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow is the first day of school! Summer just flew by!!
Mike will start 6th grade at Garfield Elementary school. He has a new pair of soccer cleats and will be trying out for the team Tuesday night. Go Mike!

Mike did great at his last treatment. His albumin was 2.4 (3.8 - 4.8). Last time he was 2.9 so he slipped a little but still good numbers for him and we're grateful! We are now getting TPA every time and are letting it dwell overnight to keep his line open. The blood draws have been very sluggish so lets hope that he doesn't need a new port.

Mike was on the CBS47 morning show last Wednesday with Mike Scott to promote a fundraiser that Taco Bell is doing for Children's Hospital. Please go in to any Taco Bell and support Children's Hospital through Sept. 4th. Mike's favorite item is the Crunch Wrap Supreme! :-)

Jody Jo from Kiss Country Radio gave our family tickets to the Chris Cagle concert this monday night. Thank you! We're looking forward to a fun time! Kiss Country Radio will be helping out with the Change Bandit Fundraiser for Children's Hospital again this year. Listen to 93.7 to sign up or call Children's Hospital. Mike will be going around "holding people up" for their change too!

Hope that everyone had a wonderful summer! Thank you so much for your friendship and kind words of support for our son!

With love,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, August 12, 2005 1:07 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike has been doing GREAT! His lab results look better at every treatment and we may begin going in every 3 weeks again rather than every 2! It's so nice to have an extra week before treatment! His next "tune up" is on Thursday.

Tomorrow we are going down to Southern California for a family wedding. My sister's daughter, Kelly is getting married in Westlake Village. We're all looking forward to being together to celebrate her "big day"!! Mike has been practicing his dance steps because several of them have already made him promise to share a dance. Looking forward to a wonderful and memorable day with all of the extended family!

Mike is going to be on the Morning Show on August 17th, Wednesday, with Mike Scott on CBS47. He will be interviewed between 5:00 and 8:00AM. Hope that you'll watch!

Thank you for all of your prayers and kind words of encouragement. They are very much appreciated!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, August 4, 2005 10:24 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did GREAT today at his "tune up". His albumin level was 2.9 (3.8-4.8) after 2 weeks!! If he had been at 3.0, we could have gone home without receiving an infusion!

Overall, his numbers have continually been climbing since we introduced IVIG infusions to his treatments. We seem to have discovered a key to help manage Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL).

Also, John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is going to begin research on IL. The only other study that I have ever found was done in Boston in the 1970's. With research, comes hope for a cure!

Thank you so much for passing Mike's Story along. We appreciate the prayers and well wishes coming our way!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 6:14 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did well at his last treatment. The good news was that the albumnin level was 2.5 (3.4-4.8). Unfortunately, the port is getting really sluggish and the nurses are continuing to have difficulty drawing blood.

Tomorrow, Mike goes in for his next "tune up". We are going to put TPA in and let it dwell over night. We are hoping that this will help clear the line. Wish us luck!

Mike had a wonderful birthday party at John's Incredible Pizza! I can't believe that Mike is 11 years old! The hosted said that this was the best behaved group of boys that she had helped in 2 years! We Mom's love hearing those comments. :-)

Hope that you are all enjoying the summer. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes for Mike!!

Love,

Teri. Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 5:11 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you are enjoying the summer!

We had some GREAT news! Johns Hopkins is going to do research on Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL)! The only other study that I have ever found was done in the 1970's in Boston. IL is so rare that they have never been able to find enough patients to study the disease.

There is no known cure for IL at this time but we are hopeful that this research will lead to new treatments for Mike and others like him.

Some of the IL patients used in the research were found by passing along this web site. Thank you so much for helping us. The web site is working as an email/chain letter to link us to the few IL patients in the world!

A big THANK YOU to our friends at Long's Drug Stores. They are putting up Mike's donation boxes at 19 of their stores all around town. Every dollar will go to the children at Children's Hospital!

Also, ABC 30 is airing "A Tender Touch" this Sunday July 24th at 12:00 Noon. Mike's Story will be in the program and we hope that you'll watch. Mike was so honored to be asked to help host the program along with Warren Armstrong and Graciella Moreno.

Also, we have just found another IL patient from the United Kingdom. Christopher is only 15 months old and he already has his own web site (with the help of his Dad). It is:

www.christopherdiamond.co.uk

It is a terrific web site and he has linked Mike's Story to his. Thanks little buddy!

Mike will be going in for his regular "tune up" this Friday.

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes for Mike! We appreciate the love and support coming our way!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 9:56 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

On the way in for his "tune up", Mike was so excited to drop off the money that our friends at Wells Fargo Bank raised for Children's Hospital in Mike's honor! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

We had a little excitement yesterday. First the port wasn't working. It has been sluggish for months but we have been keeping it working by clearing the line with TPA. We couldn't get any blood out. So they removed the needle and tried again with a new needle. Thankfully, the nurse was able to draw blood but it was still sluggish. When the port stops working Mike will be scheduled for surgery to get a new one. Let's hope that the TPA will keep clearing the line for us!

Next, Mike started getting a fever during the treatment. He had crackling and wheezing with his breathing and he started getting really sleepy. So, after the infusion, we went to the pediatricians' office. They put him on an antibiotic and will order steriods if he doesn't improve in the next 2 days. He's resting up so that he will be better for this weekend. Ken's company picnic is at the Island Water Park and Mike doesn't want to miss that! Just the motivation that a 10 year old boy needs to get better!

Just wanted to thank Jerry Dyer for your kind words of encouragement for Mike. He was so excited to hear from the Chief of Police!

