Full Circle

  Karen is my friend. No, make that a great friend. We met in Charlotte in September of 2003 right after she moved from New Jersey. A mom from my playgroup had met her in Dean & Deluca and invited her to come to our weekly gathering. I was hosting that chance playgroup and she … Continue reading →

Appreciation

10 years ago when Paul and I selected our wedding bands we chose to have a message engraved inside the bands. Revolutionary concept, I know… we were just so cutting edge. Paul was quick to say that “I love you” stated the obvious and was “stupid”. I agreed.  Instead, “I appreciate you” was engraved. Saying … Continue reading →

Lightning Bolts

My excuse for getting through just about anything these days is reminding myself of what I have survived. “If I can get through that, I can do this.” Likely a delusional and misguided approach to things, but those who know me well, know I am harder on myself than you can be on me. So … Continue reading →

May Possibly Stick to your Refrigerator

Had my 10th MRI on Tuesday and as of this morning, the appliances in my kitchen have not flown off the counter at me when I walk by.  The scan was “clean”, so we move ahead with our life between MRI’s and remain hopeful for my continued health.  Deep breath… exhale… drink fat ass glass … Continue reading →

Oops…

I got an update from the Desert today. Apparently, we got bad intel. The snake was not a rattle snake. Either way, the experience remains the same and at least I now know I would not have needed anti-venom or a 911 helicopter rescue.   Last week I felt really bad that I talked Brian out of killing it and guilty … Continue reading →

Have Courage Be Strong

Damn, that sums it up pretty well. Hard to believe that in all the thousands of words I have typed, that these four words perfectly and succinctly tie it all together.  I now wear a bracelet each day inscribed with these four words on it. A gift from my friend Karen, the bracelet was given … Continue reading →

whimsy: the cancer poetry project

    A must read for patients, caregivers, and anyone looking for inspiration!   “When Karin Miller’s husband, Thom, was diagnosed with cancer, she found writing poetry helped her cope. Miller, a full-time writer and editor, guessed that others would, like her, find their experiences with cancer best expressed through poetry. So began The Cancer Poetry … Continue reading →

27:05 isn’t just a number

I am not a professional runner. I run to de-stress as #1 and look at the calorie burn as a bonus.  I set out this morning to beat my 5K time from last years race, and I did. Probably could have run it a bit faster and come in with Kelly around 26:30, but whatever… … Continue reading →

Babes with Brains

Here we go… year three. A few days away from another 5k run in the hot Atlanta sun.  The time has come to step back from updating my iPod “Run” play list, begging for money and give pause to acknowledge those who have stood with me and are my team.  Babe number one is Kelly. … Continue reading →

Paying it Forward

I met two families last week. Two families who did not know each other, yet are now connected by the generosity of one and the gratitude of another. One searching for closure after the loss of a husband and father to brain cancer and the other family knee-deep in a chaotic and stressful battle as … Continue reading →

Walk For A Day In New Shoes, I Dare You.

The life you live after you become a patient is totally different than the one you lived before the shit hit the fan. It is complex and difficult to explain and like most subjective things, everyone has a different experience. I now know about the unspoken understanding between patients and how endearing it is to … Continue reading →