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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

58 Greene and Blog and Random blog30 Apr 2013 10:32 am

Last week, I got to attend a documentary at the Pacific Arts Movement Spring Showcase about Harana.  It reminded me of my days in college when we would get a bunch of guys together and sing to unsuspecting girls we had crushes on.  We would surprise them at their dorm rooms, the library, restaurants, etc.  The point was to put the spotlight on them and make them feel special.  We called ourselves “58 Woo”.  I actually have a rare 58 Woo recording here:  58 woo medley at 58 green 5 year reunion after party.  We were such cheese balls back then!  hahaha!

It got me involved with a multi-cultural co-ed a capella group at the University of Michigan, 58 Greene.  I took A LOT of slack from my brother for doing for doing something other than sports.  Sounds like an episode of Glee right?  Being in that little a capella group got me to appreciate things outside of my comfort zone!  Stepping outside of my comfort zone back then probably prepared me for another transition into my new world of “tumor thrivership”.  Almost all of my interests and hobbies were taken away from me, so I had to adapt.  A lot of people have trouble adapting to the challenges of their new reality after a tumor/cancer diagnosis.  It’s not an easy transition.  Some people need help.  Of course, I’m having fun finding people who want to help newly diagnosed tumors/cancer patients AND their loved ones navigate this difficult transition.

58 Greene had their 20th anniversary recently, but sadly I wasn’t able to attend.  I look forward to coming back to Ann Arbor in the future to see the latest incarnation of the group perform.

 

Blog and housekeeping and reviews11 Apr 2013 09:23 pm


Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the first Integrative Oncology Conference, sponsored by the UC San Diego School of Medicine.  Integrative Oncology discusses the complex relationship between tumor, host, and dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and what can be done to foster an “anti-cancer” diet and life style to help rectify imbalances and reduce the drivers of cancer.  I was accompanied by Monika and Arilda.

I went in with an open mind because part of me believes there is a link between Western and Eastern medical philosophies.  In traditional Western society, it is commonplace to have concrete measurable evidence to explain how and why things work.  Holistic Eastern medicine principles are much harder to explain.  I was trained in more “traditional” Western medicine.  Eastern Medicine is abstract and difficult to quantify.  After a quick online review of a few peer reviewed publications on “non-traditional cancer treatments”, it seems to me that that diet modification and yoga have substancial objective/ “scientific” statistical measures then other complementary /alternative medicine practices.   The benefits of Quality of Life (QOL) scales / surveys have been studied extensively and it seems that QOL is a very important measure in Eastern medicine research.  These studies are very reliable with specific tests/ questionnaires addressing of QOL.  This is very important because I think QOL is an “applied” research measure.  I found the conference very interesting because there are more studies popping up on “Eastern medicine” albeit with very small sample sizes.  I see very big potential for the application of diet modification and exercise prescription as modalities to assist in management of post tumor/cancer treatment “thrivership”.

Personally, I still don’t fully understand “Eastern medicine”.  I’ve always been the curious student that wants to know “why”.  I’ve started doing research on the benefits of diet and exercise.  That makes sense to me.  My mentors in Physical Therapy school looked at the benefits of a moderate intensity exercise program in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.  They determined it is safe, and actually can be beneficial to survivors.  Ironically, I had radiation therapy after my brain surgery.  I felt very prepared for everything I would be up against based on what I was exposed to in school.  Exercise remains a very important aspect of my life.  I see potential for post treatment exercise programs to be implemented in cancer centers to assist in recovery.  I will make clear that post treatment exercise must be monitored in the cancer patient population!  This already occurs in the post cardiac surgery and post orthopedic surgery population, so I think that post tumor/cancer surgery would benefit from a monitored exercise/rehab protocol.  There are too many benefits of post treatment exercise to outweigh the monitored risks.  I think that the social aspects of a post treatment exercise group could become another type of “post treatment support group.”

These were the topics discussed at the conference:

  • The Role of Diet in the Development in Cancer
  • Dietary Prevention of Cancers of the Breast, Prostate, and Colon
  • The Chinese Medical Approach to Cancer
  • Dietary & Mind Body Combined Intervention
  • Naturopathic Therapeutics for Cancer
  • Use of Integrative Medicine in Pediatric Oncology
  • Biofield Therapies in Cancer Care
  • Cannibus in Pain and Palliative Care
  • Overview of Integrative Modalities in the Support of Cancer patients
  • Self Expression to Promote Cancer Wellness
  • It Takes a Village to Cure a Cancer:  The Essential Role of Community in Cancer Care.

