Feeling MexicanArmstrong.org!

Below is an email written to friends while working hard in Austin:

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Hola Amigos,

I just wanted to remind you to check out the latest blog post with the cute Mexican baby pics!

I'm feeling really strong, below is a picture taken last night around midnight while working on finalizing the articles of incorporation for MexicanArmstrong.org. Some how I've managed to not only make it through a long week of chemo, but also figure out how to build muscle at the same time! The doctors don't know what to think of a Mexican like me!?!?

Let's just say, I have my secrets and my friends! ;-)

-Joel C. Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong

Special Delivery - Very Fishy Business for MexicanArmstrong.org

It didn't take long for me decide to go back to Austin after finishing a full five days of chemo treatment in Houston. I had rested only about one day before I felt strong enough to make the drive again. Remarkably I was able to make it through round 3 like a champ and have come a long way learning how to fight with the chemo drugs to eradicate cancer at a pace that I know many will study for time to come.

With an extra boost of energy from some acupuncture healing, I packed my gear and hit the road.

I started a 75 gallon saltwater tank just weeks before I was diagnosed in May. This is my second time maintaining a sophisticated aquarium and I find it a challenging and satisfying hobby. On my way out of town I picked up a Special Delivery for MexicanArmstrong.org's saltwater tank. The package only contained enough oxygen to sustain its contents for a few hours. I had no choice in making my trip to Austin a swift, but smooth drive.

The mission of saltwater aquaria? Basically, recreate the ocean in a box. Which sounds simple at first, but think about it. 70% of our Earth is roughly made-up of bodies of water. It is quite literally the most abundant and stable environment on earth. It is the body of life. I don't use this prefix with possible much these days, but it is impossible to really recreate the ocean in a box. At minimum it's a daunting task, and presents a complex problem. But like any great consultant, I manage to surround myself with bright people and deliver even more brilliant solutions.

Half-way through the drive very painful neuropathy appeared in my hands. Special delivery on its way!

No drinking and driving here! You won't find beer in this cooler, mostly just saltwater.

A successful aquarist understands that he or she must maintain an aquatic ecosystem with keen regard to both the environment (tank) and the happiness of its inhabitants (fish). Notice how I said "happiness". What is the point of keeping a pet if they aren't happy? The fact is, there isn't one. Our tank is doing quite well now, our newest addition, a Dwarf Lionfish (Dendrochrius biocellatus), will find his new home a nice change of pace. Like the Jefferson's, he is "Movin' on up to the East Side (Austin)".

Much like my body, I'm confident that our environment has not only stabilized but has found a new optimal level. It will continue to evolve in a positive progression along with our new addition. Welcome Lionel Fishy, I know you're a superior predator despite the flamboyance of your fins.

I also know it is survival of the fittest where you come from, but please don't eat your tank-mates. I can't afford to feed you $40 meals.

Lionel Fishy - Sportin' that Jheri-Fro (half jheri-curl, half afro)

Mr. Richie - A true pioneer of the Jheri-Fro (circa 1981). Lionel loves his MexicanArmstrong.org wristband!

Caution: MexicanArmstrong.org Wristbands Cause Healing

Below is an email sent to me from a dear friend in Austin. These images brought about a very peaceful and youthful smile from my face when I saw them this morning and made my fifth straight day of round three chemo a piece of cake!

You see, I've been really sensitive to adolescent energy, especially in infancy. Children just seem to radiate with an abundance of unspoken and vigorous ardor.

Baby Sofia, (I think i'll call you 'baby sofi-strong' from now on) I've had a few gum aches myself in the past weeks. I like your approach, and think I will chew on a wristband too. After all, what harm could it do? At least you don't have to see the dentist in a few weeks.

-Joel C Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong

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Hi Joel,

You are truly an inspiration for those who know you and those who will meet you.

I wanted to send you a couple pics. Last night, I babysat for a friend as a favor. This baby is about 5 months old, her name is Sofia. She did not want to play with ANY of her toys last night. All she wanted to do was chew on my MexicanArmstrong.org wristband. ;)

She LOVED it. I took some pics for ya. =)

Take care of yourself, as I'm sure you are doing. You are a true champ and your spirit is so strong!

xoxo

Jen

Baby Sofia Armstrong - Caution MexicanArmstrong.org wristbands and cancer can cause healing. Please give to teething babies!!!

Just Another Drive to the Office - Racing for the Cure (and to Work)

I decided to head to Austin this past Saturday. I continue to find that the energy in the city is conducive to my speedy healing. Convinced of this, I packed a bag and loaded up my backpack and hit the road. For those who haven't taken a ride in the country lately, please do. We live in a beautiful state, and a 45 minute drive to see nature at its best will clear your mind and will do you good. I also suggest a peaceful bike ride if you are short on time and gas money but heavy on the environment and health.

I plan on taking a short ride with Lance himself as soon as we can both find time. I still have just a bit to go before I can ride well and he is still busy celebrating the joyous arrival of his newest son.

