Mike is still stable and doing well considering the circumstances. I spoke with the doctor, and he’s going to have a few tests run to see about going ahead and starting radiation. He’s looking at starting the oral chemotherapy as well. Right now they’ll have to crush the pill and give it to Mike through his I.V. I’ll let y’all know when this treatment definitely starts. (This is not the Avastin pill; Avastin is actually not a chemotherapy agent…I believe what Mike will be taking is called Temodar and is what is traditionally used to treat glioblastomas.) The fact that Mike is able to have any treatment at all is a miracle. If you’ll recall from my post earlier this week, after Mike’s latest MRI report came, the doctors told me there was nothing else they could do. There may have been nothing they could do, but obviously there is plenty that God can do.
Physical therapy has also been ordered since Mike has been in the bed for so long without a whole lot of movement. After being in the bed for several days following his biopsy a few weeks ago, Mike was very weak from not moving around for so long. As you’re well aware, he’s been in bed much longer this time, so he definitely needs the therapy. Since Mike is progressing as well as he is, we are going to move out of intensive care! I’m not sure exactly when this move will take place, but I think it’s supposed to be today at some point; I think we’re just waiting on a room to come available. He is by no means sitting up and talking, but if you could have seen him a few days ago (heck, even Wednesday morning before he was being transferred back home), you would be no less than amazed by what God has done.
I want to thank all of you who made telephone calls and sent e-mails to help with the issue of insurance paying for transportation back home. As I’m hearing of more and more of you who made contacts, I’m beginning to think that neither my writing nor verbal skills had any impact on Blue Cross Blue Shield at all—it was all of you who made the difference. I guess I’m going to have to enroll in that remedial communications course after all. Mike and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you for everything you have done and especially for all of your prayers.
Physical therapy has also been ordered since Mike has been in the bed for so long without a whole lot of movement. After being in the bed for several days following his biopsy a few weeks ago, Mike was very weak from not moving around for so long. As you’re well aware, he’s been in bed much longer this time, so he definitely needs the therapy. Since Mike is progressing as well as he is, we are going to move out of intensive care! I’m not sure exactly when this move will take place, but I think it’s supposed to be today at some point; I think we’re just waiting on a room to come available. He is by no means sitting up and talking, but if you could have seen him a few days ago (heck, even Wednesday morning before he was being transferred back home), you would be no less than amazed by what God has done.
I want to thank all of you who made telephone calls and sent e-mails to help with the issue of insurance paying for transportation back home. As I’m hearing of more and more of you who made contacts, I’m beginning to think that neither my writing nor verbal skills had any impact on Blue Cross Blue Shield at all—it was all of you who made the difference. I guess I’m going to have to enroll in that remedial communications course after all. Mike and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you for everything you have done and especially for all of your prayers.
24 comments:
You know when Mike pulls out of this, he's going to have to become a pastor. I truly believe God is revealing his miracles in front of us through Mike. Jennifer and I cried and prayed when we read yesterdays posting. I was praying all night for good news again this morning and am not dissapointed. Faith can move moutains and it seems tumors also. Blessings from the San Antonio Rockefellers
Dianne, I think we need to start a prayer chain, and have a prayer circle come and pray for mike there where he is. God has a way of showing us all where we need to be, IN HIS HANDS! I have prayed more for Mike than I have for my entire family. Starnes you know yourself better than anyone, and you know how much you are loved! This is your time to call upon the Lord for all the knowledge and power, render yourself upon him, and he will lift you above your brothers and sister in his light. We are here for you all. Dianne, stay strong, you are his guide right now, and the strength behind him! Do not let anything or anyone stop this fight. We all will do anything possible for you. Praise be the Lord of the infirmed. PK
Dear Diane,
Dont know if you will know who i am but im Tonya Jeans(your dads sister)daughter...I have been watching this blog for so long now and I pray for you everyday...What you are going through, my heart goes out to you...I have cried many tears for you but what happend yesterday was god sent...When you said he opened his eye and now he is being moved to his own room is so great...I will pray for you two everyday and I hope thing will be going well...With love to you all in Sc From Nc...The Dew's
Dianne,I am a distant cousin of Mike and have been reading this just over the last few days.I was shocked and saddened to hear the news and see what you all have been going thru. I am a nurse with many years ICU Neuro experience. I was not surprized by the latest post. In my years experience, I have had the gift of seeing quite a few miracles. I also do not ever question them when they happen. I learned long ago that every single minute we have with the folks we love the most is a present that you cannot save up. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and hope for a continued recovery for Mike. (which could be a very long road as I am sure you already know) Whatever happens, you are obviously an amazing woman who Mike is blessed to have found. If I ever knew ANYONE who deserved a happy,safe,content and joyous life; it would be Mike. He has already accomplished wonderful things and I pray that he gets to have the opportunity to touch more lives. My whole family keeps you close in heart and prayer. God Bless and as I used to say in my unit.... Pass the ammunition!!! Kim (O'Shea)Taylor and Mike, Patsy (O'Shea) Adams, Kent and Anna, and Cheryl(O'Shea) Mola and Denis.
