Hello blog world. Christa, Will's eldest, here. My dad asked me yesterday if I would update his blog for him. I charmingly took out my phone and said, "Sure pops. What do you want to say?". He took a few breaths and told me that I should write it from my perspective and from my heart.
This blog is not entirely from my heart. My heart is always hopeful and sees the silver lining in every dark and scary cloud. My heart practically sings all the time and is amazed at the beautiful flowers trying to grow in the oily pavement cracks. It will beat up tempo and tell you that my family is doin' good*. We are always good, hanging in there, taking it day by day, and optimistic about the next treatment option or new "plan".
To be fair - we are doing well. Mom is coaching tennis at CHS. Her tennis team won the 5A state title and is rocking it. Go mom! Sami and dad's softball team made it well into playoffs. Although they didn't get the title, they continued to improve the whole year. It also gave dad many boosts of energy. I will be forever grateful to all dad's players for all they have done for my dad. Hannah is graduating with honors from Oregon State University. PS - Sam and Steve are having a baby SOON! They are going to be great parents. JJ has one more year at OSU, which only gives me 12 months to convince him to apply to teach at CHS so we can share an office. He is still one of the handsomest, kindest, funniest, most talented dudes out there. Love that guy!
With all that Keim awesomeness it is hard to think realistically about the negativity in the world. Every once in a while I do forget about cancer. Not so much forget...but I take a half a second break from the usual routine that all cancer blessed families know. The routine where your brain works like "wake up CANCER pour the coffee would you like some CANCER walk to the car and trip on CANCER oh crap I forgot to bring CANCER and work then sleep no sleep CANCER."
..........breathe............
I started this blog at 620.
At 624, text my family group text to get a most recent update on padre so my blog can be the most current. He went into the hospital yesterday because he was having a hard time breathing. (Thank you Christy Wright and Martha Rocky for all your tips on how to make dad feel better).
Hannah calls me at 650 to tell me that they are not going to do radiation tomorrow. Dad is going to come home and they are going to put dad in hospice.
This blog is not from my heart. My heart is always hopeful and sees the silver lining in every dark and scary cloud.
This blog comes from a hole somewhere between the pit of my stomach and deep in my chest. Deeper than my heart. My dad says he calls that "the dark voice". It's the voice that tells us it wont be okay, we aren't good enough, there is no hope, Donald Trump will become president.
But then we laugh and our heart takes back the reigns.
My dad is going to be brought home tomorrow and put under hospice care. All the prayers and positive energy you can send towards Corvallis would be greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Christa on behalf of Will
*Karen Hudson - I know this isn't grammatically correct and I typed it anyway.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
"And The Children, (and Squirrels) Shall Lead Us."
Dear Friends,
I was walking outside our home today and noticed that a squirrel was sitting on top of the cross that we have positioned before a view of Mary's Peak that served as the backdrop for Christa and Sami's weddings. Though he was eating a nut, it looked like he was praying. It made me smile. It also reminded me of the many times in the New Testament that Jesus encourages his Disciples and followers to go to God as a child would. Open, believing, trusting, and with a beautiful innocence.
Yesterday I sent out a childlike and honest message to my friends on Facebook requesting assistance in getting JJ and Hannah registered for their last term of college. We are very tight financially right now with the additional cancer expenses that we have incurred. Schools, I believe out of respect for my healing, have not called for the Spring, though my Fall looks good. In addition, we had a school in Southern California breach a three year contract that has cost us in excess of a hundred thousand dollars of book sales. We are in litigation now, but that does not help the twins get registered.
In just over 24 hours, we have received half of the money we need. The total Spring Registration for the twins is $5700 and they need to register this week. Many of you have helped us so much all ready! Thank you. If you would like to relieve some stress from our lives, please buy books at willkeim.com, particularly The Tao of Christ: The Way of Love For A World Of Hurt, Special Edition, or make a contribution at the GoFundMe account the children set up. One of the reasons I am doing so well in my battle with cancer is that you have helped us face our financial responsibilities and for that I will be eternally grateful. You have helped keep my focus on healing and getting better.
