Cancer and Counter-Culture Courage

Posted February 16th, 2017

Since bringing my 89-year-old mother-in-law, Ivalene, home from the hospital where she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we’ve both been hit with the upper respiratory plague that’s been going around. The most energy I’ve expended has been in heating up chicken broth, making mugs of TheraFlu, and throwing a fleece blanket into the dryer to tuck around […]

Stupid Cancer

Posted February 6th, 2017

On a snowy day last week, mom-in-law Ivalene checked into the emergency room – quite yellow. In the process of correcting her outrageous skin color, pancreatic cancer was discovered. From her hospital bed, mom-in-law has been reminiscing. One of the stories she loves to tell is how she met her husband, Jack, when he was home on leave from the Marines and how […]

Why Cancer Patients Should Write a Life Review Letter

Posted January 23rd, 2017

The title of a New York Times piece written by a palliative physician, Dr. VJ Periyakoil—“Writing a ‘Last Letter’ When You’re Healthy”—caught my eye. Dr. Periyakoil tells the story of one of his patients, a Marine combat veteran, who, when he learned he was dying, expressed his regrets and his love for his wife and pride in […]

What a Cancer Warrior Looks Like

Posted January 16th, 2017

My friend, Michelle, is a cancer fighter. Although she doesn’t have cancer – nor do her husband or any close family members at present – she is, nevertheless, a fierce passionate dazzling cancer-kicking warrior. Michelle approached us, back when I was on staff at St. Charles Cancer Center, with an idea: What about a weekly walking class for cancer […]

Despite Cancer: Thoughts on Outward Focus in this New Year

Posted January 5th, 2017

Hubby and I were anticipating hiking a new trail with friends. Four-in-One Cone in the Sisters (Oregon) Wilderness with views of seven distinct massive rock-solid peaks. As we began our climb, we found ourselves in the clouds. Dense. Gray. No mountain views in sight. Worse, I couldn’t seem to get warm; I was focused too much on the damp coldness. A week later, Hubby and I hiked the […]

6 Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season: Even with Cancer

Posted December 20th, 2016

I’m in New Jersey with the grands while The Parents are conspicuously absent. Hint: The Parents are in a place that involves sunglasses, fun T-shirts and odd-looking ears. Because life happens, and life included cancer, Hubby and I intentionally simplified Christmas gift-giving: gifts for the grandchildren, and warm fuzzy soft knitted creations for the beautiful […]

3 Thoughts on Maintaining an Outward Focus with Cancer

Posted December 7th, 2016

Hubby and I were anticipating a new trail with friends. Three-in-One Cone in the Sisters Wilderness with views of seven distinct massive rock-solid peaks. As we began our climb, we found ourselves in the clouds. Dense. Gray. Wet coldness. No mountains in any direction. A week later, Hubby and I hiked the same trail and climbed the same cinder cone. The cold […]

What’s on your brave-making list?

Posted November 8th, 2016

At the encouragement of a friend, I presented at this week’s IGNITE Bend event held at the historic Tower Theater. IGNITE events are produced in places like Helsinki, Paris and New York City. Presenters get 5 minutes and 20 slides, which automatically advance every 15 seconds. The tagline is: “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” And so I applied to […]

15 Ways to Rock Cancer Caregiving

Posted November 2nd, 2016

“Honey, I can do that for you.” Hubby couldn’t reach his feet due to swelling, and I offered to clip his toenails. I’m sorry to report that I may have clipped the top of his big toe. (But only because he jerked in anticipation of me clipping the top of his toe.) In view of my […]

I’d Want You On My Team

Posted October 28th, 2016

Snaking through the security line at Los Angeles International, I noticed an abandoned backpack. I watched it for a few moments as the line continued to move. “Is this anyone’s backpack?” No response, so I slipped under the barricade to report it. About the time I got back in line, a woman claimed it. She had left it on […]