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A brain tumor is not necessarily a "death sentence".

However, it is a life changing occurrence!

Welcome to "They Call Me 'Galvez'". My friends really do. I can be friends with almost anybody! I'm just a regular guy that had a brain tumor and wants to do something positive with it. This web site is dedicated to my unique journey over the last year. I'm a 31 year old physical therapist in beautiful San Diego, California. I was diagnosed with a golf-ball sized brain tumor in September 2005. I had brain surgery a month later to remove it. It took me almost 1 year to fully recover. I've always believed that things happen for a reason. I really feel like all my life experiences helped me to deal with this crushing diagnosis. I have led a very interesting life thus far, but I still have a lot of things I need to do. After the surgery, I was receiving rehab at the hospital where I used to work. The people I used to work side by side with were now treating me as a patient! Please take your time browsing this site to learn more about my wild ride through this unique experience. If you’re a student or brain tumor patient, drop me a line; I'd love to hear from you

Blog07 Mar 2010 04:58 pm

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Ah… something has got me really curious… in PT school, my student research project was on the effects of moderate intensity exercise (walking program) on women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. hmmmm… we looked specifically at white blood cell counts and determined that they were not negatively affected. Other blood tests and quality of life tests were addressed in other studies. Granted, it was a small sample size, but it does mean that potentially the white blood cell counts for women undergoing radiation therapy are not negatively affected and may safely reap the benefits of moderate intensity exercise. I’m just now getting caught up in the exercise and cancer literature. I am realizing that everyone is looking for conclusive evidence-based data to create protocols for any actions or positions on specific issues. The reality is that in brain tumor or cancer research, much of data is conflicting, have holes in the project structure, or it simply does not exist.  There are many smaller pilot studies, but it is very rare to find larger studies (randomized controlled studies) where definitive positions can be concluded.   Sadly, part of me thinks that there is no real incentive to fund research because many organizations or individuals have too much to lose if, God-Forbid, a “Cure” is found!  Because of this, I am pessimistically optimistic about finding a “Cure” anytime soon.  The science/resources are there, but the funding isn’t.  It seems like we have our feet on both the gas pedal (science) and the brakes (lack of funding) limiting progress in the war on tumors/cancer.  I’d like to see larger studies not funded by big companies that have a stake in the results.  The problem is… where to turn to for research funding?  When looking at research, I always try to find out who is funding it to see if there is any bias to the results.  Research is the KEY to progress in the war on tumors/cancer.  However, I think a different strategy needs to be implemented.   We should promote a more comprehensive strategy not just chasing the “Cure”.  I think there needs to be a more focused approach to attacking tumors and cancer, “the K.U.R.” (Knowledge, Unity, Research).  To combat these horrible diseases we need to: promote knowledge (preventative education and patient education); promote unity (build up support for fight against tumors and cancer); and finally support research that leads to:  more efficient diagnosis, efficient treatment, improved mortality rates, improved quality of life for patients, and diagnosis-specific symptom management.  We should not lose sight of “the Cure”.  “The Cure” is thrown around so nonchalantly. For years we were chasing a vague and complicated goal.  It is now time to fine tune the focus of “research” where we will be able to see measurable results.

housekeeping18 Feb 2010 08:57 am

mAss Kickers Foundation brochure final

Check out the brochure. Please help us distribute to spread awareness at schools or work!

Blog14 Feb 2010 02:09 pm

killer_eatingFatigue is the one of the biggest impairments I’ve had to deal with since my surgery.  I still don’t quite understand post treatment fatigue, but I have my theories.  I had surgery to remove a golfball sized brain tumor four years ago.  I had radiation therapy after surgery, but afterward I was left with severe coordination and balance impairments.  I did not have chemo or any drugs for treatment of the tumor.  My post surgical impairments are ALL PHYSICAL: ataxia, tremor, and balance impairments.  It requires a lot of energy for mobility, which might explain why I have fatigue.  I have been trying to eat healthier and get plenty of rest (which is hard to do with all the activities/events I have planned).  Since I do not completely understand the chemistry associated with post-treatment fatigue, I think I may be using more energy than the average person with mobility: sitting up, walking, standing, etc.  Sadly, I still require a mid-afternoon nap to function in the evening.  This got me thinking…What is the best source to supply energy?  A proper dietWhat you eat is your fuel.   Instead of fueling myself on cheeseburgers and pizza, I am trying to fuel myself with “good” food.  I’m eating more fruits/veggies and trying to cook more frequently, but I haven’t completely given up junk food.  I’m not dieting, “I’m eating healthier.” I’m thinking I’ll focus on what I eat, not what I shouldn’t eat!  I’M NOT GOING ON A DIET!