Hope that you are enjoying the summer and thank you for you prayers and well wishes for Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, July 10, 2005 8:01 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well! He's enjoying swimming, basketball and bike riding wih his friends every day!

Steve had a big soccer game in San Francisco today. He assisted with one of the goals and we won 3-2!!

Saturday, we are all going to the Island Water Park with Ken's company picnic. Always a fun day and a great way to cool off. The boys are all looking forward to it!

Tomorrow, Mike goes in for his regular "tune up". His port has been sluggish so we may need to stay a little longer to clear the line with TPA. Also, Mike is wheezing and coughing so he is back on his albuterol treatments with the nebulizer. I think that his treatment tomorrow will help clear some of that up.

Hope that you're enjoying a great summer!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Saturday, July 2, 2005 2:57 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing great! Today he is going to a swim birthday party for his friend Tyler.

Mike is back to getting the albumin infusions every 2 weeks. The doctors are giving him a break from the IVIG infusions over the summer. His left leg is very swollen with lymphedema so we are making an extra effort to wrap it and keep it elevated as he sleeps at night.

We're looking forward to the Fourth of July! We'll be going to Buchanan High School first and then will come home to watch the fireworks from our front yard and to do our own with the neighbors. Always lots of fun!!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to our friends at Wells Fargo Bank!! They did a wonderful fundraiser for Childrens' Hospital in Mike's honor. They could wear jeans to work on Friday if they made a donation. Mike can't wait to deliver the money to the hospital when we go in for his "tune up" this Friday! Thank you so much!!

Wishing you a happy Fourth of July with family and friends!!

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Saturday, July 2, 2005 2:57 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing great! Today he is going to a swim birthday party for his friend Tyler.

Mike is back to getting the albumin infusions every 2 weeks. The doctors are giving him a break from the IVIG infusions over the summer. His left leg is very swollen with lymphedema so we are making an extra effort to wrap it and keep it elevated as he sleeps at night.

We're looking forward to the Fourth of July! We'll be going to Buchanan High School first and then will come home to watch the fireworks from our front yard and to do our own with the neighbors. Always lots of fun!!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to our friends at Wells Fargo Bank!! They did a wonderful fundraiser for Childrens' Hospital in Mike's honor. They could wear jeans to work on Friday if they made a donation. Mike can't wait to deliver the money to the hospital when we go in for his "tune up" this Friday! Thank you so much!!

Wishing you a happy Fourth of July with family and friends!!

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 10:18 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is really enjoying these sunny summer days! It is so fun to see him go swimming, then run in the house to change and get up a game of basketball with a group of friends. An hour later they'll be hungry and thirsty and then they're ready to go on the bike trails. It's great!!

Friday, Mike goes in for his next "tune up". The doctors want to give him a break from the IVIG infusions over the summer. IVIG infusions are not completely without risk. Cancer patients often receive IVIG too, but it is only for a certain period of time. Mike will need these treatments for the rest of his life or until we find a cure. Because IL is so rare, there isn't a text book answer for treating it. We are learning how to manage Mike's care as we go.

Mike's left foot is very swollen with lymphedema so we needed to buy him a new pair of shoes today. He tried on a dozen pairs at Copelands before he found a soft leather tennis shoe (in a size 6) that we could fit his left foot into. He was so glad because the last time that we were at Hanger Prosthetics, for his compression sock, they were having him try on "special" shoes. Mike thought that they looked like "girls" shoes and so he definately doesn't want to have to wear those! So happy that he can still wear the regular shoes! :-)

Thank you for your prayers and wonderful messages!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve, and Mike

Sunday, June 19, 2005 8:02 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! Hope that you are enjoying this wonderful summer sunshine. The boys gave Ken a great Father's Day. Joe is home from college so we are enjoying having everyone home together. I even barbequed the steaks while Ken took a nap on the couch.

We have found patient number 12!! A little 3 year old girl, named Katie, from Georgia. She is needing infusions of albumin every 2 to 3 days! Her grandmother, Sheila, found us through this web site. She had been to 2 different Children's Hospitals and they knew very little about IL. I am sharing our knowledge and experience of IL with her. We are hoping that Katie will improve with some of the treatments that have helped Mike.

Thank you so much for signing Mike's guestbook and for passing this web site along to others. This is really working! It is helping us to find the few other patients out there with IL. We learn something new from each patient that we find. Our goal is to find new treatment options and hopefully, a cure, for our loved ones!

Mike goes in for his next "tune up" on Friday. He's interested in miniature golf so we're taking his putter to practice his shot on the green behind Children's Hospital while we're there. Should be fun!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, June 13, 2005 7:52 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his infusion of IVIG last Wednesday. Friday was the last day of school and Joe is home from college so we are enjoying having the whole family together again!

Saturday was our lucky day! It started off with a phone call from Save Mart telling us that we had won the grand opening contest! Mike had filled out an entry form for me and we won $400.00 in grocery money! (Always useful with 4 growing boys)!

At noon, we went to the Diamond King Central Section ballgame at Grizzly Stadium and Mike was asked to throw out the "first pitch"! As he stood on the mound, tears stung my eyes, as they played the National Anthem. What a wonderful way for a 10 year old boy to start off his summer vacation! After all of the difficult times he has faced with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, I knew that this was a precious moment that Mike would never forget. He told me later that this was the "greatest day of his life"!! The North Team gave Mike a shirt and autographed a baseball for him. Mike said that he is going to hold onto that ball the next time that he goes in for surgery. I just want to thank coach Andy and all of the wonderful players for giving Mike such a special day!

Hope that all of you are enjoying this wonderful summer sunshine like we are. We're off for our daily bike ride.

