AT LAST - SPRING/SUMMER IS HERE!!

Greetings, dear readers!! Since January I have been on a roller coaster ride!  Following my last apt. with Dr. D. in Boston, we took a "bucket list" trip to Sedona Arizona - what a beautiful place!!  We flew into Phoenix and picked up our rental car - speeding on to Sedona that night.  Our little reso

rt, the Arroyo Pinyon, was cozy - with a Jacuzzi tub in the room, along with a gas fireplace and a giant king sized bed.  This was our home base as we explored central Ariz.  The most amazing thing was my bucket list item - the hot air balloon ride!!  We spent an hour and a half in the air, reveling in the quiet floating above the earth.  It is an other-worldly sensation, to be lifted above the surface of the planet, and to embrace the quiet, the butterfly sensation.  We also explored Jerome, a former copper mining town, now an artist and hippie hang out, filled by day with middle aged pudgy tourists with capri pants, fanny packs and  cameras!  Also, we bundled up and went into the desert at night to view the "big sky" display of amazing stars.  A truly inspiring trip. 

Since returning, I've been off chemo (yea!  yea!) and taking Essiac tea and Simpson oil.  Thought they were working until this weekend when my liver decided to act up - and I spent this afternoon throwing up!  I had been planning to return to work this week, but that's off the table.  We shall see!  Always a new adventure.  Life goes on such as it is - but at least it's beautiful weather.  I sat in the sun this afternoon writing thank you notes to my many friends.  My BFF Judy asked friends at work, in the literacy community and at Bell St. to make a square for a quilt for me.  She got 26 squares! Friday night, about 20 people came to the house - a total surprise to me.  Beth had told me she was having her friends fro her former job - that made sense to me.  We worked all day to clean house and get ready - then around 5:30 Beth Whitehead from BCC showed up.  I greeted her by saying - how nice of you to stop in!  Beth is having friends over, but come on in for a glass of wine.  Next, my long time Prov. Adult Ed. friend Nancy Fritz showed up - I was still clueless - surely just a coincidence!  Finally when friends Ellen and Stu showed up it was becoming clear - this wasn't a party for Beth's friends, it was a party for ME!!  

I am so spoiled by the love and loyalty showed to me  - I was blown away by the outpouring of appreciation and affection.  I am truly blessed. 

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!

Dearest readers - long hiatus!  I've now had six adriamycin treatments an am waiting on the CAT.  I'm on sick leave again, so just biding time.  Otherwise, am keeping busy with garden help, collectibles organizing, etc.  And we're digging out!!  wow, what a storm!!  We got about 18 - 20" - some areas got 2 - 3 feet!!  While NYC was spared, New Jersey was slammed.  So the world is digging out!

Meanwhile, the conflict in the world goes on.  Hard to believe that Boehner invited Netanyahu to speak - a clear slap in the face.  We are attempting to negotiate a peace for the middle east, but this flies in the face of these negotiations.  What is happening in Syria?  What about the problem of massive refugees?  The news is filled with "deflategate" and other nonsense - and I search for actual news!!

I've been thinking recently about my legacy - what am I leaving?  What have I accomplished? What has changed?  Yes, I participated in civil rights actions - yes, I saved Jim (and Dan) - yes I have helped hundreds of students get a GED - yes I have mentored our Madelin.  My life has moved in positive directions.  I have not led huge movements, but have contributed on a one-to-one.  Many thoughts. 

So the whole world waits - will write soon!!

BETTER NEWS - MORE HOPE for the SEASON!!

Hi loyal followers!  I'm happy to say that the news while still not the best appears somewhat less dire than originally thought.  I had my first chemo, little to no side effects, and feeling okay. We have moved beyond shock to our usual hope and LIFE centered path.   Send those "shrink" messages out into the universe!

Meanwhile we move into the hectic world of holiday shopping etc.  We will celebrate with the Grossi, Cantone crew on Christmas day - with invited guests.  This should be as usual a merry gathering!  We can't wait to visit niece Sarah, her man Matt, the five kids now there, plus sis Susan and Tom after Xmas in Albany. (Sarah & I have the Christmas Spirit!!)

I am planning to be active once again with the American Cancer Society ASCAN - the legislative advocacy network.  We have an advocacy day at the statehouse to lobby for cancer based legislation such as greater support for research, more tobacco restrictions, etc.  In addition our Unitarian congregation, Bell St. Chapel, is keeping us busy with social action - Standing on the Side of Love.  We are thrilled with our new young woman pastor who is a strong progressive and already has increased outreach to our neighborhood and local social action

So!  LIFE goes on (yea!) and we are back on track fighting the buggies.  Much love for the holidays for all!

