Aside from Easter and Mela’s birthday this past weekend, I got to celebrate the illustrious eight year anniversary of my Ocular Melanoma. Not the official one but eight years ago at this time I left my opthamologist appointment after having seen not one but two opthamologists, an image of a blob attached to my left eye, all but blind in my left eye and a referral to an ocular onocologist. Even yours truly could figure it out. April 13 when I did see Dr Tsai it still stung a bit when he said, Nick you have cancer.

A little over six years later it metastasized to my liver. This particular cancer likes the liver and the lungs should it return. Not sure why. Maybe I am lucky it went to my liver. Maybe it has pickled and can’t grow or spread.

Over the last 18 months I have been receiving treatment for the new cancer. By all account I am doing well. Trust me, I am grateful. It was not unitl about May or June of last year that I started to feel my old self if that is even possible. I was blessed with going a few places and doing a few things but life is different. Living with Cancer.

I think two things in particular triggered this thought. I saw an article on Facebook by A Cure In Sight. (A great organization for those with my cancer) It was titled The Invisible Disease. To be honest I did not read it closely. Probably should have. The idea of the article crossed my mind but did not ponder it til more recently - at least my idea of it.

Outwardly people with my cancer (and perhaps many cancers) I look fine. I know with my rugged good looks, broad shoulders, cut physique and Geroge Hamilton tan that many people think this guy really has it altogether. I do like the fact that I am relatively normal (I know what you guys are thinking) but none of us know what angst, burden or weight those around us are carrying. I have a long time friend that tragically lost his son’s life to suicide. I can not begin to comprehend the weight that he and his wife shoulder. I would take my cancer every day of the week and twice on Sunday before losing a child. Be Kind.

The other key recent moment was my visit with my onocologist, Dr Kim, at the end of March. In 2025 I had about eight MRI’s and CT Scans, and infusions and blookwork every month - and a few emergency appointments due to the side effects of my first two doses of medicine.

In 2026 I will still get the bloodwork and infusions but the surveillance over enemy territory will be cut in half. I have been apprised the ground troops are leaving at the end of the year - based on the most recent science and protocol my treatment will end. I believe I will get one or two MRI’s next year. After that, do I have a peaceful democracy or does the evil regime grow and spread. Living with cancer.

As I mentioned we have been some places and done a few things and have some stuff coming up. But I need to be much better about finding those moments and being protective of my time on the day to day. You can’t live every day looking forward to something that may not transpire.

I have signed up for golf lessons. Not sure how much better at 66, half blind and terminal cancer I can get. But want some fun. Yes, I find golf fun.

I do not know God’s plan (I imagine all for the best) but based on data to date I have already lived about 35% of a very good life expectancy with this cancer. Living with Cancer.

This year my cancer schedule is reduced and all but gone next year. A little strange. Living like everyone else - but not. Living with Cancer. Find your joy. Be Kind.

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind and God Bless!