A few months ago, I underwent a month long daily radiation therapy for breast cancer. It was hard for my frail rail thin body. The treatment left me physically, emotionally, and mentally depleted — like nothing I had experienced before. Several months after completion, I still suffer the side effects. (I know survivors who remain affected many … Continue reading An Insider View of Cancer Radiation Through the Eyes of a Cancer Patient
Blog
The Refuge (Poem)
Taking refuge in the forest Amidst the tall redwoods Majestic protectors Of all things living. Their cracked brown skin Brings to mind my brown ancestors Still alive among these trees Centuries after centuries. Their resilience exemplary Their strength legendary They’ve overcome severe hardships With awe-inspiring dignity. Settling deeper into the peace I hear them call … Continue reading The Refuge (Poem)
Letter to My Forgotten Heart
When I finished radiation, I sank into grief, and became acutely aware of the fragility of life, and the human heart. It was clear that my body had suffered a great deal. But I also viscerally realized that my heart had been beaten up and terrified by cancer treatment. One night, I felt inspired to … Continue reading Letter to My Forgotten Heart
Why Responding to ‘How Are You’ is Hard as a Cancer Patient
Many people are unaware of how difficult it is to answer social greetings when one is in crisis. They ask "how are you" mechanically, without thinking. I've done that in the past. Before my experience of cancer painfully opened my eyes to the stress of social greetings. I suddenly became one of many struggling everyday … Continue reading Why Responding to ‘How Are You’ is Hard as a Cancer Patient
When Life Kicks You: Let it Kick You Forward
The kick came for me in the form of breast cancer. Cancer has a way of showing up in your life, unannounced, and take up all the space in the house. It’s a visitor you can’t ignore. Rowdy. Overburdening. Demanding. Draining. It derails your routine, your plans, your work, your sleep, and your relationships. You … Continue reading When Life Kicks You: Let it Kick You Forward
Solace Among Oaks
I felt the oaks’ embrace, The gentle acceptance Of their long branches, Brush over me tenderly And whisper in my ears, You are safe here You belong here. And my body relaxed And my fears surrendered, I felt held in kindness. Was I an oak in a previous life? I feel a kindred connection With their … Continue reading Solace Among Oaks