Blessings to you, and perhaps we can all smile and take a hint from the squirrel in our backyard!
Love,
Will
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
"Take All The Time You Need"
Dear Friends,
Greetings! I had my follow-up appointment to all of my tests last Monday and my body seems to be tolerating the new drug. I took it, in addition to the existing two drugs, for the first 21 days of the cycle and now have a week off before resuming it. It is apparent by the number of blood draws and ECG tests that one of the side effects that most concerns my treatment team and the study originators is its impact on the heart. So far I am doing well and the heart, lungs, eyes, and essential organs are all holding their own and functioning well. I also had a little shrinkage of my left chest wall tumor which is good. I go back next Monday for the next wave of tests and then again on the 22nd of February. I will keep you all posted. Thanks to Hannah Keim for taking me up to OHSU!
By the way...Happy Ground Hog Day! Since Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow we only have 4 more weeks of Winter. Yeah, Phil! The movie Ground Hog Day does a nice job of showing the tradition featuring Bill Murray as a man who lives the same day over and over again. Check it out. Had Phil been in Corvallis, Oregon this morning he would have seen his shadow but what we celebrate as Winter here pales in comparison and scope to much of the rest of the country. There will be a lot of Americans who are pleased if Phil is right! It is also Dennis Eaton's birthday today. We have been friends since we were 10 years old. We were on the same Little League baseball team, The Shoppers Lane Merchants, together, as well as at South Hills High School in Southern California. Happy birthday brother!
I also want to recommend two books for you today. The first is called:
A Year With Hafiz: Daily Contemplations
Edited and Translated by Daniel Ladinsky
Hafiz is a legendary figure who lived in the fourteenth century. He was probably born about 1320 and died about 1389. His given name was Shams-ud-din Muhammed. He chose the pen name Hafiz which referred to someone who knows the Quran by heart. He was born in Shiraz in southern Persian. Like Lao Tzu, much myth and story surrounds this poet, philosopher, and Sufi Master. The book was a Christmas gift from Dr. Wendy Boring, a Professor friend from Willamette University, in Salem, Oregon. One poem a day creates a wealth of thoughts and refections for the reader. A couple of samples to excite your imagination:
One Regret
One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.
Every Holy Book
A candle giving advice to the sun can make the sun smile because of the flame's remarkable innocence. Maybe I should be careful about saying something like this, but every holy book...
lifts the corners of my mouth, and even makes me giggle a bit.
Listen To This Music
I am a hole in a flute that the Christ's breath moves through--listen to this music...We are a hole in a flute, a moment in space, that the Christ's body can move through and sway all forms--in an exquisite dance--as the wind in a forest.
The second book I am recommending is:
The Tao of Christ: The Way of Love for a World of Hurt
Written by Will Keim, Ph.D.
I wanted to remind you that the Special Limited Edition of this book is available at willkeim.com on the website store. We printed only 500 copies of this edition at $39.95 per copy. Each copy is signed by me and numbered for you. I will gladly personalize the books if they are for you or to be used as a gift for someone else. The price includes shipping and handling. Some teachings from Lao Tzu and from Jesus to pique your interest...
Teaching 10 The Tao
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue.
Matthew 7:12
In everything, do to others what you would want
them to do to you. This is what is written in the
Law and in the Prophets.
Teaching 9 The Tao
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening our knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about other people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Matthew 7:1-5 The Gospel
Do not judge others. Then you will not be judged
by God. First take the log out of your eye and then
you may see clearly enough to remove the speck of
wood from your friend's eye.
Teaching 66 The Tao
All streams flow to the sea
because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power.
If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people,
you must learn how to follow them.
The book reveals two great writings of wisdom and spirituality that appeared 6 centuries apart. Yet, the spirit and content are remarkably similar and aligned. Lao Tzu was born in the 6th century B.C. and was a Chinese philosopher and teacher. He heavily influenced Carl Jung. He is the founder of Taoism, and may have been a contemporary of Confucius. After a Teaching and a Gospel Lesson, I write a commentary that weaves them together for the reader. I know you will be moved by the great insights the Tao and the writings of Jesus reveal to you.
