Steve CDH1, Community, Gut Checks, Reflections

Symposium on Gastric Cancer and the Beauty of Community

This past week I was invited to go to the City of Hope’s Symposium on Stomach Cancer sponsored by No Stomach for Cancer. It was here that I finally got to meet Heather Huus, Nicole McDonald and Jessica Sasser, Hannah Davis, Wagner Viana and the head hanchos for No Stomach for Cancer. It is safe … Continue reading Symposium on Gastric Cancer and the Beauty of Community

Steve CDH1, Community, Gut Checks, Lessons Learned, Life without a Stomach, Reflections, Triathlon

Run Your Own Race

When people tell you that cancer touches everybody - it really is true. Every family, every neighbor, and every friend has been affected in someway by cancer. It is a reality of life that transcends race, gender, creed, socio-economic or political contexts. This month has been a sobering reminder of how different each individual's journey with cancer … Continue reading Run Your Own Race

Steve CDH1, Reflections, Triathlon

“Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast!”

Two months ago I decided to start training for a Half-Ironman. Is it crazy? Sure, but it is all relative. I simply enjoy triathlon as a hobby and have always wanted to attempt a half-Ironman with or without a stomach, so why not tri? See what I did there? With Marne attempting a full marathon, it is … Continue reading “Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast!”

Steve CDH1, Gut Checks, Reflections

Milestones and the Parable of the Donut

Today we hit a major milestone in my health because it has been exactly 365 days since the last time I was hospitalized. Considering all the close calls I have had in the past year, including one incident two weeks ago where it took four Norco just to get me to the point where I was comfortable. … Continue reading Milestones and the Parable of the Donut

Steve Reflections, Triathlon

New Horizons – Ironman 70.3

It is official. I am taking the plunge and attempting my first Half-Ironman, May 13, 2017 in Santa Rosa. 1.2 Mile Swim. 56 Mile Bike. 13.1 Mile Run. Nervous? Yes. Fear? Just for my legs which are going to have to churn out wattage for a few hours. After finishing my first olympic distance triathlon last September, … Continue reading New Horizons – Ironman 70.3

Steve Reflections

Rejoice, Always. Year Two.

Last Sunday as I was preparing to preach in church, Kate called me before taking the stage to wish me a Happy Gastrectoversary! My second year without a stomach had gone by slipping under the radar of my memory bank which I think captures the normalcy I have found with my new way of life. Things are not what they were, … Continue reading Rejoice, Always. Year Two.

Steve Reflections

Holding Both Views In Sight

This blog was inspired by a friend of mine who gave me permission to write about a picture she posted on Instagram from the window of her room while receiving chemotherapy treatment a few months ago. The image of her IV pump against the backdrop of the mountains in the distance paired with her caption, "Enjoying the … Continue reading Holding Both Views In Sight

Steve CDH1, Christmas, Gut Checks, Life without a Stomach, Little Graces, Marriage

Ornaments Over Time

13 years ago Kate and I started a tradition giving each other ornaments for Christmas.  This was a big deal because over 22 years ago today my dad passed away from stomach cancer and the feeling of loss became the dominating story for me around this season. Since we have been together Kate has worked hard to change that story … Continue reading Ornaments Over Time

Steve Reflections

Still Good, All the Time by Kate Dang

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. This is probably the best description of the last week of my life. This may sound a little odd considering my second child was born on Monday. Exactly one week ago today my very pregnant self was patiently waiting for Steve at the … Continue reading Still Good, All the Time by Kate Dang