While the visit with Dr. Lukas in early February brought reassuring and encouraging news, the rest of the month was rough, to say the least. Back in Milwaukee, Michael started his first of 6 post-radiation chemo cycles and began TTF Therapy through use of an Optune device. Optune is a wearable/portable treatment which works by creating Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields); electric currents that can slow or stop cancer progression. A combination of treatment side effects, brain edema, and ventricle enlargement, along with suspected vertigo, caused debilitating nausea and dizziness that kept Michael from eating or doing much of anything, other than sleeping. Eventually, his blood count bottomed out and he was admitted through Froedtert’s ER for evaluation and stabilization. Immediately upon release, he traveled to Northwestern where his Neuro-Oncology team worked to improve WBC and increase his platelets to normal/safe levels. A steroid has helped immensely to regulate the fluid and eliminate the nausea/dizziness as doctors monitor the ventricle - showing a rapid and dramatic improvement to Michael overall.

March and April have brought a night and day difference to the substantial lows of February - Michael has been able to do so much more! He has resumed physical, occupational, and cognitive therapy, where he pushes himself mentally and physically in numerous sessions each week. Outside of treatment and appointments, Michael feels more himself and has been able to enjoy his free time with loved ones through family cookouts, golfing at the simulator, dinner with friends, watching UFC fights, an Easter egg hunt, all you can eat sushi, Bucks games, walks with Leroy, and watching his nephews play soccer. He has assured us “he’s back”, and proves so through his positive attitude, silly jokes, and loving personality. Welcome back bro, we missed ya. 

Michael completed an additional chemo cycle at the end of March and, with labs looking great so far, he will likely start another next week. He continues to use the Optune device every day, only taking short breaks for showers and replacement of the arrays. His device rep says he has the highest usage she’s ever seen. Follow up vision appointments have indicated Michael’s eyesight has the potential to return far past what doctors originally thought possible, they literally marveled at his improvement. Overall, Michael has adjusted to this new “normal” better than ever anticipated and takes everything in stride. 

We relish the magical moments - the ones that feel normal, where the mood is light and the vibes are good. It’s the quiet, mundane hours, where reality creeps back in…but we try not to live there long. We continue to put full faith in God, and the doctors/scientists - praying each day that Michael continues to exceed expectations and developments will soon provide a cure. 

As always, we sincerely appreciate the prayers, support, texts, cards, donations, good vibes - it all means so much…please keep ‘em comin 🫶🏼🫶🏼