Gaining Focus

“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”. --John Lennon

Most patients, who are fighting Mantle Cell Lymphoma, don’t survive 4 years past diagnosis with or without treatment. I was diagnosed in April of 2008 and am still alive and sitting. So much for statistics! However, I am in no shape to resume a full-time job or start a new rugby career, but there are few things I may like to accomplish.

Everyone has heard fables of the hypothetical ‘bucket list’. Hence, the list of things you’d like to do before you die (kick the bucket).

I never gave a bucket list much thought. I was always too concerned with surviving than living. It didn’t hit home until 7 months ago, that I never moved past the treatments even though they had ended. My life was cancer, instead of cancer just being a part of my life. I returned to therapy and am now setting goals and making a list. This provides me with structure and something to focus my energy and time towards.

After I recover from knee/leg surgery, game is on! Technically, the list has already started. I participated in a food challenge. I didn’t complete it, but I competed. Now I just need to win one. Captained 3 Relay for Life teams, increasing our goals every year. I traveled to St. Louis for a beer festival. I played in a rock n’ roll band, which performed at the Waterfront in Boston, and recorded a demo. Not a bad start.

I want to run or walk a 5K. I want to travel to England, California, and Alaska. I want to eat a Bacon Waffle at the Magnolia Pancake Haus in San Antonio. Make a hole in one (on a real course, not mini-golf). Take Gabe to the beach. Try goat. Some will be easier than others, but I have nothing to lose and only great experiences to gain.

As Ferris Bueller would say, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Be spontaneous. Enjoy life. Enjoy your family and friends. Try new things. Laugh often and loud. And always be proud of who you are.

Cheers!