Memoir of a Hollow Man

Almost 2 years ago I never thought I’d ever enjoy eating food again, let alone making it. My love for food has been growing ever since then, and so has my enjoyment for making meals. This is a first for me; sauteed shrimp & garlic in butter, then mixed with chopped cabbage, turmeric & mayonnaise, and placed on a fresh artisan roll. #damngood #newchapter #thisisliving #memoirofahollowman #cdh1 #stomachless

This is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, the one I’ve been waiting for. It has felt like an eternity, but since this chapters begun, I can say its been was well worth the wait. As we know, a new chapter can only begin if another chapter ends, unless of course it’s the first chapter, which most of us are well past. However, the chapter I’m about to close could be considered the first chapter of my new altered state of life. It was by far the most challenging in my life and truthfully it will forever shape any and all future chapters. To have two first chapters in one’s life doesn’t happen very often, and I feel fortunate to have been given the chance to start over…no matter how hard it’s been.

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I’ve really fell behind a little on my writing lately, but I suppose it’s due to my return to society and getting out more…both of which are a good reason I’d say. Most recently I took a trip to Ontario to participate in an experience I would recommend to any young adult cancer patient to attend if the opportunity arises. There is an organization called Young Adult Cancer Canada or YACC for short (http://youngadultcancer.ca/), and their mission is to build a community of young adults diagnosed with cancer that provides information, support, skills and opportunity. They are the leading organization when it comes to supporting cancer patients that fall within the young adult age range of 18-39 in Canada, and one of the key events they organize to help forge this community is an annual conference, called the “Survivor Conference”. This year it was in Toronto, Ontario at the Radisson Admiral Harbourfront Hotel from November 1-5, 2012.

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For the past few months now I have been mentioning the coming of a new chapter in my life, yet in my mind it’s been something I’ve been anticipating for much longer. If I haven’t said it already, this experience has definitely clarified what it is in life I feel to be important, and for me that’s living life to the fullest. After all, we only have one shot at this thing called life, so why not embrace it and enjoy it, and so this means surrounding myself with what makes me happy and doing the things I love. 

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It’s official…The wheels are in motion for me to begin the next chapter of my life. #LookingForwardToTheFuture #CDH1 #Cancer #DiffuseGastric #TesticularCancer #HollowMan #DaveCashen #Hope

I’m so fortunate to know the people I do and have the pleasure of calling them my friend’s, and as the classic song goes by the Beatles; “With A Little Help From My Friend’s“ I was able to throw a fundraiser last week to help me raise money to attend a Survivor Conference in Toronto held by Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), and to also help get me back on my feet as I try to get back to out into the real world.

The fundraiser was a lot of fun with so many great people showing up to show support. It was successful as well, and I’m looking forward to attending the Survivor Conference in Toronto at the beginning of November. So a big thanks to all my friend’s for your amazing support…family too of course, lots of Love.

Other than that, things have just continued along the path as they did over the summer, minus the traveling, but I’m getting out a lot more often and still looking for work so I can feel like a contributing piece of society once again. As I get things in order I’m sure I’ll only start to feel even better. Especially once I figure out my next big step…which I will have more to tell you about once it’s been made.

My weight, no matter what I try will exceed 130lbs, but I’m ok with that because my energy feels just fine and as my knee continues to get stronger I’m confident I will eventually start to gain weight as I return to my beloved activities. 

Life’s really starting to feel like living again…

Today I’m celebrating my 1^st birthday, as today marks the first full birth year since my new life began. In essence this day is very similar to my original 1^st birthday, in both circumstances I spent the first twelve months adjusting to life. Now that it’s behind me and I’m feeling comfortable, at least the majority of the time, and I’m ready to move forward and start living again.

It’s almost as if I have a fresh start, in some ways I do, but obviously with thirty plus previous years behind me a complete fresh start is impossible…not that I want one anyways. My life before all this began was one I’d live over a million times if I could, and I cherish those memories along with the people I met along the way.

It’s been one hell of a ride so far and I’m looking forward to the future, and what awaits me…love, adventure and good times. Life is what you make of it…so make the best of it, even when life sucks. 

It’s been six weeks since my last posting and like my last post; my life’s been on the go and it has continued to show me I’m ready to rumble…take on life and get back to living as if nothing has happened, but with a few minor differences of course.

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Some days I feel like challenging my new digestive system, so today I tried my luck with a KFC Wicked Stix Box Meal…only got the Wicked Stix and fries down in round one, but after sixty-minutes all that happened was a little fatigue and increased heart rate. Feeling fine again now, and although it was far from good for me I call that sucess due to the constant battle I have with gaining weight, so I have to try whatever I can.