An Interview with Travis . . . .

Well, I figured since Travis is feeling better, everyone would like to hear from him for a change. I typed up some questions that I thought you might ask if you visited with him for a few minutes.

So, here it goes:

1. You have been home almost 3 weeks now, how are you feeling?
Mentally, I'm great. There is nothing better than being home with my family. Physically, I am still sore from the incisions and the J-tube.

2. Now that the hospital stay is a little bit more in the past, do you think you can talk about it?
I was there too long. The nurses were the best and I'll never forget them. Being there that long I seen people die, it really changes your perspective on living.

3. What was the most challenging part of those long 2 months?
Losing my independence. You can't even stand up without help because of all the tubes, IV's and equipment.

4. Was there anything good that came out of it?
I have a totally different outlook on life.

5. Did you get sick of the same old 3 faces showing up in your room everyday for 65 days?
No, it was hard enough being there, but being there alone would have been awful.

6. After your surgery, what’s been the hardest thing for you?
Building up strength, I lost all muscle tone and stamina.

7. Can we go back to the beginning – how did this cancer crap start?
September 2007, I had trouble swallowing food, with pain in my chest and became nauseous. In October, had an endoscopy that found a cancerous tumor and the journey began.

8. So, as you look in the future a little bit, do you have any big plans?
I don't have big plans, but I treat everyday as a gift. I don't make long term plans.

9. What about work? You want to go back on Monday are you looking forward to it?
Yes, I'm at the point where I need to get my body back into daily routines.

10. So, after all that you’ve been through what’s your philosophy about life’s up’s and down’s? Why do you think this happened? Where do you go from here?
I have never taken my cancer too serious because it would drive me crazy. When I get down I remember that I would rather have cancer than anyone in my family or any child. Life is exactly that, up's and down's, so enjoy with all your soul the up's.

11. And lastly, what’s gotten you through it all?
My loving wife and family. God and I have become very close, we talk daily.