My Journey

Here is an email I wrote today to the amazing team at Rapunzel Creative — the marketing agency I launched in 2011. I also wrote this poem honoring them and our work together.

Just before boarding my plane yesterday, I found out that I was officially accepted into the clinical trial for a drug called RINA-S (Phase 2, Group C, non-randomized study).

My friend Dan Stillman joined me on my trip to Boston on Thursday. He created an insightful video that gives you a glimpse into what a day looks like for me, a cancer patient traveling long distances for care.

I spent the morning in the ER for what I thought was a bowel obstruction. The CAT scan that was taken shows a progression of my cancer.

I’ve written two updates now that I haven’t shared on this blog—and I think it’s because there’s just so much going on with me, I honestly don’t even know what to say. 

Just a quick update from me—and the question is: Can growing a tumor be a good thing?

I didn’t know what to expect when I pulled up to the rustic camp in Washington, Maine. What would the days here be like? Would people be friendly? Would the event be meaningful? And—my biggest worry—would I leave feeling depressed, sad, and overwhelmed?

It’s hard to believe—it’s been a year since my 2nd recurrence. Now on my third.

This is a question I never asked myself—until it was thrust upon me this past weekend. I woke up Sunday morning unable to read my phone. I thought, That’s strange. Is it my glasses? Why can’t I see the screen?

My first infusion went well without any kind of reaction and now it’s just up to me to rest and wait to see how my body handles the treatment. Reactions may begin as early as today. 

As promised, I wanted to share an update on my latest scan and blood work. Unfortunately, the cancer has returned much more quickly than expected.

My sister Karen and I met with my Dana Farber oncologist today via Zoom. We started the meeting talking about the Chest and Pelvic/Abdominal CT scans. The oncologist couldn’t provide any other interpretation of the radiology notes.