Cancer Treatment Is Not Conducive to Blog Writing
I have been feeling the effects of cancer treatment and now understand precisely what it must have felt like for my old friend Kent when he got sick. Kent used to be a prolific poster. He would never go a day without a blog post, but as he endured a tough series of radiation for cancer treatments he just couldn’t post. I hate to admit I have the same problem. There is something about the effects of chemotherapy that doesn’t agree with writing blog posts.
So I went to the Tualatin Valley in Oregon with a friend, had a great time, yet couldn’t find a way to post about it. Ugh. Well, at least I’m being honest.
Cancer is so random and cruel….and yet in my case, all I can think of is how lucky I am to have a relatively easy cancer to treat, and one that many people live for decades with. This is what I have: Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called a “lymphocyte,” which helps your body fight infection. You may hear your doctor refer to SLL as a “non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” which is a group of cancers that affect lymphocytes.
But the main point I want to make is that my life continues, and it’s wonderful! I am heading down to New Jersey today, to be with my dad, who is 91 and has ….lymphoma. At dad’s age, no one is lamenting a life cut short, and he’s not in pain, but he is one of the most important people in the world to me and to my family, and his passing will be a sad moment. On Wednesday afternoon I’ll head to New York City to get ready for the big IMM meeting, where many destination marketers will be on hand to meet and talk about why we should write about them.
Then on Friday it’s the New York Times Travel Show–where Paul Shoul and I will do a simple Q&A instead of our big performance. It’s something I look forward to each year and this one is no different.
On with life!
January 23, 2018 @ 10:08 am
Actually, my husband, Dick, found that dealing with his cancer – both daily radiation and weekly chemo – unleashed his writing ability. We chose to use Caring Bridge as the way to chronicle our daily battle with the disease and our membership in this big club of which no one wants to be a member. You do have to watch out for Chemo Brain, however. It’s a real thing. Best of luck to you. And yes, keep working if you can. It helps.
January 23, 2018 @ 2:00 pm
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about your chemotherapy, Max. I know just how ghastly it can be, having worked as an oncology nurse back in the day. If it’s any consolation, I have a friend who has lived with non-Hodgkins lymphoma for the past seven years, is in remission, and still enjoying life after chemo …
Make the most of being with your dad – you’re lucky you still have him in your life – mine died of pancreatic cancer eight years ago, but at least we cleared up the unfinished business between us, which made it easier to let go.
Anyway, I am thoroughly enjoying your website and wish you the speediest of recoveries and more power to your pen! But only when you feel like it! Sometimes it’s okay just to rest for a while …
January 24, 2018 @ 3:51 am
Nothing, not even a minor inconvenience like SLL, can keep Max away from travel for long! A inspiring trait that you no doubt share with your hardy Dad. Will be with you and Shoul in spirit at the Times Show. Miss you guys.