What is Normal?
The first few days after Chemo Treatment #1 I was nauseous or near nauseous or….something. There’s a point where you know you’re not going to hurl (thankfully, I never did)…
Cycle 1 … or Things We've Learned
Even though there’s surgical glue still over the incision where the port is, they can still access it without problem. No pain. This was my primary anxiety going in to…
Change, Uncertainty, and Being Present in the Moment
I don’t dislike change and uncertainty on whole, but I prefer to be the one controlling introducing the change and uncertainty. I like to have a good idea of what’s…
I Don't Recall Volunteering
This week started on a high of good news about my arm. We are now going forward with tests as we prepare for treatment. I’m not generally comfortable with short…
Good News – A New Definition
Good news, it seems, is all about perspective. One person’s terrible news is another person’s good news. When our adventure began, it took just a single appointment with a doctor…
Confirmation of Neck Diagnosis and Room for Hope
I hit a point in the past week where I just didn’t want to answer the phone. I see the message light indicating voice mail and I hold my breath…
Just when you think you've had all the scans…
There’s a point when you think, “Hey, this is it. I’ve had ALL the scans. I’ve hit all the biggies: biopsy, CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, PET… those are all of…
How Many Pathologists Does it Take to…?
Pathologist #1 – the biopsy. At the time of the biopsy of the mass in the gland, we knew the both were going to be removed. The biopsy would drive…
There's a Kumquat in my Neck!
When I lived in Orlando after college, they had an annual parade call the Queen Kumquat Parade. It was the brainchild of a local newspaper columnist. Sort of an alternative…