It has been some time since we’ve been in touch, and from the perspective of Team Beat The H*ll Outta Multiple Myeloma, that is a good thing.  There’s just not much to report as we settle further into the “new normal.”

While there is still much I am interested in sharing, it is time to bring this column to a conclusion.

I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to write a column for The Myeloma Beacon.  I also remain inspired by …

Since my sister Deana was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2011, participating on charity teams to raise awareness and money for research has become an important activity for me.  Two weeks ago, as Hurricane Sandy was making news, I was en route to Washington, D.C., to participate in my second charity marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon.

While not a Marine, I am moved by their motto, “Semper Fi” – always faithful. Until my sister is cured, I will remain …

Continuing my trend of writing from exotic locations (and I mean that a bit tongue-in-cheek), I am on Long Island today, mixing some business and some pleasure.  The best part of this trip is staying with Mom.  There is just nothing like time with Mom.

Mom was at my house two weeks ago, for the first time since my sister Deana was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.  This is my first visit to her house since late April 2011 as well.  …

I am writing this early on Sunday morning as I am preparing to leave Columbia, Missouri, following the University of Georgia's win over Mizzou late last night.  (Apologies to all Mizzou fans.)

Georgia struggled through much of the game but came alive in the fourth quarter. For this, I am thankful because during my tenure at UGA, we've had some journeys home where the mood was not joyful.

Of course, football is nowhere near as serious as the battle against …

After my sister Deana, who has multiple myeloma, struggled with an infection for much of June, we are all grateful that July was a much quieter month.

I should say that Deana felt my coverage of her cold and emergency room visit in last month’s column was an overly dramatic retelling.  I stand by my version of events, even if I wasn’t in Pittsburgh with Deana to witness all of it firsthand.  Perception is reality, and I perceived it …

Although thankful for the quiet month celebrated in my last column, the joy was short-lived.  Right after my column was published, my sister Deana, who has multiple myeloma, developed a head cold.  At that point, we were off to the races, as the saying goes.

Following instructions, Deana called her oncologist Dr. Agha immediately and was prescribed ciprofloxacin (Cipro).  Her condition was not improving, and according to my trusted Assistant Team Captain, our sister Darrie, Deana didn't look good. …

Yesterday was a rainy Sunday in Georgia – the kind of day that’s perfect for an afternoon nap, or a movie marathon.  For me, it was a very rare day, one with nothing on my agenda.  So, it was a great time for puttering around the house.

In attempting to clean my home office, which honestly is approaching the type of chaos seen on “Hoarders,” I came across many multiple myeloma articles and other cancer-related clippings gathered since my sister …