Michael received the best news possible - he flew to London to get his next MRI and the results were wonderful - no change, and therefore, the doctor saw no need for him to continue with the chemo!! The information was sent to Dr. Lacy at Yale ( his oncologist) and she agreed. The year is ending a lot different from last, and we are very happy about that. There is nothing that we need under the "tree" than this news bulletin!! 2010 should be a very good year - for us, and for all of our family and friends who have stood by us - we sincerely wish each and every one a Very Happy New Year!!!! LIFE IS GOOD - go out and celebrate ......
Thanks to all - Gail, Joe & T.J.
December 8, 2009
November 29, 2009
Where has a Year gone to?
Sometimes it truly is surreal how time flies - especially this past year for me. Last year at this time I was home for Thanksgiving - this year, its just another day in Serbia.
I was able to cross the pond the week before last to spend almost a week down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with the folks and T.J. A great time. T.J. and I played several rounds of golf and overall we had some great meals, some downtime at the pool and R&R. The weather was fully cooperative - about 70 to 75 each day. I then headed up to Chicago in order to see my UConn Huskies challenge Notre Dame. At the invitation of my former boss, I had great seats for the game and enjoyed a great tailgate. Was also able to see several good friends from UConn. And best of all, UConn beat the Fightin' Irish.
Got back to Belgrade a-okay and back to work. Things are running fairly smoothly.
I am now in what I hope to be my last (12th) cycle of chemotherapy. I am scheduled to head to London later this week for an MRI and consultation. Assuming the results will be good, as they have been, I anticipate an end to chemotherapy.
My best to everyone.
Michael
I was able to cross the pond the week before last to spend almost a week down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with the folks and T.J. A great time. T.J. and I played several rounds of golf and overall we had some great meals, some downtime at the pool and R&R. The weather was fully cooperative - about 70 to 75 each day. I then headed up to Chicago in order to see my UConn Huskies challenge Notre Dame. At the invitation of my former boss, I had great seats for the game and enjoyed a great tailgate. Was also able to see several good friends from UConn. And best of all, UConn beat the Fightin' Irish.
Got back to Belgrade a-okay and back to work. Things are running fairly smoothly.
I am now in what I hope to be my last (12th) cycle of chemotherapy. I am scheduled to head to London later this week for an MRI and consultation. Assuming the results will be good, as they have been, I anticipate an end to chemotherapy.
My best to everyone.
Michael
September 29, 2009
What a SURPRISE!!!!!
You never know who is going to be at your front door looking for a meal !!! The world traveler returned for a short respite and a chance to get a taste of his favorite homecooked meal ... thankfully there was enough wine in the house to wash it all down ..... an early birthday gift for all of us and Michael will celebrate again on his special day - 9/30 - and we will be with him in spirit!
Congratulations on a GREAT MRI scan and hopefully only two more rounds of chemo.
... we will take this kind of surprise anytime --- the Vacancy sign is now up - feel free to drop in at any time Michael - Love, The Gang :)
Congratulations on a GREAT MRI scan and hopefully only two more rounds of chemo.
... we will take this kind of surprise anytime --- the Vacancy sign is now up - feel free to drop in at any time Michael - Love, The Gang :)
August 25, 2009
... last seen, the Pope was discussing his favorite pasta ...
ROME will never be the same now that the Poisson's and Sgandurra's have visited - and guess who was their tour guide???? That fair-haired Irish lad, Michael. Fun was had by all, especially after dining at the wonderful "Maccheroni" - they even allowed him to order for all - were they in for a surprise??!! All I wanted to know was if they brought some Grapa back for the "MOM" at home - perhaps it is in the mail????
GOOD FRIENDS ----- GOOD TIMES
Good job Michael - maybe that will be your next 'calling' - tour guide of the World ........
Keep up those great spirits!!! That gang at home ....
GOOD FRIENDS ----- GOOD TIMES
Good job Michael - maybe that will be your next 'calling' - tour guide of the World ........
Keep up those great spirits!!! That gang at home ....
July 25, 2009
Cycle 8 - then to Sicily
Amazing sometimes how fast time goes by. Was just looking online and cannot believe it was almost a month ago that the Doula wrote her posting. And realize I have been back in Serbia for over a month now. Wow.
Will start Cycle 8 of chemotherapy tomorrow night (Sun., July 26) for 5 nights, so will finish on Thursday, July 30th. But the best part, that afternoon, am headed off to Sicily for a long weekend. Another place to check off my map.
Me. Am feeling pretty well and trying to enjoy the hot Belgrade summer. I stepped up and bought a car out here - a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was actually brought over from the U.S. and its got NY plates on it. Already took it down to Montenegro last weekend for a weekend on the Adriatic Sea.
Keep it up. M
Will start Cycle 8 of chemotherapy tomorrow night (Sun., July 26) for 5 nights, so will finish on Thursday, July 30th. But the best part, that afternoon, am headed off to Sicily for a long weekend. Another place to check off my map.
