Learning how to live, while trying not to die

A story about my stage 4 colon cancer journey,

growing to trust my inner voice, and how cancer became the best worst thing that ever happened to me

A week of reprieve

Thanks to so many of you who have dropped me a line or a treat, did a grocery run, or sent stars and love. I got a call late Friday from...

Apr 6, 20201 min read

The two words that I’d least hoped to post here. At least, certainly not so soon—we were just starting to get used to the idea of Gina...

Apr 1, 20202 min read

“The world is currently experiencing what it’s like to be a cancer patient,” begins the meme. It’s not inaccurate: Try to stay healthy....

Mar 19, 20203 min read

We got the most amazing news from MSK, yesterday! First, we learned from the surgical team that Gina's scan was CLEAR: No cancer...

Jan 14, 20201 min read

Gina has a busy week ahead of her at MSK! First up, removing stents from her liver and pancreas. Hoping removal is a trend, as she would...

Jan 11, 20201 min read

For years now, I’ve enjoyed the tradition of an end of year mileage run. In part because when you travel regularly, it’s nice to have...

Jan 1, 20202 min read

It’s been a while since my last update - partially due to the holidays (which were great!) but also due to the fact that not much has...

Dec 28, 20192 min read

Hit me baby, one more time! Per and I have been enjoying the last few days in New York—he arrived late Saturday morning just as my mother...

Dec 9, 20192 min read

Good news! I’m discharged! And I had lunch! We walked there! And it was delicious! I’m feeling good. My biggest worry going into this...

Dec 6, 20191 min read

After years of making Scarpetta’s pasta recipe, I finally took my mom there! She’s here in New York with me, and I am lucky to have her...

Dec 5, 20191 min read

“How are you feeling?” People ask tentatively, as they drop off food, run into us on a walk, send a quick text. “I would like to say much...

Dec 2, 20193 min read

Well, today did not go quite as planned. We’re on our way back to Chicago with two drains still in tow, and having not restarted chemo....

Nov 18, 20191 min read