NEW & DAUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Dear loyal readers - sorry I have been AWOL for a month - but we are dealing with daunting news.  Since my successful surgery in August, it appears that a new aggressive form of my cancer has become active - I have extensive new growth in my liver, and additional growth in the area of my colon.  In addition, the remaining tumor in my pelvic area has doubled in size.   I was doing fine (I thought) back at work and feeling okay.  Then we had a potluck at church two weeks ago, and that night I had deep stomach cramps - I thought I had gotten a touch of food poisoning.  I took some icky maalox type stuff, but this didn't help.  I emailed my doc to see if there was something stronger I could take, and he suggested I see the nurse practitioner in RI.  Then he called me back personally.  He had seen my last CAT scan (from October) and realized that this new aggressive cancer was on the move.  

Beth and I went to see Dr. D. in Boston on Friday - the news was not great.  Basically, Dr. D said that if I didn't get treatment, I would not survive a month.   With chemo, he feels I can buy time, but still suggested that life expectancy may only be several months - less than a year.

WHAT???  But I don't feel THAT bad - how could I be on the path to last days??  We are still trying to digest this news.  Right now, I'm scheduled to start adriamycin chemo next week, with  a second infusion in three weeks.  After that, I'll have another CAT, and we'll see what the prognosis is.  Meanwhile Beth and I are in shock, but focusing on living life to the fullest for as long as we have.  Sorry to bring cloudier news to my usually positive blog, but after all, life IS a terminal condition. 

Otherwise, the holiday season is in full swing - we have our little tree up, and are planning the festivities.  Most importantly, we want to celebrate LIFE during this holiday time. 

I WISH ALL MY LOYAL READERS A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON - REMEMBER, LIFE IS SHORT, SO DON'T WASTE A MINUTE!  KEEP DANCIN', MY FRIENDS!! XX

FALL IS HERE, THERMOMETER DROPPING!

MEMORIES OF SUMMER...

Greetings loyal readers!  Another long break in blogging - have been busy getting back to full time work!  Luckily, I have healed well from the extensive surgery in August and am on the job.  While the weather is bringing fall chill, I've had warm welcoming here at BCC.  It's great to be back working with students in the Reading Lab, and continuing efforts to build support for autistic and deaf students here at BCC.

Sadly, several friends and acquaintances have succumbed to various cancers over the summer and early fall.  These experiences of loss of course remind me of my good luck in surviving so far, despite my difficult diagnosis.  Increasingly I feel that the combination of my general good health (no chronic conditions other than cancer), my fabulous support from my wife Beth, her family, my family and



my family of friends have all contributed to my continuing quality of life.  Yes, I am able to greet my condition as positively as possible, thanks to hears of positive reinforcement from my irrepressible Mom.  I also credit my work with expressive arts, and ongoing use of medical cannabis.  Hopefully soon we will have official trials that will show the positive tumor reduction capabilities of cannabis!  I am on a chemotherapy break (yea!) and will have a CAT scan in November to determine the next course of action.  There is active cancer remaining, but hopefully is non aggressive and shrinking!.

So now we approach the new survival challenge - WINTER!!  I embrace this time of chill and dark as a time for snuggling in for reflection and more writing.  I won't have the privilege of sitting daily by the woodstove as I did during my sabbatical, but will retreat to my recliner by the fire whenever possible to contemplate life, survival and mortality!   (Also to continue seeking good cancer jokes and cartoons...)  Will write sooner - xSal

SURVIVING (TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!)

What a lovely time of year to recuperate in New England!  Since survival is about focusing on life and its inevitable cycles, it behooves me to see the amazing beauty in every season, even as the vibrant life of summer gives way to the glory of autumn transition.   I'm not sure why this 70 year old body is able to heal more easily than many.  Clearly I came into this adventure with physiological strength not available to many.  But there's so much more to it.

I was able to walk around our across the street parking lot five times today - getting stronger as I write.  I do have down days - yesterday was a kind of "blue" day, with unusual exhaustion and lack of initiative.  But a part of survival is allowing oneself to visit those places, to recognize the emotions, and move on. Like the Buddhist meditation advice when trying to clear the mind, allowing those emotions to pass by like leaves in the stream - acknowledging them but  observing as they pass on.

