In January 2025, Mike was diagnosed with a bladder tumor. He underwent surgery January 21 and March 12. He had a series of six weekly treatments on May 1. In July, he found out the cancer had returned so he was told he would need his bladder removed. Mike went to 3 other doctors at different facilities, including Johns Hopkins and Penn State Health. The other 3 doctors all agreed the other testing needed done first. UPMC denied the additional testing, so Mike had to switch to Highmark Insurance effective September 1. He already met his deductible with UPMC, but now has an additional out of pocket amount of $9200 between the new deductible and coinsurance. He will also meet the $9200 in early 2026. He is self employed and is currently unable to work besides a few service calls over the phone or on the computer.

Mike's next surgery is scheduled for September 26 (out of pocket is over $7,000 for this one and is part of the first $9,2000). He will also be having a PET scan very soon. He still has one more big surgery ahead which will have him off work 8 weeks or more.