I tell my mom that all this fight and my triumph over cancer is going to make her a grandmother soon. She just smirks and quickly retorts, "not too soon son". But I know she awaits nothing more than my full healing and her first grandchild. Fat chance that I am going to get any assistance from my sister. She insists that it will be many years before she's going to have a bun in the oven. Guess I'm picking up the slack.

So I say, congratulations Lance and welcome Max, we are all so blessed to have you here. I have no doubt that I am "...standing on the shoulders of Giants" and their sons.

The weekend was amazing and after a productive weekend of work and a great meeting with the VP and fellow board member of MexicanArmstrong.org, I prepared for my Monday morning drive to work. The plan: wake up Monday morning at 6:00 am, drop my partner off at the airport and drive straight to Houston and the office (chemo chair) within 3 hours.

I learned many things on the drive home. I know most of which is positive and will be very helpful with my cancer foundation. I also learned that I was going to make it to Houston in way less than 3 hours. Overall the most notable experience arriving into Houston would be my literal race for the cure against a Viper and canary yellow Porsche Carrera. Confidently enough I won the race that day easily, my focus was that of a Top Gun pilot and my hands and feet were guided by a higher power. But I am wise enough to know the difference between a battle and war. So as I speed into battle and emerge into victory on the warfront, I proudly display my battle scars and have no fear of future war wounds.

For some reason the idea of changing rank diapers and 4am feedings scare me way more right now than a speeding ticket!

-Joel C Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong

"Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuvering for advantageous positions." - Sun-tzu

I jockey for position and take the 2nd slot.

The better you breathe the better you perform. Twin-Turbos propel me to speeds faster than the Porsche on the open stretches! Things begin to really speed up.

Won the race and made it to the office just in time for a chemo cocktail and a victorious sticking out of the tongue. A few more enemies bite the dust; Cancer, Viper and Porsche (in no particular order). None of them ever had a chance. ;-)

Baby Max showing his natural Armstrong talent of "Nanny-Nanny Boo-Boo, you can't catch me!"

Twinkle Twinkle Mexican Star

I had an amazing weekend filled with both good food and even better people. I am really blessed to have so many good friends who truly care about my well being and speedy recovery. I thrive off of their positive thoughts and energy and undoubtedly transform it into cancer killing abilities.

The highlight of the weekend came Sunday evening when I had the pleasure of spending some time with Lilly. Lilly is the daughter of some good friends and a very cute and beautifully vibrant three and a half year-old.

Our connection was immediate and our mood playful. It only took moments before I asked her to play "Super-Stars" with me and she happily accepted. You see, for many of us our ability to express our super-star within diminishes with our increasing age. The following is what happens when you ask a three year-old to be a shining star with you (notice the progressive stages of shining bright):

You know, if only Lilly was about 25 years older, I'd ask her out on a date. Oddly enough, I'm also positive I wouldn't get the same reactions from her 25 years from now. You see, grown-ups tend to forget how to act like a "Super Star", but a three year-old just gets it and so do I.

As I close my laptop I realize that we all have the ability to bring out our inner-star. It only takes a little imagination and we can all shine with a blinding luminosity.

-Joel C Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong

Every Mexican Needs a Little Romance

Here is my second performance a day after neuropathy appeared in my hands and fingertips. 

The song is called Romance, it's a three part song made-up of two keys (both Major and Minor). To me it represents our natural tendency to express romanticism in our pursuit of true love.

Right-now I can only play the Minor movement and feel as though I express it well. I'm currently teaching myself the Major movement. I plan to save that performance for the next special lady in my life.

Move over Jack Johnson, this Mexican has got the guitar and the good love now!

-Joel C Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong 

Mexican in Music Over Matter

So there has been little doubt to me that music was going to play a role in my healing process. I've been a student of music off-and-on since 6th grade and some of my fondest memories are associated with being behind the command of an instrument. 

You see, by definition an instrument is a tool. It is merely a device, one that can be used to produce energy in wave form. Energy that is heard by our bodies tool, the ear. But it is our mind that really hears the music. Such beautiful noises can only be a product of our mind. Right now those sounds are a Sublime part of my healing. 

I received this guitar as a gift 10 years ago and it's been about that long since I have had a formal classical lesson. I've even managed to lose it a few times, but somehow it always seemed to find its way back. And for reasons that are now so obvious to me. A University-of-Texas-sized thank you goes to a great college buddy and dear friend James for making sure it returned to my hands for my most recent studies. Hook'em, Brotha! 

February 29, 2008 - James (far right) is The luckiest guy in Austin, Texas that day. He's also the guy that didn't pawn my guitar to pay for his wedding.  

 

So trust me when I tell you, that now-a-days I stop and listen just a little bit closer, just that much more intently. I hear the impossible and make it possible.

I can't wait to start dancing again. Cha-cha ladies? 

-Joel C Diaz II

Mexican Armstrong

Music Over Matter - One day after neuropathy in my hands and partial hearing loss set-in.