Getting out of the cave -- My new guide

 (July 19)

Eight weeks…eight long weeks since my extraction from Cancerstan on May 24.  Eight long weeks living in the cave of “recovery”…Frequent meetings with various guides; lots of sleep and a little exercise.  For the most part, it ahs been a matter of just being.  It has been a learning experience and learning is so difficult.

 The time has come to get out of the cave and actively move further away from cancerstan with as much independence and quality of life for as long as possible.  I do not want major interventions by doctor/guides whose ministrations all too often result in remaining in the cave of recovery and dependence.  I do not want to be in the situation of many long time cave residents, who are unable to take care of themselves and/or do not know who or where they are.

Angela Kalisiak, MD is my new guide.  After 20 years in the drug trade (as a medical oncologist) she now devotes most of her time to palliative care.  Palliative care docs help people maintain quality of life.  They work with those of us who have been to cancerstan, strokestan, heartestan, traumastan etc. who desire a “better” and less invasive path with the main goal being a high quality independent life.  SHE IS GOING TO BE A VERY IMPORTANT GUIDE.

Here is an example of avoiding the invasive debilitating and expensive treatment.  With the help of family and support committee, 

I have made a Decision:

There will be no chemo.

The path ahead is uncertain. Still, I am determined to leave this cave and get back on the path to independent high quality of life.