Days Twenty and Twenty One - False Start, again

January 28, 2025

A Morning of Connection and Reflection

On Monday morning, I ventured into the office and was greeted by a warmth I hadn't realized I had missed so much. The last time I was in the office, was over a month ago. It was heartening to see so many familiar faces exchanging smiles and sharing genuine moments of connection. What struck me most was how openly people expressed their concern when I shared my recent cancer diagnosis.

The discussions were sincere, and although some tears were shed, there was a palpable sense of shared compassion in the room. Hugs were exchanged openly, and the sincere inquiries and curiosity highlighted the amazing support network I possess. Each of my coworkers supported me in ways I hadn't realized I needed. Many mentioned they were praying for me, and I could sense the warmth in every word and action. That warmth empowered me, reinforcing that I'm not alone on this journey.

Bingo Card of 2025: Unexpected Turns

As we’re not even a full month into 2025, my “Life Bingo Card” has already been thrown some wild curveballs: UFOs in the news, the unexpected termination of many Inspectors General, my own cancer diagnosis, and a newfound whimsical desire, by some biologist to bring back the Dodo bird. Life’s unpredictability never ceases to amaze. Each twist serves as a reminder that we’re never truly in control, and sometimes all we can do is adapt and find humor in the absurdity of it all. (Actually - it is a bad idea to bring back anything that went extinct. Let’s not start this Jurassic Park ride just yet, maybe we wait until 2026 for that one.)

These unexpected events have forced me to reflect on resilience. Life’s detours often lead to unexpected insights and connections, and while some moments are tough, they also bring clarity about what truly matters—relationships, health, and finding joy in the small things.

Listening to the Body’s Signals

By noon, I felt the familiar tug of exhaustion. My body, still adjusting, grew sore from the simple acts of standing and walking. It’s a humbling reminder to listen to your body's needs and honor its limits. Rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when navigating new health challenges.

I might have pushed through the fatigue in the past, ignoring the signs. But now, I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and giving myself permission to rest. Every small self-care act, whether sitting down for a moment or taking a short break, is a step toward recovery and well-being.

Tuesday’s Challenge: Give Yourself Three Hours of No News

Tuesdays have taken on a new meaning for me. It’s not just another day of the week anymore; it’s a day to reset. Why? Because sometimes life throws enough at you without the added chaos of breaking news, Twitter debates, and 24-hour analysis of the latest UFO sighting. So, here’s the challenge: give yourself the freedom of no news.  None. Turn it off. It will be there tomorrow. Go home and use those three hours to do something—anything—that brings you a little joy. Crank up your favorite playlist and have a solo dance party in the kitchen. Head outside for a walk and soak in the world around you. Maybe you’ll notice something you’ve overlooked a hundred times before—a particularly vibrant tree or the way sunlight dances on the sidewalk. Or maybe, like me, you’ll spend some of that time yelling into the void about why the NIH can’t process lab work faster. (Lola - I kid… mostly.)

This morning, I had to reschedule my oncology appointment—again—because my lab work is still under review by the NIH. Yes, I’m frustrated. Who wouldn’t be? But holding onto that frustration won’t change the situation. I’ll still be waiting, so instead of spiraling into an endless loop of frustration, I’m focusing on what I can control. And today, that means shutting out the noise for a bit.

When the world feels like it’s spinning too fast, it’s okay to take a step back. Pause. Breathe. Listen to your thoughts. Formulate a plan. Then, when you’re ready, step back in with purpose. Those moments of reflection are where strength and clarity are born. It’s not about ignoring the chaos but giving yourself the space to respond thoughtfully.

The news will still be there when you’re done. Dr. Phil confronting immigrants on the streets of Chicago, reality TV drama, and all the rest aren’t going anywhere. But those few hours… Those are your gift to yourself. Yours to recharge, refocus, and remind yourself that the world isn’t just a series of headlines—it’s also full of small, beautiful moments waiting to be noticed.

So, let’s make Tuesdays our day to disconnect. It’s not about ignoring the world; it’s about finding a little bit of peace amidst the chaos. And who knows? You might just find that when you tune back in, you’re a little more ready to handle whatever curveballs life decides to throw next.

Physical Update

I weigh slightly less than my desired weight—around 170 pounds. However, I'm increasing my calorie and protein intake to prepare for the upcoming treatment. Protein gas is a genuine issue, and if anyone has a solution to that part of the process, please let me know swiftly or text Maria; she is the one who is suffering.

Tomorrow, I’ll see the Urologist, another step towards starting the chemotherapy.  I started reading a new book last night, “Hodgkin Lymphoma Unveiled: Understanding, Treating, and Thriving” by Dr Spineau Eugenia. It's a print-on-demand book, and when I look into The Good Doctor, I don’t see anything except for 300+ medical books such as this they have written. The book is pretty low-tech and appears to be a consolidation of many free resources from the Internet. A few books, websites, and user groups are mentioned at the end, but I don’t see a proper reference section, which gives me a bit of a pause.

A huge shout out to Luxia, who stopped by to drop off some dumplings! I can smell their healing powers already! Thank you so much for the kind gesture and tasty treat!

Until the next post, show kindness to animals, clean up litter, and look out for each other. Switch off your television; it no longer serves as news, but rather as another form of cancer.