“You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others.”  – Henry F. Drummond

I added this quote, to begin today, for a few reasons.  First, I believe that health care providers are incredible people.  If not for their intelligence, research, motivation, and calling to help others, we would not be where we are today as far as advancements in medicine go.  Doctors and nurses are such special people.  We left the University of Pennsylvania at 7pm last night.  Dr. DeMichele was the person locking up because everyone else had already left for the day.  When we met with Dr. Saidman a few weeks ago, he stayed after hours to meet with us.  He was late for dinner with his family and was also the last person in the building.  My cousin, Dr. Blaum, calls to check on me after hours and on the weekends and has helped me with every arrangement made up to this point.  Why do they do what they do?  Because they really and truly care about the well being of their patients.

Another reason for adding this quote is to encourage each one of you to give of your time, talent, or treasure.  It’s so important and it will make you feel so good about yourself.  Find an organization that you feel passionate about and give to them in one of those ways.  My friend, Nicole, says that, “Those who have – give,  and those who need – get.”  Be a giver.  I learned a lot about this during the past year through an organization called Leadership Wilkes-Barre.  Trust me….once you start giving of yourself, you’ll find a new sense of you.

The most important gift that we can give to each other is our time.  Time is valuable.  Spend it wisely.  I’m trying, myself, to be more selfish with my time.  Of course, we all have commitments and some things we wish we didn’t have to do.  Unfortunately, having dinner with (insert name here) is a part of life, but these commitments shouldn’t consume our lives.  I want to teach my kids to be responsible and respectful, but I also want to encourage them to live their lives in such a way that makes them happy.  Life is too short to spend one second being unhappy.  Enjoy your family, your friends, your relationships, and your work.  And, if you don’t enjoy any one of these things, find a way to enjoy them or be more selective with how you’re spending your time.

So, I mentioned Penn.  Sal and I had an awesome visit with Dr. Angela DeMichele at the University of Pennsylvania.  She was so kind and encouraging.  For the first time since this journey began, I have peace of mind.  Dr. DeMichele told me that my cancer is 100% CURABLE.  My chance of recurrence is 10-20%.  And, if it does come back, we simply treat it.  Like I said, the research and advancements from even one year ago are amazing.  Cancer treatment isn’t the same as it was 10 years ago and I’m not stuck with a death sentence, by any means.  One day, we’ll talk about “that time that I had cancer” like it was no big deal.

To end today, let’s do it with a laugh!  I’m obsessed with my hair falling out!  Really.  Ask Sal and my sister.  It’s all I can talk about.  I’m in partial denial, partial procrastination.  The process started happening today which means that I will likely be sporting a cool beanie cap by the weekend.  Hair is overrated anyway, right?  I’m worried that losing my hair might be more traumatic for me than the actual diagnosis……and I don’t even particularly like my hair!  The good news:  I’ll have one heck of a Halloween costume this year!  Oh, a big, huge, shout out to my cousin, Jim Pat.  He shaved his head in support this past weekend.  Check out my photos tab – he’s the cool bald guy standing next to me!

Round 2 of Chemo tomorrow.  Sorry, cancer.  You’re going….wait for it….DOWN!!!!

LIVESTRONG and God Bless!