Do you LIVE STRONG?

Remission Year 1:
Jules 1, Cancer 0

See, ya’ll – what my cancer didn’t understand is that I’m on the home team, and I’m undefeated. Cancer didn’t have a chance when it met me. Leuk (my nickname for my leukemia), got a one-way express ticket to Heaven…and that loser better have enjoyed that ride because that ticket set me back in medical bills more than he’s worth. It just goes to show that you can’t be friends with cancer. I mean, the loser stops by and the next thing you know, you’re spending a year of your life paying a professional to evict the pathetic excuse for pond scum. :)

So, I’m cheering that I made it through my first year after I found out that I was “officially” in remission. AUGUST 30, 2007. The date I will never forget. I mean, it’s a year later (tomorrow), and I am still 100% officially free of deadbeat Leuk. I'm spending my time on cancer advocacy and starting up the LIVESTRONG Army in San Diego.

I’ve been going through an annual round of check-ups (bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap, blood test). My oncologist and I reviewed my test results today, and looking back over the past few years, I can see just how sick I really was back then. Especially when he squints at you…pauses…smiles….and says, “wow – I’m surprised we made it this far.” I’M ON THE HOME TEAM BABY! Of course, I made it this far! BRING IT ON and LIVESTRONG! (Insert cheerleading routine here.) I have been told that so far the test results are “unremarkable.” Normally, I would be offended by hearing such words --- after all, my mom always told me I’m special --- but in the world of cancer, being “unremarkable” is the coolest thing anyone can tell you. In fact, in a total LIVESTRONG move, I think I’ll go to the beach tomorrow on my 1 year “re-birthday” and yell on the top of my lungs, “I’M UN-REMARKABLE!” If anything ,the looks I’ll generate from all the San Diego tourists ought to be worth it.

Can’t wait for my remission re-birthday tomorrow....and when it hits, the only question I'll ask you is, "DO YOU LIVE STRONG?" Unite & fight cancer. CURES ROCK!