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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.

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.

No blacks in sight, gays stay in the closet, and women know their place is to please men. Beauty pageants with pretty girls in bathing suits. Even better, this time around we’ll be pals with Russia.

Yesterday, I had an echo cardiogram. It was ordered in preparation for meeting with an Electrophysiologist from Mass General, two weeks from today, about my a-fib.

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/what-is-an-electrophysiologist

An echo cardiogram is an ultrasound scan. Very useful for a non-intrusive view of a heart, but not very effective on a banana. An MRI is too effective!

Breaking News! The echo cardiogram results are in, and they’re normal. No valve problems, etc. So the only thing I need to worry about is the a-fib, which is plenty.

This post is set to appear at the scheduled start of my cancer surgery. If there are no complications, it should take about an hour.

Please be seated in the waiting room.

Here’s some waiting room music.

Follow-up: The nurses said the surgery was routine. The fact that I didn’t see the surgeon post-op is, in itself, a good indicator. Of course, he may have left to get an early start on the Memorial Day weekend. 😉 I will, of course, have a follow-up appointment with him.

There is significant swelling at the site, which is very tender, but the pain is, so far, manageable with Ibuprofen. Final biopsy results should be available by the end of next week.