Medical Update

All is well. All seems well.

I try to keep informed about glioblastoma — current research, survivor strategies and such. But every story, every video, every medical article always states the grim statistics of this aggressive cancer. It’s a constant reminder that Death looms near. Physically, psychologically, emotionally, I continue to feel very well. I consciously (try to) believe that I’m healed. But I can’t escape the thought that chances are good that a tumor is going to catch me by surprise one day. This thought motivates me to keep up the good work. But it’s hard not to play that game in your head: What would you do if you only had a year to live?

Personal Update

On the Road Again

Today was the official end of my driving restriction. Six months of no motorcycle riding had sort of worn away at my “need” to ride. So I wasn’t as excited about taking the bike out today as one might expect. It was a clear day but very windy and cold, so I decided just to do a lap around the block to say I did it. I have to admit — it felt GREAT! A twist of the throttle automatically revs up a smile.

Photo Shoot

My friend, John Armitage (www.armitagephoto.com), asked if I would sit for some photos so he could experiment with “painting” with light. I don’t know the technical explanation but these images were taken in the dark. The camera shutter stayed open for as long as he wanted (minutes at a time) and picked up light from a flashlight that John shined on what he wanted to be visible. These photographs have not been manipulated at all. The “light” it looks like I’m holding is John wiggling a flashlight around and the last picture is a sparkler behind my head.

Be Aware of What You Eat

Here’s my request for anyone still eating the standard Western diet. Think about how nice it is to be healthy. Consider that what you eat dramatically affects your health. Don’t trust advertising, packaging and marketing. Learn how to eat in a way that will keep you healthy with less dependency on medications.

If you need a place to begin, then read the book, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan. Then pass it on to someone you care about.

Rock Show

A must-see concert came through town so I went. I went alone. (I usually go to shows alone, plus I don’t have any friends in Atlanta that share my music preference anyway.) I was a little tentative about being there alone though. I wondered if the loud volume and strobe lights could trigger a seizure. But I survived unscathed. I was probably the only person in the place not drinking and the smell of marijuana was all around. But I probably looked the shadiest of all — ducking into the foyer three times to pop my pills (anti-seizure, anti-nausea and chemo).

An interesting thing happened at the end. I was at the back of the hall. The headlining band was taking their bows. The lead guitarist threw out a handful of picks into the crowd. Picks are pretty light, most of them dropped right in front of the stage, but my eyes locked on one pick that sailed at least forty feet through the air and landed right in between my feet.

Plan B

Here (http://tinyurl.com/7xpsenr) is an interesting video on Ted.com about a recently FDA-approved treatment for cancer called Novocure, Tumor Treatment Field. I’ll gladly wear a big head bandage with electronic bits in it in order to live a normal, tumor-free life. Looks like a motorcycle helmet just about completely covers it anyway.