Way back in 2002, I flew to Austin, TX for my first Ride for the Roses weekend. It’s a century (100 mile) bike ride for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I called in every favor I could to meet and get a photo with Lance, and I did. The photo didn’t last the weekend (new digital…
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.
Third Time’s A Charm… A Third Option on the Table
If you’ve tried to call me in the last few days, I most likely didn’t pick up the phone (unless you were Dr. Shroff). My full-time, round-the-clock job has been getting information about Thymic Carcinoma, chemo, radiation, side effects, doctors, and experts. I’ve learned terms like retrospective series, microscopic transcapular invasion, and adjuvant chemotherapy. I…
Knowledge is Power
Once again, I am a reporter researching a subject, mining the internet, calling in favors, talking to experts. Only this time, the subject is me and the outcome won’t be a story on the 6 PM news. It’s the decision that will direct my trajectory for the next few months, and more soberingly, will affect…
Didn’t See This Coming. On 10/2, No Less.
Suddenly, my cancer treatment plan is murkier than the water I swam in for the Jordanelle Triathlon this summer. Two days ago, my surgery margins were clear, except for a few cells that were broken off from the mass, and 5-6 weeks of radiation would be the end of it. I think I even called…
Organizing the (soon to be) New Normal
Two weeks ago today, I was at Florida Hospital, getting what I now know was an 8x4x5 centimeter mass of nastiness taken out from behind my sternum. By this time of day, I was already well in to my post-anesthesia tossing-of-the-cookies and close to having Bugs Bunny Eyes. Thankfully, all of that passed fairly quickly….
Rerouting
You know how when you miss a turn that your Tom Tom or Garmin tells you to take, the device, after giving up on you, says it’s “re-routing?” That’s me now. My October was beautifully laid out with a race for the Ullman Foundation in Maryland, a trip to watch friends race Kona, my Livestrong…