Coping with Women's Cancers
If, like me, you are a fan of redemption movies—and of Bill Murray—then today you tuned into AMC and watched Groundhog Day...again...and again...and again.... My favorite part of this time-warp movie comes near the end, when Phil (also the groundhog’s name) Connors finally gets it. He starts living in the ever-present moment, the only way… Continue reading But what happens on February 3rd?
Still Life: Basket of Peaches by Raphaelle, Peale, 1816 Display Peach for Uterine Cancer Yesterday, June 14, 2016, I saw my regular gynecologist at the 30-month mark post-hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer. I thought the “no-Pap policy” discussion had been lain to rest . . . but not quite. You Can Say Anything If You Smile Since… Continue reading My Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Story: Two-and-a-Half-Year Checkup–Pap or No Pap?
What’s my favorite holiday? After Thanksgiving, it’s . . . Groundhog Day. And if, like me, you’re a fan of redemption movies—and of Bill Murray—then today you watched Groundhog Day . . . again . . . and again. . . . My favorite part of this perennial movie is near the end, when Phil—Connors, that is—finally… Continue reading But what happens on February 3rd?
Dear Readers, Thank all of you for following The Patient Path since its inception two years ago, when I began my journey with Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer. Please continue to visit throughout 2016 for more information, insights, and inspiration for becoming the most important member of your healthcare team as you embark on your own journey with gynecologic cancer and… Continue reading Happy New Year from “The Patient Path”
“Still Life with Peaches” – Paul Gaugin, 1889 Two years ago today, I underwent a da Vinci robotic total hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer, followed by vaginal radiation (brachytherapy). I am now cancer free, and my sincere hope is that all women with uterine and other gynecologic cancers will not only celebrate their two-year anniversaries, but… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Two Years, Two Ripe Peaches
This Tuesday, November 17, 2015, was my (almost) two-year post-hysterectomy checkup. I underwent a total da Vinci hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer on December 13, 2013 (a Friday). Following is a brief update on my progress and information about a clinical research study I agreed to participate in. Previous posts about my cancer story are here. On Tuesday,… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Two Years Post-Hysterectomy
Painting by Carl Vilhelm Holsøe (Danish; 1863–1935) From PART 1: BIRTH: [T]he doctor responded matter-of-factly: “Yes, but he has asphyxia from swallowing and inhaling meconium in the amniotic fluid. He’ll probably be brain damaged and need to take phenobarbital for the rest of his life.” Part 2: After-Birth To this day, I cannot believe this elder statesman of… Continue reading Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 2 – After-Birth
“Mother and Child at the Window” – Oil painting by Carl Vilhelm Holsøe (Danish; 1863–1935) My son and only child was born 31 years ago today – July 18, 1984 – when I was 31: 31 + 31 = 62, my current age . . . and a good time to remember that I am very grateful for… Continue reading Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 1 – Birth
On Valentine’s Day 2014, I finished my vaginal radiation treatments (brachytherapy) for uterine cancer. My total robotic hysterectomy was performed on December 13, 2013—which turned out to be a lucky Friday. Although my endometrial adenocarcinoma was stage 1b, grade 3 (stage 1a, grade 1 would have been better), all lymph nodes and peritoneal fluids were negative for cancer… Continue reading My Story – Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer: Post-Valentine Anniversary
Today was the first visit with my regular gynecologist in 14 months. The detailed update is coming tomorrow. The rest of my story is here.
The Patient Path 