Author: DOuG pRATt

0.5%

I no longer drink beer or wine, but occasionally I will have this non-alcoholic beverage.

There is some residual alcohol, listed as 0.5%. I predict this is the same percentage that the Federal Reserve Bank will cut the federal funds interest rate on Wednesday.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/16/stock-market-today-live-updates.html

Update:

Fed slashes interest rates by a half point

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/fed-cuts-rates-september-2024-.html

Covid or Kremlin?

What I have doesn’t feel like a virus. It’s more like I’ve been poisoned by one of Putin’s agents. With my immune system suppressed by chemo, I’ve been wearing Powecom KN95 masks in public places, and I don’t have Covid.

What I have is radiation sickness, and it’s unlike any other illness I’ve ever had. I’ve been assured that, by the end of this coming week, I should be feeling significantly better. I’m hanging onto that hope.

Face Front!

The last time I weighed 165 lbs., I was training to run the Boston Marathon. That’s my weight now, after six weeks of cancer treatments.

One effect of the chemotherapy is that it cured my psoriasis, although I have been told the flaky patches will probably return. There is also the effect that chemo had on my facial hair.

Before chemo:

After chemo:

Update: Once again, I am now clean-shaven.

With My Apology to Princess Kate

As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy [and radiation] treatment.

The last [six] months have been incredibly tough. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.

The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.

With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.

This time has above all reminded me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.

Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy [and radiation], my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.

Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.

I am so grateful for the support I have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping me at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.

To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey — I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.