Blog and Random blog08 Feb 2010 12:35 pm

weird-scienceWell, I’ve spent nearly two weeks by myself.  I can cook meals, clean up, and manage to “work” from home.  Still the biggest issue for me is transportation.  I have some friends that I can rely on to take me places if I really need to go somewhere.  Of course, I would prefer to go somewhere myself!  Independence with activities of daily living is not as big of an issue for me for me anymore.  I think efficiency is the real issue now.  Walking, cooking, and cleaning take twice as long as it used to.  Fatigue is an issue that I am still trying to figure out.   At least I know that I can function on my own at home, but I still need to figure somethings out.

The past two weeks, I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting in the kitchen.  I recently discovered the crock pot.  I have affectionately dubbed the act of crock pot cooking, “crock pottery.”  I really wish I knew about this in college.  It would have saved me from frequent trips to McDonald’s or Wendy’s.  I have one recipe that I like… jambalaya. It is so simple.   You just throw stuff in, turn it on, and at the end of the day you have a meal!  Last week I thought I’d be creative and try combining stuff I like… brats and beer.  Made total sense at the time because beer brats taste great!  Three cans of beer +brats should be fine.  Then I was thinking… fries taste good with beer brats…  OK, throw some chopped up potatoes in there.  Then I was thinking… fries need ketchup… OK, throw a chopped up tomato in there.  Garlic Fries taste good, so maybe I should add some garlic salt.   I giggled like mad scientist in a monster lab when I poured in the garlic.  My mouth was watering as I was proudly dreaming of the scrumptious meal I had just created.  In five “short” hours I would be able to enjoy my delightful culinary master piece!  For hours, I sat in front of my computer thinking of how great of a “crock pot-head” I am!  When my alarm went off! I rushed into the kitchen to behold my creation.  I was shocked and repulsed by the smell emanating from my magical crock pot.  It kinda smelled like a popular college bar after dollar pitcher night.  No matter, my masterpiece was going to taste incredible! The brats and potatoes were cooked perfectly!  I made a cup of rice to compliment my creation.  The tomato slices were extremely fragile and dissolved on contact in the bubbling warm beer.  Not sure I added enough garlic salt… oh well. The beer kinda grossed me out so I drained the brats and potatoes from the crock pot.  I put the brats and potatoes on a bed of rice.  My first bite of the brats was just what I imagined it would be.  Plump and hearty with a tinge of bitterness from the beer. Then I tried the potatoes.  Very warm, pungent, and bitter from soaking in beer.  Kinda gross.  Oh well at least the brats turned out well.  Then I realized, wait… I’m all by myself and I have all this food.  I know what I’ll be eating tomorrow…  I’ll just put it in the fridge when it cools off.  Well, I forgot to up it in the fridge and it gave my place the pleasant aroma of a dried-beer-college-bar floor.  The next day when I warmed up my creation, I completely avoided the potatoes.  I felt obliged to at least finish the brats.  Again bad idea… the beer brats don’t hold up well when reheated.  They get very bitter. For two more meals, I forced myself to finish eating those horrible brats.  I won’t be doing that again.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  • THERE IS A REASON BEER IS NOT USED AS A BASE IN COOKING.
  • STICK TO ESTABLISHED RECIPES/PRACTICES, DON’T TRY DOING SOMETHING NEW UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH.
  • IF YOU GOING TO TRY SOMETHING NEW, BE PREPARED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES AND IF IT WORKS… THE GLORY (UNFORTUNATELY KITCHEN GLORY WILL NOT COME EASILY.)
housekeeping27 Jan 2010 11:14 am
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11/22/09 University of California at Berkeley Lecture and Book Signing Question and Answer session

Blog26 Jan 2010 06:49 pm

braveheartFor the next two weeks I am flying solo!  I hope I don’t do anything crazy!  My mom is heading back to Michigan for a month.  My dad can’t come out till mid February.  I guess I get the whole place to myself for almost three weeks!  I treasure these times because I rarely get any alone time.  I really appreciate all the help my parents have given me, but there comes a time when you have to let go.  At times I feel like I am in high school again.  NO JOKE!  Can’t drive, “Eric clean your room”, “Where are you going,”  “Who are you going with”, etc…  I’m still not used to having so many reigns on me.  I moved out to San Diego 6 years ago because I wanted to start my own life.  My life plan took a dramatic detour, but I’m moving forward.  I just have a little more “baggage”.  I will admit it, I got a little lost trying to find the right path. But I think I have a map now. I told someone once, that my life took a detour and it would have been nice to have a doctor/GPS to get me back on track, but I guess I’m just exploring and enjoying the sites.  I lost a few things on the way, but I’ve also gained a lot.  That BRAIN TUMOR took away all hobbies, my job, some of my friends, BUT IT WILL NEVER TAKE AWAY MY FREEDOM!  HAHAHA!

