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Keeping with the reflection on the past 8 months, here is the text from my MU fraternity brother Mike Ochsenhirt aka “The Ox” that ends it with the “twitterease” #crushit.   And our mantra was born. 

We have arrived at Chemotherapy session No 12. Tuesday is the last session. It has been a long and sometimes difficult road to this point, but I consider myself fortunate. I have tolerated surgery and chemotherapy well. As I reflect on the past eight months, there have been so many things that have contributed to my ability to battle and stay focused on crushing it.  The cards, the frequent text messages , and regular, nearly daily interactions with friends and acquaintances who wish me well and pray for me.

As we count down the days to end of chemo, I will share some of the more poignant, thoughtful and helpful people, events and insights that stood out to me during the past 32 weeks

October 24, 2014, my friend, Dr. Peter Lafferty sat with me in the waiting room as I prepared for my first scan. It was almost exactly 24 hours after I learned of the tumor in my colon. Pete is a very talented individual who on that day took time to prepare me for what would lie ahead. He described in clear and calming detail the practices and procedures associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  At a moment when my head was spinning, Pete put me on solid ground and focused me on winning.Over the course of the next 30 days, he would guide my decision making at nearly every turn. And, as helpful as Pete was in that first 24 hours, in the 25th hour, Pete’s greatest gift to me was his thorough review of my initial scans. It was Pete who identified the additional “lesion” in my lung and with it, oversaw the efforts to accurately diagnose the cancer there.  It goes without saying that I am eternally grateful for his professional and personal help.

Today I finished treatment one of my 6th cycle of chemotherapy. Each cycle includes two treatments 14 days apart.  I’m down to the last treatment in the final cycle.  I am definitely ready for a break and with the conclusion of this treatment today, I have 14 days to go until it is over. As the end of this phase comes into view, I have been reflecting on all the incredible support we have received from family and friends.  It is always uplifting to hear the words “we’ve been praying for you” or “we think of you everyday”.

 Here is my support crew from this week’s Chemo session. I refer to it as the “Gossip Girl”  session. And don’t ask me what we talked about; What happens at Chemo stays at Chemo.

We are #crushingit

Today we begin the first of the final 3 treatments. Three to go. We can see the end is near in this phase of my treatment and it is important we are focused, maintain discipline, and stay strong, to finish,as Bruno Mars might say “smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy!”

Help me defeat cancer. Click here to support my ride! 

Today began Cycle 5 / Day 1 of my adjuvant chemotherapy, or more simply, treatment 9 of 12. My attitude, remains strong and we are committed to a successful outcome. We are focused on #crushingit. After this treatment, I have 3 more to go!  The final four has begun.

Why I’m Riding 100 Miles To End Cancer

Last night, May 4th, Heather and I attended a Catholic Mass for Cancer Patients. The Mass was led by Fr. Michael Lumpe, a colon cancer patient who recently crossed over his one year anniversary of diagnosis.  He spoke of the prayers that were committed to him by friends and family upon his diagnosis and throughout his journey.  And, he went on to say that these prayers directed to him were felt throughout his journey despite not being in the presence of the prayer giver.  In hearing these words, it reminded me how incredibly generous so many friends and family have been to us during this challenging episode and furthermore, that everyday I sense and feel their prayers, positive thoughts, and energy.  Together, these gifts lift me up to focus, fight, live and ultimately win.

Matt Sanders @ Deseret Digital Media in Salt Lake City, Utah visiting Columbus last month, and delivering Prayers, Positive Thoughts and My new favorite T-shirt from the team at DDM.

Chemotherapy Update:

I’m currently undergoing a revised regimen of chemotherapy drugs.  After the 6th treatment on March 26th, the doctors and I agreed to eliminate Oxaliplatin from the regimen.  Oxaliplatin is a anti cancer chemotherapy drug with side effects, including a neuropathy that causes numbness and tingling in the hands and feet as well as cold sensitivity that increases the numbness and tingling and also effects the throat.  Essentially, we decided the risk of extended, or permanent neurological side effects was unnecessary given the efficacy of Oxaliplatin beyond six treatments (3 cycles).

This change revises the regimen to be a combination of Leurcovorin, a reduced folic acid that enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, and 5-FU (Fluorouracil), an anti-cancer (“antineoplastic” or “cytotoxic”) chemotherapy drug. The revised regimen has resulted in a reduction of some of the side effects which is excellent.

Today I begin my 7th chemotherapy treatment. It is the start of the second half and this is where we will win the game.

My progress so far has been very positive. We are approaching 6 months since my original diagnosis and through the surgeries, the therapy and countless visits with doctors my focus is determined and clear, success is the only outcome.

In taking time to reflect on my journey this past weekend, I recognized the endless support I have received from so many friends, co-workers, and family members who’s encouragement has put me in a position to win. It is amazing and we are forever grateful.

I have learned much about Cancer in these last 6 months and I will likely learn much more as the journey continues. If I had to sum up my education to this point, Cancer touches all of us and it does so with frightening inconsistency as to how we cope, heal, and live. It stretches our emotional, philosophical and intellectual condition and forces us to explore new territory and push through conventional boundaries. It is also the domain of a vast array of passionate advocates, researchers and caregivers who have never been closer to finding a way out! Having said all that, perhaps this bumper sticker “montage” I saw on my way to chemo treatment today sums it up best:

Sometimes it just needs to be said. 🙂

Help me defeat cancer. Click here to support my ride! 

Today I finished Chemo No. 5. That leaves 7 more to go. I am 42% to the finish line. The therapy is manageable and every cycle I look forward  to getting unhooked from my portable infusion pump, heading into the malaise, rising out of it and conquering another cycle. We are winning.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. “(‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ NIV)

Thanks Phil and Eric for joining me during the infusion on Tuesday. I am staying strong with the incredible support from family and friends. #crushit

March Madness is right around the corner and Chemotherapy session 4 is complete. 8 more to go. I hope you have me in your bracket final because we are going to #crushit!

We completed the 3rd Chemo treatment today and we are now into single digits! 9 more to go. We are #crushingit.