My Journey

"My Journey" video blog

Thank you for taking the time to allow me to share My Journey with you. Scroll to the bottom of this page if you would like to see earlier episodes. I will make sure to post the most recent episodes towards the top of this page.

My Journey / Episode 15: "Get Involved...For Your Health."
In this episode, I discuss how important it has been for me to get involved with benefits and fund raisers. Keeping busy for a cause has been life-saving for me.

My Journey / Episode 14: "It's The Little Things That Count."
In this episode, I discuss the little things that friends to that mean so much to me. I also bring up two events that are taking place this month that will help shed some light on brain health.

BONUS VIDEO: 53rd & 3rd
Not Episode 14 of My Journey, but still a fun video of me being called onstage by one of my all-time heroes, CJ Ramone of the world famous Ramones to sing a song. Gabba Gabba Hey!

My Journey / Episode 13: "The Wounded Healer."
Thank you for being so patient with me! Nearly 5 months have gone by without an update! In Episode 13, I discuss my latest MRI results and the frustrations, fear, and depression from that ordeal, my interpretation of the concept of the "wounded healer", and my love for The Ramones.

My Journey / Episode 12: "Fatigue & Depression."
HAPPY NEW YEAR! After reading an article on ANAUSA.org, I come to grips with the very real depression that I dealt with while coping with fatigue. I figured out what's working for me in dealing with this depression so far. To all my fellow Brain Tumor Fighters, I'm rooting for you!

My Journey / Episode 11: "HURRY UP BEFORE THE LUNCH BELL RINGS!!!"
I found myself with a 10-minute break at work and tried to rush an episode in since it's been too long! I discuss the local magazine article, the discussion with my students and their families, participating in the 2nd Annual Sacramento Brain Freeze, and the results of my first post-radiation MRI. I had more to say, but the lunch bell rang and students were knocking on the door and I had to go!

My Journey / Episode 10: "A Teacher Who Is Getting Ready To Rumble!"
I'm one month away from my next MRI to determine the success of the Cyberknife radiation treatments. I'm one week away from jumping into Lake Natoma for the 2nd Annual Sacramento Brain Freeze. I'm less than a week away from being featured in an upcoming issue of Sacramento News & Review. I also take the time to remember what's important in my life, in particular, the students I'm blessed with and their families. I want to be the one to let them know.

My Journey / Episode 9: "Let's Talk About It!"
Four months away from my next MRI and I discuss how important it has been for me to be a part of various support groups online. I also discuss the difficulty some of our friends and family may have in bringing up your journey.

My Journey / Episode 8: "Be Like Mark."
After 5 CyberKnife Radiation treatments, I realize that my next step isn't in 6 months when I go in for my next MRI. I need to take the time to "be like Mark" by offering support and being an inspiration to getting out and living this life! No offense to any Dave Matthews fans for this episode, his music just isn't my brand of coffee.

My Journey / Episode 7: "The Gift of Thanks."
Four CyberKnife Radiation sessions down, one to go. I don't want to show up empty handed tomorrow! In this episode, I discuss the therapy of giving thanks and how that can help with the emotional healing process.

My Journey / Episode 6: "Raising a Glass To The Staff!"
After my third session of CyberKnife Radiation treatment, I reflect on how grateful I am for the supportive doctors, nurses, and technicians I have encountered on my journey. I also talk a little about the variety of support groups out there on social media.

My Journey / Episode 5: "Science is Amazing!"
My wife came to the back to see where all the magic happens. To all of my fellow AN Warriors: Science is amazing, and most of all, WE'VE GOT THIS!

My Journey / Episode 4: "My First Session of Radiation"
I thought today was going to be all about the first of my 5 Cyberknife Radiation procedures that I would be doing. In fact, today was all about something much more important.

My Journey / Episode 3: "Tomorrow, I Take The Next Step"
In this episode, I apologize for taking so long to update and keep you in the loop of what's next. I also mention some valuable resources for support.

My Journey / Episode 2: "My Brain Tumor Symptoms"
In this episode, I share the symptoms I am currently dealing with in having a brain tumor.

My Journey / Episode 1: "I Have a Brain Tumor"
In 2017, I was diagnosed with having an Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma. In other words, I have a brain tumor. Here's how I handled the news and why I'm doing this video series and website.