I am grateful for you!

When this journey began 6 months ago, there were many unknowns.  How long would treatment last?  How would I feel?  Would the treatment work?  Would my quality of life suffer?  Would I one day be cancer free?  Because of the flood of love and support from our friends, family and coworkers, I have been able to stay in today and tackle each step.  I cannot thank everyone enough for how you have contributed to my recovery.  Your prayers are being answered. 

I am excited to share with you that the treatment is indeed working well.  This week was a scan day and they can be both exciting and exhausting at the same time.  Because of the Billions of dollars that have gone into research, I am able to balance my life with treatment very well.  That said, we need more.  Too many patients struggle and suffer through recovery.  I have a friend in Buffalo who has the exact same disease that I have, and he is not responding well.  I see more patients like my friend Doug every other week when I visit Dana Farber.  What amazes me from these patients are that outwardly they appear to struggle but they fight with an optimistic outlook.  They inspire me in all walks of my life. 

A big blessing this disease has brought me is the full understanding that we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  Tomorrow is only a hope.  Since we have today, lets maximize what we can get out of today.  When I say maximize, I primarily mean maximize the time you have with others.  Be PRESENT.  Our relationships are what we will have for an eternity.  That said the one relationship we cannot neglect is the one with our Father.  Our Holy Father has been with us all along to give us the strength to stay in today and do your part.  My part in this is to keep doing the work.  While I feel fantastic today, I have no idea how I will feel tomorrow but I could give two pennies for tomorrow because I am in today. 

Secondly, I have reconnected with so many amazing friends from different times in my life.  Just this week I was reconnected with my grade school friend Steve Niehoff.  Steve and I met in the first Grade and went to school all the way through 8th grade together. The attached picture is from St. Bart’s grade school basketball and baseball teams we played on together. Before reconnecting with Steve, I had forgotten how many amazing memories we had together.  Steve thank you for bringing me back to those awesome times.

As Mary and I left the Hospital yesterday, we discussed the blessing this disease has brought us.  While I know not everyone can look at illness in this light, I encourage everyone to regardless of where you are in life to do these three things with me:

1. Find something you are Grateful for today
2. Be truly Present for those you are with 
3. Ask yourself how you are feeding your mind, body and spirit?

Again, thank you for your love, support and prayers.  As I tackle today, know that I feel your prayers being answered.  Please know you are included in our prayers. 

Let’s live in today at Gods speed!