We interrupt our standard programming...

I interrupt my normal Bruins, Arsenal, and Entertainment rants, commentary, and musings (ever-so-briefly) to share some personal news.

I’ll try to keep it brief, ah who am I kidding… I won’t get too deep into the multi-month journey that landed me here and won’t bury the lede.

I have been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, and blood cancer that is presently having some “fun” (Myeloma's word not mine) with my skeleton.

The first signs that something was "wonky" (a technical term, yes) were late in Oct and then; on Dec. 30th last year when I sneezed (yes sneezed) and fractured several ribs… How many, you ask? … 5-7 depending on the age of the imaging you believe. So, that was… “fun”. It is my understanding that Marvel Studios is working on a new Super Villain “Multiple Myeloma Man” – who delivers a sneeze as powerful as Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet snap. And I demand compensation!

Since that time, I’ve had a battery tests: Ultrasound, X-Ray, 3D-CT, MRI, PET CT, soft tissue, and bone marrow biopsies – and yes, that last one sucked as much as it sounds like it might! And it was through these activities, that diagnosis was confirmed earlier this month.

For my fellow Breaking Bad fans, it’s not lost on me that today is the eve of my 52nd birthday. To which, my wonderfully funny son Matthew took notice and quickly said, “Dad, let’s cook”. And THAT is the spirit and reason why I am sharing – NO I’m not cooking meth, but I’m #Fighting. And your support (jokes, jabs, hugs -virtual or real-, texts, whatever it is… are ALL welcome and appreciated).

I’m staying positive because that’s non-negotiable!

And I’m #Fighting like Terry O’Reilly and Mike Millbury climbing the boards at MSG, (YouTube it) and I got a penny loafer with your name on it, Myeloma! (See, those Bruins rants were not far away).

Today, there is no cure, therefore, remission is the aim. As I’ve embarked on research, I’ve met several people (within my tiny universe) who are in remission ranging from 5 to 20+ years! And hearing some of their stories has been a huge boost.

Now, if you’ve not heard of Plasma Cell Neoplasm, (Multiple Myeloma), that’s not a shocker. It’s a “rare-ish” form of blood cancer and apparently the largest demographic is, 6’+ Tall, African American Males who are 70+ years old… so, clearly, I absolutely CRUSHED that demo!

So, what’s next? I am managing some pain and getting counsel from experts at Duke University (in NC), and Dana Farber Cancer Institute (in Boston), and trying to keep things moving as swiftly as I can. I am aggressively seeking both first and second opinions for treatment simultaneously. And once I have the plan, it will be executed to the letter. Taking my cue from the Pats, I will #DoMyJob!

Treatment will include “the usual suspects” various chemotherapies, steroids, radiation, probably surgery, and likely a Stem Cell harvested bone marrow transplant. (Fancy, right!?). And that's the added reason for Dana Farber. They are constantly running clinical trials and are considered one of -if not the- emerging experts in this cancer type.

So, there could be some “Shipping Up to Boston” as well! Especially if the Bruins deliver on this Duck Boat Parade! Hey Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand 63, I’m looking at you! Now would be a VERY GOOD TIME to win this Cup!

As for my broader approach to navigating my new, new normal. It should come as no surprise to you that I’m not going to disappear and take a cruise or travel the world on a bucket list tour. That’s just not my Type-A style.

I will appropriately balance my time between fighting, family, and friends (that’s fighting alongside, not fighting with), and yes, I am continuing to work! My leadership and my own team are so wonderful, they lift and teach me every day, and to step back would hurt more than help. It will help me to put energy and effort into all of these.

To those of you who have been in this battle for so much longer than me, personally or as a caregiver, I want to acknowledge you. I admire you with an even higher level of appreciation, and I take up arms with you with a whole new perspective. You can lean on me as I will likely lean on you from time to time as well! #TogetherWeFight #TogetherWeWin

Speaking of winning, The Arsenal, I’m looking at you too! There’s a league to win! No excuses, #TrustTheProcess, and WIN!

Ok, I’ve rambled enough, and at this point, those are the words I could assemble… but I’d like to leave you with a few thoughts/quotes that perhaps express my current attitude better than I can.

“What is sickness to the body of a knight errant? What matter wounds!? For each time he falls, he shall rise again, and woe be to the wicked!” - Don Quixote (Man of La Mancha)

“Having just a vision’s no solution, everything depends on execution.” “Stop worrying where you’re going. Move on. Just keep moving on.” “Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be new. Give us more to see.” “Look at what you want, not at where you are. What you’ll be.” “No One Is Alone” - Stephen Sondheim

"Not Throwing Away My Shot" "This is Not A Moment, It's the Movement" "Rise Up!" - Lin Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)

#HockeyFightsCancer #TogetherWeFight #FuckCancer