Starting this blog with Lyrics from one of my favorite Nine Inch Nails songs. Ah you’re surprised I can even name a NIN song, but actually, I can sing whole albums. I’ve seen them twice, once from the second row of a mosh pit (try keeping that a secret, being Wendy Chioji and all), and…
Chapter II
In September of 2013, doctors diagnosed me with a malignant 5cm mass, discovered during a regularly-scheduled MRI (which I have as part of my follow-up from a 2001-2002 breast cancer battle). After surgery and tests, I learned that I had thymic carcinoma -- a rare and fast-growing cancer of the Thymus gland. Usually, it’s not diagnosed until it’s already spread to the lungs, heart, or other places, because it can be fairly symptomless. I was blessed, as my oncologist said, that my regular MRIs helped catch it early. My outlook would have been much worse if this had been discovered months later.
I am documenting my journey through Cancer Part II in the hopes that it will educate and inspire others who are facing a difficult diagnosis. In the days after I left the hospital, I sat down with my colleagues at Growing Bolder to share my thoughts on this new challenge. As we say -- I am Surviving & Thriving.
Never Say Never (AKA White Flag for Chemo)
I remember a few years ago (more than 3, fewer than 5) Lance Armstrong rang to give me a fist bump as I launched myself into the world of clinical trials. We talked about all the options that were out there at the time, but I said, “No more chemo.” He said, “Unless you need…
The Introduction of the “H” Word and Other Shit
I now know what you can say to me to rock me back on my heels and render me speechless (temporarily. I eventually had a LOT to say). I saw my Huntsman oncologist yesterday, and the news was not awesome. During my hospital visit last week, doctors tested for just about every wacky, random disease…
Oh, THAT Rabbit Hole.
That rollercoaster that is my life is pitching up and down and all around like the Drake Passage on an exceptionally gnarly day. I didn’t realize it then, but had probably already started my slow motion dive into bleah on my flights back from Columbus. I went home for a few days, then to Seattle…
It’s Really Not About the Bike
But first (I could get used to this one step backward kind of post), the Admiral’s cruise was terrific. We embarrassed him with singing and a cake, took out canoes one day, went to a GREAT wildlife refuge, and watched the Hubbard Glacier calving. …
Timing is Everything
But first, my dragon-slayer friend, Stuart Scott, would have been 54 on July 19. Every year since cancer took him away from us, his amazing daughters, Taelor and Sydni, mark his birthday with #scoopsforstu. Countless people post photos of themselves eating ice cream, keeping Stu’s warrior spirit alive. As I move forward, when the…