Kassandra Owens

An Update on Michael’s Journey ❤️ We wanted to take a moment to update everyone who has been following Michael’s journey and, more importantly, to say **thank you**. The last few days have been busy! We arrived at MD Anderson early Thursday morning for additional testing and pre-operative appointments. Michael had some additional nuclear medicine imaging to help locate his sentinel lymph nodes, an EKG, additional bloodwork, a consultation with his medical/melanoma oncologist, Dr. Baruch, as well as a pre-op consultation with his GenitoUrologist Oncologist - Dr. Pettaway . Dr. Baruch spent an entire hour with us walking through Michael’s diagnosis, possible treatment options after surgery, and what the road ahead could look like. We are incredibly grateful for the phenomenal care Michael is receiving at MD Anderson. Dr. Pettaway was also incredibly helpful and supportive in helping us understand what to expect during and after surgery. On Friday afternoon at 4:12 PM, Michael went into surgery. He came out around 7:31 PM, and after recovery, was admitted to his room later that evening. **The surgery went well.** ❤️ Along with excising tissue around the original cancer site, Dr. Pettaway removed five lymph nodes — three on the left and two on the right — which have been sent to pathology. Originally we anticipated only having to remove 1-3, but Dr. Pettaway found that there were 5 lymph nodes that were "signaling" meaning if the cancer were to have spread - it would have chosen those pathways. So to be safe, he went ahead and removed those 5 for pathological testing. We are expecting the official pathology results in approximately 7–10 days. Michael's first night was a little rough, but he has continued to recover. His doctors are currently monitoring his creatinine levels, which have fluctuated. They are giving him additional fluids and repeating bloodwork to determine whether this is simply dehydration or something related to the surgery affecting his kidney function. Depending on those results and how he continues to recover, he may be discharged as early as tonight! He's been in very good spirits, making everyone laugh, and eating/drinking well. We still have some important answers ahead of us. Michael will have a follow-up telehealth appointment with Dr. Baruch in approximately three weeks to review the lymph node pathology and his brain MRI results and to determine what additional treatment will be needed. Currently Michael was downgraded essentially to a high-risk Stage 2b - if pathological results return and indicate that cancer spread - he will essentially get bumped back to Stage 3, but as of right now pre-results - imaging indicates that there was no spread - but we'll be able to have a more definitive answer once the pathological results come back. So right now, we're waiting, praying, and taking things one step at a time. And throughout every single step, we have seen God’s love. We have seen it through the incredible doctors and nurses caring for Michael; in the waiting rooms with other families, and in so many other ways here at the hospital. We have seen it through our family and friends who have prayed for us, called us, checked on us, helped with our girls, encouraged us, and sat with us through some incredibly difficult moments. And we have seen it through every person who has contributed financially to help carry some of the enormous burden that comes with cancer treatment. **Every single donation has made a difference.** The financial support has helped us navigate medical expenses, fuel expenses, time away from work, childcare, and the countless unexpected costs that come with a cancer diagnosis. But beyond the financial help, every donation has been a tangible reminder that people are standing beside our family. We are humbled beyond words. We know this journey isn't over yet. There may still be treatment ahead, and we are still waiting for some very important answers. But today, we are celebrating the fact that Michael made it through surgery, that his doctors are pleased with how it went, and that we have an incredible team surrounding him. **Thank you for continuing to pray. Thank you for giving. Thank you for checking on us. And thank you for helping us carry this.** We don't know exactly what the next chapter will hold. But we know Who holds it. **Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”** We believe that with our whole hearts. Please continue praying specifically for: Good lymph node pathology results Stable kidney/creatinine levels A smooth recovery from surgery Clear brain MRI results Wisdom for Michael’s oncology team as they determine the next steps Strength and peace for our family while we wait We will continue to share updates as we receive them. **Thank you for loving Michael and our family through this. We will never forget it.** ❤️

Just days ago, our family's world changed with one phone call. My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with Stage III Nodular Melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. In an instant, our conversations shifted from school activities, work, and family plans to pathology reports, specialists, surgeries, and treatment options. Nothing prepares you for hearing the words, "You have cancer." Especially when you're only 40 years old and the father of three little girls. Before the diagnosis, Michael was simply Michael. He's the guy with the unforgettable deep bass voice that earned him the nickname "Lo Mo." He's the dad who can make our daughters laugh until they can't breathe, a loving husband who has loved me beyond measure, he's the man who quietly carries more than anyone realizes, and the friend who shows up without expecting anything in return. He's never been someone who asks for help. If anything, he's usually the one offering it. That's what makes writing these words so difficult. Today, we're asking because we simply can't do this alone. As a self-employed family, we found ourselves without health insurance when this diagnosis arrived. While we're working as quickly as possible to secure coverage, cancer doesn't wait. Every specialist appointment, scan, surgery, and treatment brings new costs. Your support will help cover medical expenses, travel, medications, lost income during treatment, and the everyday needs that continue while we fight this battle. We're asking for help, because we want Michael to be able to focus on beating cancer instead of worrying about whether we can afford the next appointment. We want our girls to have their dad cheering at school events, reading bedtime stories, embarrassing them with his jokes, and celebrating birthdays for many years to come. We don't know exactly what this journey will look like. But we do know this. We will not fight alone. God is always with us. Every donation, every prayer, every message, and every share reminds our family that hope is stronger than fear. From the bottom of our hearts— Thank you for standing with us.