In Flannery O’Connor’s controversial, dark short story, “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” a petty, conniving, vain, selfish grandmother is accosted by escaped convicts while on a road trip with her son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. She and her…
I made an unusual request of my oncology team. I told them that when I returned the following week to hear the results of the radiologist report and the status of cancer progression, I wanted them to tell David first.…
A surprising diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in December left my nerves frayed and my capacity to see the positive challenged. That is not quite accurate. Anybody who knows me well knows that my capacity to see the negatives in…
I recommend you view and listen to the following on YouTube. I know I’m milking the ‘New Metastatic Me’ theme. But NMM allows me so many liberties I never had before……….. Farther Along, sung by Josh Garrels. (YouTube) https://youtu.be/IctD9l4F-ag You…
I finished cancer treatment over two weeks ago and have returned to my home in Juneau, Alaska. I left Alaska in January of this year with a vision of myself as a healthy woman with exciting plans of seeing family and…
Last week I read a thoughtful, insightful on-line article by Sharon Hodde Miller entitled, ‘Why pastors should preach on body image.’ As it turns out I am not the only one commenting or blogging about this article. By and large…
‘Tis’ the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and have her nonsense respected.’ – Charles Lamb, 17th century poet and essayist The last couple of infusions have required a total of 10 steroid pills to be taken during the 18…
It was the day after receiving the bad news from the surgeon that the stage of cancer diagnosed was more extensive than originally believed from the biopsies. David, Maria and I met with the medical oncologist for the first time…
….And their names were Lydia, Ashley, Chantelle, Dominique…. just to name a few. There is nothing like visiting a full service wig boutique to get a few laugh-endorphins going, especially if you go with a husband who is completely…
Suffering has allowed me to empathize with the suffering of others more deeply. This new level of compassion is both heart-breaking and life-giving in equal measure. I am grateful. I occasionally get questions that at first glance may seem impertinent…
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