Grateful, Hopeful...Now What?
Last week I walked out of UCSF after five weeks of radiation and hyperthermia. I expected to feel triumphant. Instead, I felt something quieter — grateful, hopeful… and aware that this isn’t the end of the story.
Grateful
Looking back, I’m realizing that I have so much to be grateful for…so, here we go…
I’m grateful for all the technicians, my Nurse – Jennifer, my doctor, and even the check-in people, who always greeted me with a smile & made me feel well cared for.
I’m grateful for the cozy neighborhood where we lived for 5 weeks, that made us feel welcomed and part of their little community. I’m already missing my afternoon cappuccino from Martha’s & the fresh bread from Bernal Basket (to name just a few of our daily favorites)
I’m grateful for the beautiful weather that allowed for daily walks and hikes to nearby parks with breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco. I don’t think I would ever tire of that skyline.
And most of all, I’m grateful for the family and friends who have supported me throughout this entire journey — the calls, the texts, the visits. So much love and grace has been showered on me. I feel it.
Hopeful
Treatment Complete….Now What?
I wish I could say, I’m done. Mic drop on Cancer.
But that small spot that traveled to my rib is still lurking… (though reduced!). Cancer cells are sneaky little fockers — they like to hide out and reinvent themselves.
Moving forward, I’ll be on a regimen of daily medications, annual tests, and ongoing monitoring. It’s a lifetime of disease management. Yes, it’s manageable — much like other chronic conditions. The goal is to stay ahead of it and keep it at bay.
And I am hopeful.
Lifestyle
There are many opinions about cancer treatment. Some believe that for the past 50 years, standard treatment regimens have been overly aggressive and toxic. Others believe cancer can be prevented — or even cured — solely through lifestyle modification.
I took all of this into consideration when I made my treatment choices. Ultimately, I believe it’s a combination of treatment along with lifestyle. ( for example , I chose hyperthermia along with radiation as a gentler & more effective process. )
There are nine lifestyle areas often discussed in cancer prevention: nutrition, exercise, stress management, spirituality, and more.
Recently, I heard someone say, “If you’ve had cancer, it means you had a hospitable environment where cancer cells could thrive.”
THINK ABOUT THAT…
If we don’t change the environment, those fockers will just come back.
So here’s how I’m choosing to change mine:
- Less processed food (really hard to give up the potato chips!!)
- Less alcohol (did you know alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen — in the same category as tobacco and asbestos?)
- More colorful, fresh vegetables (half my plate at lunch and dinner)
- More lean protein (every meal)
- More movement
- More strength training
- More self-care
There’s a lot more to this – but you get the picture.
I don’t know what the future holds.
There will be scans, medications, and unknowns. But I know this — I have been carried by grace every step of the way.
So I move forward in faith, not fear.
Grateful for today.
Hopeful for tomorrow.
I love reading your posts Laura. You handle this darn cancer business with such grace & I admire how eloquently you share your experience. Sounds like. You’re doing all the right things. Praying that you continue to do well moving forward. As always, sending love and hugs💕💕💕
JACKIE AND I ARE GRATEFUL FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP AND PROUD OF YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT AND PERSONALITY. YOU AND JON MAKE A GREAT COUPLE. HOPE TO SEE YOU IN 2026 IF IT WORKS OUT. ALL THE BEST.
A & J