Patient & Researcher Blog
Here I aim to capture what I am learning as a newbie researcher from a patient perspective.
Living with a slow growing brain cancer
It is taboo for researchers to talk about their work before it is published.
I think that’s a bummer.
My favorite part about research is learning new things in real time. Here I share my observations as a learner and my n of 1 (personal) findings as a patient.
Note: I started blogging about brain cancer in 2008, at age 29.
I had no background or knowledge about healthcare when I began. Please excuse typos and other misconceptions. What you read here is me in real time, like a time capsule.
There are more than 500 posts here. Use this search to look for something specific. Good luck!
Certificate of participation: cancer edition
But a medal and a survivor lap around a track? It makes me feel like entertainment.
Transitioning from treatment to survivor “anxiety” is normal
If I listened to my own advice I'd know that this transition phase is going to suck, but I will never have to do it again.
Cancer dream
The crab keeps running past me, reaching his gigantic pinchers toward my legs and feet. Finally, after a few passes around the coffee table, he finally gets me and snaps a chunk of flesh from my calf.
Why do we have brain cancer?
The causes of brain cancer are unknown. However, certain factors increase a person's risk of developing it. Compare your answers with mine. Maybe we'll find a common link.
Who am I without chemotherapy?
I can count on my hands the number of days it will be until I begin my last week of chemotherapy. I am overjoyed. And excited. And ready to be done. And I am completely terrified.
Can you be OK with the unknown when you will have cancer for the rest of your life?
People talk about how tired they are and I want to smack them upside the head and say, "You think you're tired?" But I restrain myself. And I'm cool with that.
It will kill me if I die before him
If I am to die from brain cancer I imagine Brett crying into his pillows alone just like that.
Wearing a mask: A missed opportunity to be an asshole while living with cancer
I could tell parents were looking at me without turning their heads, but their kids just stared, because they are kids and that’s what they do.
Who is more likely to get the flu?
A married couple are exposed to the flu virus. Which one gets the flu?