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, June 9, 2005 10:45 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his IVIG infusion yesterday. We didn't have to stay to clear the line with TPA so we were able to get home 2 hours earlier! :-)

Mike had a fun day today! This morning he received the "High Honor Award" at school. His class had the end of the school year sprinkler run!

Then after school, Mike and I joined the High School Baseball All-Stars for a tour of Children's Hospital. They are playing in the Diamond King Central Section this weekend at Grizzly Stadium. They are donating half of the money, from the game, to Children's Hospital. Mike was so happy to meet some of the best baseball talent in our area. I was impressed with how smart and kind they all were. CBS 47 was there to film the tour and it was on the 6:00 PM news.

Mike was honored to be asked to throw the "first pitch" at the 6:00 PM game this Saturday at Grizzly Stadium! He is practicing his pitching with his friend, John, to be sure he throws a strike!! He is going to wear his Angels baseball cap because his favorite player is Jim Abbott, who was a pitcher for the Angels. Mike met Jim last Christmas and he has been a wonderful friend in trying to help us to find a cure for Mike.

So we hope that you'll come out to the ballpark this Saturday. It will be a fun way to start the summer while helping Children's Hospital at the same time!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, June 5, 2005 8:27 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike was just on the ABC 30, Children's Miracle Network Program, called "A Tender Touch" today! They told wonderful stories of some of the brave children that we know from our very own Children's Hospital. We were so honored to be a part of the show.

They have linked Mike's web site to their stations' web site. You'll find us if you go to:

http://www.abclocal.go.com/kfsn

then click on the Children's Hospital Central California "A Tender Touch" and then click on Mike's web site.

ABC 30 has been wonderful in helping Mike. We are trying to find other patients with Mike's very rare condition, Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL), in order to find a cure. There is no cure for Mike right now. We are hoping to find other patients who may know of some other treatments to help our son to live a longer and healthier life!

Please sign this web site guestbook and pass it along like an email chain letter. It only takes a minute of your time and it's FREE. By networking this way, we have found 12 IL patients IN THE WORLD. Wouldn't it be great, if together, we find a cure for Mike!!

Mike did great at his last "tune up" on Friday. His albumin was 2.1 (3.8-4.8). This Wednesday he'll go in for his IVIG infusion. Some friends donated some wonderful stuffed animals that we will be giving out to some of our friends at the hospital on Wednesday! This is the last week of school and Mike is counting the days until summer vacation!

Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement for Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, May 25, 2005 11:39 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and is counting the days until summer vacation! Yesterday he got his cast off. :-) He was so happy to be able to go swimming again.

We met Graceilla Moreno and Warren Armstrong from ABC30 at the hospital yesterday. Mike was able to film with them for the Children's Miracle Network program that is coming up on June 5th at 4:00 PM. Mike will be in the program so I hope that you'll watch! He can't wait to see it!

Mike did great at his last "tune up". The albumin was 2.2 (3.8-4.8) after 3 weeks. He has been doing well making it 3 weeks without an infusion for the last several times. After going in every 2 weeks, over the last five years, its great to get an extra week before needing a treatment!

I'm still enjoying riding my bike every day. Mike can join me again, now that he has his cast off. So we'll see you on the bike trails!

Thank you for all of your prayers and kind words of encouragemant for Mike!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, May 16, 2005 5:38 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did great at his "tune up" on Friday. His albumin was 2.2 (3.8-4.8) after 3 weeks! I feel very confident now that he can sustain a higher level of albumin while he is receiving the IVIG infusions.

The nurses were all asking, "What happened"!! Mike fell off of his bike and dislocated his right elbow. He was hoping to get the splint off but the exray showed a slight fracture so he's in a bright red cast now! He only has to wear it for 2 weeks so it will be off before school is out. :-) He's carrying around a pen so be sure to ask to sign his cast if you see him!

After Hours Formal Wear in Sierra Vista Mall is helping us with Mike's fundraiser for Children's Hospital. If you rent a tux they will take $10.00 off of your order if you donate $5.00 to Children's Hospital. You'll see Mike's Story up at their store if you stop by.

Hope that you are all enjoying this nice spring weather like we are. I'm enjoying riding my bike everyday!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, May 8, 2005 6:15 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! The boys are treating me like a queen today! Joe is home from college so we are all together enjoying the day.

Mike took a fall on his bike and dislocated his right elbow! His friend, Jake, came running into my kitchen to tell me that Mike was hurt and that his arm looked "funny". I ran him over to Children's Hospital ER. Dr. Halsey was wonderful with Mike. He popped it back into the socket in about 2 seconds and Mike was so relieved! He's wearing a splint and we'll go in for our follow up visit on Monday.
Now I hope that I can keep Mike off of his bike until his arm heals!

We have been contacted by another IL patient in Tennessee. She is a 10 year old girl named McKenna. I spoke with her Mom, Guen. She only knew of 3 patients in the country so I am connecting her to the others that we have found. We have found 11 IL patients in the world now (that need albumin to survive).

Thanks to each of you, who have read Mike's Story and are passing it along. The web site is working and we will continue to search for other patients as we learn more about this little known disease.

Have a great week!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, April 24, 2005 8:49 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike went in for his IVIG infusion today. I pretreated him with benedryl and tylenol. We have slowed down the flow rate and now he can get this treatment without any pain. :-)

I taught him how to play solitaire. He has only played it on the computer so I showed him how to set up the cards to play the game the "old fashion" way! He thought that was great!

Aurora Diaz and Keith came by from ABC 30 to film Mike for the Children's Miracle Network Program that will air on June 5th. Mike was so excited to be included in the show again this year. Be sure to watch!!