Me. Am feeling pretty well and trying to enjoy the hot Belgrade summer. I stepped up and bought a car out here - a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was actually brought over from the U.S. and its got NY plates on it. Already took it down to Montenegro last weekend for a weekend on the Adriatic Sea.
Keep it up. M
June 27, 2009
One Week Ago ...........
Our traveling buddy has flown the coop - back at his desk, where he belongs!!! Great visit, looks pretty good - enjoying life - obviously ate well - did leave some good wine at home for us, wasn;t that thoughtful ?? Figures another 6, 7 months and he might return - guess the accommodations suited him - we're ready whenever he is - really good to see him - but can;t let that go to his head!! Take good care Michael - the door is ALWAYS open ...... Love, Doe, Doules & T!!!
June 15, 2009
MRI Results & Update (and some wine!)
Greetings from the West Coast of California. I meant to post sooner with my results from my most recent MRI and lab-work. I arrived home to Connecticut safe and sound on Saturday, June 6th. My excellent chauffeur T.J. was waiting for me at the British Airways terminal at JFK. On Monday, June 8th, I went to Yale in the morning for my MRI and some lab-work. The following day, June 9th, I went back to Yale to meet with my medical oncologist for the results and discussion of next steps.
The Good News: the scan looked very good. There is NO re-growth of the tumor and my doctor is quite pleased with the scan. As a precautionary measure she wants to keep me on six more months of chemotherapy. She originally stated I would be on chemo for at least 6 months if not one year. In my mind - a small price to pay!
On Wednesday, June 10th, we left for California. T.J. and I decided to take Joe & Gail out to San Francisco, their favorite city, for a week of family time. Figure we'd hit Sonoma & Napa Valley, catch a Giants baseball game, and enjoy some fine food. So far, so good, enjoying S.F. and all the offerings.
I head back to Europe next Sunday, the 21st of June. In the interim, will enjoy my time off and with the family.
To each of you, my best, as always,
Mike
The Good News: the scan looked very good. There is NO re-growth of the tumor and my doctor is quite pleased with the scan. As a precautionary measure she wants to keep me on six more months of chemotherapy. She originally stated I would be on chemo for at least 6 months if not one year. In my mind - a small price to pay!
On Wednesday, June 10th, we left for California. T.J. and I decided to take Joe & Gail out to San Francisco, their favorite city, for a week of family time. Figure we'd hit Sonoma & Napa Valley, catch a Giants baseball game, and enjoy some fine food. So far, so good, enjoying S.F. and all the offerings.
I head back to Europe next Sunday, the 21st of June. In the interim, will enjoy my time off and with the family.
To each of you, my best, as always,
Mike
June 6, 2009
British Airways 175 now boarding...
Good Morning from London. All ready to go. My buddy Grayson will be taking me to Heathrow Airport this morning (no, he's not driving!). Take-off is set for 10:25AM from London Heathrow Airport with a scheduled arrival of 12:50PM at JFK Airport in New York. Officer T.J. will be waiting.
Speak with you soon.
Michael
Speak with you soon.
Michael
April 26, 2009
Egypt - where next?
Just spent a week out in Egypt - saw the Pyramids and Sphinx, took an overnight train to Luxor from Cairo, and spend some time on the Red Sea Coast.
Cycle 5 of chemo begins tomorrow night. Then only one left. Then back to the U.S. in June for some vacation and appointments.
All my best. Feeling well so far.
Michael
Cycle 5 of chemo begins tomorrow night. Then only one left. Then back to the U.S. in June for some vacation and appointments.
All my best. Feeling well so far.
Michael
March 29, 2009
Cycle 4 Done - and a Final Four
Greetings to all. I finished Cycle 4 of chemotherapy this past Friday night. Looking good. Two more cycles to go. Handled it a-okay.
Best news of all. My UConn Huskies beat the Missouri Tigers on Saturday night to head back to the NCAA Final Four. Wish I could go, as I've been to both of our previous Final Fours and National Championships! Though this time it's in Detroit - what a bad choice in the winter.
M
Best news of all. My UConn Huskies beat the Missouri Tigers on Saturday night to head back to the NCAA Final Four. Wish I could go, as I've been to both of our previous Final Fours and National Championships! Though this time it's in Detroit - what a bad choice in the winter.
M
March 21, 2009
Thank You! We Raised a Large Amount of Cash!
From Barbara & Jennet
Thank you dear friends and family,
All of us were able to raise £ 2,262.28 for brain cancer research!!!
It was a glorious day and we had a lovely walk. Barbara and the broken foot only made it half round the walk, but she turned her sales talents to a cake sale where we sold homemade cakes and made another £500 pounds! We collectively have raised more than the WHOLE of all the walkers last year. I have attached photos of Barbara, Jennet and Grayson, as well as some group shots of the Rainbow walkers. We cannot thank you enough for your support and well wishes and cold hard cash.
