Patient & Researcher Blog
Here I aim to capture what I am learning as a newbie researcher from a patient perspective.
Living with a slow growing brain cancer
It is taboo for researchers to talk about their work before it is published.
I think that’s a bummer.
My favorite part about research is learning new things in real time. Here I share my observations as a learner and my n of 1 (personal) findings as a patient.
Note: I started blogging about brain cancer in 2008, at age 29.
I had no background or knowledge about healthcare when I began. Please excuse typos and other misconceptions. What you read here is me in real time, like a time capsule.
There are more than 500 posts here. Use this search to look for something specific. Good luck!
Certificate of participation: cancer edition
But a medal and a survivor lap around a track? It makes me feel like entertainment.
Transitioning from treatment to survivor “anxiety” is normal
If I listened to my own advice I'd know that this transition phase is going to suck, but I will never have to do it again.
Cancer dream
The crab keeps running past me, reaching his gigantic pinchers toward my legs and feet. Finally, after a few passes around the coffee table, he finally gets me and snaps a chunk of flesh from my calf.
Can you be OK with the unknown when you will have cancer for the rest of your life?
People talk about how tired they are and I want to smack them upside the head and say, "You think you're tired?" But I restrain myself. And I'm cool with that.
Who is more likely to get the flu?
A married couple are exposed to the flu virus. Which one gets the flu?
Can you be a survivor when you are living with cancer?
If you die from cancer you shouldn't be labeled a "non-survivor".
Spiraling: We could all get hit by a bus and die
You will wonder if the reason your tongue is sore is because you suddenly developed an allergic reaction to the chemo pill you've been taking for 20 months.
Living with cancer is different from living after cancer
It's amazing when someone puts into words exactly how you feel.
NY Times: When patients make jokes
It’s the rare patient who copes with the stress of cancer by being a comedian, but a few people do. I have always found these patients not only funny, but fascinating.