Michael's Travels

As noted in the last update, Michael is felling better, a lot better. This may be short term because a change in chemo is forthcoming. That said, he has been very active of late. In late October Michael flew home to Georgia for a five day weekend. This was a trip that had been planned for some time, he was to attend a close friends wedding. Between wedding functions and activities ( a limo was sent to meet him at the airport and whisk him, directly, to an ongoing Bachelor Party) he spent time with many of his friends. His activities were enough to have him looking forward to the long flights to Anchorage and sleep on the plane. Now this is a personal opinion, having flown my share of commercial flights, but you have to be partied out to look forward to sleeping on an airplane!

The important aspect of all this is that Michael's condition has improved to the point he was able to make the trip and enjoy the rapid paced activities with his friends.

Michael is traveling another road as well. This road leads to Seattle, WA with increased intensity and aggressiveness on his chemo-therapy. This will be a prelude to a bone marrow transplant, which is the major phase of his treatments for multiple myeloma. All current medical activities and personal health steps are in preparation for the road and travel to Seattle!

Michael had not yet qualified for health insurance, at his job in Anchorage, when diagnosed with cancer. His medical community "team" includes a Social Worker and a personal Financial Aid staff member. Their efforts and rapid actions are now producing results. Michael has received some benefits from the State of Alaska, Social Security was quick to respond (hard to believe but true) and granted him disability status. This status only makes sense Michael has bone weakening and deterioration and is not able to work due to concerns with breaking bones. With the SS classification Alaska will provide some health care benefits through Medicade.

Along with Michael's medical treatments and progress, his personal health regimentation and the benefits that have become available, the Road to Seattle is now shorter, straighter and smoother.