I spoke to Mike earlier this morning and he is being discharged to home today with home care hospice. He is in a very positive frame of mind, quite at ease with his diagnosis (for now at least). He's on Dilaudid and waxing poetic as only Mike can; was telling his doctor how much he "appreciated everything he's done for him, and that he's made this easy for him (Mike)." Then Mike went on to his doctor "Hell, I've had so much fun in this life, no one would ever believe the things I've done and probably still ought to be in jail!" Even though I was on the phone 150 miles away, I felt kinda sorry for the reserved little Indian doctor that has spent his whole life sheltered behind books, manners, and protocols....he's never met a Mike before, let alone a Mike on Dilaudid. A well-practiced professional straight face can only take ya so far.
Afterward, when we finally had a chance to talk seriously..... In Mike's words "I want to go out like a steam engine, not a diesel, and when the Grim Reaper comes for me I'm going to tell him to move over because I want to drive the bus."
Mike's going home, and we didn't discuss chemo or radiation or any such thing. He's living his life on his terms, and seriously, could anyone here picture Mike living - and dying - any other way except 100% on his terms?
I'm making the trip to Portland next Saturday, and anyone who wants to ride along is welcome.