It is also no secret that with Doctor appointments very regularly that I must begin to shift my income trail from speaking to writings. I will speak as long as my health allows, but I am reaching out to all of you to request your assistance by buying copies of The Tao of Christ which will allow me to make good on the commitments I have made to my family. I thank you in advance.
The title of today's blog entry is, "Take All The Time You Need", and it came to me as I was reflecting (complaining) to myself, "Goodness, cancer takes a lot of time." Then it dawned on me...
when cancer ceases to take a lot time, I cease too! Therefore, I have resolved to take each appointment one at a time, each pill, each day, each battle, one at a time. It strikes me that this may be of value to those of you who are healthy as well. What are we rushing toward? What is the hurry? The play for each of us ends the same way. And while those of us who are people of faith hope and believe in life after death...this is the life that our Creator has put in our hands. The Afterlife is in the hands of the Creator. Jesus taught Christians to pray..."...your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." Not..."...your will be done after we die and join you." This is our life, our opportunity, our chance to love and be loved. To serve, and care, and cry, and rejoice. What the hell are we rushing for? So..."Take All The Time You Need." Be present. Be mindful. And be grateful. This understanding, taught to me by Jesus, and Lao Tzu, and underscored by Louis Zamperini, and Hafiz, reveals a central truth to human existence. Today, right now, this moment...it is all we have. Be in it.
And may your life's moments be lived one at a time with great intention and joy.
Yours,
Will Keim
www.gofundme.com/j8f8m7hv
Greetings! I had my follow-up appointment to all of my tests last Monday and my body seems to be tolerating the new drug. I took it, in addition to the existing two drugs, for the first 21 days of the cycle and now have a week off before resuming it. It is apparent by the number of blood draws and ECG tests that one of the side effects that most concerns my treatment team and the study originators is its impact on the heart. So far I am doing well and the heart, lungs, eyes, and essential organs are all holding their own and functioning well. I also had a little shrinkage of my left chest wall tumor which is good. I go back next Monday for the next wave of tests and then again on the 22nd of February. I will keep you all posted. Thanks to Hannah Keim for taking me up to OHSU!
By the way...Happy Ground Hog Day! Since Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow we only have 4 more weeks of Winter. Yeah, Phil! The movie Ground Hog Day does a nice job of showing the tradition featuring Bill Murray as a man who lives the same day over and over again. Check it out. Had Phil been in Corvallis, Oregon this morning he would have seen his shadow but what we celebrate as Winter here pales in comparison and scope to much of the rest of the country. There will be a lot of Americans who are pleased if Phil is right! It is also Dennis Eaton's birthday today. We have been friends since we were 10 years old. We were on the same Little League baseball team, The Shoppers Lane Merchants, together, as well as at South Hills High School in Southern California. Happy birthday brother!
I also want to recommend two books for you today. The first is called:
A Year With Hafiz: Daily Contemplations
Edited and Translated by Daniel Ladinsky
Hafiz is a legendary figure who lived in the fourteenth century. He was probably born about 1320 and died about 1389. His given name was Shams-ud-din Muhammed. He chose the pen name Hafiz which referred to someone who knows the Quran by heart. He was born in Shiraz in southern Persian. Like Lao Tzu, much myth and story surrounds this poet, philosopher, and Sufi Master. The book was a Christmas gift from Dr. Wendy Boring, a Professor friend from Willamette University, in Salem, Oregon. One poem a day creates a wealth of thoughts and refections for the reader. A couple of samples to excite your imagination:
One Regret
One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.
Every Holy Book
A candle giving advice to the sun can make the sun smile because of the flame's remarkable innocence. Maybe I should be careful about saying something like this, but every holy book...
lifts the corners of my mouth, and even makes me giggle a bit.
