Forgot to tell you...

That I was featured in the latest magazine from the Canadian Cancer Society's Fall edition. It shows myself and Michael, who was also diagnosed many years ago. The strangest thing is that both of our wives were dealt the breast cancer card. What are the odds of that?!?!

I have a copy of it on my computer in a PDF form, but can't move in onto my Blog. If anyone knows how I can do that, please let me know.

Thanks a lot!

Had my Avastin last week

It's definitely at that point now in my life that it's just the "thing I do every 2 weeks". Not complaining about it. Just getting sick and tired (especially tired) of it.

Had a great nurse (as they all are) injecting me and telling me that unfortunately she has to be let go at the end of the month due to the changes in the provincial budget. Was so sad to see what's going on around us as the economy corrects itself. I have to ensure that I make this next statement properly due to the negative impact of war. I find it very difficult to understand why we value our lives so much, yet there is so much chaos in this world that leads to death of others. Does everyone in this world have to be put into a life-threatening situation to truly value the fact that we even exist? As the Dalai Lama said when he was here...this century that we are in now has to find peace without war, as he feels now that war will never find peace on this planet.

This is wrapped up so well in a quote by Pablo Casals:

"When will we teach our children what they are?
We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your cunning fingers, the way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?"

Brought tears to my eyes...


As I believe I mentioned months ago, I "talked" to my brain tumour and let it know that I will fight it strongly when necessary; however I will also let it be with me for the rest of my long life should we find peace.


I'm getting burnt out from my ongoing war with my tumour. I really hope that we find peace soon.

How's everyone out there?

Haven't written in a couple of weeks. Hard to believe that fall is here and we'll be celebrating Christmas before we know it.

Did another round of Avastin last Wednesday. Had a great chat with one of my doctors regarding the plan as to how long I'm going to be on the Avastin (assuming that things continue to do well). He had a great analogy to really emphasize that we must continue down this path. He told my wife, Tasha, prior to his discussion with me that he was going to use some "guy" analogies. He told me that although the Cancer army has retreated and my army has advanced quite a bit, it's not yet time to start celebrating victory as there are many snipers out there waiting for me to put my guard down. Just like that, I knew that I still have to many more steps to take to ensure that I win the fight. They want to continue doing the Avastin and VP-16 treatment until February when it will all be reviewed.

One of the ongoing issues that we're (and many other Canadians) are losing is getting the government to set up a more personal medical coverage system. Might sound insane but in my world it makes a lot of sense. I can understand and respect that they can't cover everything out there. It's unfortunate that they don't have some style with respect to experimental treatments. Maybe have a trial time with the patient that states if this experimental drug is showing positive results after 3 months, they will step in to help out. Why should anyone have to deal with the financial stress on top of the emotional and physical stress of fighting to save your life? Believe me, it's not fun at all!!

I've mentioned before that until this problem is taken care of, anyone and everyone should look into covering themselves financially through Critical Illness insurance. Too take the financial stress out of your battle is a huge relief and allows you to invest all of your energy into fighting the real battle - THE BATTLE TO STAY ALIVE!

You may ask why I didn't have this myself when I was initally diagnosed in 1997. First and most important reason; I was a young 24 year old pilot who always thought that stuff like this would "never happen to me" as so many others in our society think. Second reason; it didn't exist yet in Canada. Please do yourself a favour and talk to your financial or insurance consultant about this and see if you can qualify for it. The odds of using it is greater than using your life and disability. Once the logic of it is explained to you properly, I feel confident you'll realize how to avoid going through what I have been financially.

Was on CTV news today to say thank you to everyone out there that has helped us by donating to "Ryan's Path". Here's the link:

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091005/CGY_tumour_avastin_091005/20091005/?hub=CalgaryHome

I have always felt confident in winning this battle, however, there has also been many times that "doubt" has crawled into my brain and reminded me that there is no guarantee to anything in life. What this has made me realize is that although we know that we have been given the gift of life (and all of the challenges that are part of the deal), we must realize that we will pass on and accept that that is part of the deal. That is something that has really become an eye opener for me and I can say "thank you" to cancer for making me realize this. We live each day and each day goes by like a blink; each week, each month and each year go by like a blink. We are told to "stop and smell the flowers", yet that rarely happens.

Take some time each day to say "thank you" for being here. It has definitely helped me and will continue to help me as every day goes by.

Peace, love and happiness to everyone.