Dr.s and Angels

After every MRI, I am supposed to meet with my Neurosurgeon, Dr. Crute. These meetings as I have blogged before are always uplifting. I met with her on Monday and this time was no exception. First and foremost, she pointed out the Hippocampus and I was shocked that it wasn't a little guy in a furry costume (see last 2 entries to get the joke. :) )

Dr. Crute was fantastic as usual, she explained that she was late getting to our appt because she had to spend so much time looking at the MRIs, she is still just amazed that I am as stable as I am considering the tumor that I had. She looked and looked and couldn't find any changes...how cool is that! We talked about the future and that future keeps getting further and further out. Yeah! I like the sound of that.

As an added bonus, I was finally able to see Michelle, Dr. Crute's surgical nurse/PA who I haven't seen since I left the hospital. Now there is significance to that fact. I have not really blogged about Michelle before, but let me tell you she was a savior of mine. She was the one person who consistently checked on my several times a day at the hospital. She was the first person who told me NOT TO BELIEVE THE BULLSHIT that the house resident gave me about "getting my things in order" and I had 6-18 months. For that, I owe Michelle alot. She helped get my head around my diagnosis (no pun inteneded). So it was really cool to see her. I ran up and gave her a great big hug! I get emotional just thinking about it. Thanks Michelle!

That emotion was met with more emotion as I had the opportunity to connect directly with Jonny Imerman. Jonny is a mid 20's 6+ year survivor of testicular cancer and the founder of Imerman Angels, which is an organization that matches one on one cancer fighters with cancer survivors for mentoring and support. As I relived the story of my quest through cancer treatment, I got emotional as I told him about the "night to remember" event that you all through for me with Marky P at Cliffbreakers. I explained to him that I don't know how I would have every made it to the point I am at now without the love and support of my amazing wife Kim, my family, and my support group...YOU!

Jonny started this organization to help people who don't have that love and support. Jonny has added me to the list to help another Brain Tumor patient on a one on one basis. I can't wait to pass on the learning that I have had, the inspiration that I have received from Dr. Crute, and Michelle, and most of all the love and support that I have received from each and every one of you! It's now time to Pay it Forward.

PEACE OUT!

For those of you reading this that may have been touched personally by cancer in your lives, I encourage you to reach out to Imerman Angels, they can match you with someone that has survived your cancer and can help you do the same. www.imermanangels.com or call Rynell Cook at (312) 274-5529. There is no cost, just help.

If you want to help in another way, please consider donating, and donate in honor of your loved one who is fighting this horrible disease called cancer.