-
Recent Posts
Bookmarks
Archives
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
Author Archives: Betsy
Nearing the End of Chemo
I have been struggling with what to write here since I had my first dose of Adriamycin and Cytoxan. When I started writing about my cancer, my goal was and remains to be helpful and write in universal truths so … Continue reading
Posted in Food & Friends
Tagged adriamycin cytoxan, breast cancer, chemotherapy, emotions, red devil, university of chicago
7 Comments
Success!
I heard nothing from my nurse or oncologist this week about the status of my treatment. And, I decided to let the sleeping dog lie. So, I hopped in my car, drove to U of C, checked in on the … Continue reading
Posted in Food & Friends
Tagged adriamycin cytoxin, breast cancer, cancer treatment side effects, mm 121, taxol, university of chicago
3 Comments
Itty Bitty Tiny Setback
I have been a good soldier in my battle to cure this cancer. And, I have felt mostly optimistic and positive through this first leg of the journey. Genuinely so. But I think I would be misleading if I didn’t … Continue reading
The light at the bottom of the stairs
When my treatment plan was just a concept, this vision popped into my mind’s eye. I thought of myself descending basement stairs into the darkness, but at the end there is a sliver of light and I imagine this light … Continue reading
Why talk about cancer?
Talking about cancer and treatment makes it less scary
Thoughts on Navigating Chemotherapy
I wish there was primer for people who are about to partake in chemotherapy. I spent lots of time Googling it and talking to different people about what to expect, but I always came away dissatisfied. They talked about nausea … Continue reading
Posted in Food & Friends
Tagged chemotherapy, gratitude, healing, surviving chemotherapy, university of chicago
4 Comments
Hitting a Milestone — Halfway Through
Today I hit the half way mark with my chemotherapy. And all indications are that I am responding very well to the treatment. Between my oncologist visit last week and my meeting with my surgeon this afternoon they both agree … Continue reading
Finding Joy in Cancer
“Joy is the best makeup.” ― Anne Lamott, Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith For me, cancer has not wiped out every bit of joy in my life. In fact, I have found more joy in the tiniest things. The thing about having … Continue reading
Cancer Culture: Just Another Parallel Universe
When you are handed a cancer diagnosis you are also initiated into a new culture. I don’t think it has an official name. But I like alliteration so I will just call it Cancer Culture. While cancer is a biological … Continue reading
Posted in Food & Friends
Tagged breast cancer, cancer, cancer culture, chemotherapy, mm121, taxol paclitaxol, university of chicago
5 Comments
Bye Bye Hair — Just for a bit
I now look like GI Jane. Sunday night was a bad night. My scalp was uncomfortable. I couldn’t get warm even though I had layers on over my pajamas and blankets and a thick down comforter on my bed. It … Continue reading
Posted in Food & Friends
Tagged cancer, chemotherapy, hair loss, head coverings, mm121, Paclitaxel, taxol
8 Comments
