Footsak cancer, Viva Life

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Welcome to Footsak cancer, Viva life's home page!
Join mesailing aroundthe world (virtually), in my fight against cancer by clicking the links to the left.
Footsak- A South African Colloquialism. Be off, go away; [Used as a command, an insulting dismissal] Also spelt Voetsek or Voetsak.
Viva- Long live or salute; [Often used by resistance groups]

In May 2004, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow cancer). Since then I have had chemo, steroids, tandem stem cell (bone marrow) transplants, major thoracic surgery to remove a baseball size plasma cytoma & four ribs, and radiation. I have been fortunate to receive the best treatment possible from Dr. Paul Richardson of Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Sugurbaker of the Brigham & Woman's Hospital, and my local Oncologist Dr. Stuart Selonick of Annapolis Oncology. I am fortunate to have medical insurance to afford this. I am fortunate to have a family and friends who have supported me though this every step of the way. I am fortunate that I have found the strength to quell my fears and defy my disease. I am lucky to have responded well to my treatments, and that I am now in remission.Unfortunately not all patients are as fortune. I have a second chance, and am determined to fight back against cancer.
As I work in the sailing industry (small craft naval architect, spar builder and rigger) and a sailor, sailing is how I planning to do this. I plan to sail around the world and do the following: -

Be an ambassador for Multiple Myeloma, promoting awareness of it.
I am also hoping that I can help newly diagnosed and depressed patients. I have felt (and still feel at times) very low and scared. I am hoping that by expressing how I felt and how I coped, patients will not feel as alone. I hope if patients can see me (a fellow cancer patient/survivor) overcoming my fears and live out my physically tough dream. That they will be inspired to fight their cancer harder and realize their own dreams. If I can do it, then so can you.
To promote my belief that a defiant attitude, coupled to your medical treatment is an essential ingredient to surviving cancer! That why I am advocate that you tell your tell your cancer to "footsak" and give it absolutely no respect! "Footsak cancer, Viva Life."