#Pancreatic cancer journey

[voguegenics]

Strength in the Shadows: Finding Light in Our Darkest Hours

🌟 Life changed in an instant, but hope became our anchor. Sharing our journey through Derek’s cancer battle, from devastating diagnosis to surprising miracles.

I still remember the moment our lives changed forever. My husband, Derek, and I were sitting in a small, dimly lit doctor’s office, the walls lined with the cold sterility of medical brochures and diagrams. We held hands tightly as the doctor spoke words that hit like a tidal wave: “Stage 4 cancer.” I felt as if I were watching a scene from someone else’s life, detached from reality, and yet it…

[osmviv]

Long Overdue Update  

Hi, Gentle Readers, I was surprised to learn from a good friend of mine that my website wasn’t working.  She thought I’d deleted it myself, but I assured her that I hadn’t. I had been receiving emails mentioning that the site hadn’t been performing backups the way it was supposed to, but I ignored them since I didn’t know how to deal with that, having never had that issue before. I thought I’d…

[remembertheplunge]

My name is Lew Wentz.

I am a 69 year old gay criminal defense lawyer. I have been keeping journals for 47 years as of September 14, 2024.. I am writing a book based on the journals.

I came out as a gay man in 1984. I was married to a woman then. I left the marriage after telling her I was gay.

My younger sister, Zoe, who I was very close to, died rather suddenly of pancreatic cancer in May of 2023. She gave me permission to blog the last two weeks of her life. Those blogs run from May 1 to May 14, 2023.

I journaled my journey through the turbulent 1980's and 1990's. During that time, I was pretty vocal about being gay. I volunteered to help people with aids through their illness and death. And, I believe because of this, I was fired from my job as a deputy Public Defender in Modesto California. I also documented the 12 year relationship I had with my partner, Jim, who died in 2009.

I wrote pretty much daily about these events and many others. I never intended for the entries to be made public. But, I now think they should be, as they weave what I believe to be our common story of what it's been like to be out, human and gay in the past four decades.

And, as I journaled, I developed ideas and ways to journal and wrote about them in the journals. I discuss the impact journaling has had on me. And, the amazing revelation reviewing journal entries for the blog and book of just how incredible our lives have been. Memory fades. The journal details do not.

My hope is that , after reading the blogs, and maybe some day the book, you too will become addicted to journaling. Your life on paper will amaze you down the line.

My blog became one and one half years old on August 5, 2024.

[rwrbficrecs]

A combined rec list for July & August ❤️

Before This, After That by @orchidscript (book-verse)

@dot524: Henry has a serious horse-riding injury and is in a downward spiral with his recovery until Therapist Alex pulls him out of it. I liked the sharp-edges interaction between them as they fall for each other. I actually read this one a while ago and it was just as good as a reread!

The darkest part of the forest by @everwitch-magiks (book-verse)

@suseagull04: I've loved this entire series, but this was my favorite by far so far! The way the author does world building in her fics is incomparable, even in a fic this short! I would love if she decided to make this a multichapter someday!

Count The Stars and Constellations by @everwitch-magiks (book-verse)

@suseagull04: I've said it once already this month, but it bears repeating: the way the author does world building in her fics is absolutely phenomenal! This one's an outer space saga for the ages, plus it's a multichapter, so we get to see Alex and Henry fall in love over the span of several years, and it's a bit angsty, but absolutely worth it!

An Exquisite Temptation by @tinyarmedtrex (book-verse)

@na-dineee: Henry became a Catholic priest to escape his homophobic family. Never did he expect to meet a stunningly attractive and equally charming, mouthy Texan who would seriously challenge his devout faith. Y'all can guess where this is headed, right? Delicious in so many ways: emotional, full of ‘80s vibes, angsty, smutty—an absolute masterpiece! Chef’s kiss!

