The Dominate Gene Lives On

There's so much both Cassie and I want to say and reflect on over the last two months, but the reality is that things have been too busy on the home front to find the time and energy to blog about it. For starters, here's me dominating as I get my heart and lung screening to make sure I am healthy enough for my second transplant, which will happen on June 23, in exactly three weeks!

I'll admit, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about Multiple Myeloma. Fortunately, I was wired to be a glass is half overflowing type guy so I usually channel my energy on that topic to try to grow or benefit a cause. The most recent being these sweet shirts that my boy Zak Brannigan spearheaded (check them out here!).

As for this particular week, it has been extra tough because it seems after the dust begins to settle in our lives and we feel like we have some clarity for the path we are on and where it is leading us the dirt often gets kicked back up in our eyes. This week my family lost Grampa George (no, not graNDpa). The guy was the epitome of what it means to dominate life and losing him this week made me realize that genes go much further than hair color and chin dimples...and for this I am thankful. The funeral is set for Monday and I'll be heading down with my mask on with all my family to celebrate such a great life and mourn the end of our time with him here. Here's a picture of our last time together:

Amidst all of this time feeling sad for reasons other than cancer for once, I was given a bright shining ray of hope today. Test results came back from a young cancer patient (41) who had a very aggressive form of Myeloma. After Day 30+ post-transplant, he has no M-protein....HOORAY! The MM journey brought our two families together based on the likeness of our situation (young kids at home) and it's so great to see victory on their end. Their journey is not over, but oh how sweet the news was today!

Cassie and I hope to video blog very soon. Until then, keep dominating!