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

The year anniversary of my first chemo

Hard to believe I had my first chemo treatment one year ago today—back when I had lots of hair, clear skin, no real sense of what this...

Oct 1, 20191 min read

This is what optimism looks like. Gina spent the weekend prepping and peeling 45 pounds of Roma tomatoes, fresh from the farmers market,...

Sep 16, 20191 min read

I was back at MSK yesterday for chemo #18. My liver enzymes are creeping up, but Dr Kemeny watches them carefully, and I was relieved...

Sep 10, 20193 min read

This morning, Gina’s team at MSK gave us great news: her liver has grown back 80% since her liver resection—and the remaining liver...

Sep 7, 20192 min read

I’m quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my diagnosis, and with all the annual events that mark the start of the school year,...

Sep 3, 20193 min read

It’s chemo eve! And I kind of feel like tomorrow is my first round of chemo after surgery and a nice long chemo break—because this last...

Aug 25, 20192 min read

We should all have a friend we can call when our iron levels are low, and we are craving escargot and a steak. When that happens to me, I...

Aug 7, 20192 min read

We made it! ❤️🎶♿️⭐️🍔

Aug 5, 20191 min read

The number of “how are you doing” texts I’ve gotten in the past few days suggests I’m overdue for an update. I don’t love updating when...

Jul 31, 20192 min read

Whether or not to spring for a private room at MSK has been a debate between myself and Per since my first surgery. The per-night cost...

Jul 22, 20194 min read

Yesterday came with sudden fevers, accelerated heart rates, and increased pain. I’m glad to report that all three are back to normal....

Jul 20, 20191 min read

Gina is already walking! She did four laps—and stairs! She is doing SO much better than she was at this point after her last surgery....

Jul 18, 20191 min read