How to get over Henry Fox: A list by dazedandconfused (book-verse)

@na-dineee: This AU is set in 2002, and Alex breaks up with the love of his life Henry. Even though it's clear they’d only be apart for a year, the story is still so gut-wrenching. The hurt and angst really got to me—reading that fic is a challenge, but it's absolutely worth it.

late night devil (put your hands on me) by @nine-butterflies (book-verse)

@suseagull04: The way this author took a 4 chapter fic and gave the world so much history and lore is absolutely incredible! Plus there are so many moments of Alex and Henry's relationship that're reminiscent of the book. Everything about this fic is amazing- and it's also definitely a good fic if you're looking for something for Halloween when it arrives soon!

right there beside him (all summer long) by @theprinceandagcd (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: The winter in Australia had me craving a story with summer vibes and this fic was perfect for that. Loved everything about this fic!!

Interrupted (series) by RadioFriday (book-verse)

@dot524: Henry is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, just like his dad was. This story follows him and Alex through their painful journey, including the end of it and beyond. Read this if you’re in the mood to have your heart broken, over and over.

the very essence of love by dollarstoreannabethchase (book-verse)

@suseagull04: It's RWRB, but from Henry's POV. The angst of the original is heightened in this (believe it or not, it can be done), but that makes the ending that much sweeter, and I loved the insight into Henry's thoughts!

somewhere in your world by @callmevenji (book-verse)

@na-dineee: Prince Henry, student at Oxford, tries to reach a hook-up gone wrong – and ends up texting someone else entirely: Alex. A deep chat friendship unfolds, while simultaneously Henry begins to fall for the charismatic FSOTUS. Whether it’s the universe at work, coincidence, or fate, the pleasure of reading this heartfelt fic is indescribably beautiful !!

In the Grand Scheme of Things by @itsmaybitheway (book/movie-verse)

@suseagull04: Meet cute at a wedding, instant attraction, intellectual banter- this fic has it all! Plus this is the best AU characterization of firstprince I've seen in a while, it's fantastic!

marked by rizcriz (book/movie-verse)

@zwiazdziarka: a soulmate AU with some extra drama - Henry learns that the reason he hasn't met his soulmate was his grandmother's plotting. Extremely well executed - my heart was breaking and then singing when it all turned out well.

Someday Soon I’ll See You (But Now You’re Out of Sight) by MaryaDmitrievnaLikesSundays (book-verse)

@dot524: In the mood for some intense angst? I needed like two business days to recover from reading this one. The story is a devastating view of complex grief as different characters deal with Alex’s death. I thought that the odd and asynchronous ways the grief manifests for different people was raw, real, and well done.

peace by @raysletters (book-verse)

@suseagull04: This is the Sky High AU I didn't know I needed! I love how this isn't a carbon copy of the movie but uses each character's strengths and weaknesses- and it's also just a very cute magic high school AU, which is just the cherry on top!

Son of a Gun by foux_dogue (book-verse)

@na-dineee: I hope you’ve all read 'It's not a secret' by now? I wasn't aware until it was published, but I needed that follow-up so badly! In this fic, which can be read as a standalone, Alex cuts down his work as a tattoo artist to take care of the kids (good thing Henry is loaded) and inevitably has to deal with the Milton-Saylor Academy Mom Squad. Absolutely wholesome, full of domesticity—just like, excellent!

You Set The Tone by @iboatedhere (book-verse)

@na-dineee: Alex is an emergency room doctor and Henry a pediatrician in the same hospital, and their animosity (read: infatuation) with each other began just as unfortunate as in canon. Their gradual coming together, intertwined with the medical emergencies, is wonderfully crafted. The tension is effortlessly maintained over 70k words, never feeling contrived. I was so moved while reading, it hurt phenomenally good, and I cried more than I have in a long time.

pick your poison babe (im poison either way) by sheWritesToLiveVicariously (book-verse)

@na-dineee: Co-workers to lovers with lots of emotion and a touch of angst—it never gets old, right? This 5+1 story is part of the "little moments that pass us by" series, and like all the stories in it, it's rather short, but full of feeling, very soft, and so touching. I'm already looking forward to hopefully many more fics in this series.