WOW this is great news, Mike has always been a fighter and he was down and is back on his feet, ready to go.
we know he wants to get home to you and his girls
God is Great.
Harry & Rita Stokes
Diane,
Blessings are just raining down on you and Mike. I continue to pray and the miracle is right around the corner.
Kathi
I will try and visit very soon. Let me know if there is anything you need. My thoughts are with you. Doug Bullock
Hi Diane,
You don't know me either, except maybe as a signature on a Christmas card, but I'm sort of a cousin-in-law from NJ who goes way back to knowing Mike as a young boy. I just wanted you to know that you and Mike and girls are in many thoughts and prayers coming to you from up North also. Mike has amazed me from afar with all that he accomplished throughout his life and with his gentleness and humor. He, and now you and all of your supporters, are continuing to astonish. Stay strong.
Jean Stokes
"God is good all the time, all the time God is good." I'm sure you heard that expression used many other times, but I wanted you to know that's been the phrase that I'm holding on to when I think of you guys. God is good and he's going to continue to bless you and your family. We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know the fight and determination of Mike Starnes and he isn't going to give up. Someone suggested forming a prayer chain or circle, but I think that's already happening all across this state. We love you and will continue to uphold you all in prayer.
"God is good all the time, all the time God is good." When someone we love is hurting or down those words can be hard to remember and live by, but that has been something that I've said to myself many times when I think, read or pray for you guys. I'll be in to see you guys soon and my Greenwood crew's going to keep lifting all of you up. I love you guys!
Sparky
Faith
When you think your heart is broken, And your very soul seems crushed, When the darkness closes 'round you, And the voice of God seems hushed, Lift your eyes toward the heavens, Toward the vastness that is there, Tell your troubles to your Maker, He will understand and care. Others sick have drowned their sorrow, Struggled onward to success, There's a chance with each tomorrow, Face about, He'll do the rest.
Matthew 6:33
Sending love, thoughts and prayers as always to you Mike, Diane, Ava and Savannah. Love "Forever & A Day".
"And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" 1 Peter 5:10
I am constantly praying for you and your family...keep the Faith!
Diane,
We are glad to hear of the improvement in Mike. We will continue to pray for your whole family. You and Mike are constantly on our hearts!
Joan and Mike Thomas
Just wanted you to know that your family is alwys in my prayers and yes, God is much bigger than the insurance company or that tumor!!!! Keep the FAITH!!!
Diane,
I am so happy for Mike being aware of my presence and along with other friends that were there yesterday.With everyone praying and GOD showing us that He is listening to our prayers.GOD is great for keeping our hopes up.
Praise the Lord our GOD.
In Christ name,
Mike Padua
Awesome news! You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gerry
Hello,
You don't know me but I work in the District Office for RSD2. I wanted you and your husband to know that we are thinking of you and are praying for your family daily.
Diane,
We found out about Mike this week and wanted to say our thoughts are with you both. If there is anything we can do please feel free to call on us and any hour. Tell Mike that were rooting for him here in Virginia!
Love,
Marty & Angie Wood
Hi Dianne. I am thrilled to hear the good news! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God works overtime and weekends, so all things are possible! Keep your faith. You are doing a great job.
Jimmy Crosby
God is so Good! I'm one of Coach Starnes former students at RVHS and he also coached my husband Derek while at RVHs. We have been reading daily and praying daily for a full recovery and for your strength. Mrs. Starnes not only are you a pillar of strength for Coach Starnes but everyone he has touched and impacted in his life. Thank you once again and I'm glad you are both back home in Columbia safely.
Sincerely,
Desiree' and Derek Howard
Diane,
My husband, Steve, was diagnosed in 5/05 with Multiple Myeloma and he goes to Duke also. It is a wonderful place and I am so glad Mike will be seen there.
What we know after our 2+ year battle....Everyone's cancer journey is different; Doctors are only human and don't have all the answers; and MOST importantly...God IS in control and prayer DOES make a difference!
Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
I just wanted you all to know that Mike's story is traveling and has witnessed to so many people the Glory of God. "We are the clay, you are the potter. We are all the work of your hands." Isaiah 64:8 We continue to pray for him and your family.
Much love and blessings,
Kim Livoti
P.S. Ava hass had a great week at school!
i want to say that you Dianne are the biggest blessing of all.Pop is the lucky one for having you as a wife and life long partner. It is easy for me to know he is in the best care possible. He has always been like a father to me and my twwin brother and we respect him as so. We love him with all of us.Most people would not understand why we feel this way.It is easy he took us on head first and made us respect him very early on and made men out of us. He has gave so much to me that I know that he will come out with his hat pulled down to his chin, face all scronched up and yelling. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and know that the best will come out. love you alot to both of my white parents
Dear Diane,
I have not had the pleasure of meeting you or Mike. Mike's father Tiny and his wife Elizabeth are old and very dear friends of my family in Ukiah, California. Here in British Columbia, there are four of us who know and love Tiny and Elizabeth, and who are praying hard every day for Mike's recovery and for your continued good health. I am truly inspired by your strength and support, and by your wonderful ability to keep us informed as well as uplifted during this time. Thank you. Melody Martin
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