[Northkeep] Mikal the Ram
Niewoehner, Hugh
Hugh.Niewoehner at flightsafety.com
Tue Aug 5 05:41:12 PDT 2008
Guten tag Northkeep.
There are a number on this list who know and well remember Mikal the Ram
from Calontir. As he put it, something to the effect of "A bard of
annoying quality". Outside the SCA he was a school teacher and always
took time out of his day for "Story time" with the childeren at events.
Last winter he was diagnosed with cancer. Even while undergoing chemo
and other therapies which sapped his strength, he bucked doctors orders
and attended Lilies with the stated knowledge that it might be his last
opportunity to spend time with his extended 'family'.
As published on the Calonet yesterday, the cancer has metastasized in
his brain and the prognosis is...well, not good.
If you are one of those I who spent time with Mikal, think about taking
the time to write him per his wife's request. It sounds like he could
use the toughts.
En service,
Damon
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Subject: More Info On Mikal The Ram
Subject: FW: Update re: Mikal the Ram (Mike Shew)
Okay, all, here's the latest. I've asked Ariel to send it to the
CalonNet as well, since Ed's at Pennsic and can't do it. The news
isn't good, but ...
Some cards and prayers would be appreciated. Ginger's hope is that the
kids of Calontir will send him artwork, so pass that message along for
him, especially.
Luci
-----
>From: Shew, Ginger [mailto:Ginger.Shew at argushealth.com]
<mailto:Ginger.Shew at argushealth.com%5d=20>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 11:48 AM
Mike has had a number of physical obstacles since returning from
Lillies. What we thought was a cold turned out to be a cyst of air/gas
pressing on a vocal chord. These occur naturally and usually dissipate
on their own; a person might not even know they have them as they
usually don't affect speech. For Mike, this has hampered his ability to
intake food and water. He was in the hospital earlier this month and
they inserted a false vocal chord, which is not working as they'd hoped.
His pain level with the largest tumor is severe. He had an internal
pain pump put in last week that will administer a continual dose of pain
medication near the spine, this device is completely internal and
programmed from a small computer. We went yesterday to have the dosage
increased. Afterward we went to Baptist hospital, outpatient surgery
for a feeding tube to be installed. They made the decision yesterday to
re-admit him to Research hospital for pain management, feeding and
hydration, and will monitor a blood clot found last week. They will
also do some neurological testing for the drop foot. He is unable to
move his left foot correctly, but we do know this is not from the tumor
on his spine, that one is not any larger.
I think our biggest heartbreak to date is that he has had to medically
retire from teaching, I cried all day about that.
All this to say; he is very weak and depleted physically and
spiritually, but not out of hope! At this time, he is not strong enough
to entertain visitors, talk on the phone, or even sit and answer e-mail.
What DOES HELP are cards and letters. Kids' drawings are helpful too!
Please send your happy thoughts and encouragement to:
Mike Shew
409 W. 96th Terr.
Kansas City, MO 64114
Many thanks for all your support,
Ginger Shew
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