On a personal note....

This past Tuesday, August 21st, was the one-year anniversary of my colon resection, following my 2006 diagnosis of stage one colon cancer. To mark the occasion, I had a colonoscopy. In the weeks preceding my check-up, I was nervous, concerned, scared, you name it. Every little tweak, twinge, tug, pull or unexplained pain had me concerned that a recurrence was in progress.

The doctor who performed the colonoscopy, did take a tissue sample, from near where my colon was put back together. He thought it was nothing more than scar tissue, but just wanted to be sure. On the morning on the 23rd, I picked up a voice mail on my phone, asking me to call the doctor's office. Boy, did I get nervous, thinking I was about to be told the worst. After calling, then being put on hold for two minutes, making me even more nervous, the wonderful person on the other end of the line said the four sweetest words I have heard in awhile: "No Evidence of Disease." Oh my, did my heart ever soar! I was, on one hand, certain that would be the result on my colonoscopy, but also convinced that this ugly disease would strike me again, jeopardizing everything I have worked so hard for. When I heard that I was indeed NED, I realized that I'd still have the opportunity to enjoy the love of my family, my friends and pursue my broadcasting career.

I am so thankful for lots of things: My wife, who has been my rock, my love and my hero; the doctors, who have taken such good care of me; my friends, who have been so supportive and Internet sites such as this one, where I have met several new friends and learned so much about life as first, a cancer fighter and now, as a cancer survivor. You all have been an inspiration. Thank you.

I now know I am on the road to old age, not that I'm all that far away, but at least I know now I'm headed in that direction. I hope that, along the way, that my story will encourage others to get screened for colon cancer. I am living proof that early detection can save lives.

Thanks for listening. Have a day as wonderful as you are!

Today is the one-year anniversary of my colon cancer diagnosis

I remember it all so clearly. I was sitting in the studio of my radio station, waiting for my work day to end, so I could go back to Orlando and take my wife home from the hospital after a procedure she had the day before. Then, the phone rang. On the other end was the G.I. doctor who performed my colonoscopy. He told me that the one polyp he had removed, showed signs of cancer at the tip. After giving me a moment(or maybe I just took it) to digest what was just said, he then reccomended the person who eventually performed my resection.

I remember then telling my boss, then my wife when I saw her and I think they were both more upset than I was. Not that I wasn't upset, of course, but more like stunned, numb, disbelieving, however you could describe the feeling.

It has been quite a year since then. Surgery on August 21st, our move from Florida to Nebraska just one month later, working with my hockey team, at my new radio station, umpiring baseball, being involved with our local Relay for Life as emcee(Which I get to do again next year too!) and now approaching my one-year post-op colonoscopy. I'm still not 100% recovered, but look forward to one day being back to, what others so accurately describe as a "new normal."

Thanks to everyone in the Storm organization, especially Coach Littler and Grege Shea, who have been so supportive. It has been greatly appreciated.

We can never have too many "warm fuzzies" on the road of life as a cancer survivor, right everyone? I'm glad mine are purple.

Storm radio voice to emcee "Relay for Life"

From http://www.stormhockey.com:

STORM RADIO VOICE TO EMCEE “RELAY FOR LIFE”

KEARNEY – The Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League announced today that team radio announcer John Meissner will emcee the 2007 American Cancer Society’s Buffalo County “Relay for Life.”

The event, that celebrates area cancer survivors while also helping to raise awareness and money for fighting the disease, will take place at the Kearney Catholic High School track on June 1-2. Meissner, who is a cancer survivor himself, will be the Master of Ceremonies for this year's event.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of this wonderfully powerful and moving event,” said Meissner. “To be able to join my fellow survivors to raise awareness of this dreaded disease and to show that a cancer diagnosis need not be a death sentence, is a privilege I look forward to with a great deal of anticipation.”

Theresa Baack, the chairman for the 14th annual Buffalo County “Relay for Life” said, “Cancer touches us all. I would guess that not one of us can say that we don't know anyone who has been touched by cancer. Many factors contribute to our susceptibility to this disease, some genetic, some not. But we can make a difference and improve our chances by not smoking, by protecting ourselves from sun exposure and by controlling our diets. We can also help ourselves and others by increasing awareness on preventative measures and during events such as these, by raising money to fund cancer research to find a cure. Perhaps, someday, people will not have to fear cancer.”

This year's event begins with on-site registration at 5 p.m. Friday, June 1. Relay events, including a survivors’ dinner, live auction, music and other entertainment, as well as teams representing groups from around Buffalo County walking throughout the night begins at 6 p.m.

For more information on the 2007 American Cancer Society Buffalo County “Relay for Life” can visit the event's official website at http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=191372.

Welcome to my blog

Hello hockey fans and welcome to my blog. I'm John Meissner and I'll talk about whatever catches my eye in the world of hockey. Thanks for stopping by!