Mike has a new mountain bike that he is riding on the bike trails each day. He is up to 10 miles! This should be a great way to help move some of the fluid out of his left leg, with the lymphedema. I'm going to start riding along with him tomorrow (to get ready for summer)! Hope that I can keep up with him!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 11:41 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike woke up last Thursday morning at 4:00 AM with terrible pain. He didn't want the tylenol with codine so we comforted him until he fell back to sleep an hour later. Then he got up at 7:00 AM and wanted to go to school because he had 5 tests that day and he didn't want to miss them. What a trooper! I know he was exhausted from the night before.

Then Friday morning he recieved a note at school letting him know that he had made "High Honor Roll". He brought the paper to the "Kid's Day" luncheon at the hospital and showed it to Jody Jo from Kiss Country Radio. She does so much to help the kids at Children's Hospital and she made Mike feel so special! THANK YOU!!

We are so proud of Mike's "can do" attitude!

Next week we go in for the albumin "tune up" and the following week he will get another infusion of IVIG.

Hope that you are all enjoying this beautiful spring weather! Steve and Mike have been having fun planting their garden with blackberries, strawberries, zucchini and tomotoes.

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, April 4, 2005 12:18 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike was able to make it 3 weeks before needing his albumin infusion again! He had been going in every 2 weeks for the last 5 YEARS!! We are so happy that he is able to stay healthy for a longer period of time.

The new IVIG infusions are definately working. We found this treatment by linking to other IL patients through this web site. Thanks, to each of you, for reading Mike's Story and passing it along to others. The web site is helping us network and we are hopeful that we will continue to learn more about IL to lead to a longer and healthier life for our son.

His albumin level was 1.9 (normal 3.8-4.8). Also, Mike is having less pain. :-)

Tomorrow at 7:00 PM, Mike will be "crossing over" from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. The ceremony will be at Dry Creek Elementary. We are so proud of him!

Best wishes,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 10:55 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

The boys are out of school this week and are enjoying Spring break. We visited some of the Aunts, Uncles and cousins this week. Mike had a great time showing them how to win lots of tickets at Chuck E. Cheese! Friday we will be decorating the Easter eggs.

Mike did GREAT at his last albumin treatment. This was the first time, in 5 YEARS, that he was able to make it for 3 weeks without an infusion!! We were thrilled!

This Friday he will be receiving another IVIG infusion. Mike's albumin levels are looking better each time he gets this new treatment. The lymphedema in his left leg has gone down a little bit and he is having less pain.

We are so grateful to each of you for signing the guestbook and passing Mike's Story along. (This is how we learned that IVIG infusions were helping other IL patients.) Please continue to spread the word as we look for more treatments and hopefully a cure!!

We appreciate your prayers and kind words of encouragement for our son. Wishing you a very Happy Easter!

Love,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, March 11, 2005 11:48 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike is helping out with the "Kid's Day" fundraiser for Children's Hospital Central California on Tuesday March 15.

If you would like to join us, to help sell newspapers, please call Teri (559)324-1778 or email:
Taylor.Ken@worldnet.att.net

We will be at the intersection of Shaw and Clovis Ave., at the Shell gas station, from (6 AM until 8 AM). So visit us that morning and buy a "Kid's Day" paper from Mike!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FUN WAY TO SUPPORT, OUR VERY OWN, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL!!!

Mike did GREAT at his treatment on Wednesday. This was the first time, in 5 YEARS, that he was able to go 3 weeks without an infusion!! He was thrilled!! Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words of encouragement.

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, March 6, 2005 12:33 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike will be helping out with the "Kid's Day" Fundraiser for Children's Hospital Central California on Tuesday, March 15.

If you would like to join us, to help sell newspapers, please call Teri (559)324-1778 or email:
Taylor.Ken@worldnet.att.net.

We will be at the intersection of Shaw and Clovis Ave. from (6 AM - 7:15 AM). Then we will be moving to the intersection of Nees and Peach Ave. to sell papers with the Buchanan High School Students from (7:30 AM - 8:30 AM). So visit us that morning and buy a Kid's Day paper from Mike!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FUN WAY TO SUPPORT, OUR VERY OWN, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL!!!

Best wishes,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 10:54 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

We have some GREAT news! The swelling in Mike's left leg has begun to go down for the first time EVER!! The new IVIG infusions are bringing his protein levels up and somehow this is helping to reduce the swelling in his leg with Lymphedema.

We found other patients with IL, through this web site, who were recieving IVIG and so it has been added to Mike's treatment and it's helping! Dr. Day, from Austalia, tells more about IL at: littleleakers.com
(which is linked to Mike's site).

Mike went in for IVIG infusion last Wednesday and will have his regular "tune up" every 3 weeks now, rather than every 2 weeks. That will be next Wednesday.

We would like to thank each of you who have taken the time to read Mike's Story and to pass it along. This email chain letter is working! We are hoping to continue to find new treatments and we now believe that we will!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 9:31 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike has had a cold for about a week. Saturday he had a fever of 103.6 degrees! I gave him Tylenol and the fever would come down, but as soon as the medicine would wear off, the temperature would climb up again. Last night it was 102 degrees so we decided to take him to the hospital early today for his "tune up". Good thing that we did. They ordered a chest xray and diagnosed him with pneumonia! So now he is on an antibiotic, albuterol (with nebulizer breathing treatments) and Tylenol.

The good news was that his albumin level was the highest it has EVER been in the last 6 years - 2.9 (3.8-4.8) BEFORE he recieved his treatment. I believe that the new IVIG infusions have caused the albumin level to come up, near the normal range. This will mean fewer albumin infusions for Mike!

