I've always considered myself an active physically fit person. A regular at the gym and an avid cyclist a participant in century rides of a hundred miles in a day. That's why in the spring of last year I knew something was wrong when I struggled to mow the lawn without a rest period.

My symptoms included shortness of breath and unusual fatigue. After passing a battery of tests for heart disease, some blood abnormalities were discovered. I was anemic and waiting for the results. After four agonizing days the answer was Multiple Myeloma.

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Myeloma starts in the marrow, which is the spongy tissue in the center of the bones. There is no cure. A patient with myeloma has an average life expectancy of four to seven years. Nine thousand Americans will die this year from myeloma. Eventually the cancer cells crowd out the healthy blood cells boring holes in the bones. Many patients with myeloma can suffer broken bones by doing ordinary everyday activities. X-rays showed I had lesions in my legs, hip arms and skull.

Local recommendations led me to seek treatment at Ohio State University's The James Cancer hospital. The first form of treatment was a nine week Chemotherapy regimen.

Unfortunately this yielded no results. The cancer was continuing to mount, and I had progressed from stage two to stage three. Myeloma only has four stages.

The next order of treatment was to prepare for a stem cell transplant. I was given fourteen shots of drug which was administered to increase new healthy blood cells which would collected, frozen and stored away. I was then given a high dose form of Chemo called Melphan. Basically what happens next is the drug kills everything in your system.Then the new healthy cells which were collected and frozen are put back into your system.

Your hair falls out you become deathly sick. Over the next six weeks in the hospital I lost 30 pounds and was living on a steady diet yogurt and jello. Complications followed which included pneumonia and the loss of feeling in my feet.

Eventually I have regained my strength. Thanks to the staff at The James and eleven blood transfusions over six months of treatment. I still have kidney issues. Since my kidneys had to work overtime to filter the bone dust out of the blood, I now have stage four kidney failure. This could lead to the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.

The good news is the stem cell transplant was a success. I am currently in remission.

Cancer has changed my life. For the most part, I have taken my health for granted. I now view everyday as a gift.

I don't mind the birds singing in the tree next to my bedroom window, waking me up to early on a Sunday morning. I sit on my backyard deck looking up in the blue sky and white clouds. I watch airplanes flying by leaving a vapor trail. No longer wishing I was on the plane traveling to a far away destination, rather just hoping the passengers have a safe journey. I love hearing my spouse Monique laughing heartily in the family room while watching reruns of Will and Grace. I love walking in on my youngest daughter and step daughter and watching their faces turn red when I over hear them talking about boys.

I love when my two college age kids hug me and tell me they love me before they leave the house. I love telling my parents I love them every time I hang up the phone.

In my moments of weakness, I sometimes feel sorry for myself. Monique has been there for me not only as a caregiver, but also reminding me to stay positive and view each obstacle as another hurtle to overcome.

I don't want cancer. But I'm glad it choose me instead of Monique, one of my children, or siblings. I love them to much to watch them go thru this battle. I hope for a cure and pray for their continued good health. I hope I will be living to see my youngest graduate. I guess I should be more concerned with the struggling 401 k. But my chances of reaching retirement currently are slim to none. I am honored to be the Honorary Chairperson for the relay for life. I hope you will join me in the fight against cancer by donations, volunteering or participating in a fundraiser.

One day I hope to be strong enough to ride in another bike tour. Unlike the great Lance Armstrong, I will no longer be concerned about finishing among the leaders. But like Lance Armstrong, I'm sure I'll enjoy every mile of the ride.

Livestrong everyday,

Steve Kerrigan K 99.1