Learning to live with chronic pain
Reaching toward the phone on my bedside table—a halfhearted effort to silence my alarm before it riles the cats further—I am reminded that today will be another spent in pain and discomfort.
A Staring Contest with the Reaper, Pt 2
To live, I must continue not to blink, lest the scythe of the reaper cut me down.
So, I stare back. Unwavering. Stalwart. Tired, nonetheless.
Radiation in the mix
I was going to expound on how today’s oncology appointment was one of the most important of my journey so far, but I realized...
My neck, my back, my tumours and my cracks
Living with cancer is like burning a candle at both ends. One wick is the gentle fire of life. As it melts away the...
Trials and tribulations
The last time I wrote something, I shared that I was pursuing a clinical trial involving a chemotherapy pump that will deliver drugs straight...
Three more under my belt
Stepping into the late afternoon sun from the cancer centre, I can almost instantly feel my skin’s sensitivity to the heat. In the time...
One night in cancerland
I can feel the cool breeze from the oscillating fan perched atop my dresser passing back and forth across my body.
It feels as if I've stepped into a cool room after being outside on a hot day, the artificial wind kissing my damp skin.
I'm having night sweats. Again.
On the map, but off the trail
Within the confines of the small examination room, Shannon and I nervously await the arrival of my oncologist. Although there’s always plenty riding on...
I’m not Just a Tourist
Nine months ago, I wrote a reflection called Am I Just a Tourist? after thinking about my relationship with illness as it relates to...
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better!
If you've never been to a cancer centre, I hope that your streak of luck continues.
It's not that the experience is bad, it's just that it's always interesting.