We are so thankful to each of you for your prayers and well wishes for our son!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe , Brian, Steve and Mike

Saturday, February 5, 2005 0:04 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

We have some GREAT news! Mike went in for his regular "tune up" on Wednesday. His albumin was 2.3(3.8-4.8)and his calcium was 7.9 (8.7-11.0). This is a little higher than it has been. But after his treatment, his albumin was 3.7 (3.8- 4.8) and his calcium was 8.5 (8.7-11.0). Even though he was still slightly below the normal range after his treatment, these are the best lab results that we have had IN 6 YEARS!!
We would like to thank each of you for helping us with our email chain-letter. This web site is working! We found other patients with IL, through the web site, who were recieving IVIG infusions and so we tried it. I believe that the new IVIG infusions are helping Mike to get his blood levels near the normal range. Who knows what information we will find next!
We feel hopeful now that we will find more information about IL to help us lead to a cure for Mike. That is the goal!! We could not do this alone, but TOGETHER, I believe that we can overcome IL.
Mike just recieved his Arrow of Light Award with Cub Scouts and will be crossing over into Boy Scouts this month. Also, he made Honor Roll and will recieve an award for that at school on Tuesday. We are so proud of him! I'll take pictures!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, January 21, 2005 11:25 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

We had a busy week at the hospital! Mike went in for his new IVIG infusion on Monday. Then on Wednesday we were there all day for his regular "tune up". The port (deep access line) was sluggish so we needed to give him TPA to help clear the line. This needs to dwell overnight so we went back in on Thursday morning, at 7:00am, to remove the TPA and the access needle. Then I hurried him over to school so he wasn't tardy for the 8:25am bell. We made it!

Mike is on the wrestling team at Garfield now. He was able to pin the boy from Riverview in just 12 seconds! Then today, he competed with Copper Hills. They gave him a boy who was in a heavier weight class, but Mike still managed to pin him! Hurray Mike!!

Tomorrow, Mike will be racing his Pinewood Derby car in the Cub Scout race. He has been working on his car for hours to get it to be as fast as possible. We'll let you know how he does.

Mike really enjoys reading the wonderful messages and we appreciate your kind and encouraging words for our son!

Best wishes,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Sunday, January 2, 2005 0:46 AM CST

Hi everyone,

We had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and hope that you did too! The highlight was when Mike met Jim Abbott, who was a pitcher for the Anaheim Angels. He gave Mike a wonderful autographed picture and baseball cards (that Mike has already framed)!

We may be going in for Mike's next "tune up" on Monday. Our usual day is Wednesday but Monday is a school holiday and it would be great if he didn't have to miss a day of school this week.

Mike has decided to start a fundraiser for Children's Hospital Central California. He wants to thank them for all of the wonderful care they have given him over the years. You will see some donation boxes around town with Mike's picture on them. Some of our friends and businesses are helping out, including Soccer and Lifestyle, First String Sports and John's Incredible Pizza. Every dollar donated will go to Children's Hospital for sick and injured children.

We are so proud of Mike's wonderful attitude! This is just another way that he is taking a challenging medical condition and turning it into a positive situation.

Wishing each of you a healthy and Happy New Year!

Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Wednesday, December 22, 2004 12:36 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

We are enjoying the wonderful spirit of Christmas and hope that you are too!

Mike went in for his regular "tune up" on Monday. His albumin was 2.1 (3.8-4.8). Then yesterday he went in for another infusion of IVIG. This will help to strengthen his immune system. During this treatment, he developed severe pain in his back and leg. His whole body was trembling and he developed a fever of 101 degrees. The pain was getting so bad that the doctor ordered morphine. But Mike decided to tough it out for an hour with just Tylenol. They slowed down the flow rate of the treatment and thankfully, the pain went away.

Today, he is just fine! He is wrapping presents for his cousins and can hardly wait for Christmas to get here. We're back to normal!

We would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and kind words of encouragement! Hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and we wish you good health and much happiness in the New Year!

Love,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, December 16, 2004 2:28 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Hope that you are all enjoying the Christmas Season!

Tomorrow is the last day of school and then the boys will be home for 2 weeks! We will be baking and decorating Christmas cookies for our special friends. Our oldest son, Joe, just returned home from college. We are so happy to have everyone together again!

Mike went in for his "tune up" last Wednesday. His albumin was 2.2(3.8-4.8.) He developed a fever of 103 degrees that same night. He's much better but still using the nebulizer to help with his breathing. Monday he will recieve more albumin and calcium. Also, they are adding IVIG, so we will be going in Tuesday to recieve that infusion. He should be in great shape, after that, to enjoy a wonderful Christmas with all of the family. Can't wait!

Thanks, to all of our friends, for your wonderful support!

Love,

Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, December 3, 2004 10:57 AM CST

Hi Everyone,

We had a wonderful time at Thanksgiving with 38 family members down in Southern California. We all played a big football game to work up our appetites for the big turkey dinner! It's always so nice to just be together!
Mike goes in for his next "tune up" on Wednesday. The hospital called and they are adding an IVIG infusion, each month, to Mike's scheduled medical treatments. He is leaking immuglobulins and his immune system is compromised. So this means more days at the hospital for Mike.
We are getting ready for Christmas around here. Our family has been baking and decorating Christmas cookies to give out. I do the baking, Mike and the boys do the decorating (and sampling)! We went to a fun Christmas party at the hospital Wednesday night and enjoyed an evening with some our our special hospital friends!
Wishing each of you a wonderful Christmas Season!
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Sunday, November 21, 2004 10:34 PM CST

