Category: Blog
-
I can see CLEARly now
Another scan and another clean report! The moment the nurse or doctor steps into the room doesn’t get any less tense. If it’s anything more than a “Hello, how are you doing?” I am practically passed out on the floor. Most brain cells (the ones that chemo didn’t kill off) shut down and nothing coherent…
-
In the Blink of an Eye: Life Update
I am bad at this blog writing thing. I truly enjoy writing and sharing, but my consistency is awful. That really speaks to the rest of my life (nervous laughter). But who really knew time would fly so quickly?? But the point is that I’m doing it and I’m here with a lot of updates!…
-
But Maybe This Seems a Little Too Routine Now?
My scan from April 7th was good and clear! No evidence of disease. Nothing to note. Grateful, thankful, blessed. I was pretty relaxed this time around, all things considered. God has been so good to me. And the more time that passes, the “easier” it gets. BUT, there’s always the IF. In fact, I felt…
-
When East Meets West
I have long owed several blog posts. It’s not for lack of trying, but for lack of hours in the day (which are sometimes shortened because a Whippler needs a nap). You last caught me having a miserable time in Washington, DC for Nelson’s birthday. Thankfully, I recovered and everything began functioning normally again. I…
-
Chemo – Outpatient
Continuing my series on the chemotherapy experience, we now move on to the outpatient chemo experience. As a reminder, you can review the other parts to the entire chemotherapy regimen in my other posts: Why Outpatient Chemo? As you may recall, one day of outpatient chemo alternated with the four to five days of inpatient…
-
A Thank You
Thank you to everyone who prayed and checked-in on me over this past week. My sharp pains dissipated for a Monday afternoon flight home. I am very thankful it was just a two-hour trip. Compliments to Jetblue for that MCO to DCA route. Both flights were pleasant and uncrowded. It’s a smaller plane that thankfully…
-
An Ask for Prayers
WordPress has this new way to share updates, via Stories. I don’t know how it will work just yet. If the above isn’t working for you, basically I’ve been stuck out of town with bad stomach pain. We had to delay our flight home a day. I have improved a little, but would appreciate your…
-
Cancer and the Flu
I think I’m ready to fast-forward to 2024 (insert frustrated, crying emoji here)! I was filled with anticipation and excitement for the new year, but here I am. In bed. With an uninvited guest who we shall call Flu. (I tested negative for COVID.) I thought it would be a simple hit and run. The…
-
“Scan Looks Good”
I apologize if I’ve left some of you in suspense. My December 6, 2022 scan was clear. I appreciate that the doctors and nurses at Moffitt don’t do any of the chit chat before sharing the results. They understand what patients need to hear ASAP. Dr. Reed only had one foot in the door before…
-
The Good News Bearer
I am less than a week out from another surveillance scan. The first one since I was “upgraded” to getting one every four months, instead of three. The extended time period has been nice, but the scanxiety seems a little worse this go-around. There was something reassuring about going more frequently. On the other hand,…
-
Chemo – Inpatient
I was hoping to post more frequently, but I’ve found my free time has decreased significantly. We’ve been doing a little bit of traveling which I have been thrilled about, but I’m still reconciling that my mind and body just can’t handle as much as it used to. So in my first chemo post, now…
-
Things I’m Still Struggling With
For friends who have seen my social media recently, everything may look pretty good. We had a wonderful weekend in New York City and celebrated a friend’s birthday in Sarasota/Longboat Key. In general, life is going really well on this side of cancer and I’m incredibly thankful. But there are a few things that I…
-
Chemo – The Port and Prep
In my first chemo specific post I gave an overview of the drugs and the timeline. The next couple of posts I’m going to dig into the process and little intricacies. I will follow up with the side effects and long-term implications as well. The Port If a patient will be receiving chemo drugs intravenously…
-
Who’s Ready to Move onto Four Month CT Scans?? THIS Girl!
I received great news last Friday (Aug 5, 2022)! There continues to be no evidence of disease and that was my last 3 month scan! My next scan won’t be until December. Amazing! God is so good. We stayed the weekend in Tampa to make the city a little friendlier to me. I had spent…
-
I’m Fine. Everything’s Fine.
I think I shook myself up after the chemo post (and that wasn’t even the half of it – ug). Since that post I haven’t felt completely fine. A bit of stress has been hitting from all angles and I have another 3 month scan coming up this Friday (August 5, 2022). When I do…