Trying to avoid the menty b
I recap some of the takeaways from my appointment with psychiatry as I navigate the mental game of dealing with cancer.
Sometimes, you just don’t wanna
Chemotherapy takes a toll. It's difficult to rely on motivation alone to keep on track with treatment. It requires discipline.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
The low-grade panging of anxiety feels like a buzzing in my brain, as if there's a mosquito taking up residence inside my cranium. The little bastard won't quit. He just keeps slamming against my skull, trying to escape. It's persistent. It's debilitating.
What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? Pt. 2
Many of the folks in the cancer community have told me that the third time is when you find out how chemotherapy will really go. The reason being that the drugs build up over time. Anyone who takes long-term prescriptions will be able to relate. You take your drugs daily and build a maintenance level—an amount of the drug persists in your system—in order to receive the benefits.
An Unfiltered View
Over the last three and a half months, I've reflected regularly on the impact that storytelling has had on my experience with cancer.
Today I want to touch on some of the more difficult topics.
What Does Chemotherapy Feel Like? Pt. 1
Receiving chemotherapy for the first time is exhausting. The buildup to the day, with the associated tests, appointments, and procedures, leaves treatment day as the final boss in a weeklong gauntlet of physical and mental torment.
A Liminal Space
It's been tough to provide an update because, in truth, nothing much has changed. I'm supposed to start treatment this week.
An Update on the Treatment Plan
It's Sunday. Tomorrow, just over 24 hours from now, I meet with my medical oncologist to make a decision about the chemotherapy options that have been presented to me.
Metalcore Music Therapy: Architects
Look, I know that screaming in music isn't for everyone, but it works for me. I've relied on adrenaline inducing music over the years to help me process emotions and, at times, feel anything at all.
Three Week Post-op Update
It's already been three weeks since my bowel resection. Imagine that!
Time apparently flies when you're paralyzed with existential dread. I'm kidding. Kind of.