Listen To This Music
I am a hole in a flute that the Christ's breath moves through--listen to this music...We are a hole in a flute, a moment in space, that the Christ's body can move through and sway all forms--in an exquisite dance--as the wind in a forest.
The second book I am recommending is:
The Tao of Christ: The Way of Love for a World of Hurt
Written by Will Keim, Ph.D.
I wanted to remind you that the Special Limited Edition of this book is available at willkeim.com on the website store. We printed only 500 copies of this edition at $39.95 per copy. Each copy is signed by me and numbered for you. I will gladly personalize the books if they are for you or to be used as a gift for someone else. The price includes shipping and handling. Some teachings from Lao Tzu and from Jesus to pique your interest...
Teaching 10 The Tao
Giving birth and nourishing,
having without possessing,
acting with no expectations,
leading and not trying to control:
this is the supreme virtue.
Matthew 7:12
In everything, do to others what you would want
them to do to you. This is what is written in the
Law and in the Prophets.
Teaching 9 The Tao
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening our knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about other people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Matthew 7:1-5 The Gospel
Do not judge others. Then you will not be judged
by God. First take the log out of your eye and then
you may see clearly enough to remove the speck of
wood from your friend's eye.
Teaching 66 The Tao
All streams flow to the sea
because it is lower than they are.
Humility gives it its power.
If you want to govern the people,
you must place yourself below them.
If you want to lead the people,
you must learn how to follow them.
The book reveals two great writings of wisdom and spirituality that appeared 6 centuries apart. Yet, the spirit and content are remarkably similar and aligned. Lao Tzu was born in the 6th century B.C. and was a Chinese philosopher and teacher. He heavily influenced Carl Jung. He is the founder of Taoism, and may have been a contemporary of Confucius. After a Teaching and a Gospel Lesson, I write a commentary that weaves them together for the reader. I know you will be moved by the great insights the Tao and the writings of Jesus reveal to you.
It is also no secret that with Doctor appointments very regularly that I must begin to shift my income trail from speaking to writings. I will speak as long as my health allows, but I am reaching out to all of you to request your assistance by buying copies of The Tao of Christ which will allow me to make good on the commitments I have made to my family. I thank you in advance.
The title of today's blog entry is, "Take All The Time You Need", and it came to me as I was reflecting (complaining) to myself, "Goodness, cancer takes a lot of time." Then it dawned on me...
when cancer ceases to take a lot time, I cease too! Therefore, I have resolved to take each appointment one at a time, each pill, each day, each battle, one at a time. It strikes me that this may be of value to those of you who are healthy as well. What are we rushing toward? What is the hurry? The play for each of us ends the same way. And while those of us who are people of faith hope and believe in life after death...this is the life that our Creator has put in our hands. The Afterlife is in the hands of the Creator. Jesus taught Christians to pray..."...your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven." Not..."...your will be done after we die and join you." This is our life, our opportunity, our chance to love and be loved. To serve, and care, and cry, and rejoice. What the hell are we rushing for? So..."Take All The Time You Need." Be present. Be mindful. And be grateful. This understanding, taught to me by Jesus, and Lao Tzu, and underscored by Louis Zamperini, and Hafiz, reveals a central truth to human existence. Today, right now, this moment...it is all we have. Be in it.
And may your life's moments be lived one at a time with great intention and joy.
Yours,
Will Keim
www.gofundme.com/j8f8m7hv
Friday, January 22, 2016
"The Upside of Being Unremarkable"
Dear Friends,
Greetings. I have been engaged in a battery of blood tests, ECGs, EKGs, CT Scans, eye exams, skin exams and a host of other medical procedures that will continue on Monday January 25th and 26th to assess the impact of the new drug I am taking on my body. With the exception of a couple of tumors, the results have been generally positive, with no development in my vital organs. Most of my body has been found to be, in the only words of the report I understand, 'unremarkable.' I never really lived with the delusion that my body was great, but it carried me through some amazing adventures, into a marriage and a family complete with grandchildren, world championships in baseball, great coaching experiences, and some life long friendships. 'Unremarkable' was never by goal, nor that of my friends. But again, cancer has a couple of lessons up its sleeve, and now, I covet being 'Unremarkable' as often as possible. It is my health report goal from this point forward. I hope to sweet Jesus one day that 'Unremarkable' will turn into 'cancer free', but for now, I am hoping to be 'Unremarkable Me.!'
