Team William: Life is good....

To all those who continue to read and support me and my family:

Its been so long, since I last wrote.

Well, life is good.

According to the statistics and everything you read on the internet, this post is coming to you from beyond the grave. Obviously, it's not. I'm alive and well, just like I plan to be for quite a while.

Since I last wrote, I passed another major milestone. It has been over two years since my diagnosis and surgery. I also have had 3 more "stable" MRIs since I last wrote. Of course, I would imagine the lion's share of readers were at the party that Eda and Charlotte threw, and I'm sure she'll post the video of a bunch of kids assaulting me mercilessly with silly string when she edits this for publication. I thought they would never empty their cans.

That was just the beginning. Two days after the party, I had another MRI. MD Anderson recently opened an imaging center on the west side of town much closer to us, so that's been helpful as well. I get to show up, park for free, go in basically without waiting, and get the MRI done. People ask me if it's nerve-wracking to do, both from the standpoint of claustrophobia and anxiety about the results, and for the first, I can always say it's not. Most of the time, I'm not even worried about the results. I had about five minutes of nerves the day before the scan, but I think that was it.

Two months ago (May 2015), the MRI did show a new "spot" that both the oncologist and radiologist agreed was most likely a tiny leak in a blood vessel caused by radiation effects. The most recent scan showed a slight eduction in the size of the spot, which definitely means it's not tumor growth, since tumors don't shrink without being treated.

The next morning, Eda, Abigail, Audrey, and I left for the Dominican Republic for a week on a massive resort in Punta Cana. I think I've convinced myself that all-inclusive is the way to go. Steakhouse for dinner? No problem. Just show up. You want another drink? Just walk up to the bar and ask. It doesn't even matter if you're in your "baby suit", which is what Audrey keeps telling me you wear to go swimming.

And if I ever feel sorry for myself, all I need to do is think of the people living on that island. The houses with above-average construction were made of corrugated aluminum. The poverty of that nation is astounding. Once I saw that, the tips became larger and more frequent. Yes, I have brain cancer, but I live in a country with paved roads where my friends can drive their own cars over to my brick house and hang out, or where I can drive my own car to the premier cancer treatment facility in the world. God bless America.

Thanks for reading, and sorry for the delay. Will continue to do my best to keep you all updated. Facebook posts on Team William are better updated.

William

Thank you all for continuing to pray for my family.

Continued prayers for more stable MRIs in the next year to come. Prayers of thanksgiving for another year and gift from God to enjoy this time with family and friends and seeing his creation.

9th MRI surprise - March

MRI with new "spot"

10th MRI surprise

Run for the Rose 2015

William's 2nd Year Surprise Party! YAHOO!!

We used all of the Team William Surprises to decorate this year!

Brain decorated cupcakes (pink) and the Gray Cancer Ribbon for brain cancer awareness! Thanks for the awesome cupcakes, Charlotte!

Had everyone sign and write on a Jenga Block to "Build Memories"

Charlotte and I next to banner she made. She is my strength through all of this! Thanks Charlotte for all of your unique ways of helping us make the most of this and aiding in kicking cancer to the curb. You have done so much and we are so thankful. Charlotte helped put this whole thing together to surprise William!