Screw “watch and wait”… keep fighting
What to do while you’re waiting for your cancer to come back It sounds pessimistic, but let’s be real: even when you are moving on with your life and enjoying survivorship or remission, you still worry about cancer from time to time. Now that I am done with treatment I feel somewhat powerless. Brain surgeries...
Liz is a warrior
I do not pretend to know what it is like, but I think I am gleaning what troubles Liz about the use of the classification of her as a “survivor”. Liz has what is presently an incurable form of brain cancer. Someday we hope a cure will be found but unless and until that occurs...
Congratulations
The best part about being done with treatment is that people are no longer uncomfortable around me. When you are in treatment and you tell people you have cancer they look at you with pity. Friends ask how things are going with a lowered voice. They don’t know how sensitive you are. How are things with...
Certificate of participation
I received an invitation to participate as a “survivor” in the local Relay For Life event. As a survivor I’m invited to participate in a “special survivor’s lap” around a track. I get a T-shirt and a medal. I do not have to pay money or raise funds to participate in this event. Is it...
In the fight
Thanks to a tip from Rebecca (in response to the post “I am the warrior“), I have now purchased a T-shirt from Stand Up to Cancer that says “In the fight.” (I also wanted the tank top but it was sold out!) They also have men’s sizes. This is a perfect solution for those of...
In honor of me
The LIVESTRONG Facebook page was encouraging people to download bibs (you know, those things people use to identify themselves during a run, walk or bike ride) and share why they participate in Team LIVESTRONG events. There are three bibs saying: In HONOR In MEMORY, and I am a SURVIVOR I am sure LIVESTRONG uses the...
I am the warrior
For Christmas I got two of the same T-shirts from the Livestrong online store. One from Brett and the other from Alicia and Gabe. I like the shirt(s) for multiple reasons. It is designed well. I like gray shirts. Gray is the official color for brain cancer awareness. I always complain about not looking cancer-y...
What to say about cancer: a reader participation post
I don’t have a problem telling people I have cancer. The problem is… how do you tell someone? I know there are many people who would say, “It’s no one’s business but your own; you don’t have to tell anyone you have cancer.” I understand that point of view, but I gotta say, it...
Moving on
I haven’t written much lately but that doesn’t mean things aren’t happening. In fact, many things are keeping me busy. For one, I am looking for work. Who knew looking for work would take so much work? I have some leads but I’m not going to mention anything specific until something pans out. I got...
Frequently Asked Question
“So, are you cancer-free now?” No, I’m not. Why does it bother me so much when people ask me this? I know people mean well, but when they ask it makes me feel like I need to defend myself. Just because I had two brain surgeries and healed well it doesn’t make me cancer-free.Just because...
My first: Cancer support group
I am going to do a data dump from my head. I have so many thoughts milling around that I can’t find a place to begin. I’ve always appreciated the “little” things in life, but now more than ever I truly take joy in small moments. Flowers stretching toward a setting sun. A purring cat....
