One-Year Anniversary - Thoracic Surgery T+365

Today is the anniversary of my lobectomy. At this time one year ago, I was still waiting to be taken into surgery. It was a long day, especially for Bob and Chris who spent the entire time at the hospital with me.

My last CT scan was in February, just before we left for Florida. There was no evidence of either metastasis or recurrence, and I seem to be just fine, with no apparent residual effects of the surgery. Mostly, I don't even think about it, unless I'm asked.

This week, I've been reflecting on all the doctors, nurses, physician assistants and others who have treated me over the last 19 months. I've had the best, most compassionate care anyone could ever receive and I feel profoundly grateful. A few days ago, I sent updates and thank-yous to some of my doctors and nurse practioners and was surprised to receive almost immediate responses from two of them. Maybe we all need to hear about good outcomes from time to time.

Several of my doctors are either immigrants or the children of immigrants, and many of the wonderful hospital staff who cared for me so lovingly during my hospital stay last year were from Africa and countries around the world. The irony of a political and cultural climate that fosters anti-immigrant sentiment is not lost on me.

Memorial Day Weekend

Reprinted from FB post 05.23.25. Memorial Day Weekend: we're staying home this year, but I have many memories of cold campgrounds and northern resorts, often wearing a winter jacket. This morning I'm remembering a mid-seventies holiday weekend in Old Orchard, Maine, with roommates Jim and Glenn. We rented a car in Montreal and drove to Maine singing with the radio the entire trip. We stayed in a hotel right on the beach and I, of course, had to go swimming. The water was frigid, and by the time I was accustomed to the cold I must have been in the early stages of hypothermia. I had to wrap up in many layers of towels and blankets and I buried myself in bed while the two guys went out to party. I shiver, and smile, at the memory. I would like to say that I'm a lot smarter now, but at least once a year I find myself swimming in water that's really much too cold for all but an enthusiastic labrador retriever. Safe travels to all who all who are on the move this weekend!