Perspectives

Greetings! One need not look further for miracles than to realize that it rained in Oregon! We really needed it for the reservoirs, farmers, rivers, fish, and fires. Critics will say it wasn't enough. I'm a glass half full kind of guy which comes in handy, especially now! I wanted to share with you the schedule for the next couple of weeks as it stands now.

Th July 24    Dr. Wallen, Oncologist, Corvallis
M  July 28    Dr. Hudson, Surgeon, Corvallis, small intestine blockage removal
W  July 30    Dr. McGregor, Oncologist, Corvallis
W  Aug   6   Dr. Taylor, Medical Oncologist, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland
Th  Aug  7   Dr. Vetto, Surgical Oncologist, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland

It was once said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." That said and acknowledged, my 'plan' is to complete my presentation to the Oregon School Resources Officers August 4th and keep my August speaking schedule, with the Doctor's blessings of course. I am a 'realistic optimist' (see Malcolm Gladwell), so this Friday, with the help of my friend John Harris of Horsepower Productions, I will be filming my "Welcome To The Time Of Your Life" presentation for new students with separate campus specific introductions to be added individually. Just in case. I do not want to leave people hanging. My August schools have been supporting my message and my family for 30 years. My daughter Christa will be traveling with me and is so gifted that she will tackle anything I am having trouble with.

These are the details and schedule. I would now like to share some amazing things people told me over the last few days. I have decided not to name them as some of what they have shared might be misinterpreted because they know me so well and speak directly and honestly with me. I have received so much great advice, counsel, and wisdom as I begin this journey. I am thankful for each of you who have cared, written, prayed, or commented.

"The hardest day," wrote one friend in Oregon, "is the day you hear the word cancer. After that, it becomes part of your vocabulary and you will learn to use it and its associated words as you have all the other words you know." This was very helpful. Speaking it is difficult but essential to taking it on.

After an emotional few minutes on the phone, one friend from New York said, "Cancer?  Don't you get enough attention?" This is really funny to me as an only child who has stood at podiums in front of millions. I laughed at this one till I cried. Some people will do anything to get attention. But cancer? I dish it out. I need to be able to take it. I loved this one! So East Coast!

A friend of a friend in California said, "When I was first diagnosed I looked up everything, but ultimately that's pretty depressing, and often misleading. The '20% this and 60% thats' don't really mean as much as I am just 100% me." Solid. He participated in a clinical study with the kind of cancer I apparently have and is five years down the road and golfing several times a week. Hope floats.

I have a friend who I have known for 25 years in Colorado. She is a three time cancer survivor and she wrote, "You may know that I have been diagnosed with cancer three times now. After eight years, four surgeries, six rounds of chemo and lots of healing modalities, I can confidently say this: Cancer is the most precious gift I have ever been given. It has helped me heal in so many ways, those patterns, beliefs, habits, thoughts, and even my very identity that were not serving me. I would never wear a F*ck cancer t-shirt or curse the darkness that it brought because it showed me the light. My faith and my new identity as a precious and divine child of God are a direct result of my three cancer diagnoses...So with that in mind, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS! You have cancer. Lucky bastard! I know so few people could hear this in the spirit in which it is intended, but I KNOW you can! I am in awe, as usual, by your amazing attitude just a few days after being diagnosed...I love you. I admire you. I and sending you and your family healing vibes."

My family and I are in the information gathering stage of the journey now and every insight and prayer shared moves us closer to my goal of being someone's miracle. It will be a combination of medicine, your support, our attitude, and the Holy Spirit that provides the possibility for survival. One student said, "You have inspired, cared for, and taken care of us. Now it's your turn to receive." Again and again, THANK YOU!

Y'all know I love softball. On and off for eight years I have had the privilege of coaching great young women. The mother of two of these rising stars is Dr. Connie Rodman. I name her today because she, not as an official member of my medical team, but as a concerned friend and softball Mom, has taken to advise me, make calls to OHSU, share her personal cancer story with me, and guide me in the chaos that follows, "You have cancer." Her guidance has been so very valuable to me, my peace of mind, and has provided me with solace, comfort, and helped me begin to formulate a plan, a response. She has a full time job as a doctor, wife, mother, and community servant. She has spent a lot of time mentoring me. It is another story from what I have called, "The Church of Softball." Thanks Connie!

Blessings to all of you. I will keep you posted. Think good thoughts.

Will