Michael got his latest MRI results Monday and he got the ALL CLEAR AGAIN!!!
It is tough times for everyone and may your kindness and generosity help save someone from more pain and loss,
Barbara and Jennet
Thank you dear friends and family,
All of us were able to raise £ 2,262.28 for brain cancer research!!!
It was a glorious day and we had a lovely walk. Barbara and the broken foot only made it half round the walk, but she turned her sales talents to a cake sale where we sold homemade cakes and made another £500 pounds! We collectively have raised more than the WHOLE of all the walkers last year. I have attached photos of Barbara, Jennet and Grayson, as well as some group shots of the Rainbow walkers. We cannot thank you enough for your support and well wishes and cold hard cash.
Michael got his latest MRI results Monday and he got the ALL CLEAR AGAIN!!!
It is tough times for everyone and may your kindness and generosity help save someone from more pain and loss,
Barbara and Jennet
March 16, 2009
MRI Results are in
Received the results of my first MRI since Christmas. I had it last Monday, March 9th. I've been told it looks good and that there are no changes since the scan at Christmas. Continued good thoughts. My best, MJW
February 28, 2009
Cycle 3 Complete - 3 more left
I finished my third cycle of chemotherapy this past Friday night, Feb. 27th. I still have at least 3 more cycles to go, according to my medical oncologist at Yale. No adverse reactions though it did wear me out the last few days.
Working away and glad to see my UConn Huskies beat Notre Dame today -- and that they will reassume the #1 ranking in the nation on Monday.
All the best, M
Working away and glad to see my UConn Huskies beat Notre Dame today -- and that they will reassume the #1 ranking in the nation on Monday.
All the best, M
January 23, 2009
Indeed, we continue.....
First off, I could not ask for a better family. My parents are truly amazing.
I am proud to be able to say that they are my parents. Knowing that my father, and my paternal grandfather for that matter, ran into burning buildings each day to save others makes me proud to have the last name of Whyte. And my Mom, always taking care of T.J. and I as kids, and even now, as men, inspires me. Wish I could ship her to Belgrade to be my in-house cook!
And of course, there is the Chop, a.k.a., T.J. He is the best. Though he doesn't like it when I tell him to watch out for any rabid raccoons in Darien, I am sure pulling over soccer Moms in their BMWs ain't a bad gig either. Maybe we can trade spots for a bit. I'll ask Rob if he'd be willing to do a mid-season trade.
Just completed my second week of work in Belgrade. I am feeling fine health-wise and making progress work-wise. I had my blood drawn yesterday and the results were good, hence, I will start my second cycle of chemotherapy on Monday night - again, a 5 day cycle of Temodar pills.
I have an appointment with a neuro-oncologist in London - he has been recommended by Yale.
Alright, off to the races. Its Friday night, so need a night on the town.
Enjoy the weekend,
MJW
I am proud to be able to say that they are my parents. Knowing that my father, and my paternal grandfather for that matter, ran into burning buildings each day to save others makes me proud to have the last name of Whyte. And my Mom, always taking care of T.J. and I as kids, and even now, as men, inspires me. Wish I could ship her to Belgrade to be my in-house cook!
And of course, there is the Chop, a.k.a., T.J. He is the best. Though he doesn't like it when I tell him to watch out for any rabid raccoons in Darien, I am sure pulling over soccer Moms in their BMWs ain't a bad gig either. Maybe we can trade spots for a bit. I'll ask Rob if he'd be willing to do a mid-season trade.
Just completed my second week of work in Belgrade. I am feeling fine health-wise and making progress work-wise. I had my blood drawn yesterday and the results were good, hence, I will start my second cycle of chemotherapy on Monday night - again, a 5 day cycle of Temodar pills.
I have an appointment with a neuro-oncologist in London - he has been recommended by Yale.
Alright, off to the races. Its Friday night, so need a night on the town.
Enjoy the weekend,
MJW
January 14, 2009
The Plane has Touched Down.......
I arrived back to Belgrade safely on Monday night, January 12th. Yesterday was my first day back to work in 4 months and it felt great after my mini-holiday. I was really excited to see everyone and I think the same can be said for the company as I was welcomed back with balloons on my desk and a cake in the afternoon.
Last night I attended the 20th anniversary party of the company on the top floor of our office tower - the 25th floor - which offers a superb view of Belgrade (its the tallest building in the region).
I will keep you abreast of my progress. I will be headed to London at the end of the month to meet an oncologist there. I was put in touch with him by Dr. Knisely, my radiation oncologist at Yale.
All the best for 2009,
Michael
Last night I attended the 20th anniversary party of the company on the top floor of our office tower - the 25th floor - which offers a superb view of Belgrade (its the tallest building in the region).
I will keep you abreast of my progress. I will be headed to London at the end of the month to meet an oncologist there. I was put in touch with him by Dr. Knisely, my radiation oncologist at Yale.
All the best for 2009,
Michael
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