Hi Everyone,
The boys are out of school this week. Mike goes in for his "tune up" on Tuesday. Then we will be going down to Newport Beach to spend Thanksgiving with 38 family members! Can't wait!
Last week, Mike went in to Hanger Prosthetics to have his left leg measured for his new compression sock. He has Lymphadema and the leg has swelled 3 more inches! We have been wrapping his leg, using a compression sock and even elevating his leg at night by putting 4 pillows underneath. But as he sleeps, his leg always ends up under the pillows.
We were surprised when a nice woman named Vera called us. She gave us a hospital bed that she isn't using. Now Mike will be able to have his leg up as he sleeps comforatably. Let's hope that gravity will help drain some of that fluid out of his leg. We are so thankful!
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Warmly,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, November 11, 2004 8:52 PM CST

Hi Everyone,

Mike did well at his "tune up" today. He recieved TPA to help keep his port (deep access line) open and it worked beautifully! Also his labs were up a little bit. :-)
Albumin was 2.2 (3.8 - 4.8) and calcium 7.9 (8.7 - 11.0)

Our friends, Tiffany and Audrey Hall stopped by to visit us in the playroom. Thank you for "Fortune" the TY bear. Mike held him the whole way home and I have put him him on his bed so he can sleep with him tonight! That was so thoughtful and kind of you!

Football season has ended, but not before Mike had a chance to "sack the quarterback"! Next week, Mike will start wrestling. I told the coach that he's had lots of practice already, wrestling with his 3 older brothers!

Sunday we are driving up to San Fransisco to see our oldest son, Joe. He is playing soccer for the University of Portland and they will be playing at St. Mary's. Mike is on a restricted diet and so he is bringing some of his Halloween candy to share with Joe. He can't wait to surprise him with his big bag of treats!

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes for our son. We appreciate your kindness so much!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, October 25, 2004 7:47 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and will go in for his next "tune up" on Wednesday.

CUSD Today wrote a wonderful article about Mike in the October 20th edition. You can read the story by going to:

http://notes.clovisusd.k12.ca.us/news/cusdtoday.nsf

Then click "recent articles" and then "Iron Mike Will Steal Your Heart".

Mike was so excited to see his picture on the front page of the paper! We are adding this to his scrapbook!

Thank you for you prayers and well wishes for our son!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, October 25, 2004 11:10 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that the CUSD Today newspaper wrote a nice article on Mike in the October 20 edition. Mike was so excited to see his picture in the paper that we're putting it in his scapbook!

Mike is doing well. He went in for the Echocardiogram last Wednesday. They found that one of the flaps is sticking on one of the 4 valves of his heart. He is getting good blood flow though, and everything else looks healthy and fine. We don't have to do anything to fix it. They will just check it every few years to keep an eye on it.

Mike goes in for his next "tune up" on Wednesday so that he'll be all ready to play in his next football game on Thursday! Go Cubs!!

Have a great week! Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words of encouragement.

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Monday, October 18, 2004 7:31 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did well at his "tune up" last Wednesday. His albumin level was 2.0(normal 3.8-4.8) and his ionized calcium was .98 (1.15-1.26). They drew some extra labs this time. His white blood counts were Segs 82 (31-61%) and Lymphs 6 (28-48%). His Lymphs are always quite low. He is still having an allergic reaction as he gets the IV calcium even though they have slowed down the flow rate quite a bit.
Mike's football team played Dry Creek last Friday and tied them 12-12! Then on Saturday, Mike had a soccer game. Mike scored the 2 goals to win the game 2-1!! The school carnival was Friday night and Mike won a chocolate cake in the cake walk! What fun!
Mike will be getting an Echocardiagram on Wednesday at the hospital. I'll let you know how that goes next time.

Hope that you're all enjoying this cooler weather. The boys are counting the days until Halloween!

Thank you for your prayers, kind words and well wishes for Mike! We sure do appreciate it!

Best wishes,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, October 5, 2004 2:17 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to say "thank you" to each of you who helped with the Kiss Country Change Bandit and Radiothon Fundraiser for Children's Hospital. They were able to exceed their goal of $500,00.00!! Mike had fun collecting the change and is already looking forward to next year!

Mike's "tune up" went well last Wednesday. They were able to run the IV Calcium Gluconate at a slower rate and so Mike had no allergic reaction this time. Also, his albumin level was a little higher 2.1 (normal 3.8-4.8) and his calcium was 7.6 (8.7-11.0).

We had an appointment with Dr. Kelts and Dr. Guggig on Friday. They have ordered a Dexscan test to check Mike's bones. He is constantly leaking calcium and has pain almost daily so we need to monitor how this may be effecting his bones. I'll let you know when we do that test.

Mike is going to recieve the "Incredible Cub Award" at Garfield today! I'll be there with my camera and will post the picture next time on the web site.

We'd like to thank each of you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement. We look forward to hearing from you and we appreciate, so much, our wonderful family and friends!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, September 24, 2004 11:18 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is doing well and will have his next "tune up" on Wednesday.

We would like to thank each of you, who have supported Children's Hospital, with the "Change Bandit Fundraiser".
We hope to see some of you at the "Bandit Bash" at Children's Hospital. Mike was so honored to be asked to participate and we will be dropping off his own bag of change tonight!

If you listen to Kiss Country Radio 93.7FM, you will hear John and Jody Jo doing the Radiothon Fundraiser too! Mike and I will talk with them on the air Saturday at 11:30am.