Down In The Valley by @aforgottennymph (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: This Stardew Valley AU was such a lovely read and as an avid stardew valley player, I thoroughly enjoyed all the little easter eggs and references to the game. Even if you’ve never played Stardew, this is still such a sweet and delightful read!!

[statichvm]

hi y’all.

as many of you know, my baby stella has been going through quite the health journey in the past year, with things really ramping up in the last few months. we’ve reached a bit of a roadblock in her journey — cancer is not off the table, but she isn’t well enough (combined with her age) to pursue the biopsy needed to confirm or deny that diagnosis. in the meantime, we’re shifting towards a tentative chronic pancreatitis diagnosis and treating it as such, hoping her next round of bloodwork in a few weeks might shine a bit more light on things.

we’re happy to try anything at this point, but these treatments (and the bills up to this point — it’s been over 1000 in the last month alone) are really starting to weigh on us financially as we settle into twice a week vet visits. my husband works full time, but i’m limited to part time work because of my own poor health. it’s hard for me to ask, and i certainly don’t want to pressure anyone as i know times are hard, but i’m going to link my ko-fi in case anyone wants to donate to the “keep stella’s motor running” fund. if you can’t spare anything, love and prayers are also appreciated. 💜

[kazhanko-art]

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress- Alberta Provincial Council has shared this on their social media for broader reach. If you are able, I would greatly appreciate donating or sharing the post

[the-empress-7]

I've seen some people on Reddit (completely unreliable ofc) say that his prognosis is bad, but he's making the most of it, I could see it be true, especially since I don't remember them ever mentioning "full recovery" in relation to Charles only Kate

If it's Bladder Cancer as Tom Skyes (I think ) insinuated then probably the prognosis is good if it was caught early, if it's Pancreatic as some shady articles said then it's probably bad, that's probably why he didn't specify which cancer it is

I think it's best to not speculate, health is a slippery slope and no two people's cancer journey is the same. At the end of day, I do wish him a full recovery.

[thejadedjewel]

A little treat for each episode is that, like with Jem and the Holograms, you can bet there's a song included in it. Here, it's given the title "Come and Discover the World With Me". It's a short little pass-the-time montage song with Teddy singing showing everyone working together on the airship and enjoying their journey.

I think now it's worth talking about the voices here.

Teddy is voiced in all three versions by Phil Baron. He also has done the voice of Piglet for Welcome to Pooh's Corner and some minor va work. It's a shame he doesn't get more recognition because his voice as Teddy is... wonderful.

This is the original song from the audio adaptation of the book this is based on.

Grubby's voiced by Will Ryan. He's done a crap ton of voices over his lifetime. He was the original voice of Petrie from Land Before Time Rabbit and Tigger in Welcome to Pooh Corner, The Duck Brothers from Courage the Cowardly Dog, and many others. He, unfortunately, passed away in 2021 from Pancreatic cancer.

Gimmick is one of several characters that went through recasting. In the book and live action special, he was voiced by Tony Pope, then was replaced with John Stocker in the cartoon. Tony was Goofy in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, several characters in Jumpstart games, and several anime characters. John stocker, meanwhile, was a voice director for tons of cartoons like Totally Spies, Medabots, and Beyblades, while doing Beastly in the original Care Bears Nelvana cartoon, Toad in the Super Mario Bros cartoons, Grayden Creed in X-Men the Animated Series, and Father Cat in Busy World of Richard Scarry.

Leota, BTW, was originally voiced by Russi Taylor in the book and love action special. Yes, THAT Russi Taylor. For the cartoon, she was voiced by Holly Larocque, who was Holly in Under the Umbrella Tree.

