MICHAEL'S JOURNEY

Quick update from the “did not see this coming” department.

I officially started chemo a few weeks ago and all going swell.. well.. as swell as chemo can go… and almost immediately my back decided to stage a full-blown rebellion. 

The pain ramped up fast, which sent us down the rabbit hole of scans, tests, and a very exciting Boxing Day stay in hospital (10/10 festive vibes).

After a CT scan, MRI, and enough acronyms to last a lifetime, we got our answer: I have a serious infection in my lower spine. The bacteria have been busy little overachievers and managed to damage a couple of important discs, which means my spine currently isn’t strong enough to support my body weight properly. Rude.

Because of that, chemo is temporarily on pause while we focus on fixing my back — priority number one is keeping me upright and walking.

So here’s the plan (deep breath):

• Back surgery TODAY at 5:30pm

The surgeons will clean out the infection and stabilize my spine with pins and bolts (yes, I’m becoming partially bionic).

• IV antibiotics afterward via a port in my arm to completely wipe out the infection.

• Physical therapy and about 6 weeks of recovery for the initial healing phase.

• Once the infection is under control → chemo resumes.

• Full back recovery is expected to take 4–6 months, but the good news is the outlook is positive and the goal is to get me back to normal life, walking, moving, and doing all the things.

So yes — not the plotline we ordered, but we’re rolling with it. I’m surrounded by an incredible medical team, feeling well cared for, and staying weirdly calm considering everything.

Thank you for the love, messages, prayers, good vibes, memes, and healthy food. Susan has been the most incredible rock during this whole ordeal and without her I don’t know if I would be here writing this fabulous update. Thank you Susan. I know how hard this is on you and I love you so much.

Onward we go.