Pay It Forward - A Friend in Need

Over the course of the last few months I have gained a new friend - Todd Brookhart. I was "re-introduced" to Todd by another friend, Mike Volan. Mike knows us both and new of my journey with cancer. Todd was diagnosed late last year with the same cancer I HAD. I have spent many phone conversations answering Todd's questions and discussing my experienes with Todd. I have told Todd that it means more to me than it could possibly mean to him to share my experiences. In a very small way I am "Paying it Forward". It feels wonderful to feel like I am helping in some small way. I know my experience with Todd is one of the many reasons I am cancer free, I just know it!

Todd is beginning treatment today and is very likely being radiated for the first time as I write this email. One of the things that meant the world to me was all of the visits to and comments on my blog during my treatment and recovery. We all live busy lives, which is truly a blessing. If you have a chance please visit Todd's blogg and post a comment at www.tbnbb.blogspot.com. I can't tell you how much it will mean to him.

Be well,

Glen

"NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE"

Joyce and visited Dr. Yom this morning. Many of you have inquired of my health over the past month since my last posting (Thank you). I believe my consistent message has been - I hope the medical data (scan, exam, etc.) would be consistent with how I have been feeling, WHICH IS GREAT! Well the scan came back "perfect" in Dr. Yom's words and after she examined me, she said she was very happy. Dr. Yom does not mince words, so when she is happy I am very happy. My throat is looking very "normal". I have never been so happy to be normal. I asked her about remission. She said it was not a term that she or doctors in her field use very much. In the same way they really don't use the word cure. Instead of remission they speak in terms of "no evidence of disease". Instead of cure after five years they speak of "statistical unlikelihood of recurrence".

There are several dates I will forever remember that are connected to this wonderful path; May 23, 2008 (cancer diagnosis), August 29, 2008 (end of radiation therapy), September 2, 2008 (final chemo infusion) and February 17, 2009 (no evidence of disease). I also look forward to February 17, 2014 (statistical unlikelihood of recurrence).

As we were leaving our meeting with Dr. Yom and finishing up our hugathon, Dr. Yom said "now go live your life". It really struck me, and I intend to do just that. My family and I cannot thank her and UCSF for all they have done for us. They will forever hold a special place in my heart.