 

I think I am able to do this because I stay engaged with so many folks.  I believe a community of support is essential - a community that supports the condition but doesn't just view me through the lens of the big "C".  We cancer survivors are the same people we were before diagnosis, with just an overlay of consciousness about mortality and the need to appreciate each day, each season.

 

In addition, involvement in creative activities has been such a large part of this process for me.  And I say to those who say "I'm not creative" - everyone is creative - everyone can express themselves creatively through their strengths.  So I continue to move towards re-entry (thanks Buzz Lightyear - to Infinity and Beyond!) with applause for all who are my supportive family! xx

 

KATHERINE BACK HOME, SPLEEN IS HISTORY!

Greetings loyal readers - thought I had posted last week but apparently didn't confirm.  Yes!  I a spleen free, and Katherine the redoubtable hernia is back in her home.I had surgery at Massachusetts General hospital - what a marvelous institution.  My surgery team were grand, the nurses amazing, and the CNA's, cleaning crew and all friendly and efficient.No wonder this is a number #1 hospital in the country!

The purpose of these snips is to stem possible spreading.  I do still have a little active C, but hopefully with a bit more chemo, I'll be back in NED (no evidence of disease). 

I realize from this experience (Beth was able to stay in the room with me - we had an amazing view of the Charles!  Nothing so calming as watching sailboats slide along the river).  So I'm home healing for a month or so - chance to complete my sabbatical report, read some great books, continue writing my grandmother's biography, and do some drawing/ painting.   I promise to write more soon - at least once per week.  As all of us watch fearfully the continued conflicts around the globe.  xxSal

BACK AT LAST - AND MOVING FORWARD!

Hi all - hope I haven't lost my whole audience!  We've had such a busy summer - went back to work in July after my fabulous sabbatical.  Found I was VERY TIRED commuting to Fall River every day, but happy to be back at work.  New developments:  I'm going into the hospital to have my spleen removed.  The surgery is August 26 - with 6 weeks recovery time.  I'm having the surgery at Mass General, one of the best hospitals in the country.  Hopefully, getting that pesky spleen out (we don't really need it!) also removes the larger remaining tumor (one other in my pelvis, very small).  As my doc says, I've outlived all the predictions, so everything now is an "experiment"!  But I feel fine, and very hopeful about the surgery.

As most of you know, I  celebrated 70 years this year.  We had a huge summer celebration in July, with family and friends.   My sister Susan and brother George both with spouses came to Providence to join the fun.  Also, niece Sarah and five kids plus soon-to-be-hitched man Matt came over as well (they now live in NY near Albany).  With friends and all of Beth's family, it was quite the day! Weather was beautiful, and food amazing as always.  So I'm into my 7th decade - only numbers my friends!

As we continue on this cancer journey, Beth and I are just thankful I've been able to fare so well - with her help and support always of course!  Continuous recurrent cancer is a mixed blessing - great that I am able to maintain a great quality of life, but wish the big C wasn't always lurking.  Nevertheless, I continue to enjoy my life, and feel so fortunate given the circumstances.  While Cancer is NOT a %%&&**## gift, it has reinforced my appreciation for the LIFE I have been given. 

Will try to be more regular and get back into thoughtful blogging.  Thanks for paying attention, loyal readers! xxx

RELAYING FOR LIFE!

Well, loyal readers, if you are still out there, I am still standing - actually walking!  Last night I participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Pawtucket.  My "Team" pictured above, included Beth of course, Beth's brother Donny, his wife Trish, daughter Madelin, and my niece Sarah who came over from Albany NY with her beautiful brood of four - Thomas, age 13, Jacob, age 10, and twins Isabel and Isaac, age 6.  The Pawtucket Relay was rather sparsely attended, but the enthusiastic group walked around the Pariseau Field next to the PawSox stadium, danced, played games and celebrated LIFE.  We raised over $500 for the cause, thanks to the generosity of family and friends.

I am completing my 6 month sabbatical researching autism in college, a fascinating project.  I look forward to returning to work, actually, although leaving our wonderful yard in the summer is hard!  I am still in chemo weekly, but only 2.5 hours each time - and the tumors are shrinking!  Will try to be more attentive to this blog - thanks for reading!! xxx

SPRINGing!

Greeting to dear loyal readers!  April is here - and I am about to celebrate 70 years of LIVING!  Feeling so thankful that my body responds well to treatment, and I march forward (gaily).  Had a wonderful week in Pittsburgh, visiting brother George and wife Adele in their lovely high rise condo, and attending an adult ed conference, giving my presentation about autism research.  Exciting to visit the Carnegie Mellon museum, the Andy Warhol museum, and the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright house, Falling Waters.  Who knew that Pittsburgh has so much to offer!

