I’m at the airport right before my flight back from Austin to Los Angeles reflecting on the amazing trip I just finished to celebrate and bring in the next phase of my treatment.

Monday (today), I officially move into Phase 2 of my treatment: radiation.

Physically, I feel great. Emotionally, I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to take two trips to see family and friends before stepping into this next phase. I feel rejuvenated and in great spirits.

Mandatory ice cream in Vail with my parents and nephew, Henry, and nieces (Coco, Poppy).

My trip to Vail, Colorado, to see my nephew, nieces, brother, and sister-in-law was wonderful. One day, I climbed a mountain with my brother and sister-in-law. For me, it wasn't just a physical challenge—it was a metaphorical one. No matter how difficult the climb became, I kept mentally encouraging myself to make it to the top. I feel fully prepared to do the same during these next six weeks.

We made it to the TOP of that mountain! I hiked. My brother and sister in law ran… But I still made it.

My bro, Chris, and sister in law, Emily on our way down in the gondola.

Radiation will be Monday through Friday for six weeks. From what I've been told, the side effects are cumulative, so I likely won't begin to feel the more difficult effects until around the middle of treatment.

Whatever comes, this trip prepared me for the next leg of the journey.

After a few days in Vail, I hopped over to my beloved Austin, Texas, to spend time with friends and chosen family. Every time I go back to Austin, I feel like I'm carrying around a scavenger hunt bingo card that I'm trying to complete.

This was a much shorter trip than my usual three- to four-week stay, so I didn't get to see everyone, but I did get to spend time with many of my closest friends. I ate crawfish from LA Crawfish Shack, BBQ from Stiles Switch, Kerbey Lane for a Get Reelisms in-person breakfast meeting, and even somehow made it to a screening for a short film I 1st AD’d on for my friend, Miachel.

Get Reelisms team breakfast meeting at Kerbey Lane.

I love Lake Austin with friends. Photo by Daran Herrman.

As for activities, I got to hang out in the pool with Daran and Christine Herrman's kids, spend a day on the boat at Lake Travis, and once again attempt to surf behind the boat. I still couldn't stand up. How everyone else makes it look effortless is beyond me.

Pool Night at Daran’s. Photo by Daran Herrman at ColoredLion.com

I also finally got to try Space Cowboy, a restaurant I've been wanting to visit for quite some time, with my dear friend Marsha.

Catching up with Carly, my former AD work wife and dear friend!

Catching up with my MBA and former project manager buddy, Michelle and my former Austin roommate, Janell.

I've joked with multiple people that every time I visit Austin, I have a metaphorical IV bag that I get to fill with hearts.

Well, my IV bag is now bursting with love.

I know I'm going to need it for this next leg of treatment.

I'm feeling a mix of emotions. My goal is to come out of this stronger than when I started. Operation Phoenix, I call it.

My focus is on the things I can control:

Recovery and health—continuing to work out regularly. (If anyone wants to work out with me, let me know.)
Deciphering international self-distribution for Erzulie.
Continuing to build the Get Reelisms business.
Preparing for my next project, hopefully the proof-of-concept short for Tumi & Me. Raising some funding. Ideally, I'd love to shoot it at the end of August if everything goes according to plan.

If anyone would like to help or be a part of any of the goals above, please let me know. I'll continue to keep everyone updated on the emotional roller coaster this process will no doubt bring.

I love you all, and thank you for your continued support. Every text, phone call, and meetup has meant more to me than I can express. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Even on the days when I feel scared, I remind myself that I have an IV bag full of hearts and an incredible support team behind me. And because of that, I know I can keep going.

Thank you.

Fallowing Forward | PHASE 2 | Radiation