Hi everyone! First I wanted to thank you all for all of your support and love. You have all helped me get through this obstacle in one way or another. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you.
So, I have completed 6 of 8 Chemo treatments, and I am still going strong. I have no side effects to speak of, and I am still exercising and working every day. I have actually gained almost 25 pounds since I started Chemo, and they had to increase my dosage because of it. :-) This is probably the only time in my life that getting fat is a good thing (as well as doctor recommended.) In all honesty though, I really cant wait for this to be over, specifically so that I can get back to dieting and training how I was before. My last treatment is on May 28th, and I am definitely looking forward to that day. After that treatment, I have to wait two weeks, and then I can go and get a PET/CT Scan, which will determine the cancer's activity level in my body. If that goes well, I can get my port taken out a few days later. Then I just need to work with my doctor to figure out whether or not I will have to undergo radiation therapy. If it turns out that I do need radiation therapy, it will be acute, not general, which means less side effects, and less exposure. Also, it will most likely only be for a half hour each day for a month. Not too bad considering what some people have to go through. Wish me luck!
Lately, I have been spending a lot of my time lately working on a website for my MMA gym. I pushed it live last week, and could really use some feedback on the usability and functionality of it. If anyone wants to check it out, head over to:
www.coga-mma.com
and let me know what you think.
Another thing I have been working on is a way to help raise money for Cancer research. I feel like there are a lot of people out there, going through what I am going through, but having a much tougher time of it than me. I want to use the extra energy that I am fortunate enough to have, to try and help those who are really in need. So, the only thing that I could think of, was t-shirts! I made a t-shirt that I feel really embodies my attitude towards the whole situation, and would like to ask each and every one of you to buy one. 100% of the profits from the sale of these shirts will be donated to Team in Training (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America.) They are only $20, and you can buy them directly off of my website which is located at:
www.squirrelfaktory.com
You will need to create a google account, because I use google checkout, but that should only take a minute or two. I used google checkout because they make it very easy for me to accept credit card payments, and keep track of orders and shipping addresses. The plan for the shirts is as follows:
Pre-orders are open from now until May 28th. Once pre-orders close I will order the shirts, and I should have them ready by mid June. Once that happens I will fly to California and hand deliver the shirts to everyone who purchased one. If you are not going to be available then, or if you don't live in California, I'll be happy to mail it to you. Then, I will have a "Josh beat Cancer" party, and I would like everyone who attends to wear the shirts. Sounds fun, right? ;-) This is something that really means a lot to me, so please please please help me out with this. I need to sell at least 200 in order to even get them printed, so every order counts!
Lastly, I will keep everyone updated from here on out, as I figure out the next stages of my treatment. Coming up soon here is when I figure out whether or not I need to continue treatment, or change course, or whatever other outcome there may be. So cross your fingers. These are the important weeks ahead.
-Josh-