Continuing with Taxol chemo, but not at all difficult - just a lovely bald"   Had an amazing "pay it forward" experience on the plane ride from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.  A woman came to economy from first class and said "you have to take my seat!"  She shared later that her mom had recently died of ovarian cancer.  She rushed off the plane before I had a chance to get her name - am trying to find out from the airline!!  There are sincerely good people in the world.  Sisters in the Big C!

Am continuing to enjoy my sabbatical research on autism - fascinating to explore the strengths and gifts of different brains.  This is "Autism Awareness Month" - light the world blue!

Also had fantastic mini vacation in Vermont with Beth and family members - they had wonderful ski days, I sat in the sun viewing the beautiful snow covered hills (in 50 degree weather!) and enjoying a beautiful vacation cottage complete with Jacuzzi tub!  At home, crocuses are blooming, robins singing, and new life coming in green and hopeful.  Am so fortunate to have time and family - looking for ways to continue my own "Pay It Forward" in new ways.  Til next time...  Sal

MARCHING ON!

Greetings loyal readers - sorry for the long delay!  I am doing well - still doing taxol (with attending hair loss - ah the scarf option!)  and loving my sabbatical!  Researching support for students on the autism spectrum at community colleges is exciting and challenging.  Will be traveling to Pittsburgh in a week to an adult ed conference (COABE) to present about my research journey, and to visit with my brother and sister in law living in downtown Pittsburgh.  (send messages - NO MORE SNOW!!)

I have been excited that I'm able to maintain focus on my sabbatical research while staying home by the wood stove!  I am actually quite focused - with a schedule to work on the research at least 5 - 6 hours a day.  I've read so many fascinating articles, and am planning visits to several colleges concerning support for students with autism.  I'm excited that two of my former students have agreed to be interviewed about their experience BCC as students with autism. 
s at

I find that this time to research, read and reflect has been very calming - I love having the time to pursue a train of thought through hours with no interruption.  We live such frantic lives, and the opportunity for extended reflection is often unavailable to us.  In this age of constant communication, we need to stay away from the phone, email and texts to allow our minds to take thought journeys.    Of course, this time alone also gives me pause to think about this cancer journey, and my good fortune with the experience.    I continue to be relatively pain free - few side effects from continuing chemo, and almost no physical effects from the remaining buggies in my system.  Another CAT scan next week will tell if the tumors are continuing to shrink - THINK SHRINK, friends!

"If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"  My mom, the gardener, quoted this line from Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" every February - and as I view the now melting mounds of snow in our yard, I yearn for the coming thaw.  As our "living with chronic cancer" journey moves on, Beth and I are able to focus beyond the Big C, beyond that other shoe always waiting to drop.  We are living our busy and fortunate lives, thankful for the ongoing love and support of so many.  Will write sooner, I promise!  Happy International Women's Day!!

Greetings at Last!!

Hello Loyal Readers!  The holidays, a vacation in (beautifully warm) Florida, etc. has taken me away from regular posting.  I had a difficult event in late November - an allergic reaction to one of the chemo drugs I was on.  Carboplatin is a platinum based chemo - and the body can only take so much.  It had been such good news in November that finally, after a year of new tumors growing, and four different treatments, we were so thrilled that the tumors were finally shrinking with carbo and taxol.  After the allergic reaction, I can't have carbo any more - so we were worried about whether the tumors would continue to shrink with taxol only.  It was a roller coaster ride!

We did put the  possibilities aside and enjoyed our Florida respite - then came home to a CAT scan and good news - the tumors are continuing to shrink!

Otherwise, I am getting into my sabbatical research - it's great to be at home and learning so much about autism, deafness and dyslexia.  I also found out that the YMCA has a "Livestrong" program for cancer survivors - free!  So I will be having great workouts twice a week for 12 weeks.  I also will be doing Expressive Arts workshops for my Livestrong group.

So, dear readers, I continue with the ups and downs as a "survivor" - you never know where these buggies are going to take you - but I'm so lucky to have quality of life with my amazing partner/wife Beth.  Each day offers new opportunities for hope and creativity.  I promise I won't be so negligent this spring! xx

IT'S WORKING!!!

