cancer
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Mary Oliver
The American poet, Mary Oliver, passed away recently from cancer. I was not familiar with her, but I feel like I should have been. Certainly, I had heard what may be her most famous line, “Tell me, what is it you… Continue reading
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Paying Attention
I don’t know if it’s PTSD from all of the cancer treatments or something else, like getting older, but I find myself forgetting things more lately. Don’t panic. I don’t think I have dementia or anything. It’s just that I… Continue reading
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Anxiety
I’ve been feeling a lot of anxiety lately. Not sure what’s causing it. Could be work, the holidays, cancer treatments. I am trying to meditate more. Yesterday, I did some yoga. Now that my health is getting back to normal,… Continue reading
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Autumn
Autumn brings cooler weather and grayer days. I have two more weeks of chemo. The cumulative effects of the drugs are starting to manifest. I feel weak. My nails are brittle. I feel a little down. But I have a… Continue reading
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Untitled
I am so tired of this place. My quiet desperation has become a little noisy. Cancer has made me realize that engaging in pointless efforts is a waste of my valuable time. I have to somehow stick it out for… Continue reading
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Being Still
The cancer center called me on Friday. I am profoundly neutropenic, which means that my body is producing very few white blood cells. The nurse told me to stay away from crowds and to wear a mask if I go… Continue reading
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Gratitude
It is a relief to know that my cancer is Stage IIA. When my husband was diagnosed with melanoma, it was already at Stage IV. I think I can manage this. The question now is whether I have chemotherapy first… Continue reading
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Contest
Recently, I entered a 91-word memoir contest. I didn’t win. Following is my entry: Valentine’s Day It was early in the morning on Valentine’s Day. The night nurse stood at the door of my childhood bedroom. “He’s gone,” she said.… Continue reading
Laura, Part 2 