Tweeg was also originally voiced by Will Ryan in the book and live action, but was replaced with John Koensgen, who was in The Dead Zone live action movie. L.B. was voiced by Tony Pope as well in the book and live action special, but was replaced in the cartoon with Robert Bockstael, who was the original English VA of Prince Diamond in Sailor Moon R, Mr. Dupree in The Famous Jet Jackson, and RoboCop in the short-lived RoboCop cartoon from the 80s.

Oh yeah, Tweeg and L.B. are traveling by ground to try to get to the treasure.

[blackgirlnotes]

All the Words Left Unspoken

If you're ready to share your heart with someone you can no longer reach, now's the time.

The submission form for Love Letters: To Our Dearly Departed is live and ready for you to write your heart out! Click here to write a letter to someone you wish you could still speak with, whether they be deceased or estranged. Also, please ensure you’re following this blog on Tumblr to see exclusive information and posts regarding this project!

I wanted to take the time to share a bit of my inspiration for this project. One day late last year, I was planning out my content calendar and what I wanted to do to help revive my blogs and social media. As I reached April, I had the sudden idea to discuss grief. In 2006, I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer on April 19th. I was six years old and unable to understand the severity of losing someone so necessary like a mother. As I grew up, I became plagued with back-dated grief and I fell into a deep depression.

At age twenty-four, over eighteen years later, I am still battling complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. I write as a way to fill the void the imbalanced chemicals leave in my heart and mind, so the idea to write out how I’ve felt was not a difficult one to come by. When I thought about grief and how I wanted to write about it, I was reminded of a book by St. Clair Detrick-Jules titled My Beautiful Black Hair, which features over 100 authentic stories of Black women sharing their love and journey with their hair. The book was inspired by self-depreciating statements made by Detrick-Jules’ sister as a tool to help her learn to love the features she was born with. I picked up on the idea of writing out one’s struggle with a certain thing and sharing it in hopes of connecting with someone and aiding them on their path of healing.

It was easy for that idea to transform from just “writing out my feelings” to writing a letter, and from there Love Letters was born. I know there are many projects and books that carry this same concept, so I will not claim originality, but what I will do is claim authenticity. My goal with this series isn’t just to boost activity and my brand, because I genuinely no longer care about that. My goal is to create genuine connection. We live in a time where everything is at our fingertips, and yet for some reason true interpersonal human connection is difficult to create and maintain. I want society to work as a community again and yo remember the roots of culture. With Love Letters, I want to scratch an itch that I feel has been lacking in my own communities as well as the global community. We are all connected, whether you believe so or not. What happens to you in Baltimore affects me in Tulsa and what happens to me here affects someone in Palestine. Our actions create rifts and the one comfort we should be able to have is each other.

Whether you choose to write a letter during these next few weeks or if you simply read the letters shared, I hope you are able to reconcile with these unresolved emotions.

[homeshool]

Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai By Dr. Ganesh Nagarajan

Finding the best care for cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but if you're looking for the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai, the Cancer Surgery Clinic offers top-notch services. Specializing in hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal cancers, the clinic provides cutting-edge treatments tailored to each patient’s unique case.

Why Choose the Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai?

When searching for the best cancer care, it’s vital to find a clinic that combines expertise, compassion, and the latest technology. The Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai stands out because of its:

Expert Oncological Care: The clinic is a highly experienced cancer surgeon specializing in complex gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. His in-depth knowledge ensures patients receive state-of-the-art treatment that’s both effective and precise.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Every cancer case is unique, requiring a customized treatment strategy. Patients at this clinic undergo a thorough evaluation, leading to a personalized care plan. The clinic's approach integrates surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Advanced Surgical Techniques: One key aspect of being the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai is its use of advanced surgical methods, such as minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. These modern techniques often result in quicker recoveries, reduced pain, and minimal scarring.

Comprehensive Cancer Care Services

The clinic offers treatments for a variety of cancers, ensuring that no matter the diagnosis, patients are in good hands. Some of the key cancers treated at the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai include:

Liver Cancer: Known for its complexity, liver cancer requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining surgery with other therapies for optimal results.