Greetings loyal readers!  YES, the carboplatin/ taxol regimen has significantly shrunk the tumors!  This is great news for us - buys me time to look for other treatments!  We were quite nervous, but feel a new path towards victory!

 



I have learned that I am among 2% of those with my condition (stage IV UPSC uterine cancer) who survive as long as I have. Wow!!  I want to know who that other gal in the 100 is who has survived!  And I extend sympathy to those who have lost this strange battle.  Will write more shortly!! xSal



BACK IN THE SADDLE!

Greetings dear loyal readers!  Sorry I have missed several weeks - unfortunate new developments...  despite four different kinds of treatment this year, my buggies have continued to grow - so I'm back in chemo.  THINK SHRINK!!   While this new growth (a significant tumor in my abdomen) is not the news I hoped for, I am thinking POSITIVE and am determined to evict these unwanted tenants.  This recurrent disease is indeed a challenge, but I am determined to beat the odds!

The good news is that I had my first carboplatin/ taxol treatment yesterday, and it went very smoothly.  Today of course is the steroid high day - I cleaned house and we worked outside in the yard.  We got our load of wood for the wood stove and moved it to stack for the winter.  We put away our deck furniture and trimmed some stalks as the garden goes to bed.  It felt so fabulous to be outside enjoying a wonderful fall afternoon!

So now at least the government is reopened (what a circus that has been).  This means that federally funded cancer research can again go on.  Of course, while 800,000 people went without income, the congress continued to receive salaries AND had their gym open!  What a country...time for revolution!

Being part of a huge national strike against this domination by big money is on MY bucket list!!  Until next week... xxx

When Cancer is Chronic...Focus on LIFE

So chronic recurring cancer is indeed a bit surreal!  Dear readers, I am truly doing fine - still working full time, living my life (with emphasis on LIVING!!)  The knowledge that these buggies are still there is the surreal part - will they grow?  Shrink?  MELT??

So I embrace each day and thank the universe that I am still here with my love Beth, our (now calm and happy) pup Hubert, our beautiful yard in the amazing New England autumn.

Our Unitarian congregation does much support work for programs supporting the homeless population in RI.  I remember so distinctly those 7 years at Travelers Aid - the many amazing folks I met whose lives had landed them in shelters and on the streets.  As we always said - most of us could be little more than a paycheck away.  Once homeless adults have at least a semi permanent place to live, opportunities for education and employment are of course key.  Programs like Amos House's Friendship Cafe and other training programs that put folks to work are major models to address homelessness.

But of course until we reform our political economy, and address the growing distance between wealth and poverty, and the gradual erosion of the middle class, we will only see MORE people pushed into poverty.

I call this the "melting middle"  !  And until we stem this melting into poverty, until we stimulate education and job creation, this global melting will spread and continue.

So I celebrate my continued LIFE and look to continue speaking out for social justice, jobs with justice and opportunity that doesn't pit the middle class against the poor.   So I'm going to hang around as long as I can to work towards this shared future.  More to come... I fight not only cancer, but the ills of our society!!

MIND BODY POWER!!

Well loyal readers, I went to see Dr. D today and found that indeed the big C is continuing to grow slowly in my spl

spleen, but he feels a new regimen - Avastin - will block further growth.  Avastin - clinical name bevacizumab - actually stops the growth of new blood vessels.  This will hopefully stop the growth of the spleen tumors.  So a new treatment adventure!  More days in the IV recliner - a chance to write, dream, draw and concentrate on SHRINK!! 

Of course, I wish there were no new growths, but it's what it is.  The great news is that I am continuing to work with Expressive Arts to bolster my immune warriors and to self heal.  I attended the Expressive Arts reunion conference several weeks ago, and was once again inspired by the amazing work being done by graduates of this wonderful program.  Research shows that Expressive Arts (visual, verbal, movement and sound) actually have a physiological effect - reinforcing the immune system and our ability to self heal.

I am reading an interesting book by a physician who has been studying mind-body connections and our ability to self heal.  The Doc,  Lisa Rankin, has done a great deal of research about stories of self healing and spontaneous cures.  She seems a bit of a self promoter (her picture on the book cover could be used on a dating site)  but the information is powerful. I continue to talk to my cancer and invite apoptosis for the dear little vampire cells.  Otherwise, I continue to work full time, try to keep up with garden weeding, and do my expressive arts work.  Thanks for reading - will try to be more regular!! xx

DANCING IN THE RAIN!

