Today I had the best MRI of my career as a brain tumor patient. With more than three months since the last one (as opposed to two months which had been the case) it was readily apparent that the "areas of abnormality" (aka "tumor-looking things") were smaller than before. So nothing but good news there. Thank you for all the prayers and distant healing that is helping this happen.
Healthwise, I feel very close to being "as good as I was." I'm running six miles at a time, and that patch where the hair didn't all come back has at least a fine blond fuzz covering it. In so many ways, though, I feel better than I ever have. Maybe I have achieved inner peace. Maybe I'm just eating better. Maybe it's good loving. Maybe I'm just very, very, very lucky. At any rate, I'm just thankful that I get to live the life I lead, and that I'm much more aware of the richness of it than I was before. My sensitivity to all manner of things has developed to a higher level, making the life that I have that much more satisfying. I've begun appearing at open mics with the one-man version of the Dan Reich Experience, and I'm enjoying the little music career I've assembled out of construction paper and scotch tape (when the world catches up with me I will use big, expensive canvases) and my family continues to give me lots of love and opportunities to practice my parenting skills.
It's been an interesting and rewarding few months. My band had its public debut and CD Release party in November, we traveled to Santa Barbara to help Ellen's mom celebrate her 80th birthday, and had a relaxing holiday season without having to go too many places. We're starting the new year with the appropriate sense of renewal and opportunity. We hope that your holidays were as enjoyable as ours. Sadly, as some of you know, our dog Ginger developed bone cancer around Thanksgiving, and conventional veterinary medicine didn't have any answers for her. With nothing to lose, I decided to involve Ginger in my own self-healing, having her in the room for my Chi Gung practice and giving her about a half-dozen of the nutritional supplements I take, as suggested by my nutritionist. Ginger and I now have outings at least twice a week, where we can both run. In nearly two months, Ginger has not slowed down in the least. We keep trying to wear each other out. She is being both a student of mine and a teacher, as she only knows how to live at top speed and at maximum enjoyment, for as long as she can keep it up. Not a bad philosophy to have when time could be getting short.
Peace and thanks to all of you. Although these messages have become less frequent, there is no need for concern, as infrequent MRIs are a good thing. Long about late April, there will be another one. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy your kind words, thoughts and support. Many of you have honored me with words such as "courageous" and "inspiring." I'd like to make a little confession, though. Most people who find themselves in this sort of position come to terms with it with calmness and grace...not so much because it reflects well on them but out of self-preservation. It's much easier to be sunny and optimistic than to be fearful and freaked out. I've met many people in support groups who radiate such good vibes that I've concluded that most people adopt an enlightened attitude about it simply because it's the best way to deal with it. But if you still want to say kind things to me, I won't mind. (If you really want to make my day, bookmark my band website at www.danreichandfriends.com and check for any gigs announced on the site if you're in the area. Or go to CD Baby and buy the CD. Or sign the guest book. It's all good.)
So until next time, I'll leave you with a bit of Ginger's Philosophy of Life: Run when you're off the leash. Lick every speck of food out of your bowl. Treat every stick you find as the best one you ever had. If there's a puddle to run through, go for it. And never get too far away from the people who love you.
Peace and love,
Dan
Ellen's two cents ... Every day seems like a miracle to me, I look at Dan I see someone who has embraced his situation with total dedication. He truly found the will to live. He has deepened the meaning of life for our family and inspired us all to be better people. When he was first diagnosed in August 2002 the first book he read was the inspiring story about Lance Armstrong "It's not about the bike". When he finished the book he said "I want to be like him!" Well, a year and a half later Dan has learned his lessons well and I am so proud of him. The future looks bright and we are thankful.
Love and Peace, {:-} Ellen
Ellen Goldstein and Dan Reich Bullseye Photo-Graphics
www.bullseyephotographics.com
ph. 415.460.6824 fax 415.460.6826
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 HOME