Eric is the founder of mAss kickers, an organization created to empower the newly diagnosed patient.  He has also written a book, “Reversal: When A Therapist Becomes A Patient.”  For more information go to www.masskickers.com.

What was your diagnosis and how old were you at the time?

I was diagnosed with a golfball-sized “non-malignant” meningioma brain tumor between my brain stem and cerebellum.  The tumor was not in the greatest place, so I was a freaked-out 30 year old guy in the prime of my life.

What kind of treatment did you have?

I had a very risky 12 hour surgery and radiation therapy 5 days a week for 6 weeks on my brain.  I’m still receiving physical and occupational therapy.

What did you do right after you diagnosed?  How did you deal with it all?

I called my parents 2000 miles away in Michigan.  I let myself freak out for about 10 mins then I decided how I was going to attack this. 

How did your family and friends react to your diagnosis?  Did it have any positive or negative effects on you?

I’ve learned that people will mirror your responses to difficult situations.  I’m pretty sure they freaked out too, but I already got most of it out.  You do need to let stuff out, but I chose to do it before everyone else.  I think that letting people know I was dealing with everything OK, made it OK for them.  I got a lot of courage my friends and family.  We feed off each other.

What would you tell someone who has just been diagnosed?  Any advice?

Be careful… if you do your research, you may not like what you find.  My advice is always have a plan and a contingency plan.

Do you have any advice for family and friends of people just diagnosed?  Things that you found helpful and not as helpful?

Too much positive encouragement is annoying.  People mean well, but there were so many times I wanted to tell people to shut up while I was trying to do something.   I’ve become an expert in “selective hearing”… hahaha!

How do you like to get your mind off of things (Any hobbies, favourite show, movies or music)?

Like everyone else, I waste my time on Facebook.  Actually, I’ve re-discovered reading and writing.

Tell us about a bit about your book and your organization.

Somehow I was able to publish a book about my experiences as a young brain tumor patient and healthcare professional fairly fast.  It is a book based on my blog, so it is considered a “blook”.  It’s unique because I’ve included the perspectives of my friends, family, and therapists to gain a comprehensive view on coping with a brain tumor diagnosis.  I just wanted to illustrate that when someone gets a daunting diagnosis, a lot of people are affected.  For kicks, many of the chapters/essays are named after popular song titles that describe the emotions of the chapters/essay content.  From Sinatra to Kanye, I made an iMix on iTunes of the songs and called it a “book soundtrack”… pretty fun.

100% of the proceeds of the book go to a nonprofit I am starting mAss Kickers Foundation. mKF is geared towards the newly diagnosed patient.  We strive to empower the newly diagnosed patient with knowledge.  Those first few days after an intimidating diagnosis are scary as hell.  We want to soften the blow a little, and help people think about the next step. Oh, “Reversal:  When a Therapist Becomes A Patient” is available on www.masskickers.com  and amazon.com .

How’s the surfing going?

Hahaha… I can paddle out to the lineup with a little help.  Caught a few waves on my stomach, but I’m really close to catching one standing up.  Hopefully I get one this summer.

Who would you rather hang out with – the Jonas Brothers or Zac Efron?

Awe man… how long do we have to hangout?  But, if I would have to choose it would have to be the Jonas Brothers only because there are three of them.  Most people don’t hangout with a complete stranger one on one.  If I were to hangout with Zac Efron, it would kinda be like a date… Awkward! HAHAHA!

Have young adult cancer organizations played a role in your cancer experience?

Yeah, I remember desperately wanting to find people my age that I could talk to.   When I found i2y and Planet Cancer I was so happy!  The only problem was I had a “nonmalignant” brain tumor so it wasn’t technically “cancer”.  I couldn’t find anyone else like me, so I started the “Tumors Suck” group on facebook.  It has grown so much since then!

Have you changed in any way since your diagnosis?

I think that I’m more apt to taking risks I wouldn’t have normally taken.  I wrote a book, been on TV a few times, given lectures across the US, etc.  Who knows what else I might do!  I’m not afraid of failure anymore.  I’m playing with house money as far as I’m concerned.  All my hobbies pre-surgery were based on physical activities.  I can’t do everything I used to enjoy, but I’m learning to enjoy new things.

What has been the “best” and worst of your cancer experience so far?

Best thing by far is meeting so many incredible people.  The toughest things I’ve experienced are learning patience and that sometimes the mind is willing, but you have to listen to your body.  I was a free spirit before surgery, now I am learning to appreciate things in a different way.