This is the original post from my regular FB account from April 9. I’m keeping it part of this group communications so I don’t lose it.

Hello everyone. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do a post on FB as a way to share some recent news that I received. However, a lot of folks that I know are here so it made sense to me to post this link for a gofundme account that has been set up on my behalf by my business partner and longtime friend Dave Mason. The purpose of the account is simple and well explained in the video that Dave posted on the account.

Here’s the link: https://www.gofundme.com/dale039s-cancer-treatment

If you want to keep reading please do. I won’t go through the whole story – below are some of the basics.

Beginning in February of this year I went through various tests as a result of feeling several lumps in my neck and just feeling off a bit over the holidays and through January. The results of the totality of tests came back on 3/1/2018 with something I had never heard of until the docs said I had it – multiple myeloma. This makes me what is called in cancer circles an MM’er.

For those of you who don’t want to do your own research, MM is a blood disease (cancer) that impacts the immune/lymph system. In most cases, it is a slow going disease. In my situation, I’ve been told we caught it early. At this point, I’m healthy and I have this thing called MM.

Since the diagnosis on 3/1 I’ve been eating just plants (and juicing) – something I never thought I’d be doing as many of you know I love to grill. However, when all this went down, I knew I needed to do something and diet was the one thing I knew I could impact and control. I also knew in my gut it was the thing for me to do. In my opinion, it was the thing to do as my last set of blood tests last week basically showed a steady line in my results. The full body scan showed nothing in my head or my major organs – just a few things in my lymph system that will be taken care of with the treatment.

I have one last set of appointments to go through with the Mayo Clinic here in Scottdale. I’ve already seen a specialist at MD Anderson and another at Arizona Oncology. Pending any surprises I’ll be starting a form of chemotherapy near the end of April/beginning of May from all best estimates that should run approximately 6 months followed by a stem cell transplant (my own stem cells) and then a longterm maintenance period once we’ve determined me to be cancer free.

There is A LOT of exciting research and clinical trials in the world of multiple myeloma some of which are happening in the Mayo Clinic where I expect to receive treatment.

Besides the testing and waiting, here’s what I’ve been doing:

I started working with a naturopathic oncologist to augment my treatment. I firmly believe that a holistic approach is critical to dealing with cancer and recovering from the effects of treatment.

I am exercising more – walking 35 minutes/day and doing 7-10 minute HIIT’s 3-4 days a week. The combination of exercising and eating plants has had me drop some weight – sweet! Although now my wife Diane and my daughter are complaining about my clothes looking too baggy. And I’m feeling awesome.

I started going to church again – Lutheran in case you’re wondering – it’s what I grew up with. I’ve reawakened my faith and a more regular practice of praying. It’s made a huge difference.

I started meditating on a regular basis – several times a day. This has made a huge difference in my psyche and I believe it is essential to the effectiveness of my treatment and my recovery.

I am reading a ton of books that cover things from many different levels from cookbooks, personal accounts, science-based and more. This has made a huge difference.

I’m still working, although I’ve intentionally slowed down some to recharge my batteries and delegate a whole bunch of things that “should” have been delegated awhile ago. I can do both of these because I have an AWESOME crew and business partners. 

Last but not least I’ve been talking a lot with and enjoying being with Diane my rock, my daughter my star, my parents (awesome in-laws included 😉 ), and my siblings all to keep the lines of communication open and bask in love. Friends too.

Obviously, a lot of has changed for me and my family. Every day I’m moved by the love I have for everyone I know and by the love coming my way.

All in all I’m doing great – I just have this thing called cancer that I need to tend to.

If you want to talk more, please give me a call. I’m up for talking – my intention through all of this is being drama free, getting healthy and cancer free, participating in life as much as possible, and to inspire people/you in ways that only you’ll know.

I’ll keep you posted. Love to you.

GOFUNDME.COM
Click here to support Dale’s Cancer Treatment organized by Dave Mason
This is me and my best friend and business partner Dale Stouffer going on a business trip. Our families vacation together and we do guy…