In Mike's Own Words

I mentioned in a previous post about learning of Mike Rogers' lymphoma. Here is his own account of his condition (physically and mentally) at the moment, received earlier today.

Wanted to follow-up on the lymphoma announcement. Since I wrote last, I have met twice with the surgeon who took out my lymph nodes. I am recovering well. I went back to work 2 days after surgery. I have also had a catscan (3 dimensional x-ray) and met with an Oncologist (cancer specialist) as well as my regular doctor. The catscan confirmed the lab analysis of the lymphectomy - the cancer is spread throughout my lymph system and my spleen is somewhat enlarged. I should have another catscan toward the end of April so as to have 2 points in time from which to try to estimate the growth of the cancer and to plan treatment.

It seems the doctors want to implement a program of "watchful waiting" for the time being. Prognosis is always uncertain, however it is presently thought that a person in my condition and age group should wait as long as possible before beginning chemotherapy. For several reasons: obviously my cancer is no longer preventable and is systemic (meaning I have it throughout my lymph system); this cancer is indolent (slow growing); as long as it makes sense (while I'm feeling pretty good and able to function reasonably well), the doctors want to be as conservative as possible; to save options for as long as possible; perhaps new drugs and better therapies will be discovered in the next few years (since research and studies across the world are in high gear).

I have felt mostly OK. So far, I have been able to do my job (our employers have been very considerate, understanding and accommodating). My plan for the future is to keep doing what I have been doing, to carry on as normally as possible with all aspects of my life as long as I can. The Oncologist said to keep wearing my seat belt and to not take up smoking as I should be around for some years. At some point I will probably be told to begin chemotherapy (weeks? months? years?), which it is thought would almost immediately put the cancer into remission, but it is rare for there to be an actual cure. Instead, they speak in terms of being "cancer free for AX number of years" or of being "a cancer survivor for X number of years".

Thank you again for all your prayers and expressions of love and concern. I would love a cure - if all my friends who have cancer (and similar problems) could also be cured at the same time. I especially hope to be free enough from pain to be in control of and responsible for my own thoughts and words till I die. As I have time and opportunity, I purpose to do some theological and philosophical thinking and writing about issues that arise from life not turning out the way one expected or hoped. Issues like: life's purpose, does God cause bad things? what is God's judgment or chastening? attitude and emotion, the place of ambivalence and doubt, etc.

However, unlike sending you these medical bulletins uninvited, I will send you my musings only if you ask me to. Love, Mike Rogers

Mike's e-mail is pilgrimmike@bresnan.net if you feel led to send a word of encouragement and support.