Taking the Good with the Bad; An Exercise in Resilience
Yesterday was an awesome day. I attended Joyous Persistence in San Francisco, a gathering to bring together hundreds of engaged citizens, up-and-coming activists, and established leaders across generations dedicated to defying the current administration through positive actions and impactful organizing. It was an empowering, encouraging, and uplifting day with amazing speakers including renowned artists, activists, and politicians including California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts (you know the one that persisted). I’ll post a more comprehensive blog in the next few days about my experience.
However, today is my first treatment day for my new medication and I’ll be spending the day at the hospital receiving an IV infusion. Actually, I’m here as I’m writing this blog. Yes, I’m that type of cancer patient that’s on my laptop as I’m being injected with medications. The way I see it, if I have to sit here I might as well do something productive.
The oral chemotherapy I’ve been on the last couple months slowed but did not stop the growth of my cancer and did not reduce the overall amount of cancer in my body which is our ideal goal. That’s the way these treatments go; some people respond well, some do not and doctors do not have any great understanding of why that is. My cancer is not extremely aggressive so this is concerning, but not yet scary or life threatening. Since it’s clear the oral chemotherapy was not controlling my cancer, I am now trying a new treatment with platinum. Here’s a bit more background for anyone interested. Family/friends – if you have any additional questions please post them in the comments and I’ll clarify/expand. But yes, I’m going to be platinum b*tches!
Once again I’m reminded of the extreme juxtaposition in my life. Sometimes, my life feels a bit like a punching clown. Cancer kicks me down, but I just keep standing back up. The one thing cancer can’t take from me is my spirit. I’ll be on consistent anti-naseau meds for the next few days and really have no idea how good/bad I may be feeling since this is my first time on this medication. I’ve cleared my calendar for the next few days and we shall see how it goes. Fingers crossed it’s not so bad – wish me luck!