Another of cancer's good benefits, and God knows there are thousands of bad benefits, is that of saying to people some things that perhaps you wanted to say a long time ago but were for whatever reason afraid or unwilling to say. Being old school, it has always been easy for me to tell my women friends or relatives that I loved them but it has been more difficult to say that to my male friends. I don't know why. It just was, but not any more. Recently my friend of 30 years and first boss, Bruce Leamon, and I were talking on the phone exchanging stories and laughs. Bruce is an Executive Coach that travels all over the world and he and his wife Janet live in Washington. Bruce is the "King of Pun", rivaled only by Kevin Klink, the world's funniest chemical engineer. (It is a small pool.) As we talked we became a little emotional. I told him how much I had appreciated his friendship and guidance over the years. He told me that he was supposed to die before me, and then he said something I will remember all the days of my life. He said:
"You'll never know how many people are carrying your voice around with them."
We both got quite and a little choked up. I think I tried to diffuse the situation a little bit by saying something like, "I bet there are a lot of folks that would like to get my voice out of their heads.", but the sentiment was real and overwhelming. Soon we said goodbye and then pledged to get together soon! Bruce's sincere statement made me realize that in the midst of this disease that one of the things I hope is that I am remembered, that my life matters, and than I did more good than harm on my journey.
If there is someone in your life that has made an big impact or mentored you, or helped you along, please don't wait for cancer, or a calamity to tell them. What Bruce gave me yesterday pulled me out of a small funk of feeling sorry for myself for a minute because there didn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel, or even an end to the tunnel other than one I didn't want to consider. Fourteen words and Bruce illuminated my path, countered the darkness, and made me feel valued and love.
Tell someone today, or this weekend. And thanks to my buddy Bruce for taking time and having the courage to share his feelings with me. I love you Bruce, and I love all of you! Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Will
Greetings. I have been engaged in a battery of blood tests, ECGs, EKGs, CT Scans, eye exams, skin exams and a host of other medical procedures that will continue on Monday January 25th and 26th to assess the impact of the new drug I am taking on my body. With the exception of a couple of tumors, the results have been generally positive, with no development in my vital organs. Most of my body has been found to be, in the only words of the report I understand, 'unremarkable.' I never really lived with the delusion that my body was great, but it carried me through some amazing adventures, into a marriage and a family complete with grandchildren, world championships in baseball, great coaching experiences, and some life long friendships. 'Unremarkable' was never by goal, nor that of my friends. But again, cancer has a couple of lessons up its sleeve, and now, I covet being 'Unremarkable' as often as possible. It is my health report goal from this point forward. I hope to sweet Jesus one day that 'Unremarkable' will turn into 'cancer free', but for now, I am hoping to be 'Unremarkable Me.!'
Another of cancer's good benefits, and God knows there are thousands of bad benefits, is that of saying to people some things that perhaps you wanted to say a long time ago but were for whatever reason afraid or unwilling to say. Being old school, it has always been easy for me to tell my women friends or relatives that I loved them but it has been more difficult to say that to my male friends. I don't know why. It just was, but not any more. Recently my friend of 30 years and first boss, Bruce Leamon, and I were talking on the phone exchanging stories and laughs. Bruce is an Executive Coach that travels all over the world and he and his wife Janet live in Washington. Bruce is the "King of Pun", rivaled only by Kevin Klink, the world's funniest chemical engineer. (It is a small pool.) As we talked we became a little emotional. I told him how much I had appreciated his friendship and guidance over the years. He told me that he was supposed to die before me, and then he said something I will remember all the days of my life. He said:
"You'll never know how many people are carrying your voice around with them."