Today is Mike's first football game at Copper Hills Elementary School! Can't wait to see him in his uniform on the field! GO CUBS!!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and kind words of encouragement. It is so wonderful to hear from you!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, September 16, 2004 12:47 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike had his "tune up" yesterday. His albumin was 2.0 (normal 3.8-4.8) and his calcium was 8.1 (normal 8.7-11.0).
He is still having an allergic reation to the IV Calcium Gluconate. Mike needs these "tune ups" to survive and yet he is having difficulty recieving the treatments. Hopefully, by slowing down the infusion, even more, he will be OK. I trust the doctors to figure it out.
Mike scored the first goal of the soccer game Saturday! What a great game!
I'd like to thank all of you who are helping out with the Kiss Country "Change Bandits" fundraiser. Mike was honored to be asked to participate. All of the money raised goes to Children's Hospital Central California. Some of Mike's friends (and businesses) that are helping out are: First String Sports, Soccer and Lifestyle, Clovis Junior Soccer League, State Farm Insurance (in Clovis), London Properties Realators, Big O Tires (Shaw by the 99 fwy.), Saturn and John's Incredible Pizza!!
They have collection bags, along with Mike's Story! Please donate your change (or checks) to this wonderful cause!
Mike is linked to a new web site:
Littleleakers.com (which is a new support group getting started for patients with IL)
Have a great weekend! Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement for our son!

Best wishes,

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, September 3, 2004 9:55 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike got his cast off on Monday. Hurray!! The first thing he did was to go swimming! He's already been to soccer practice. He scored all 3 of the goals!! The coach loves him!

Mike had his last "tune up" on Wednesday. His albumin was 1.9 (normal 3.8-4.8) and his calcium was VERY LOW at 7.4 (normal 8.7-11.0). The lab called it in because it was so low! But after Mike recieved his infusion, he was just fine and ready to play!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to each of you who are helping with the Kiss Country "Change Bandits" fundraiser! Some friends of ours and local businesses are collecting change (or checks) which all goes to Children's Hospital Central California. Some of the businesses participating have Mike's Story up at their cash registers, along with the Change Bandit bag: First String Sports, Soccer and Lifestyle, Big O Tires (Shaw by the fwy.), Saturn on Blackstone, and Mike's dentist, Dr. Joanne Miller!!

Mike was honored to be asked to participate this year and we are looking forward to bringing our own bag "filled to the top" to the hospital at the end of September!

Wishing you all a fun filled 3 day weekend! Thank you so much for your prayers and wonderful words of encouragement.

Best Wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday, August 26, 2004 6:14 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike is back in school this week! He joined the Garfield football team and has a red jersey with TAYLOR on the back in big white letters!!
Mike took a fall on his skates and chipped the bone on his elbow so he is sporting a red cast these days. Monday he sees the doctor and hopes to have the cast removed and replaced by a splint. He wants to be able to play sports again as soon as possible!!
Mike did GREAT at his last "tune up". His albumin level was 2.1 (normal range 3.4-4.8) He was able to recieve the IV calcium without an allergic reation. Hurray!
Mike is helping out with a big fundraiser for the Children's Hospital. It is the Kiss Country Radio "Change Bandits". Mike will be asking people to donate their change to Children's Hospital. Several local buisnesses are helping Mike with this fundraiser including:
First String Sports, Soccer and Lifestyle and the Clovis Junior Soccer League. You will find a collection bag at these locations along with a picture of Mike and Mike's Story. Please stop by and drop your change in the bag to support Children's Hospital!
Thank you for your prayers and kind words of encouragement for our son! Mike always enjoys hearing from you!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Tuesday, August 10, 2004 1:20 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Mike did GREAT at his "tune up" last week! He was able to recieve the IV Calcium Gluconate without an allergic reation. His albumin level was 2.3 (normal being 3.8-4.8)
Even though he was low, he was higher than he has been in 2 years! We are heading in the right direction!! :-)

Mike went on a campout, with some friends of ours, to Shaver Lake. He loved riding on a raft as the boat pulled him! He hiked to a beautiful meadow and enjoyed the clear night sky with all of the stars! He came back home Sunday.

Unfortunately, the very next day, Mike hurt his arm when he fell down skating. We ended up in the ER last night and today we have an appointment with the Orthopedic Doctor to see if it is fractured. Hope not. We'll let you know.

Hope that you are all enjoying the last weeks of summer. Thanks for signing Mike's web site with your kind words and well wishes. It is so nice to know that so many people care and are praying, with us, for a cure for Mike.

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve andd Mike Taylor

Sunday, August 1, 2004 1:28 PM CDT

Hi Everyone!

Today is Mike's 10th birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!

Wednesday Mike goes in for his next "tune up". They are going to give Mike the Calcium Gluconate again. He has been developing an allergic reation to it so it will be given more slowly. Let's hope that by giving it more gently he will be able to tolerate it this time. He will be hooked up to all of the monitors so we'll know how he's doing. I'll post an update after our visit.

Last week, we were contacted by another patient with IL!! Lauren is a 6 year old girl from the east coast. Her family thought that Lauren was the ONLY patient in the United States with IL!! They have been to many hospitals and had never found another patient until last week, when her doctor gave them Mike's web site. We are so happy to have connected!

Thanks to each of you for signing our guestbook and passing Mike's Story along. You are helping us to find other patients with this rare condition so that we can learn from each other. Wouldn't it be GREAT if this helps lead to new treatment ideas so that each IL patient can have a healthier and longer life!!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Wednesday, July 28, 2004 8:21 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

GREAT NEWS!! We have been contacted by another IL patient from the East Coast. The web site is working!! Lauren is a 6 year old girl with IL. She thought that she was the ONLY patient in the United States with IL until her doctor sent them our web site.
I spoke to her Mom, Kim, and we were so glad to be able to share our stories with each other and to ask another person, with the same illness, questions. We compared treatments and they are quite different. Maybe the doctors will be able to learn new treatment options by comparing the progress of the two patients, Mike and Lauren! We now know of 4 patients with IL in the United States!
Thank you so much to everyone who is signing the guestbook and passing the story along to your address books. I am hoping that this web site will continue to spread and that we will find more patients. We will get more knowledge of IL with each new patient that we find.
Let's hope that we can help each of these children to live a healthier and longer life!
Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words! We are so grateful, to each one of you, for helping us to search for a cure for our son! We couldn't do it alone!

