Throughout my cancer journey, I’ve made mental and physical notes to myself about cancer, about people with cancer, about my cancer. They’re random, casual and brief — almost all would fit on a sticky note. This is my first sticky note. Early on after my cancer diagnosis, Kristina, a friend then in a courageous contest […]
Continue readingThe HAY Question
June 1, 2011 
7 Comments
It happened again. A very close friend asked, “How are you?” “I’m fine.” “No,” he said. “How are you.” Oh, my cancer. And a cousin wrote, “I signed up for your blog, and it’s very informative, but sometimes I can’t get a real sense of how you are doing.” They’re certainly not the first to […]
Continue readingMy Cancer Hobby
May 18, 2011 9 Comments
Days after my prostate cancer diagnosis on March 26, 2007, my wife presented me with a copy of Newsweek dated April 9, the one with the cover story, “My Life with Cancer,” by Jonathan Alter. I didn’t read it then, and I haven’t read it now. I remember the exact words that ricocheted through my […]
Continue readingIt’s a go.
May 5, 2011 10 Comments
Three doctors, three opinions — and unanimity: I’m going to proceed with radiation, combined with more hormone therapy, in yet another effort to manage my first cancer. I’m not kidding myself that this will “cure” me, that this will be the silver bullet, that all will be jim-dandy after a go of radiation. The likelihood […]
Continue readingHooked on a Feelin’
April 13, 2011 3 Comments
I’m now on the calendar for three scans in anticipation of radiation to deal with my just-won’t-go-away prostate cancer. Two CT scans, one bone scan. We’re nearing a decision, but — pending new information — the contours in favor of radiation already draw themselves. My prostate-cancer friend, Tom, wisely observed in an email, “My approach […]
Continue readingDecisions, decisions…
April 4, 2011 4 Comments
Spent this afternoon at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance — quarterly blood draw and Radiation 101, my very first consultation on the possibility of rad therapy to my pelvis. There’s a lot to chew on: There’s good reason to believe the offending cancer is in my pelvis, but no certainty. There’s good reason to believe my […]
Continue readingBreakin’ Bad
March 17, 2011 3 Comments
I’ve made much to-do about the Holy Trinity of diet, exercise and nutrition and how they’re central to my dealing with cancer. But there comes a time, every now and again, when you just have to say, “Screw it! I’m going to enjoy the food.” And I couldn’t think of a better place to do […]
Continue readingThe Commentariat
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My First Cancer 
Eighth Day of the Week
Today was Scanday, the day between Wednesday and Thursday, of two CT scans and one bone scan at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The scans are in preparation for my almost-certain radiation treatment…depending still on a third medical opinion a week off. An uneventful, information-free Scanday. Except for the young man, the very young man, sitting […]
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