Tag: cancer

Sharing my cancer story. It might be helpful, it might be interesting, it might be informative.

  • Exercise and carcinoid syndrome

    Last summer, in 2021 at the age of 43, I decided I needed to do something to be in better shape. I was feeling flabby and tired, and although enjoying the long golden afternoon of adulthood, being very aware it is a one-way street. That November I found a used treadmill and TV on Craigslist,…

  • My first shot

    Today I had my first shot of Sandostatin LAR Depot. I learned a lot! Firstly: I didn’t realize that they no longer allow accompanying children in the clinic. My almost-10-year-old-daughter came along to keep me company but then she had to stay in the waiting room the whole time. I felt bad for her, but…

  • Looking ahead to the big surgery

    When I had my belly surgery in 2015, the recovery was pretty straightforward. I was in the hospital for a few days, and then stayed home I think two or three more weeks before going back to work. I was in pain, but it was manageable, and slowly and steadily I got better. The doctor…

  • One of the worst phone calls of my life

    PART 3 OF 3. When the call came from Dr. Pommier on July 21, 2022, I was at home, so I went outside and sat under our deck umbrella while he told me the results of my DOTATATE-PET scan. He is a very nice man with a good bedside manner; however, there was no way…

  • The in-between years

    PART 2 OF 3 So, there I was, late winter of 2016. I had just had two major cancer surgeries in five months. For the next couple of years my oncologist monitored me closely. I had a few scares (e.g. A Lump In My Breast!!! which turned out to just be a fatty lump.) along…