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Michael Messinger 
WE HOPE THE ABOVE TICKER WILL GIVE YOU HOPE!!!!!
Welcome to Mike's web page! For anyone who may not know Mike and Dee well, here is some background information on why we have set up this web site. Mike was diagnosed with brain cancer in November of 2003. This web page is for family, friends, and ANYONE else who wants to be updated on Mike's medical progress, and also to let everyone know how they can help! Mike, Deanne, and their three children make an awesome team, and we want to give them as much support as we can.
Mike's tumor type was called a stage 4 "Glioblastoma Multiforme." At the time of diagnosis he was given 6 months to live. Unfortunately, staying in Grand Rapids for treatment was not an option. The treatment plan offered by local oncologists was pallative at best. They decided with the help of family and friends to seek care at the Duke University Brain Tumor Center in North Carolina. The result of this decision is that Mike has outlived his initial prognosis! Praise God!
Here is a summary of Mike's treatment plan for those of you who are also fighting this battle.
A picture of Mike's brain post surgery. They removed a 7mm by 3mm lesion.
Duke University treatment plan...
1 round of BCNU
33 rounds of IMRT radiation
1 round of Temodar
1 round of CCNU
1 round of VP-16
1 round of CPT-11(halted due to adverse effects)
1 round of Temodar
1 round of CCNU
1 round of VP-16
1 round of Temodar
He did a detox protocal called CRA that removed toxins in his organs from the chemicals he's ingested. He takes Immunocal everyday. He currently is back to MRI's every month, after a 6 month break.
*HUGS* TOTAL!
give mikey more *HUGS*
Get hugs of your own
Journal
Sunday March 15, 2009 
This is what we saw in the sky when we were waiting for the results of Mike's latest tests. The whole message said..."U plus God = Love. Cool!!!!
Ok, so Mike just got off the phone with Dr. Reardon from Duke (8:00P.M.ish). Apparently, he was concerned about the mystery spots. He called to tell us that he doesn't know why, and can't explain it, but they are GONE. Yup, Gone. This Dr. is so busy, but took the time to chat with Mike a bit about the weather, etc...I think they are as excited as we are. Thank you friends, family, and most of all to our God, who never gives up on our hearts. Breathe. Live. Enjoy 3 months without scans. Love to you all.
Deanne
UPDATE:
Well, after a long wait, the Docs decided that the spot was too small to biopsy. It also hadn't grown in the two weeks between the MRI, and the PET scan. I will have another MRI in one month. We are grateful for your prayers on this long path. Remember that God IS always with you. Grace and Peace.
Mike and Dee
The story continues. Apparently, after the whole PakMail mess, the PET Scan that I had done on 12/23/08 was overexposed, and nobody at Duke could read it. They sent the PET Scan to their Pet experts to help fix the scan. After waiting for 6 days (while we were at Disney World with our kids), we did receive some good news. There were two doctors who looked at the scan. One of them was 90ure it was nothing but scar tissue, and the other said she wouldn't have even reported it. Apparently, it is very small (report said 4.1mm's). They are going to send it on to Dr. Allen Friedman, the neurosurgeon at Duke to get a final say. But they told me that he would most likely just laugh at them. So, even though it sounds good now, I still have to wait until next week to know for sure. And in a way, I am glad they are being extra cautious.
The waiting has been the most difficult part of this. It sometimes feels like a dark cloud hanging over our heads. But we know that God is with us. There were some pretty amazing things that happened on our trip. One was a sky-writer writing "Smile, Jesus Love You" over the parks 2 times while we were there. Yeah, that's subtle. There were some other signs, but you'll have to find out about those later. Anyway, we will keep you updated on the final word. Just remember, God will always be with you.
Grace and Peace,
Mike and Dee
Christian just turned 6!!!!!!!!!!
Read Journal History
Hospital Information: Patient Room: Outpatient Duke University Brain Tumor Center
Durham, NC
Links: http://www.cancer.duke.edu/btc/docs/audiovisual/Making_Believe_Real_V2.wmv The Tug McGraw foundation video which describes some long term effects of brain tumors and quality of life issues. Duke strives to give patients a better life!
http://www.thesurvivormovie.com/ An awesome survivor video!!!!
http://yearinreview.duke.edu/2001-2002/headline4_60min.html A great interview with Dr. Friedman...Duke gives so much hope!!!!
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