Michael’s Story

Site created on October 8, 2018

Michael's fight started on a normal Friday. He was sitting at home with his wife Sara, enjoying a normal evening together. That night, Michael was rushed to the hospital because of what they believe to have been a partial absence seizure.  At that time, the reason was unknown. He was set up to get an EEG and then an MRI. The EEG came back normal, but the MRI showed the culprit. A decent sized tumor growing inside his brain. The neurosurgeon knew right away, that he would not be able to operate or remove any of it, because of the location. On October 4th, Michael underwent a craniotomy to perform a biopsy on the tumor. The procedure went well, and recovery was off to a great start. The neurosurgeon did say, from what they saw under the microscope, it was a malignant tumor, and looked to be a grade 3 or 4 Primary Glioma. With that said, nothing is 100% until pathology reports come back from the Mayo Clinic. 


Michael and his family appreciate every well wish, prayer, kind thought, and person that has reached out. However, it can be very overwhelming, trying to keep everyone in the loop, especially when at the moment, it's a waiting game. Once results come back, and the surgeon and oncologist know more about the specific type of tumor and grade, we will set up a treatment plan which we know will involve radiation and chemotherapy. Michael will also be reaching out for second opinions, to ensure he is getting the best care to fight this cancer. 


Please use this page to get updates on Michael's journey. As soon as we know something, we will update here. This will give Michael a little bit of a break, trying to respond to everyone. It gets very overwhelming for him. If you have specific questions about anything, you can always leave comments on here, and we will get to them when we can. You can also leave well wishes here, instead of through text. Right now, Michael needs to focus on healing, gaining strength, and then fighting as hard as he can!


We love you all!


***please see "read more journal entries" for further updates***


***Please see "Ways to help" to link to Michael's Go Fund Me Account***

Newest Update

Journal entry by Sara Okones

Michael is HOME! ❤️

He got the all clear, to be discharged from the hospital at Mayo on Friday evening around 7:30 pm. We were all excited to get him home, where he could be comfortable, see Hazel, and start healing. 

He continues to be in a lot of pain. He is getting around pretty independently, but continues to have trouble eating, swallowing, and a few other areas that we are hoping will improve with time. It has been hard watching someone you love struggle so much, be in so much pain, and not be able to do anything for them.

He has a follow up with his primary care physician on Tuesday, and will be setting up appointments for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech. He has a follow up with his neuro-oncology team at Mayo, on September 17th. We also are waiting to hear back about the pathology results of the biopsy's they took.

Right now, Michael just needs time. He went through a 10+ hour brain surgery, and it has taken a toll. We continue to pray, with rest, and time, and love... that Michael will heal completely.

Thank you to his mom Tracy, who was able to be there for Michael at appointments I couldn't be at. Also, for staying with us for awhile to help Michael when I have to go back to work on Monday. We wouldn't be able to make it through this without you... or the rest of his family.

Thank you to my Mom & Dad who drove 7 hours to be here this last week, so I could go to Mayo and be with Michael for his surgery. Leaving Hazel for a few days was heart wrenching... but knowing she was with Oma and Opa made things so much easier. 

All of the support, from everyone, means the world to us, and helps us get through this hard time!

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