When I started down this journey, nearly every doctor I met said something to the effect that I had two months treatment, high cure rate, I'd be fine. Only one - the radiologist (I'm not sure what to call him) basically said something along the lines of "Hah hah...uh. no. More like three years". Damn … Continue reading SitRep Year 3: Can I wrap this up? →

It's been nearly two years since I finished treatment. I had a scan this month, which was clear. Again. And I'm gearing up to cut loose a slew of my medical entourage. Partly because they provide nearly no value, and partly, thanks to my insurance, I pay more out of pocket. So, I'll be cutting … Continue reading Two years on. SitRep… →

I'm a big fan of the "Deadliest Catch" series on Discovery. Catching crab in the Bearing Straits is a crazy way to make a living, and there are some compelling characters on the show. Sometimes, they offer some really good lines. For instance, at one point the late Capt. Phil is stuck in the harbor … Continue reading Epilogue: How does this story end? →

"Hey! Look at you! You made it!. Got through all your treatments, didn't end up having to go to the hospital. You're looking good!" So said one of my doctors on a follow up visit a few months after therapy. I had no idea that it was special not having to check into the hospital … Continue reading Tips for surviving cancer therapy →

Months after this ordeal I'm still getting used to the "New Me". Like I said on the last post, every few weeks or so something starts working or working better. I still can't taste anywhere near like before. For instance, I can't taste sweet. But to some extent, I can taste salty, bitter, savory. Earlier, … Continue reading Where am I today? →

After I started eating again, things moved pretty quickly. It seemed like only three weeks or so and all of a sudden I noticed the pain was gone. There was probably a good reason for this, which I'll get into in a bit. After a month I went back to work. Probably too early since … Continue reading Climbing the hill →

When I started treatment, my radiation doctor said I'd have a three week "honeymoon" where I'd feel OK, like nothing was going on. But I'd pay for that in spades when treatment finished. He wasn't kidding. I started right before the July 4th holiday, but the radiation folks didn't have what they needed before the … Continue reading Weeks 7-10. Devastation. →