Greetings loyal readers!  Yes, I'm off the clinical trial - new buggies in the spleen - but on new chemo - meghase and tamoxofin.  No wierd side effects yet (I'm no wierder than usual...) and so happy that summer is here!  Yes we have had mucho rain this month - but luckily no flooding for us.  Poor Hubert the Hound does NOT like going out in the rain.  Luckily he has learned to wait to do business - he's becoming a great pooch and fitting right in!

Beth and I and Hubie are indeed dancing in the downpours - we know the garden is happy!   I've got tomatoes, basil, snow peas, chick peas, egg plant, and the last of our delicious lettuce.  Don't know if the beets are going to make it - but herbs are doing well, as well as our lovely perenniel flowers.  

So keep dancing friends - it's the only way to go!!

REINCARNATION!!

The strangest thing happened to me yesterday - Beth calls from her job to ask - have I checked Facebook today?  No, I was working - but immediately went to my page.  An old friend whom we don't see often these days had posted that I had crossed over - yup - that I had bit the dust, kicked the bucket, etc. etc.  After pinching myself several times and being sure I have a shadow (!) comfirming that yes, indeed I am still here in the flesh, I immediately responded that I am indeed ALIVE AND WELL!!  Actually, before I was able to correct this misinformation, several people wrote lovely things about me - hold those thoughts, friends!!  (Nice to know my legacy has a postive slant ...)

Of course, as always with this big C journey, events such as this give pause to contemplation.  Mortality, legacy, loose ends!   A reminder that I must indeed give away some more of my books, clean up my studio, weed my garden, and tell those I love I LOVE YOU!!!  I've also heard recently that yet another acquaintance has moved on beyond cancer and this world.  This is always a reminder of how fortunate I am that my body and my determined spirit are not ready!  I am so lucky that I have been able to respond so well to treatment, and that I have such an amazing circle of support.

So what do I want my legacy to be?  What do I want people to remember?  Certainly, that I found the love of my life with Beth, that I had the amazing experience of raising Jim and Dan, that I have a fabulous family and circle of friends.  Also, of course, I hope anyone who chooses to recall my life will think about my passions - for social and economic justice, for the right to literacy and education, and of course my gardens. 

I am starting a memoire about some of the amazing experiences I have been fortunate to participate in.  I feel I have been "an extra on the stage of life and social change."  I was an eager but minor participant in civil rights activities in North Carolina and Georgia - activities that changed my life and my spirit.  I had the wild experience of being part of the "underground newspaper" The fabled "Great Speckled Bird" in Atlanta.  I was part of the Venceremos Brigade, early (not yet legal) expedition to Cuba to learn about the best of the socialist revolution.  And I have spent my life exploring and serving the need for literacy and reading skills for all.  In addition, I have supported the exciting efforts to gain our rights as LGBTQ members of society, with the exciting results this year of a law approving gay marriage in RI!!

So, dear readers, I am thrilled to be still here with all - glad I didn't come back as a slug! 

Laughing at Cancer!!

So my doctor - the stylish Dr. D - is now a cancer comedian!  Yes!  We all need to laugh at cancer sometimes.  Dr. D. remembered the time I had called about a lump and a pain in my abdomen.  I didn't want to travel to Bean town if I didn't have to, so he asked for a picture.  I sent him a headshot - wasn't sure why he wanted a picture of me, but, hey, he is my doctor.  Actually he wanted a picture of my abdomen!  We definitely laughed together.  Dr. D wrote this about humor and cancer:

"In general, laughter and humor do not come to mind when one talks about cancer. Oncology is a serious endeavor aimed at treating a life-threatening condition. Our profession and our patients compel us to stay abreast of new findings and new treatments, to engage in a conscious and thoughtful discussion about next steps, and to always be honest. Indeed, as I look back, nowhere in my training or practice has anyone ever said, “But remember to laugh.”

In reality, patients want to be treated as people, not a condition, and part of the way we can do that is to engage them beyond the realm of cancer. We do it already when we ask about how a spouse or a child is doing, what plans are in place for a weekend, or just a simple “how are you?” But we can do more, especially for patients we have known for a long time. Sharing a joke, an anecdote, and a laugh are as human as holding one’s hand. In addition, as this small paper reminded me, at times, laughter can also be the best medicine."  (from the "ASCO Connection")    Hey - we all need a chuckle!  Who among us doesn't pull out the "cancer card" on occassion (helps to get to the front of the line...)

So I get all the laughs I can - and having a doc who shares my comedic sensibility is grand.   I do think my hearing isn't that bad yet....