The idea of not discussing the term "cancer" and there for not writing about it on such platforms creates this illusion that maybe it has beaten or something else. The ol "no news is good news". Well as it turns out,  its simply that this roller coaster continues and life has seemed to been side tracked. Mikes cancer fight update has been long past due, but as with many the days and weeks seem to cruise by in a web of busyness. Unfortunately, not writing about the fight does not translate to no cancer fight. But that is what there is still here - fight. Fighting for good days and memories and health each day. 

It has been since February 2023 since the last update and to say many things have perspired since would be a massive understatement. It seems like years ago the first diagnosis was revealed and this fight began without understanding what Mike was up against. Now, kicking off 2024 Mike is still in the battle and continuing his fight against this disease called cancer - better equipped with knowledge and strength. Through countless doctor visits, scans, infusions, hospital trips, specialists, surgeries, and home health Mike finds himself into a new year.  Most of spring and summer of 2023 were days of mainly feeling good (or good enough considering) with the continuation of chemo treatment and medicine. Mike was at home independently and even got back to driving some. There were a few summer trips that got Mike away from the home for a weekend and maybe even distracted from contestant medical appointment life. In November Mike went in for scheduled PET Scan in Fargo and the scan revealed a fracture in leg resulting in need for rod to be placed in surgery. This threw in new challenge of recovery. Physical therapy would be road to gaining strength. Trying to get back home and back to that new normal we had established earlier Mike found himself in hospital for pain more than not. The pain management challenge that has been underlying throughout this fight has been ever increasing in intensity. Radiation therapy was used recently to try and decrease pain levels. The past month this pain in legs has grown to a point where daily routine and home life was disrupted. In mid December 2023 Mike entered Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Battle Lake. This has now been a place of rest, recovery, and finding strength again. The care facility provides Mike with the necessary care that is needed at this point. 

The journey and fight are not over and Mike is working hard on standing tall and strong.  There is value in time and memories and conversations and laughter and finding peace in these days. There was mention of this being a play in the last entry. Well, this would naturally be act three as Mike continues his fighting performance. Thank you kindly for all the support and help throughout this entire journey of Mikes.  Your time, love, and support is beyond appreciated.