Pancreatic Cancer: This is one of the more aggressive cancers, but the clinic’s experience and advanced methods improve patient outcomes.

Colorectal Cancer: Surgical precision is critical when treating colorectal cancer, and the team ensures minimal invasiveness while maximizing effectiveness.

Gastric Cancer: Proper sequencing of treatment modalities, like surgery and chemotherapy, plays a crucial role in fighting gastric cancer.

Patient-Centric Approach

Beyond clinical excellence, the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of its patients. Cancer affects not just the individual but their entire family. The clinic provides counseling and support services to ensure that patients and their loved ones are well-informed and emotionally supported throughout their cancer journey.

The clinic’s personalized, human-centered care is what truly sets it apart. Staff are always on hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure that patients feel empowered and understood every step of the way.

Success Stories

One of the most powerful aspects of the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai is its track record of successful surgeries and satisfied patients. From pancreatic to liver and colorectal cancers, many patients have found hope and healing through the clinic’s cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care. Patient testimonials often highlight the clarity with which complex diagnoses were explained and the peace of mind patients felt knowing they were in expert hands.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The integration of the latest medical technology, such as robotic-assisted surgery, allows for more precise and less invasive procedures. This not only minimizes recovery times but also enhances the precision of cancer removal, giving patients a higher chance of remission. The clinic’s commitment to using the best tools available underscores its reputation as the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai.

A Commitment to Holistic Care

It’s not just about treating the disease; the clinic focuses on the overall well-being of the patient. The staff work with patients to manage pain, navigate recovery, and cope with the emotional toll of cancer. Nutritional counseling and physiotherapy are just some of the supportive services available to help patients regain their strength and improve their quality of life during and after treatment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right clinic for cancer treatment is a critical decision, and the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai offers everything a patient needs for effective, compassionate care. With top-tier surgeons, the latest medical technology, and a patient-first approach, the clinic ensures that every patient is treated with the utmost care and precision.

If you're searching for expert cancer treatment, this clinic provides a combination of skilled medical intervention and comprehensive support, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.

FAQs

What makes the Cancer Surgery Clinic the best in Mumbai? The clinic offers specialized treatments for gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic cancers, personalized care plans, and cutting-edge surgical techniques.

What types of cancer are treated at the clinic? The clinic specializes in liver, pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers.

Does the clinic use robotic surgery? Yes, the clinic utilizes advanced robotic-assisted surgery for more precise and minimally invasive treatments.

How does the clinic support patients emotionally? The clinic offers counseling and support services for both patients and their families to help them cope with the emotional aspects of cancer.

Contact the Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai Today!

Ready to take the first step towards expert cancer care? The Best Cancer Surgery Clinic in Mumbai is here to help you. Book your appointment now to receive the highest standard of treatment.

📍 Location: Cancer Surgery Clinic, Mumbai

📞 Phone: + 91 77000 58024

[scotianostra]

The Scottish actor George Rossi, was born September 28th 1960.

George was born and raised in Govan, but as you might have guessed his roots are from Italy and he is fluent in Italian. Before taking up acting he worked in the familiesice cream business.

The heavy set Scot made his acting debut in 1984, in Comfort and Joy his work includes featuring in the TV Pilot Max Headroom and the The Singing Detective, as well as appearances in Taggart, Holby City, Boon, Local Hero and Whitechapel.

In the 1990s, George continued to find work in television and film. He memorably featured in the Big Man as a fighter alongside Liam Neeson and he then returned to Italy to film Roseanna's Grave, where he portrayed a police sergeant. This would come in useful to George, because he would then join the cast of popular Police drama series the Bill in 1998 as Detective Duncan Lennox. Rossi portrayed a down to earth yet effective policeman and soon became a fans favorite. After 4 years, George left the series in January 2003, but he will be remembered for portraying one of the most popular faces on The Bill in the late nineties. During his career he has featured alongside Jean Reno, Chris O'Donnell and Sandra Bullock.

