Let me first say that anyone who participates in a clinical trial, at any stage, are my personal heros. It takes a lot to put your life and health on the line and I salute the trial participants and the families who agreed to participate. I am presently on my first line treatment, a drug … Continue reading Clinical Trials
Higher Power, Part II
In my last post, I gave a brief overview of my spiritual journey, leading to how I view God, a/k/a my Higher Power. This post is about how I've assimilated that view into the outlook that I have now, as a woman living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, a diagnosis that will kill me … Continue reading Higher Power, Part II
Higher Power, Part I
This is not an easy topic to write about. Perhaps it should be, but I find myself in an odd place now that I've been dealing with a terminal diagnosis for two (2) years after all of the experiences I've had in my life, spiritual and otherwise. I will give some background for context. I … Continue reading Higher Power, Part I
Conflicting Labels
I've written quite a few blog posts about labels. Labels are important and can be extremely meaningful; labels can also be fraught with triggers and emotion. One such label that creates a lot of angst for me, is survivor. I'm sure no one is surprised by this as I've written about this before and it's … Continue reading Conflicting Labels
How to be an Ally
When I met my now husband, Elliot, in 2006, I'd never dated anyone who wasn't as lily-white as me. In fact, the area where I went to high school in Ohio was so homogeneous, that going to UCF (That's the University of Central Florida for those of you not familiar with the Knights) for college … Continue reading How to be an Ally
Form over Substance
There are usually good reasons for doing something the same way every single time. Protocols and procedures are extremely helpful, especially when someone's health is on the line. When I was practicing law, I had lots of policies and procedures, especially for new hires and the people at the front desk. When there are employees … Continue reading Form over Substance
Scanxiety
When I was initially diagnosed, I began seeing this term in many of my support groups. I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that cancer metsters/thrivers have their own jargon that helps to explain the shared experiences. It's sometimes like learning a new language, especially the acronyms. I've also found that the jargon changes in … Continue reading Scanxiety
Holding Space
I had never heard of this concept before my cancer diagnosis and I must confess, I SUCK at holding space. I have a hard time sitting still and so much of the time I spend listening to people, I'm thinking of how I can help them, how I can meet their needs. Just sitting in … Continue reading Holding Space
Medical Marijuana
I am not a doctor. I am not a medical provider. None of my statements in this blog should be taken as anything other than my own conclusions and personal experiences. Anyone who knows me knows how much of a rule follower I am. I've been been this way since I was quite going and … Continue reading Medical Marijuana
Congressional Support
Thus far, I've been successful in getting my insurance company to cover what my doctors have prescribed and, thus far, my private disability insurance company is behaving itself. Being an attorney does come in handy when it comes to fighting with various organizations -- when someone tells me no, especially when I know the answer … Continue reading Congressional Support
No Half Measures 