07/23/2025
Dear Oldenburg Photography community,
We wanted to share an important health update about the man behind the lens, Mike O.
On July 11, doctors in Owatonna discovered a large mass near Mike’s stomach and signs of slowly progressing kidney failure. He was immediately admitted to the oncology and kidney departments at Abbott Northwestern for further testing. After a series of tests and a long wait for answers, Mike was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a type of cancer that’s been growing quietly for some time.
The good news is that it hasn’t spread to his bone marrow and is currently confined to one large tumor (nearly the size of a football, according to his doctor). While follicular lymphoma isn’t considered completely curable, it is treatable, and the oncologists have told us that it generally responds very well to treatment.
Mike began treatment this past weekend, starting with immunotherapy on Saturday, followed by his first round of chemotherapy today. He will continue treatments over the next six months with the goal of reaching remission.
During this time, Mike will be highly immunocompromised and taking every necessary precaution to stay safe.
If you know Mike, you won’t be surprised that his first question was, “When can I get back out and take pictures?” That’s how much he loves what he does. And, great news, his doctor says that once this first round of chemotherapy is complete this week, he’ll be cleared to get back behind the camera (mask on, of course, but with a big smile underneath).
We kindly ask for your prayers and good thoughts for Mike’s healing over the months to come. We also ask for your patience and understanding as the entire Oldenburg family steps in to help keep things running during this time.
Mike is deeply loved by this community, and it means the world to us to have your support. If you have any questions or kind words to share, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
With love,
The Oldenburg Family
