No Reason

Everything happens for a reason. Oh, you mean that perhaps I needed to be taught a lesson? Let’s explore that.

Opting Out of the Grind

The world will give you no shortage of opportunity. They are everywhere you go.

Coming to Terms with the Side Effects of Treatment

As a boy, I used to race the sun: I would start in the forest as the sun set, at the bottom of a hill, and try to climb as the darkness nipped at my feet. My body would throb with the blood rushing to my limbs before it collapsed with exhaustion. Now, sitting at the river’s edge, I am at that point again; I cannot go any further without rest.

Sleeping with My Caregiver

Naked and ashamed, I just want to hide. I want to be alone. I don’t want what he wants. I don’t even know who I am anymore.

I lay there hoping this time will be different. This time, I will be more into him. Maybe it won’t hurt, or I won’t bleed. Maybe cancer won’t have the final say.

Finding Friends Who Understand

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t want cancer friends. At the time I was still processing my diagnosis and trying to wrap my head around the fact that in a few weeks, I would be having awake brain surgery, chemo, and radiation. My brain tumor was an incidental find from a car accident, meaning I didn’t feel sick at all.

My Son. My Hero.

I know we just met in person recently when my son was diagnosed with ALL last March, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life. You have touched so many of my family and friends throughout the years and I just wanted to thank you for coming into my son’s life.

Cancer Saved My Life

Her words slammed into me and I gripped the sides of the paper-covered table to hold myself steady, holding her gaze as I processed the four syllables that washed over me again and again. Like a riptide that held me under, I fought my way to the surface only to be pulled below once more […]

My Cancer Sabbatical

Last October, I realized I needed a new bag for work. The leather was worn from being squeezed into clinic drawers. The fastenings had broken from trying to squash too many snacks in.