The MRI had some ambiguous spots that could be swelling from radiation, or new tumor growth, but nothing obviously bad. I think I'll get to go home within an hour. I'm going to take some more pain meds and keep an eye out for symptoms.

Good for you for negotiating a better situation! I know it’s hard to do that without feeling like you are second-guessing the experts. Unexpected freedoms are sweet.
Take care, my friend.

Thinking of you often, Michael. You have taught Isaiah well. I love that he gave you an essay for Christmas, and the message within. What a gift.

This is rich, Michael. Holding you and the family in love. Pills over IVs!! xoxo

Michael, you bring so much light and love into so many hearts. Thank you so much! It is bread for the journey...Peace to you and your family.

Lovely to see you reap the rewards of the amazing fathering you've done. Tears are in my eyes as I write this. Because of your having been there with your big heart all along, they get to experience with you the ups and downs of the journey and learn valuable life-long lessons about grace. Even though your illness is likely to shorten the time you have with them, it may be intensifying the goodness of that time, resulting in ways that they can hold you close their whole lives because of the depth of sharing you're doing now.

I love Martin Luther King's speech the night before he was killed, not least because of his reflection that he would like, as anyone would, to experience longevity, and yet had come to the place of understanding that quantity of time wasn't the most important thing about living. It is how we use the time we have. What a contradiction, especially for young people who may sometimes believe that they are marking time and going through preparation so that, later in life, they'll really live. The way you are handling your illness teaches a different lesson: now's the time.

Thank you, wise teacher.

Love,
George

What an awakened young man Isaiah is.......knowing the value of feeling the full spectrum of the human experience and accepting it all as it should be and is. It is beautiful the way you have brought so many valuable life lessons to him and others through your journey. Thank you for being you....for being a wonderful person.....for being a great father.....for being brave enough to show all of you Michael.

Thank you for this update. I am so happy that you are able to try a different treatment. I also share your regret about missing the trip with your son. However, this can be a special time with your daughter too! You and your family are in my prayers.

Michael,
So sweet and trusting of you to bring us along with you so closely and dearly. I am learning so much about love from you.

So glad you advocated for yourself and had a dr who listened to your concerns. I hope you and Grace find ways to celebrate that freedom and Jenny and Isaiah have a successful trip scouting colleges -sorry you have to miss it too.