Most visitors to this site will likely have heard the news already, but I have pancreatic cancer that has spread to my liver. I don't smoke, I don't drink, and there's not really a history of pancreatic or liver cancer in my family—so this was completely unexpected.
View An Unwelcome Guest »Cancer
The Calm During the Storm
Often throughout my life, I’ve been told that I “radiate calm” or words to that effect, which is typically a good thing. Given the recent circumstances, though, I think there is a concern I may be taking this conceit too far. More than one person has looked at me as if saying, “Shouldn’t you be…
View The Calm During the Storm »Oscar Acceptance
I'd like to thank the Academy…and all the others who have shown their support since I got my diagnosis.
View Oscar Acceptance »Interview with Cyril
I know people have been waiting for an update, so I agreed to an interview by my good friend Cyril the salamander.
View Interview with Cyril »What to Do? What to Say?
I continue to be deeply moved by the volume of support via email, website comments, letters, phone calls, and visits. Occasionally, someone apologizes for taking a long time to respond or not knowing what to say. But there's no need for any apology.
View What to Do? What to Say? »Just the Facts
Enough of this nostalgic nattering! Sgt. Friday would not be impressed. The cry goes round Derwood and environs, "Give us the facts!"
View Just the Facts »High Fashion (and Elephants)
First day of chemo treatment is (hopefully) winding down, and although I haven't been hit yet with major side effects it hasn't exactly been fun either.
View High Fashion (and Elephants) »Week 4: Cyril Steps In
Hi ho, Cyril the Salamander here… (with apologies to my fellow amphibian Kermit the Frog). Elliot has clearly dropped the ball on these updates, so it falls to your humble servant to pick up the slack.
View Week 4: Cyril Steps In »Do-It-Yourself Chemo in 10 Easy Steps
Sheesh, you take a short break for…okay, so it was a month. I do apologize for the delay. Still think that Cyril's little "intervention" was uncalled-for.
View Do-It-Yourself Chemo in 10 Easy Steps »Oncologists Have a Sense of Humor
Ever wondered how chemo drugs know to attack cancer cells but not other cells in your body? Well… they don't.
View Oncologists Have a Sense of Humor »