the latest news
I've not been posting because I've been quite busy -- in part, working to get the CORE newsletter and my article for it done. I invite you all to check out my article here. It's about Breast Cancer and Tony Robinson (for those of you outside of Madison, he is the young biracial man killed here by a police officer while unarmed on March 6th, the day of my initial biopsies), and individual tragedy and systemic oppression. It also includes at the bottom opportunities to make donations to my organization, CORE, and a partner organization working on organizing in one of Madison's lowest-income neighborhoods. If you're not on CORE's email list and want to be you can also join there.
I'm happy to report that my "rebound" between chemo treatments continues to be good - this past weekend I biked 13 miles on Saturday, and yesterday I swam for an hour before my chemo treatment. The oncologist who saw me (mine was out of town) said I was tolerating the treatments extremely well. I just hope the tumors aren't tolerating it well! He pointed out that while there's no evidence of them shrinking yet, they could be dying from the inside, and they at least do not appear to be growing, which for this aggressive a cancer, is good. I'll have imaging done next week which will inform the next stage of treatment - they'll be switching me to a new drug or drug combo and might go to weekly at a lower dose rather than biweekly. The best news as far as I'm concerned is that I'm done with the scary injection that can cause tissue damage if it goes wrong, without mishap, and that everyone says also has some of the worst side effects.
And, this round of side effects is going okay so far. Yesterday had the benefit of looking forward to my Aunt Ellen's arrival from CA the evening after the chemo, and good company during the chemo and afterwards. I was actually a little hungry after getting home, and ate some delicious homemade Indian food cooked & delivered by Roy. Then visited with my aunt, then Anne brought over a video of her Tibetan Bun teacher and we watched it together, (with me alternately meditating and sleeping). I had no nausea (acupressure wrist bands really seem to help) and took compazine and lorazepam before bed and listened to a Thich Nhat Hanh dharma talk which put me to sleep.
I also continue to be deeply touched by the amount of kindness around me -- including the total strangers at the hospital/clinic. They worked with me to schedule my various appointments yesterday around an important conference call with folks from CA and Milwaukee I didn't want to miss, and the receptionist at the oncology desk even let me use their conference room to do it in!!!
Comments (12)
encouraging news thank you ss
Thanks for the update. Things sound encouraging. Thinking of you often.
Glad to hear that you're doing fairly well under the circumstances. Sending healing prayers...
All sounds optimistic; especially glad for your workouts. The biking & swimming is great news-- for your health overall. Glad to hear you're tolerating the chemo. Appreciate your insight in the article in CORE's magazine. Interesting, thoughtful connections and observations.
Your core values, concern for others and commitment to improve society, resilient attitude, hard work, and engagement with life are a lesson for us all. Thank you for sharing! With metta, Bob
You amaze me Becca. I think about you often and would like to visit you when you are interested. You are such a caring and talented women. My best to you, Don and the kids.
Sending you healing energy and holding you in my heart. Peace.
loved your article; really appreciating how you are being you regardless of what you are doing -- dancing with cancer or working on an article. BEING first. Also love how you articulate the values that nourish both CORE and your whole approach to life. YES!
Glad to hear you've been able to continue important work. Our Shabbat prayers continue for you. Sending love and positive thoughts.
Thanks for the update. It's encouraging to hear you doing well.
We have all heard the line, give the gift of life, or something like it. Well, today I took time out to make that statement a reality. I gave Blood Platelets at American Red Cross. And, I would like to dedicate my giving to a friend going through Chemotherapy cancer treatment. This courageous lady loses blood platelets due to the Chemo. It literally kills them. We need these and under normal circumstances our body simply replaces them. However, when we go through Chemo many need to have these “gift of life” replaced by transfusion. This blood product has a shelf life of only 5 days and so “we” need to continuously have these taken from us to help those in need. So, here is my simple suggestion. Make an appointment through your local Red Cross and help someone. And, you can dedicate this wonderful life saving product to someone special in your life having to deal with Chemo. In Madison, WI you can call my Nurse wife on Sheboygan Ave. at American Red Cross (608) 298-6137 and make an appointment. What better gift can you make to a friend in need by dedicating your Platelet Blood draw in honor of someone special? Then send them a card that Red Cross supplies and let them know about your gift. Thanks Becca for all you do and this is the least I can do for you. Please share this with everyone on your email and Social Network list. Oh, I do not represent Red Cross…......however, my wife does! I will also place this on my Facebook page. How about you?
Hi Becca, I'm so glad to read of the many moments of well-being and pleasure. And I *loved* your wonderful article for the core newsletter. I joined this list to give support --but am learning so much from you. Thinking of you a lot. Hugs, Sonia