What would you do, if you were offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, if accepted, would force you to leave the stability and comfort of an ‘everyday job’ BUT – might also give you the opportunity to change the world?

I observed how a man, nearing life's end, wanted to soak up every pleasure. He ordered a wine paring with every dish! He peer pressured me into eating an oyster! He ordered three desserts.

A few hours after I learned David had started hospice I woke up in the middle of the night with an incredible urge: I had to see him. I didn't want to be a burden, and I felt like I was crazy, but I had to do it. Our last goodbye was not right at all, and I couldn't let our friendship exist on the one-dimensional plain of "we both have brain cancer." I wanted to know who he was as a person, outside of the disease.

Spoiler alert: David passed away about an hour ago.

A few months ago I started to wonder if I should be doing all these things I am doing in the brain tumor community. Through this work I am fighting and fighting and fighting. I have been fighting since July 2008, and all of this fighting has taken a toll.

My friend's reaction reminded me that most people don't know the scope of my diagnosis. I think it is best to keep the details here, on this blog. It is a positive thing for people to be proud of their friend Liz, a "brain cancer survivor."

The post chemo transition was kind of difficult for me, as I went from "doing something" to "waiting for the anvil to drop.”

I am supposed to start another round of Temodar in about a week, but I can't remember how many months I’ve been on chemo.