Best Wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Saturday, July 24, 2004 8:32 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,
We had such a wonderful vacation with family! Mike took surfing lessons and actually stood up on the board long enough to get a picture! I'll post those soon.
We went in for his "tune up" on Thursday the 22nd. His albumin level was 1.8 (3.8-4.8 normal range). He recieved his last dose of Calcium Chloride. Next time, he will be given the Calcium Gluconate at a slower rate. This is the one that he has been developing an allergic reaction too. Lets hope that he can tolerate it if it's given more gently because it is less harsh on the blood vessels.
Our oldest son, Joe, left for the University of Portland today to begin college. He recieved a full ride soccer scholarship and we are so proud of him!!
Thanks to each of you for your prayers and kind words!
Hope that you're having a great summer!
Warmly,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 6:46 PM CDT

Hi Everyone,

We're all enjoying a wonderful summer. We are going down to Southern California next week to visit family. Uncle Tim is going to teach the boys to surf!! I'll take lots of pictures.

Mike's last "tune up" was on July 7. His albumin level was 2.0 (normal range 3.8-4.8). He recieved the Calcium Chloride mixture and had no allergic reaction.
The doctors will be treating Mike with Calcium Gluconate at the next treatment. Hopefully, Mike will be able to tolerate it if it is given more slowly. I'll let you know!

Thanks again for your prayers and well wishes for Mike!!

Teri, Ken,. Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Friday, July 2, 2004 10:16 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,
We're enjoying this great summer weather!
Mike had his last infusion on June 23. His albumin level was 1.8 with the normal range being 3.8-4.8. He is still quite low.
Mike has been having an allergic reaction to the Calcium Gluconate for the last few "tune ups". So the doctors have changed his orders and are trying Calcium Chloride. He didn't have an allergic reaction to this mixture of calcium but it can cause damage to the blood vessels. Since Mike will need these infusions for the rest of his life, this isn't a good option. We are going to pretreat Mike with Benedryl and run the calcium gluconate at a slower speed to see if he can tolerate it better that way.
Mike's cousin, Casey, is coming up from LA for a visit this weekend. She's in a softball tournament at Buchanan H.S.and we'll be at her games!
Wishing you all a fun Fourth of July weekend! Thank you so much for your prayers and kind words of encouragement for Mike!!

Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Friday, June 11, 2004 6:35 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Mike's last "tune up" was on Wednesday. He was low on albumin 1.7 and very low on calcium at 7.3. He began to show signs of tetany with his thumb curling and his left leg cramping so bad that he was crying.
After he recieved the infusion though, he felt much better and we were happy to be able to take him home!!

Today was the last day of the school! Mike came home with a B.E.A.R. award from Garfield for 2004! :-)

Thanks to all of you who our signing the guest book and passing Mike's Story along. We appreciate the messages and prayers from each one of you! We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends!

Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Monday, June 7, 2004 12:04 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Hope some of you saw Mike's Story on ABC "Through the Eyes of a Child". I thought that they did a great job telling a few of the thousands of stories taking place at Children's Hospital Central California. Thanks for your phone calls and emails. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family and our friends caring about Mike!
We appreciate each one of you who are signing the guestbook and passing Mike's story along. We believe that this will be the way to find other patients and doctors who may know about IL and will lead us to a cure for our son!!
Wouldn't that be great!
Mike is due for his next tune up this Wednesday. He is developing symptoms (vomiting, diareah and swelling) as he does each cycle right before he gets his infusion at the hospital. Last night he woke up crying from the pain in his stomach. But this morning he was feeling better and he wanted to go to school so that's where he is right now. He is such a trooper!!
I'll write again after his "tune up" on Wednesday. This is the last week of school and the boys are counting down the days until summer!
Best wishes,
Teri, Ken, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike Taylor

Friday, May 21, 2004 10:51 PM CDT

Hi everyone!
We are doing great and hope that you are too. Mike's last infusion was on May 12. His albumin level was 1.7 and his calcium was quite low also.
He is doing well this week. He actually joined the track team at school and has been practicing. Mike has lymphadema in his left leg and it is swollen to twice the size of his right leg! Even so, he was choosen to run in the 200 meter and the 100 meter race. He got fifth place!!
He had the biggest smile on his face as he held up his ribbon he had won! We will add the picture to the web site this weekend to share.
Mike's next infusion will be this coming Wednesday. Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes for our son. We appreciate your kindness and Mike loves hearing from you!!
Best wishes,
Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Thursday April 29, 2004 10:00AM

Hi everyone,

Yesterday, Mike went in for his "tune up". His port (The main line he has for blood access) is beginning to clot up. He is being given TPA which helps clear the line. If this fails to keep the line open, he will be scheduled for another surgery. So we are praying that the TPA will continue to work.
Today, Mike is doing great! He has joined the track team and will have a practice after school.

Our other web site is:
http://www.tlcontact.com/childrenscentralcal
click-looking for a loved ones care page
Care Page name is=ironkidmikeT

Mike loves hearing from you and we appreciate your encouraging words. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you!

Ken, Teri, Joe, Brian, Steve and Mike

Click here to go back to the main page.

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