The first thing that hit me was the smell. I almost gagged and actually felt a little light-headed walking into Huntsman. It’s the smell of the chemo room. I asked Patrick if he smelled it, but he didn’t. But for me, that Smell brings back memories of some pretty dark days. I couldn’t even go…
The Cancer Chapters
Ride for the Roses
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…
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….