We both got quite and a little choked up. I think I tried to diffuse the situation a little bit by saying something like, "I bet there are a lot of folks that would like to get my voice out of their heads.", but the sentiment was real and overwhelming. Soon we said goodbye and then pledged to get together soon! Bruce's sincere statement made me realize that in the midst of this disease that one of the things I hope is that I am remembered, that my life matters, and than I did more good than harm on my journey.
If there is someone in your life that has made an big impact or mentored you, or helped you along, please don't wait for cancer, or a calamity to tell them. What Bruce gave me yesterday pulled me out of a small funk of feeling sorry for myself for a minute because there didn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel, or even an end to the tunnel other than one I didn't want to consider. Fourteen words and Bruce illuminated my path, countered the darkness, and made me feel valued and love.
Tell someone today, or this weekend. And thanks to my buddy Bruce for taking time and having the courage to share his feelings with me. I love you Bruce, and I love all of you! Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Will
Friday, January 8, 2016
"Behold, I Bring You Good News."
Dear Friends,
During my 8 hour battery of tests Tuesday January 4th, they did two more biopsies on me. I must admit I was thinking to myself, "When you have Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma, how much more cancer do you need?" Two days later the Doctor called and said, "The tests were negative. I am so happy to tell you this!" Behold, she brought me good news. I wanted you to know!
I return to OHSU Monday January 11th for the next battery of tests in order to receive the third drug for my cancer cocktail as part of the Clinical Trial in which I participate. I am excited, apprehensive, a little frightened, and hopeful all at the same time. Prayers and good thoughts are solicited, and appreciated. It has occurred to me that it not only takes a village to raise a child, but to fight a disease as well.
Finally, my dear friend Curtis Zimmerman and Dr. Dawn Graff-Haight, a gifted and caring Professor at Linfield College, have told me to make it easier for people to help me and the Keim Family. So, if you are able to help, you may contribute to our well-being at:
https://www.gofundme.com/j8f8m7hv
Thank you and God bless you!
Will
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Pericles
During my 8 hour battery of tests Tuesday January 4th, they did two more biopsies on me. I must admit I was thinking to myself, "When you have Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma, how much more cancer do you need?" Two days later the Doctor called and said, "The tests were negative. I am so happy to tell you this!" Behold, she brought me good news. I wanted you to know!
I return to OHSU Monday January 11th for the next battery of tests in order to receive the third drug for my cancer cocktail as part of the Clinical Trial in which I participate. I am excited, apprehensive, a little frightened, and hopeful all at the same time. Prayers and good thoughts are solicited, and appreciated. It has occurred to me that it not only takes a village to raise a child, but to fight a disease as well.
Finally, my dear friend Curtis Zimmerman and Dr. Dawn Graff-Haight, a gifted and caring Professor at Linfield College, have told me to make it easier for people to help me and the Keim Family. So, if you are able to help, you may contribute to our well-being at:
https://www.gofundme.com/j8f8m7hv
Thank you and God bless you!
Will
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." Pericles
Monday, January 4, 2016
"Need Is Not Weakness. Need Is Need." Dr. Bennett Omalu
Dear Friends,
Pictured immediately below are two miracles. One, a man in recovery from cancer surgery performed by surgical oncologist Dr. John Vetto, assisted by Dr. Mayo. They removed a football sized growth from my abdomen which had been resistant to the chemo treatment I was receiving. They operated on December 18th, and I was home by December 23rd for Christmas. To me, this was a miracle! I was inspired by the words of Louis Zamperini in his book, "Don't Give Up, Don't Give In." You may remember his story from the movie 'Unbroken.' In his chapter entitled, 'Don't Ask Why, Ask What's Next', he advises, "Instead of getting all caught up in asking why, I ask, what's next? That's all you have to know." He continues, "Whenever I've had to go to the hospital, and the doctors tell me how long I'll have to stay, I always try to get better sooner. So far it's worked. Why? I help heal my body by--again--accepting the situation. I let the doctors do what they can, but in the meantime I also use the healing powers of cheerfulness. When I leave early, the doctors always credit my attitude. If you can't control your attitude, forget it. You're going to heal slowly or die young."
