Sorry about the lack of posts lately. I guess there just hasn't been much to report (medically) and too much good stuff going on to spend time blogging. That's good though, right?
A lot of people have told me how well I look recently which has made me think a lot about people's perceptions and expectations of cancer; and how I'm managing my own treatment program.
While there are aspects of the treatment that are no fun (chemo stomach cramps, hair loss, sore scalp, etc.) I'm trying to focus more on managing energy than on controlling (or complaining about) side-effects.
One thing I'm really happy about is that I've been able to work throughout the first four of these six and a half weeks of radiation/chemotherapy. I really only expected to last a couple of weeks and then take medical leave and now I'm hoping to just work through the whole thing. The one thing I've done to help is take a couple of Fridays as vacation to give me long weekends.
I've also tried to keep up with cycling and yoga (and napping) as much as possible to keep the energy reserves topped up. I don't always feel like it beforehand, but I'm always glad I did afterwards.
I've been asked a few times what's been different this time compared to the October/November treatments. I think the main differences are the faster recovery from the second surgery and the fact that I worked hard to get in shape before the surgery and up until this round of radiation.
One thing I do know...I have never felt as alive as I did last night watching U2, leaping around in the torrential rain to 'Elevation' - what a blast!
Here's my favourite photograph from the night...
