Author: thehopefulpessimist

I'm an overextended mom and very likely a dismal wife ;) ! Writing seems to have taken on the role of therapy for me after an 'interesting' couple of years that I never saw coming. I elicit somewhat 'sweary' moments and utilize dark humor and sarcasm on top of all the coffee I consume just to get through the day. No longer blissfully oblivious, I can no longer keep my mouth shut....someone help me LOL! I am truly an introvert at heart, but my compassion for human beings has forced me out into this big scary world to share my story, in the hopes of maybe helping just one person realize they are not alone.

Radiation Treatments, Research, Alternative Medicine And Having An Automaton For An Oncologist

~ thehopefulpessimist ~ Leave a comment

As I watched her drink olive oil from the one cup measuring cup, I attempted to rein in my gag reflex. This could be considered bona fide torture. I could only imagine how fast that was going to rip through her intestinal tract before making a swanky appearance within moments. As Lea put it, she … Continue reading Radiation Treatments, Research, Alternative Medicine And Having An Automaton For An Oncologist

Why The First Year Of Treatment With Afatinib Was The Honeymoon Phase

~ thehopefulpessimist ~ Leave a comment

It was a good run…while it lasted. Once the holidays had ended, Lea’s first scan since starting the Afatinib became the much anticipated, yet nerve wracking event to take center stage in all of our lives. We were collectively holding our breath until we had results in hand. We had plenty of hope, but the … Continue reading Why The First Year Of Treatment With Afatinib Was The Honeymoon Phase

Celebrating The Holidays With The Ever Crotchety Auntie Cancer And The Very Creepy Uncle Death

~ thehopefulpessimist ~ Leave a comment

So, just how did we celebrate the holidays with the constant threat of cancer and death looming over us? Well, it wasn’t easy. I feel like I had to morph into a spy who utilized secret codes and gestures to communicate, while feeling like I needed to protect my family within the presence of some … Continue reading Celebrating The Holidays With The Ever Crotchety Auntie Cancer And The Very Creepy Uncle Death

First Round Of Treatment For Lea’s EGFR NSCLC: A TKI Called Afatinib

~ thehopefulpessimist ~ Leave a comment

Afatinib. It isn’t as tasty as it sounds…at least I don’t think it is. I’ve never tried it, but I can tell you that it’s not the same as Twizzlers Cherry Nibs, far from it. First, Twizzlers Cherry Nibs don’t need to be stored in a dark, safe place, far away from other living creatures. … Continue reading First Round Of Treatment For Lea’s EGFR NSCLC: A TKI Called Afatinib

Lung Cancer’s Lethal Letter Combinations, Would You Be That 1 In A Million?

~ thehopefulpessimist ~ 4 Comments

Please accept my sincerest apologies. I was not in top form last week and hence missed my usual posting. I know it’s a tad bit late, but better late than never is what I always say! She knew she was one in a million. In every way she was, just not in the way she’d … Continue reading Lung Cancer’s Lethal Letter Combinations, Would You Be That 1 In A Million?