The second miracle in the picture is Gus the dog. He is my Granddog and technically belongs to my daughter Sami and her husband Steve. I never cared for small dogs before. But this little guy has won me over. He is a Welsh Terrier and whenever I am on the couch he lays with me and cheers me up. Some say it is because I feed him snacks. Oh, ye of little faith. He constantly makes me smile and be cheerful, and if Louis Zamperini is right, that happiness and positive attitude can help me get better. Thanks be to God, and Gus!
Tomorrow, on January 5th, Donna and I will venture to the Oregon Health Sciences University Knight Cancer Center for a new battery of tests in preparation for the next phase of the Clinical Trial. We are likely going to add one of the five experimental drugs to my current chemo cocktail. We have an 8 a.m. eye exam at the Casey Eye Institute, a 10:20 a.m. Dermatological Exam, an 11:50 a.m. staple removal and post surgery exam with Dr. Vetto, a 1:30 p.m. Cardiac Non-Invasive Test, a 3:30 p.m. CT Scan of the abdomen, and a 3:45 p.m. CT Scan of my head and shoulders. I have tried really hard to treat everyone at OHSU with respect and good cheer, and Lynn at the 7th floor reception area, John at the immuno therapy area, and the bearded checkout guys have told me it is always good to see me. I cannot control my cancer, though we are all trying. But I can control my attitude. Thanks to Lindsay Chandler for setting this schedule up and to the amazing Donna Keim for taking another day away from work to make sure I get there and get treated.
Feeling much better this weekend, Donna and I along with Sami and Steve decided to take in a movie. We chose Concussion, starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennett Omalu. Dr Omalu overcame a great deal of resistance to make known the fact that while it is a beautiful game, football is also a very dangerous game. The movie is powerful and really made me consider my love of the game. I concluded when JJ played football in high school that it was easier to watch other men's sons play the game rather than my own. I watched the games over the New Year with a different mindset.
In the movie, Dr. Omalu says to a fellow immigrant to America, "Need is not weakness, need is need." While cancer has provided me with an opportunity to embrace humility, renew my faith, and tell people that I should have told 20 years ago that I love them, I remain a proud man and would much rather be the one visiting the hospital than being the one visited. I would rather give than receive. As I prepared to come home, my daughter Hannah informed me that she and Christa, Sami, and JJ had set up a GoFundMe account for me to help with our cancer and living expenses. I was at once deeply touched, embarrassed, humbled, and yet proud that my children cared and had acted to make my fight with cancer less stressful. I know there are many needs in the world greater than my own. I also know that my travel is presently on hold and my expenses continue. I hope, pray, and plan to return to speaking, but the reality is that time will tell.
So with great humility and mild trepidation I am sharing the GoFundMe account information the Keim children set up below. Hannah said, "Dad, if every student you have spoken to gave a dollar, you could stay home and get well." I do not plan to beat this until it is a dead horse, but I will ask once for you to consider helping us and sharing the GoFundMe with any of your friends or colleagues that I may have helped or inspired along the way. I hope Dr. Omalu was right, as your help would be a lot easier to receive if it was simply need, not weakness. In either case, I appreciate your consideration, and in the event God grants me more time, I promise to pass it on! Blessings and best wishes for a healthy 2016!
Will
If you would like to support our family through my GoFundMe, which was set up by my children, click HERE.
Thank you for your support.
