There Have Been Some Really Hard Stretches
Reflecting on the Road to Recovery
Mike Lowe, a news anchor at WGN, has been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since the beginning of the year. In part four of his series, Mike talks about the challenges he faced during his treatment and the importance of support from his loved ones.
“We kinda knew going into it, that it would get harder as we went,” Mike said.
Mike’s treatment began with 30 targeted doses of radiation, followed by four months of chemotherapy. While the journey was long and arduous, Mike remained positive throughout.
“I kinda get a little choked up about it because it shows you there is a real love there,” Mike said, reflecting on the support he received from his friends and family.
The Road to Recovery
Mike’s treatment has been a rollercoaster ride, with moments of triumph and setbacks. The most challenging part was dealing with mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy.
“If you can think of the worst case of strep throat you’ve ever had, like double it and that’s kind of where this was,” Mike said.
The symptoms were debilitating, and Mike lost 18 pounds in just a week.
Support from Loved Ones
Throughout his journey, Mike has been surrounded by loved ones who have provided emotional support. His best friend, Chris Wolfe, has been a constant presence, sitting by his side during treatments and offering encouragement.
“We’ve all taken our turns sitting by his side while he’s going through this and hope that it helps that a little bit,” Chris said.
The Future Ahead
Mike has finished his treatment, but the road to recovery is far from over. In January, he will undergo a scan to determine the next steps.
The dream scenario is that Mike will have a complete response to the treatment, meaning the cancer will be obliterated, and he will need to be under surveillance every three to five months.
Conclusion
Mike’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support during difficult times. As he continues on his journey, he hopes to inspire others to get tested for colorectal cancer and to seek help when they need it.
FAQs
Q: What is Mike’s prognosis?
A: According to Dr. Daniel Dammrich, an Oncologist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Mike’s odds of being cured are good, with 75-80% of people with stage 3 colorectal cancer responding well to treatment.
Q: What is mucositis?
A: Mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy, characterized by inflammation and sores in the mouth and throat.
Q: How did Mike manage to keep working during his treatment?
A: Mike continued to work throughout his treatment, even bringing a small bag to the office to receive infusions during the day.
Q: What is Mike’s plan for the future?
A: Mike will undergo a scan in January to determine the next steps in his treatment. He hopes to continue advocating for people to get tested for colorectal cancer and to inspire others to seek help when they need it.
