Since March of 2022 I have lost two siblings, Larry to Covid-19 and Becky to pancreatic cancer, and now within this past month two brothers have become gravely ill. And others have serious health issues that they live with on the daily. This is life in middle age. I love being from a big family… Continue reading Facing Cancer and Loss: Reflections on Family Bonds
My Attempts to Outsmart My Breast Cancer Meds I'm sharing the real real of what it takes to try to mitigate daily side effects because of a comment on my last post. If there is some way I may possibly pay it forward from my experience, I am humbled by the opportunity. Let's be honest:… Continue reading Life Hacks for Tackling Aromatase Inhibitor Side Effects
The author reflects on their difficult health journey from 2020 to 2025, marked by diagnoses including diabetes, COVID-19, and breast cancer. Following grief and physical challenges, they also confront Hidradenitis Suppurativa, an incurable autoimmune disease. Despite struggles, they emphasize resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of community support through chronic illness.
This week, the author reflects on the comforting ritual of tea as fall approaches, symbolizing renewal after treatment for cancer. They express gratitude for community support, including a touching encounter with a young girl at a church festival who offered a prayer. Amidst exploring gardening and local living, they seek new tea suggestions.
Hey everyone, it’s my cancerversary. I’m officially a two-year breast cancer survivor today. This warrior is still fighting the good fight but today is a day to celebrate. Health update (for those who’ve asked, skip if TMI for you): I’ve had laser surgery on my right eye, and the left one will be done early… Continue reading Silent Threads: Cancerversary, Breast Cancer, Trauma, and Healing
The author shares insights on their upcoming eye surgeries due to chemotherapy and steroid effects, seeking distractions through binge-watching and exploring Scottish history. From the ancient Picts to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the narrative highlights Scotland’s rich legacy, humor, and unique cuisine, blending tradition with modernity.
So, I just came home from my annual eye exam. Easy peasy. One would think. Strike that. Who am I kidding? Life never gives me easy peasy. The eye exam with the tech was going on as usual. Eye puff, check. Reading a chart to the minuscule, check. Looking at dots, check. Getting weird yellow… Continue reading The Gift That Keeps Giving
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, the author sought comfort and insight through documentaries, movies, and series. Initially, they felt disassociated from the reality of their diagnosis, relying on emotional shutdown to cope. They found solace in films like "Ordinary Love" and "Wit," but avoided emotionally overwhelming content. The author learned to trust their medical team and support system, focusing on necessary tasks. Recently, they revisited the series "The Big C," which prompted deep emotional discussions and reflections on their journey. The author emphasizes the importance of humor and emotional release, recommending "The Invention of Lying" for its comedic relief. They also highlight the need for therapy beyond support groups and the significance of planning for the future, despite their Stage 2 diagnosis. The author concludes by praising "The Big C" for its sensitivity and humor, recommending it to others.
It's seems like every year I get into a conversation about seasonal illnesses that crop up this time of year. My mom used to say things like "you'll catch your death out in that cold" and "bundle up so you don't get sick." Are these just wives tales or is there something to it? I… Continue reading Does Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?
Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us power to endure and strength to fight. The Batman The subtext of The Batman movie is not dissimilar to the cancer journey. In this case the sadistic killer is cancer.… Continue reading One Year… I’m still here
Hello friends... Wow, what a year I have had. This past year my milestone age didn't really sink in with all of what that means. I've had a singularity of focus - battling breast cancer. On this last day of this year, I'm feeling like time is catching up with me. Usually when I hit… Continue reading Milestone Reflection: Battling Breast Cancer and Setting Goals for the Future
I read the following in an online support group and it describes this experience pretty accurately (sorry, I don't know who the original author is)... This still makes me cry every time I read it…I’m almost 3 weeks post chemo…but it is SO relatable and describes our journey pretty accurately. CANCER: THE MOUNTAIN LION IN… Continue reading Mountain Lion in the Fridge
Day 171 I'm in the mindset that it only gets better from here. I'm in the nadir of my last chemo cycle, so I'm feeling pretty down - exhausted, weak, and have neuropathy and chemo brain. But I feel better days are on the horizon. I just have to get through the next thing, radiation.… Continue reading Day 171, 10 Days Post Last Chemo, Stay Golden Ponyboy
There's an unreal-ness to having the diagnosis, even now, nearly six months in, there's a separateness for me like it's not really real. I know it's real but maybe it's more of a lack of acceptance. I just keep doing the next thing but I'm aware of this otherness. It feels like all the beautiful… Continue reading How it feels to have cancer…
Daily writing promptDo you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?View all responses The great thing about reaching middle age and being an empty nester as a GenX’er in my mid 50s is that I’m very skilled at occupying myself with play/fun. And the great thing is that in my present life… Continue reading Bloganuary: Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
Happy New Year friends! I'm almost halfway through chemo and I'm looking forward to being on the other side of chemo and radiation hopefully by April. Be safe out there if you're joining the revelries tonight. I wish everyone a most excellent 2024.
It's day 18 of my first chemo cycle and the challenges this week have been memory issues, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and irritated skin. In three days, I will be having my second round of Docetaxel (Taxotere) and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). This week has not been as bad as week one and two, but I'm far… Continue reading Skin Care Challenges
It's eleven days post chemo and I've been too sick to even think about looking at a screen until now. The side effects have been rough. I hope all is well with everyone out in the world as I peek back into it. It feels like I've missed a lot. I need to crowd-source a… Continue reading Crowd Sourcing
The following quote reminds me to be gentler with myself and to understand that illness has things to teach. It serves a purpose. The illness that I currently feel is my body defending and freeing itself from the cancer. I am not my cancer. The cancer is a foreign invader. I am the organism thrashing… Continue reading Embracing the Battle
Before I took a break for my surgery and recovery, I was contemplating my grandmother's birthday back in September. She would have been 111 if she was still alive. She passed 34 years ago this past August. I think about her and how important my relationship was with her. In those moments that seem ordinary,… Continue reading Generations…
Our Humble Road 