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.

How I Spent My Summer

I had surgery the Friday before Memorial Day, and I had my final radiation treatment the Friday after Labor Day. The going got extremely tough toward the end, but it’s done.

The chemo has made me anemic, so I feel weak and fatigued. I’m still in some pain, but with the promise that I won’t need the narcotic pain killer I’m taking after a week or two. Another effect of the treatments is that I’m down to my marathon training weight, but without the benefit of being in good physical condition.

Trump’s Suckers for Putin

Right-wing influencers were duped to work for covert Russian influence operation

https://apnews.com/article/russian-interference-presidential-election-influencers-trump-999435273dd39edf7468c6aa34fad5dd

Today was supposed to be my last cancer treatment day. Instead, it is the penultimate day, because of what happened on Tuesday, the worst day of my life.