“Integrative Oncology” is a very new field in the tumor/cancer realm, but the potential for application is very high.  “Thrivers” are unique individuals looking for ways to improve upon themselves.  With more evidence based resources and education, the potential for the use of “Integrative Oncology” practices will only grow.  This new way of fighting tumors/ cancer is about to raise some more eyebrows.

58 Greene and Blog09 Apr 2013 09:45 pm
58 Greene 1996-97

58 Greene 1996-97

A lifetime ago, in college at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, I actually sang in an a capella group,  58 Greene.  This shocked many of my friends from high school and family because in high school, I was a big jock.  This weekend is the 20th anniversary of the creation of 58 Greene.  Many of my friends are meeting up in Ann Arbor this weekend for the 58 Greene reunion and concert.  I wish I could be in Ann Arbor to attend, but I couldn’t fit it into my schedule.  I’ll have to say being a “Greenie” was one of the most unique things I have ever done and helped me overcome my shyness and fear of public speaking.  I definitely stepped outside of my comfort zone, but I learned that you cannot grow without challenging yourself.  I never felt nervous on stage with them.  They had my back, and I had theirs.  This translates well into the world of “tumor thrivership”.

I wasn’t the best soloist, but I had a lot of fun doing vocal percussion and adding base to the harmonies.

Here is a sample of one of my favorite 58 Greene medleys.

Dance Mix III: The Sexual Anthology

I’ll never forget performing with that little group.  I’ll probably never sing on stage again, but it was an experience I’ll always treasure!

Blog and mAss Kickers news and reviews23 Mar 2013 11:37 am

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Last week mAss Kickers Foundation had the opportunity to speak to Social Work Students and Social Work faculty at the University of Hawaii – Manoa. 3 tumor/cancer thrivers shared their stories and resources that they utilized to pass on to their patients. Marc Rodriguiez, Hannah Hansen, and Eric Galvez presented their unique and often times humorous perspectives as young adult survivors turned “tumor/cancer thrivers.” Survivorship is only the first step in recovery from these diseases. It was determined that each individual survivor will move on to “tumor/cancer thrivership” at their own pace. “A Thriver” is someone who gets an intimidating tumor/cancer diagnosis and REFUSES to let it control their life.  They become LEADERS in the fight against all forms of tumors/ cancer.

Along with the speaking engagements at University of Hawaii, this group of thrivers had the opportunity to take in a few sites in Honolulu and experience the authentic Hawaiian cuisine. The Honolulu zoo, Dole Plantation, and of course the beautiful beach on the west side of the island were a few of the sites they were able to visit in their short time on Honolulu. Future trips to speak in Hawaii are in the works to talk about “thrivership” life after an intimidating tumor/cancer diagnosis.

Later this summer mAss Kickers Foundation has plans to go to Tokyo, Japan and Manila, Philippines to speak to future physicians and tumor/cancer patients about “thrivership”. Stay tuned.
More trips are in the work next year!

housekeeping and mAss Kickers news12 Mar 2013 10:18 am

February was an extremely busy month!  Things kept popping up.  I got to spend a month by myself, explored the public transportation system in SD, rediscovered cooking, and growing in the San Diego nonprofit community… I’m discovering how to do MORE things on my own!  As always I’ve got big plans!  Check this out!  I wanna take mAss Kickers Foundation INTERNATIONAL.  Please support the next ambitious MKF project!  We need your help to make it a success!

