I’ve always wanted to write a blog but never felt confident sharing. What do I have to say? Who will want to read it? Then, on December 4, 2018, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Creating this blog and sharing my thoughts is helping me process what I’m feeling. I hope sharing my journey will help others to face challenges that come their way. Please share your journey with me […]
Every day is a new adventure on this cancer journey. Due to a last minute cancellation, I was able to have the four-month PET scan yesterday, rather than Thursday, when it had originally been scheduled. The scan techs told me to expect the results in 24-48 hours. Today was chemo. I gave the nurses a heads up about the change and asked them to alert Dr. Asik to be looking […]
They had a cancellation and can do the PET scan at 11:00 on Monday. Thanks for all your support – I will keep you posted.
I have a big day on Thursday – the four month PET scan. In my story, the scan is clear, aka cancer free, and I live happily ever after. Are you with me? I’m keeping it simple, but that’s the gist, and I need everyone on board. Connect with your prayer groups, light your candles, cross your fingers and toes, send your healing energy my way, think positive, visualize a […]
Just got a group text from my running buddy July, with some photos of me, Donna, and her taking a strength training boot camp class a couple of years ago. July has since moved out of the area, but we stay in touch. Her text read, “Came across these. How much fun we had! Actually the only one smiling is Donna. Miss you guys.” The photos show me doing chin […]
You read an earlier post that featured the Warrior bracelet I received from my cousin April. https://lindaedwardswriter.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/support-group/ She lives in another state and surprised me by sending an inspiring piece of jewelry that has become my daily wear for this journey. I’ve since come to learn I’m not the only one. My daughter. My sister. My brother. My mom. The bracelet keeps turning up. Some are wearing it on their […]
This post was supposed to be about chemo brain. My Patient’s Guide to Cancer Care three-ring binder has a whole page entitled, “Chemotherapy Related Cognitive Impairment.” I was going to share a funny story about losing my car in the Walgreen’s parking lot. In my defense, I forgot I was driving Don’s car, but I walked around it twice, missing the Detroit Lions sticker on the rear bumper each time. […]
Felicia. Zelda. Defiance. Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman. Warrior. An laoch is treise. (Translation: “The mightiest warrior” in Irish.) I needed all of them as I made the long walk from my car in the parking lot, through the side door, down the endlessly long hallway, and past the busy café, where residents at the retirement community in which I work sat eating their breakfast and leisurely chatting over their […]
“So how many kids do you have?” he said, hardly cracking a smile. About halfway through buzzing my hair, my husband knew just the thing to lighten the mood. In October, we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. There is not a day I don’t thank God for bringing this man into my life. I did it. Well, Don did it. And just like that, the agonizing is over. […]
Physically, I’m feeling pretty good this week. Why am I letting my emotions get the best of me? The “name my wig” contest was supposed to snap me out of this funk. Everyone has been so kind and supportive. Their suggestions have been incredibly thoughtful. My family and friends care. It’s still not enough. I’m ashamed. This is a short term thing. It will grow back. Grow up Linda. Nothing […]
I bought a wig right before chemotherapy started. The doctors had all told me to expect hair loss in as little as two weeks, and I wanted to be ready. I don’t think anyone who knows me would describe me as vain, but being bald is not a look I’m confident enough to wear. I also haven’t told most of the residents in the retirement community where I work. Staff […]