Blog22 Jan 2010 09:13 am

stress-picture-stress-relief-kitI feel like I am working much harder than I was as a physical therapist. I have to deal with: my own physical rehab, learning correct operational procedures in the corporate environment, re-learning to driving with physical impairments, writing, organizing my book tour for 2010, establishing my own independence, organizing events for mAss Kickers Foundation, finalizing a budget for mAss Kickers Foundation, finalizing a budget for myself, promoting myself/book, promoting mAss Kickers Foundation, and completing the necessary paperwork for tax exemption status for mAss Kickers Foundation. I worry about money because I have a mortgage to pay, graduate student loans to pay, healthcare expenses, home owner’s association dues, and credit card bills. I am getting by, but I cannot decrease my personal debt/loans.  I also need to maintain (fees and continuing education) professional licenses/certifications for physical therapy and my CSCS. Having one of my parents with me definitely helped financially, but at the same time I lose the independence I enjoyed as a young adult. I do understand that my parents worry about me, but I think I can manage living on my own.  I feel like I’m not able to efficiently progress with cautious eyes watching over me.   Financially, I’m starting to question if I can maintain the same lifestyle pre-surgery and still stay content. Just needed to get that off my chest. I’ll figure something out.

Blog21 Jan 2010 11:12 am
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Tumors took the first punch. It’s our turn to punch back. Awareness is only the first step.

A lot of people have been touched by tumors… WE CAN ALL DO SOMETHING TO SPREAD AWARENESS! PLEASE pass it on for yourself or someone you love.

TUMORS SUCK! -young adult survivors AND our loved ones.

Blog08 Jan 2010 06:52 pm

evolution2The holidays were different this year.  For the first time I actually flew back to Michigan on Christmas Eve.  I would get to experience real “holiday” travel at a busy airport.  Crying babies, grumpy passengers, crowded planes… surprisingly, none of it bothered me.  Things don’t bother me as much as they used to. ( I had successful brain surgery on one of the most dangerous areas to have a brain tumor… and I’m still alive to talk about it!  You think I’m going to sweat minor inconveniences or details!)  It takes a lot to get me upset!  I’m by no means an unemotional robot now.  I was not looking forward to the subzero temperatures or coming home to my parent’s old house with no bed for me (that is a completely different story).  However, I was excited to see all my family and friends back home.  I got to see many family members that are scattered all over the country, friends from college, and friends from grad school.  I didn’t come home for Christmas last year, so this year had special meaning.  Much has happened in the past year, that I’ve kind of lost track of the people closest to me.

Part of me didn’t recognize the place that I used to call home.  My room… now storage.  The people I used to hangout with… married with kids.  The schools I used to attend… look completely different with new buildings or construction.  Things change for a reason.  Nothing ever stays the same.  I realized that things need to change for progress to occur.  While I am making my way back, I have to pave a new path both personally and professionally.  My life took a dramatic detour when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  I have accomplished a lot in the past 4 years.  Writing a book, winning awards, traveling the country, starting an organization, and now officially starting a nonprofit.  I have challenged myself to do many things outside of my comfort zone and still plan on accomplishing a lot more!  I continually test my limits.  I think that this is how a have been able to accomplish so much so fast.  I am still very reluctant to call the tumor a “blessing in disguise”.  I think of it as an “awakening”.  I’m doing things I never dreamed I would do.  Personally, my life is still on pause.  It’s kinda like I’m waking up from a crazy dream but its 4 years later.  It has been difficult watching my friends move on with their lives: starting families, pursuing their dream jobs, and living the life I’ve always wanted for myself.

A new year always brings a new sense of hope.  That hope is just a mirage unless a plan is developed to take steps towards realizing that hope. Hope has always been there for me, but the plan needs some work. I’m still formulating my “plan” for 2010.  Once I get that figured out, look out!  Stay Tuned!

housekeeping19 Dec 2009 01:15 am

DSCN2385_22009 was a great year. Got to attend so many great events and meet some amazing people!

These videos are my way of saying thanks for supporting all my crazy endeavors! I hope you will continue continue to support me. i have a few things up my sleeve for 2010!

This is for you guys! I hope to see some of you face-to-face in 2010!

2009 Tribute

2006-2008 Tribute

THANKS!

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