Category: All Posts

I Cannot Tell a-Fib

My cancer treatments ended four weeks ago. Recovery from the side effects of chemo and radiation has been slow, but steady. I won’t know if I’m cured until an examination in December. After that, I’ll be preparing for an ablation procedure in the hope of treating my persistent atrial fibrillation. It will be done at Mass General in Boston, by the director of the A-Fib program at Harvard Medical School. If he can’t get me out of a-fib, then nobody can. The odds he gave me that he’ll be able to do that? 60-70%.

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.

Eighteen

This weblog turned eighteen on Thursday. Having survived its surly teen years relatively unscathed, it’s now attending college, with an undeclared major. Here’s hoping it can narrow its focus and devote itself to a field of study that leads to gainful employment.

What about being burdened with college debt, you ask? We’ll worry about that later.

A “Feeling Okay For Now” Post

I have been advised/counseled/admonished/warned that, in two weeks, I will be in cancer treatment Hell, with pain at 8-to-9 out of 10. At this moment, however, I feel okay.

Trump’s campaign is nothing but Lies, Insults, and Boasts. You know it, I know it, and everybody knows it.

162 lies and distortions in a news conference. NPR fact-checks former President Trump

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/11/nx-s1-5070566/trump-news-conference