It's been a little while, but I have lots of news this time. First of all, I just had an MRI today, and I'm happy to report that everything continues to look good. From every angle that we can ascertain, the tumor seems to be either smaller, or at least not any larger than last time. I continue to feel great, and have been seizure-free (except for one occasion when I forgot to take my meds) for nearly four months now. My neurologist is very encouraged, and feels comfortable going three months between MRIs now instead of two. So I won't be seeing him until the first of next year.
I've settled comfortably into my routine of topical treatments, Chi Gung practice, lots of green tea and herbal supplements (although it takes up a fair amount of time each day) and have stepped up my exercise program with daily push-ups, sit-ups and runs a couple times a week. At first, the intent was to firm up sagging flesh, as I have lost some weight with my no red meat-no dairy-no alcohol-no refined sugar and lots of green tea diet, but I'm liking the way I look and feel so much that it's making me exercise even more. So I'm nicely buffed out now. Not enough to run for Governor of California, but enough so that they don't kick sand in my face at the beach any more. From ten feet away, I could pass for 30, but up close, the orange-peel texture of my skin gives me away. Subconsciously, I think making myself stronger puts me that much further from giving in to my condition, so I'm very motivated. At any rate, I'm hoping Miles can wear all the pairs of jeans that are too big for me now.
In other news, Miles and Tyler are settling into their high school routines (Miles at San Rafael High, and Tyler at a new charter school, Marin School of Arts and Technology) Ellen is juggling her projects, tennis matches and household-running, and I have a new car (at least new to me...a black 2002 Jetta turbo which will be bequeathed to Miles when he turns 16). But the big news is that my first CD, Bigger Is Better by Dan Reich and Friends, has been released and is shipping. Everything you ever wanted to know about this project (and possibly more than you need) is available at www.danreichandfriends.com <http://www.danreichandfriends.com> along with samples of songs you can listen to and ordering information. Parts of the website are still under construction but most of it is up and running. Check it out and let me know what you think. We're working on a CD Release Party in San Rafael sometime in late October or early November...as soon as the date is confirmed, I will let you all know so you can join us if it's convenient for you. (Please note: I am generating a Dan Reich & Friends mailing list to send out announcements such as this, and everyone receiving this message has been put on the list. If for any reason you would rather not get all the DR&F announcements, please let me know and I will take you off that list. As well as tell everyone what a weenie you are.) I'm also in another band based in Napa who is using the DR&F rhythm section. How I have time for all this I have no idea but I'm having a lot of fun.
From here on out, it's likely that the updates will correspond more or less to MRI results (the most concrete feedback available as to how I am doing) and those will now be every three months. My fellow traveler on this journey from the UK, journalist Ivan Noble (who wrote a weekly, then monthly newsletter about his brain tumor and experiences) has decided to hang it up and lead his life privately, and I understand and respect that decision. I plan to continue, if less frequently, simply because I enjoy writing these, and it gives me a chance to hear from you as well.
A year down the road, I can say that the journey has been at turns terrifying, humbling and rewarding. I have learned many lessons that it was necessary for me to learn, and I have gained an appreciation for life, friends and loved ones that used to be taken for granted. I've had an opportunity to explore a spiritual path towards self-healing that makes me feel as though my existence is indeed a miracle. And I've experienced an outpouring of love and support from family and friends that has moved me deeply. I'd like to thank you all for shining your light upon my path.
The next What's Up will go out in a few months. But you will be getting band notices as soon as cool things happen, since I was prescient enough to realize I could use this e-mail list to jump-start my fan base. Eventually it will be two different lists, of course, but for now...you all are it. Which seems only fitting, since the band is Dan Reich & Friends, and I am fortunate enough to be able to include all of you under that heading.
Peace and love,
Dan
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