Cancer update 03/16/20

I was hospitalized just over year ago on 03/08/19 for 26 days to treat hypercalcemia, a total count of 7 compression back fractures, and a type of cancer called multiple myeloma. It was definitely touch and go, as to whether I was going to make it out of the hospital. Fortunately, and thanks to much good care and support, I survived and rolled out of the hospital in a wheelchair. This past year has been topsy turvy to say the least, but, through it all, I have been blessed with a strong recovery, again thanks to great care and support from my wife, and my many friends like you. There is no guarantee for the future, but the treatments I have been receiving have produced excellent results, for which I'm so very grateful. Today, a year later, I continue those treatments and the cancer numbers remain remarkably low, almost in remission. The fractures have been healing, and the hypercalcemia is under complete control. Thanks to a strong rehab program, I'm now enrolled in a PT program where I'm active and doing 3 - 5 miles per session on the track and on the stationary bicycle at the gym, a minimum of 3X every week. I'm back at work on a part time basis. And Deirdre and I will be soon be headed out for a week at our favorite cabin in Ruidoso. I know this does not happen for everybody who receives the diagnosis I have ---- and I remain very grateful for every extra day I am given --- to be on the planet and to serve in any way I can. Thanks to everyone who has sent their good wishes and support. I'm reminded of a good friend, who passed away a while back at the age of 89, after surviving a tough but good life. We would have breakfast periodically. When he was active in the Marine Corps, he endured a battle field appendectomy in Korea, as an example of his toughness. Later in life, when asked how he was doing, his standard response was always one of gratitude, saying, "Well, I got out of bed all by myself this morning, I'm sleeping indoors, I had a hot meal today, I'm in love with my girl, and....nobody is shooting at me" --- No matter how bad it gets, there is always something to be grateful for. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of my recovery. To those struggling with cancer or other serious health concerns, I would say it's a tough journey - don't quit before the miracle happens. Hang tough. Thank you, everyone.