I don't even know what to start sharing, so I will start by apologizing for not updating this blog for so long. I've finally moved with my family to our own apartment (thanks extended family for keeping up with us for so long!) and life has been great! It took us a while but we now have Internet (no TV yet...).
I now live a few minutes from work, and best of all, walking distance! I never realized how much energy commuting consumed, I don't recall a single period in my life when I've had so much energy, even when I was in great shape. I have breakfast with Livia and the girls everyday for the first time ever as now our schedules match (they have to get up early to commute and I've always liked to wake up early). Wonder why the Government doesn't give tax breaks to those that live close to work (no, I am not legislating in my own interest, it just makes logical, environmental and spiritual sense).
Finally on the tumor front some amazing news to share: my tumor is smaller! After 3 chemo sessions I've witnessed a visible reduction in my tumor and best of all, still have witnessed no side effect. I am so confident now with my progress that I am back on the bike! Of course taking it easy, 30 minutes of relatively low effort on the trainer and I am good to go. Check this out:
Hopefully in a few weeks I might join a cycling club around here and start over, I still want to do an Ironman when I turn 40. It is so good to dream and have plans, although I learned the hard way that there is nothing like the present!
These last weeks have been incredible! I've witnessed Isabel learn to read (interestingly her first favorite book is a Bible for kids) and Isadora learn to swim (best of all, thanks to the help of another little friend that just gave her the best advice ever: "dig like a dog!").
I also had the incredible pleasure of meeting Oscar Schmidt. For the Brazilian basketball unaware, this guy is the highest scoring basketball player in history (yes, more points than even Kareem Abdul Jabar). I ran into him at a party where I didn't know anybody, and when I saw him I had to talk to him. As I asked to talk to him because we had something in common he said "OK, you are tall". I pointed at my head and he said "did you have an oligoastrocytoma?". Unbelievable but we had the same tumor and were there to share our stories.
Work has been amazing, I've been blessed to work with incredible people all over the place, and while working hard I am enjoying every second of it. , I feel so blessed!
For all my friends that have been praying for me, my family who I know protects me everyday with thoughts, prayers and love, and to God I just want to share that I've never been so happy. Yes we can live with glioma! God bless you all and enjoy your lives!
So happy with such great news from you my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteNeed to meet you ASAP!!
Best,
Filipe
So glad you are doing so well. Think about you and the family often. We love you and keep up the fight! We continue to pray for our dear friend. Love the Zgurzynskis.
ReplyDeleteYou look great on the bike!
ReplyDelete