My life in a nut shell
There isn’t a whole lot more to tell. I’ve led rather a mundane life, but………..
I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (PITT), with a degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, and subsequently received an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX a few years later.
Shortly after graduating from PITT, I entered the US Army, and received training as a Counter Intelligence Agent, and attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA where I studied Japanese for 1 year.
Unfortunately I never got to mainland Japan, but did manage to spend a year and a half in Okinawa, and while there managed to experience a little of the far east, traveling to Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Phillipines (while Marcos was still in control, and it was safe to go there).
Upon returning to the US, I took a job with Republic Steel in Warren, OH, where I met my wife. After 4 years in OH, we headed out west, stopping first in Houston, TX, for a couple of years before I was finally able to secure employment with a small aerospace manufacturing firm in Southern CA, where we have been ever since.
While initially moving around from job to job (all in Southern California), I have managed to stay in my current position for the last 19+ years, which has turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. At this point in my life I wouldn’t even consider changing jobs, not that I could (because of my condition), but I doubt there are any better employers out there to go to.
So here I am, 60 years old, living in the greatest place in the world, but don’t tell anybody that, it’s crowded enough as it is. I am an avid golfer and competitve cyclist, and my wife and I are also wine and culinary enthusiasts, making frequent trips to California’s wine regions, as well as traveling to France’s Bourgnone, and Italy’s Chianti regions, to sample the food and wine there.
I also briefly took up scuba diving, and managed to get to most of the tropical locations of the world, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji twice, Bonaire, and Saba.
So if you’re ever in the neighborhood stop by, and say hello. Oh, and don’t forget the wine. Pinot Noir or French Burgundy are our favorite.
It sounds as if you are enjoying your life and that’s what really counts, disease notwithstanding. As you have said we all are going to die one day, maybe when death is so visible we can actually concentrate our efforts on living, rather than complaining about living.
You have a great attitude, keep it up. Iwas diagnosed with MCL 2 years ago. I will turn 70 years this Sunday, the 17th I’am being preped for a Bone Marrow Transplant, which will start on or about the 27th of this month. Have you ever considered an Autologous Stem Cell or Bone Morrow Transplant? Have talked with a few patients and they have gotten good results. I go to The University of Illinois in Chicago Hospital. Would like to hear from you if your time allows. The Best of Luck to you. Sincerely, Lou
Hi Marc,
Probably you’ve already shared the the answer to my question, but I can’t seem to locate it: with what stage of MCL were you diagnosed?
Thanks to much for sharing your experience and giving hope to those who have been diagnosed with MCL, as well as their families.
Jason
Hello Marc. Great to hear that you are doing well. Can you tell me why you chose no treatment and what stage you were at when diagnosed. This will help us decide what to do.
My husband had R Hyper C-VAD at MD Anderson in 2004. He is still in remission. In fact, he has been released from any further tests and scans. He is a miracle. Chemo may not be for everyone, but it was for my husband. Yes, chemo can be tough….but so is MCL. Good luck and best wishes to all.
BTW has anyone heard from Marc lately? I don’t seem to find anything posted by him for quite sometime. I would be interested in knowing how he is doing.