Embracing Life’s Journeys: My Travels and Health Update

Some of us start living at eighteen 
Others find their purpose at fifty
Age is only a number, remember that
Some of us never wake up

Well here I am again seemingly always falling behind when it comes to posting this year. Life has a way of throwing you twists and turns whether it’d good or bad, rolling with the punches is just all part of the journey. I’ve been back from my trip now for two months already and while I want to talk about it, it just seems it has been so long ago already. What it all comes down to is that I’ve figured out I travel through time and space hurtling through this universe with really no sense of direction anymore. Ready to head out on a new journey on a moments notice searching for what truly makes me happy. When you solo travel it’s about trusting yourself, forgetting the fear of what people may think of you and being your authentic self. During my latest trek and all of my travels I have met nothing but amazing people whom I will never forget. People…the most important part are also looking for human connection and fresh experiences. The main question that often arises from my trips is do I feel safe, especially when travelling in Mexico? The answer is “Yes” I have taken the bus, a collectivo (extended van with extra seats, sometimes milk crates), taxis and walked downtown in the middle of the night. Not once have I ever felt threatened or uneasy. Mind you I am usually very mindful of my surroundings, no different than walking downtown any city here in Canada nowadays. Only encountering friendly faces that offer up directions when I’m a little unsure of the way. Trust and a smile can go a long way, along with being able to habla un poco de Español. Doing some research on where you’re headed is also a great idea and most important is just to be friendly. I’m far from an accomplished traveller, but it’s fun to learn and that’s what I find life is about trying something out of your comfort zone. Helping you grow as a person and understanding life outside my box that was created for such a long time. Don’t get me wrong here I’m happy and comfortable when travelling, but anxiety also creeps in and I’m not immune to that feeling it very much still dwells within. Learning to manage it and not letting that feeling overwhelm you is key, trying to create a schedule is basically impossible. Especially when staying at a hostel when the crowd and the power of a good time just seems to keep calling. Man, I’d never thought I’d be able to handle 3 a.m, nights anymore let alone seven in a row. If anything the feeling of guilt came along and made me question “what’s this doing to my body?”. Well I’ll tell you shortly in my medical update further down the post. There is something in the air in some of these places I go, call it fresher air or even something more magical, but while there’s a smile on my face and a good time to be had I have a hard time telling myself, “It’s bedtime now!” And honestly there’s nothing better than 20 peso taco’s when you’re a little or a lot tipsy at 3 a.m. it’s facking delicious. There’s plenty more to cover here since I’ve fallen behind and I’ll do my best to get you all up to date, for now we shift gears for a medical update.

The Latest Health Update

As most of you know by now that although I appear healthy my disease has forced me to be strictly monitored and always will be until my eyes close forever. That is not coming anytime soon…guaranteed, I have far too much to do and see! When this post releases it will be nearly five years, unbelievable eh? Five years ago I put out that dreadful video about being diagnosed with stage IV Neuroendocrine cancer, so much has changed in my life since that day. The one thing that hasn’t though is my health care and although it’s going through some changes right now (we’ll touch on that in the next post) the schedule has virtually remained the same. So, I’m at the six month mark in that rotation, which means lab work; blood and urine. It’s also time for the CT scan. I usually don’t get too anxious anymore about these, but this time because of what you read above I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous this time. I know, I know we all only live once and I’m allowed if not needed this time to well…. I like to party! Nevertheless the last thing I want to do is damage myself, so it’s a fine line I walk in the name of fun.

I would’ve figured my transfer of care to London to be completed by the time testing was to be done, but not yet, so back to Brantford I go for one last time? With scans and results complete last week I found myself back in my familiar spot at the hospital. This time though the results would come from a new oncologist. It wasn’t even the scheduled new oncologist either, yet another doctor is his place. Turns out this guy was a super nice and very intelligent doctor, who even though he knows this will probably be our only encounter takes the time to get to know me and also wants to hear some background on my cancer journey. I tell ya, I’ve been incredibly fortunate during this diagnosis many people have told me horror stories about their health care. After a good talk and understanding of each other he delivers the news that I nervously wait, ” The scan looks good, everything appears to be stable. No significant spread or growth.” “Whew”, I thought to myself I kind of felt like I dodged a bullet. My blood and urine markers are also testing normal, so I’m good for another six months.

I’m incredibly happy to be sitting here able to bring you this news, as my five year cancer anniversary quickly approaches it reminds why I started writing this blog. As an outlet for me to express how I feel and deal with a complex, rare disease like this it has created a community of people some I know very well and others only through here who continue to support me. I’m humbled by the emails and messages I get and truly honoured that you take the time to sit and read about a man and his journey to understand not only the complexities of this disease, but about my own life and what it really means to exist. Even if what I write can help one person feel a little less stress in their life it’s worth it. April 9th is the exact date for five years, there will be a post that day so watch for that. I’m in a good place in my life right at the moment and that’s what matter’s most. Live in the moment because tomorrow is never a guarantee.

Thanks for reading, I love you all. If you’re new consider subscribing, drop me a comment and be sure to like. You’ll hear from me very shortly…..Steve