Pictured immediately below are two miracles. One, a man in recovery from cancer surgery performed by surgical oncologist Dr. John Vetto, assisted by Dr. Mayo. They removed a football sized growth from my abdomen which had been resistant to the chemo treatment I was receiving. They operated on December 18th, and I was home by December 23rd for Christmas. To me, this was a miracle! I was inspired by the words of Louis Zamperini in his book, "Don't Give Up, Don't Give In." You may remember his story from the movie 'Unbroken.' In his chapter entitled, 'Don't Ask Why, Ask What's Next', he advises, "Instead of getting all caught up in asking why, I ask, what's next? That's all you have to know." He continues, "Whenever I've had to go to the hospital, and the doctors tell me how long I'll have to stay, I always try to get better sooner. So far it's worked. Why? I help heal my body by--again--accepting the situation. I let the doctors do what they can, but in the meantime I also use the healing powers of cheerfulness. When I leave early, the doctors always credit my attitude. If you can't control your attitude, forget it. You're going to heal slowly or die young."
The second miracle in the picture is Gus the dog. He is my Granddog and technically belongs to my daughter Sami and her husband Steve. I never cared for small dogs before. But this little guy has won me over. He is a Welsh Terrier and whenever I am on the couch he lays with me and cheers me up. Some say it is because I feed him snacks. Oh, ye of little faith. He constantly makes me smile and be cheerful, and if Louis Zamperini is right, that happiness and positive attitude can help me get better. Thanks be to God, and Gus!
Tomorrow, on January 5th, Donna and I will venture to the Oregon Health Sciences University Knight Cancer Center for a new battery of tests in preparation for the next phase of the Clinical Trial. We are likely going to add one of the five experimental drugs to my current chemo cocktail. We have an 8 a.m. eye exam at the Casey Eye Institute, a 10:20 a.m. Dermatological Exam, an 11:50 a.m. staple removal and post surgery exam with Dr. Vetto, a 1:30 p.m. Cardiac Non-Invasive Test, a 3:30 p.m. CT Scan of the abdomen, and a 3:45 p.m. CT Scan of my head and shoulders. I have tried really hard to treat everyone at OHSU with respect and good cheer, and Lynn at the 7th floor reception area, John at the immuno therapy area, and the bearded checkout guys have told me it is always good to see me. I cannot control my cancer, though we are all trying. But I can control my attitude. Thanks to Lindsay Chandler for setting this schedule up and to the amazing Donna Keim for taking another day away from work to make sure I get there and get treated.
Feeling much better this weekend, Donna and I along with Sami and Steve decided to take in a movie. We chose Concussion, starring Will Smith as Dr. Bennett Omalu. Dr Omalu overcame a great deal of resistance to make known the fact that while it is a beautiful game, football is also a very dangerous game. The movie is powerful and really made me consider my love of the game. I concluded when JJ played football in high school that it was easier to watch other men's sons play the game rather than my own. I watched the games over the New Year with a different mindset.
In the movie, Dr. Omalu says to a fellow immigrant to America, "Need is not weakness, need is need." While cancer has provided me with an opportunity to embrace humility, renew my faith, and tell people that I should have told 20 years ago that I love them, I remain a proud man and would much rather be the one visiting the hospital than being the one visited. I would rather give than receive. As I prepared to come home, my daughter Hannah informed me that she and Christa, Sami, and JJ had set up a GoFundMe account for me to help with our cancer and living expenses. I was at once deeply touched, embarrassed, humbled, and yet proud that my children cared and had acted to make my fight with cancer less stressful. I know there are many needs in the world greater than my own. I also know that my travel is presently on hold and my expenses continue. I hope, pray, and plan to return to speaking, but the reality is that time will tell.
So with great humility and mild trepidation I am sharing the GoFundMe account information the Keim children set up below. Hannah said, "Dad, if every student you have spoken to gave a dollar, you could stay home and get well." I do not plan to beat this until it is a dead horse, but I will ask once for you to consider helping us and sharing the GoFundMe with any of your friends or colleagues that I may have helped or inspired along the way. I hope Dr. Omalu was right, as your help would be a lot easier to receive if it was simply need, not weakness. In either case, I appreciate your consideration, and in the event God grants me more time, I promise to pass it on! Blessings and best wishes for a healthy 2016!
Will
If you would like to support our family through my GoFundMe, which was set up by my children, click HERE.
Thank you for your support.
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