What is it like?

Before I answer the question, I want to thank Lauren Nolte (former Coach Kim baller) and her fiance, Kallen, for visiting me at the house and their awesome card and gift card, as well as Roswell High School Head Coach, Ty Philips and crew for coming by this weekend, too.  Special thanks to Etowah Basketball family for their thoughtful, inspiring card and gift card and my former college hoops teammate, Mike Rich, for his heartfelt card and Alison G for her cookies and cheese.  Much love to all of you.

The questions is....What is it like to have Cancer?  Well, when I was first diagnosed, I felt a wide array of emotions and feelings; sad, scared, mad, angry, defeated, ashamed, embarrassed, nervous, dirty, etc.  A world wind of emotions run rampant through your heart and mind, and nothing really makes since.  You are scared because you never want to leave your family.  I felt like Elisa was getting the short end of the life stick, as I was cutting our relationship short. You think of lots of crazy things, in such a short time period, but then you regain your composure, put on your big boy pants and buck up!

You quickly realize that this is just a small bump in the road, and it's time to crush this alien inside your body. 
You appreciate every step with your wife 
You love every tone in her voice
You listen & love every word your kids speak
You treasure every moment with family and friends
You love every visit from former players
You love every text message from former players, family members and friends
You constantly feel sluggish, but don't allow it to affect your day to day life
You feel constant pain, but you ignore the pain and continue rocking each day like it's your last day
You eat lots of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
You appreciate every card, and gift given to you by caring and loving family and friends
You notice how soft your wife' hands are when you hold them
You enjoy a nice Bourbon, on the porch, with friends
You walk a little slower to enjoy the surroundings
You still get excited when the Tennessee Titans win!
You still root as hard as possible for the San Antonio Spurs to win!
You remove negative spirited people out of your life (i.e. Allen Whitehart) :)
You taste radiation (metal) constantly 
You endure painful SEEDS procedures because the end game is Your VICTORY!
You get to meet awesome people, like Walter Dean, who is at the beginning stages of his prostate cancer journey, and help him get through his treatments
You meet "Angels" at Dr. McCord's office who help you through every step of the way
You become Best Friends with Ice Packs
You still workout when your body says No
You listen to your father-in-law
You love sitting on your porch with your wife and just talking
You tell your friends and family, "I love you" every day

​I LOVE YOU!