RIn his later years George worken on film post production, Le Cineaste - A Director's Journey tells the tale of an ambitious and true cinema film director is struggling to make his next film in today's changing and commercial orientated cinema industry.

Sadly George passed away n Jauary 5th 2022 of pancreatic cancer aged 60, but, although not a prolific actor, as such, he must have done all right for himself as, according to reports, he left behind a fortune of £8million in his will. after all dath duties and bills were paid, the estate was worth £3,660,996.36. George is survived by his wife Catrin and two children.

[gothamstreetcat]

I made this fundraiser (with the help of our friend) for a very dear friend of mine. She is currently dealing with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I ask that people to see this donate the minimum of five dollars but if you can't to that, sharing this post is appreciated as well.

[virtualelectronicshub]

Cancer in Men: Common Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Considerations

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow and spread uncontrollably in the body. It can affect any organ or tissue, and it can cause various symptoms depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Cancer is among the leading causes of death in men worldwide, and some types of cancer are more common or more deadly in men than in women.

Some of the most common types of cancer in men are:

Prostate cancer: This is the most common cancer in men, affecting the prostate gland that produces semen. It usually grows slowly and may not cause any symptoms until it is advanced. Some possible signs include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, or pain in the lower back or pelvis.

Lung cancer: This is the leading cause of cancer death in men, often due to smoking or exposure to other lung irritants. It can affect one or both lungs and may cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing up blood.

Colorectal cancer: This is the third most common cancer in men, affecting the colon or rectum. It can cause symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain or cramps, weight loss, or fatigue.

Skin cancer: This is the most preventable type of cancer, usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can affect any part of the skin and may appear as a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, a red or scaly patch, or a growth that bleeds or itches.

Head and Neck cancers:  This is the most common cancer in men in India.  The biggest risk factor is chewing tobacco, drinking too much alcohol and HPV infections.  Tobacco use is the most common cause of head and neck cancers.

Other types of cancer that are common or serious in men include bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, and leukaemia.

The treatment options for cancer depend on the type, stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Some of the common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and palliative care. The goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer cells and prevent them from spreading or recurring.

The best way to prevent or detect cancer early is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and get regular screenings and check-ups. Some of the preventive measures include:

Avoiding tobacco use

Limiting alcohol consumption

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Maintaining a healthy weight

Being physically active

Protecting yourself from the sun

Getting vaccinated against certain viruses that can cause cancer

Getting screened for prostate cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer according to your age and risk factors

Cancer can be a scary and challenging diagnosis for anyone. However, with proper care and support, many men can survive and thrive after cancer. If you have any concerns or questions about cancer, talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional. They can help you understand your risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and that there are many resources and support groups available to help you and your loved ones. Cancer can be a tough opponent, but you can fight back with courage and hope.

For more details click on the link 👇🏻 https://bit.ly/3osreVo

[remembertheplunge]

5/10/2023. Wednesday. 8:37pm

“With the switch of the ox’s tail everything can change (Zen Koan) eg; a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer..

Everything is unstable. Transitory.

I started reading one of Zoe’s journals this evening. I love the drawings Mostly they are of her. Self portraits. Labeled “martyr” or “hero”. In one entry, she said that pondering suicide (for her) is a hobby! Her journals, like mine, are a living thing Her essence will live on through her journals.

There is a sickening feeling to this experience (Zoe’s dying process) I asked Skyler at Zoe’s mid afternoon how he was doing with this? He said “Not good. At times I cry” I said  "I want to be somewhere else."But, we are there dealing with it.

 I want to be there. I have to be there.

Zoe seems to want to do this dying thing alone. Because of the pain. Maybe because she wants time to contemplate her life. And, to contemplate her dying experience. She’s beginning to lose her awareness of her situation Alex, a hospice worker, said that the strong survive longer. Perhaps the morphine, etc., will cause her to relax and let go into death.

