Grad School???

I can't believe I'm even writing this...but I applied to my first graduate program yesterday. 

I'm still living with brain cancer, even with a mass up there, chugging along on my IDH1 inhibitor since 6/19, but I've finally realized how resilient I am. That I shouldn't hold back on my dreams. Wow, what a concept, to just go for it! I'm great at that with cancer, now it's time to translate it further into all aspects of my life.

I know that even if I have to do more treatments, more brain surgeries, that I will be okay, and that I will always strive for more, to actualize my dreams in every moment. It's SO exciting!! 

I'm nervous as hell, but in the best possible way. The program you ask? (Oh wait, no one did, and that's ok, I'm an over share-er.) It's a Masters of Social Work, with the ultimate goal of being able to assist cancer patients more thoroughly. 

I've been counseling patients, connecting them with resources for over 14 years, and hopefully, soon, I can do it professionally. 

I can't believe I'm doing this, I kind of want to hide my face. Instead, I will smile from ear to ear, and enjoy my life to the fullest. I will take every opportunity to live and experience it all.

Please wish me luck!

Forty-Four

 

It's been a scary year. I'm starting to wonder if I might be a NYC street rat, or a cockroach, or maybe just a cat with nine lives, but someone forgot start the count. I won't bore you with the challenges, the point is that I'm still here. And I couldn't ask for a better gift!

With all of my love xoxoxoxoxo

14 Years Later

 

I was told I would never live this long, that I would be lucky to see 4.5 years. Today, 14 years ago, I was diagnosed with a honker of a brain tumor, and four brain surgeries later, I'm still here.

It's an endless saga of treatments, research, medicine, fear, bloodwork, MRI's, seizures, new opinions, old drugs, new drugs. Living the brain tumor lifestyle, rather than fighting against it, has given me so much more insight into what might be possible.

I remember thinking, "As soon as I get rid of this tumor, I can go back to living a normal life." But somewhere along the way, I realized, I couldn't have both. I couldn't go back to living a life not centric to cancer. That in order to thrive, I had to completely evolve my thinking and actions. 

My health is paramount, my research and ever evolving wellness is a gift that I give myself.

I don't have social media, but I will post updates here, from time to time. Thank you for the love and support. 

I can't believe I'm still alive, playing here on Camp Earth. It's fucking awesome!!