asia tour 2013_edited-3

Blog and rehab and reviews26 Jan 2013 10:45 am

The American Physical Therapy Association had their annual Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in San Diego this past week.  This year was of particular interest because the programming in the Oncology Section really hit home for me.  I got to attend a session on pediatric brain tumors.  It made realize how lucky I am with the location of my tumor.  Things really could have been a lot worse. I feel very blessed to be as high functioning as I am.  We reviewed the function of the both the brain stem and cerebellum
Those are two very important structures in the brain.  There could have been many other complication from the surgery that could have left me on a ventilator or even unable to stand. I also learned about posterior fossa syndrome.  VERY Intimidating stuff.   This is rare in adults, but I have a tendency to ignore the statistics both negatively and positively.  I was “blessed” a tumor that is most commen in women in their 60s and 70s… I’ve stopped wondering “why” a long time ago.  I’ve always been different, but I’ve learned to embrace it.  I have learned its actually kind of fun being different if you find people who want to be different with you!  I learned this early on in high school because my friends didn’t care if we were part of the “cool” crowd.  We just made each other crack up!  In college, I finally embraced my Filipino American and Asian American heritage and learned to be proud of what I am.  Physical Therapy school prepared me for all the physical impairments I was left with after surgery.
I always enjoy going to CSM because it reminds me that I’m still a physical therapist at heart.  I always come back from CSM with a renewed sense of purpose.  I still believe that physical therapists can be prime players in post tumor/cancer treatment.  No other health discipline has taken ownership of post treatment survivorship health/wellness issues.  I can see post-treatment physical activity rehab programs being created at cancer centers similar to cardiac rehab the hospitals.  Post tumor/cancer treatment ”Thrivership” is not only nessassary, but can redefine a lifestyle for a patient and their loved ones.
“Thrivership” refers to a healthy lifestyle post treatment:
  1. being physically active,
  2. eating/drinking healthier,
  3. a positive mental attitude,
  4. exercising your brain, and
  5. becoming a leader in the war on ALL FORMS OF TUMORS/CANCER,
Many people fight for their lives to become a tumor/cancer “survivor”.  I believe that the potential is great for ALL tumor/cancer survivors to become tumor/cancer “thrivers”.  Ultimately, it will the “Thrivers” who will become the leaders in the war on tumors/cancer.
Blog and mAss Kickers news and Random blog31 Dec 2012 10:11 pm

12 Days of Kick mAss 2012

On the 12th day of Kick mAss my doctor gave to me…

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There is still time to Support unique mAss Kickers Foundation activities in 2013!
housekeeping and mAss Kickers news and Random blog12 Dec 2012 09:53 am

I noticed that I eat too much stuff that is “bad for me”.

In December I am pledging to promote a heathy lifestyle for ALL tumor/cancer “thrivers” by:

giving up candy and sweet desserts for the month of December.

I’m not crazy!  I’m doing this to honor my fellow tumor/cancer “thrivers” and promote a healthier lifestyle.

I’VE BEEN ON A WILD RIDE SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A “NON-MAALIGNANT” BRAIN TUMOR! THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING ALL MY CRAZY IDEAS… I HAVE MORE IN THE WORKS!

Here are recap videos from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011…

Kinda cool to see how things have changed over time, but cool to see how the support is growing. Please help me promote a healthier lifestyle by making a tax deductible donation to mAss Kickers Foundation or JOIN ME by creating your own mAss Kickers Holiday Challenge! WE CAN CHALLENGE OURSELVES TO HONOR THE PEOPLE WE LOVE.

housekeeping and reviews10 Dec 2012 09:37 pm

The past few years have been a crazy ride!  These videos are highlights of what I have gone through in the corresponding years. It is interesting to note the change in mood of these videos. Crazy thing is that I feel like the there is more I need to do… I have a lot more videos in me… Stay tuned…

2007, 2008

I was still figuring what to do…


 

2009

I did some cool stuff… it inspired me to do something…


 

2010, 2011

I found a new purpose…


 

 

Blog05 Dec 2012 09:48 pm
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Last weekend, I got to hang out in Miami.  I’d only been there twice before and had a great time.  The first I went there was in college for spring break… a fun time!  The second time I went was for a wedding a few years ago… again a great time!   Miami has to have the fittest population in the US.  I have yet to see an obese person in Miami. It is a good-looking city.  Everyone I saw there was dressed up or fit!

My trip started on Friday night.  A buddy of mine,”Podo” from First Descents Surf Camp last year picked me up and we went straight to a pub to meet up with some of his friends for a late dinner and a drink.  It is always great meeting other people with ties to the mid-west.  I’m convinced that mid-westerners are the most down-to-earth people to hangout with!  On Saturday, “Podo” took me to South Beach.  I couldn’t get “Ice Ice Baby” lyrics out of my head.  ”A1A Beach Front Avenue!”  We met up with some more of his friends to watch Alabama-Georgia in the SEC Championship game.  By the time we left, it was dark out!  I’m always surprised how early it gets dark in the winter.   We ended up watching the B1G Championship game/Anchorman to close out the evening.  Traveling from the west coast to the east coast always messes up my sleep schedule!  I always want to Sleep in!  On Sunday, we went to the Dolphins-Patriots game.  We had to get a wheelchair from the stadium because the mAss Kicker Mobile II broke down.  We had “RockStar” seats for the game: field level, easy access to tunnel, unobstructed views… can’t beat it!  After the game, we didn’t want to deal with the hassle of finding his friends in traffic so we got Cubana Sandwiches and watched more football.   We met up with some more of his friends for “Sexy Bingo” at The Standard in Miami Beach.  It was pretty cool.  This was a well needed relaxing trip!  Now I can focus on planning an awesome 2013!

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