I need to get her will done.  And call Mary, the hospice Chaplain. Zoe said if Mary comes, Zoe will consider suicide. 

As for me, there is no one to talk to—No book to read to help me through this. Just live every unpredictable twist and turn of this. No one can save me from it.

The huge silence from th family is background noise to this play.—

End o/f entry

Notes: May 10, 2024. One year later

May 10 may be the day last year that I saw Zoe sit out in her beloved garden for the last time. She set first further out in the garden. Then in a chair by the sliding glass door. She was saying good bye I think.

Mary, the Chaplain, never did visit. Which was a good thing. Zoe wanted to do her exit journey on her own. She was her own spiritual guide. She  had led a vey spiritual life. She had many ghost encounters throughou her life, including in the house where she would soon die. 

Zoe also had flirted with suicide for decades. More than once she gave me a time and day she would kill herself. But, the appointed time would come and go and she would say nothing else about it. I’m glad now that she didn’t kill herself. It would have denied me the privilege to be with her as she exited this existence.

Our extended family had cut us off almost completely between 2009 and 2012 around inheritance issues. The exceptions were cousins Debbie and Ruth Ann. The overall silence of the major part of the family echoed through and beyond Zoe’s dying experience.

[thefoulbeast]

It's like this – the thing I need is on the top shelf, And I am too tired to reach for it.

It’s like this – waves pound my back on the way ashore, And I simply cannot resist them knocking me over.

It’s like this – the book is written in a language I don’t know, And the dictionary is scrambled out of alphabetic order.

It’s like this – I only need to click, and to read, But that’s all I’ve been doing for what feels like forever, And I feel like throwing up from the mere letters, From the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, From the therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus, From the vaccination calendar for children.

It's like this – There is just the tail-end left to my journey, And I have run out of fuel, run out of power, run out of motivation.

It’s like this – I’m almost done, And I don’t want to put the effort in to finish.

[livenamplified]

Hey, this is Tom, your host, and we're back with another live broadcast in the middle of our 25 Days of Christmas podcast series. Today, we have a special guest, Mark Taylor, who has overcome pancreatic cancer. Mark expresses his gratitude for being back on the show and mentions how he and Tom had recently connected after a marathon.

Tom recalls the story Mark shared about regretting not doing a podcast with Way Jennings, and Nicole informed him that Mark had actually written a song with Way. Mark elaborates on the experience of writing a song for a movie with Way Jennings and how it turned into a successful track, garnering half a million spins on platforms like Spotify.

The conversation shifts to Mark's recent cover of "Please Come Home for Christmas." Mark shares his love for the Eagles and how the song has been a favorite since childhood. He details the spontaneous decision to record the Christmas song on Halloween, complete with costumes. The quick turnaround from recording to release before Black Friday was an exciting challenge.

They discuss Mark's involvement with String Signature Whiskey, a collaboration that started about a year ago. Mark shares that the whiskey is honey-infused bourbon and talks about the journey of creating and promoting the product.

Tom moves on to discuss Mark's hectic year, touring, and the incredible experiences he's had. Mark expresses gratitude for the opportunities, the chance to meet people all over the country, and the joy of working with his band, which includes friends from high school.

Reflecting on the year, Mark emphasizes how grateful he is for the incredible experiences, meeting new people, and the chance to make music for a living. He mentions a few upcoming shows, including one at the Bluebird Cafe with Jay Knowles.

As they talk about plans for the holidays, Mark mentions taking a short break, spending time with family, and playing a few shows before gearing up for the next year's tour, which is already filling up with bookings.

The interview ends with a discussion about Mark's preference for the movie "Elf" as a must-see Christmas film. He shares a tradition of watching it every year with family, making it a special movie for him.

To stay updated on Mark Taylor's music, tour dates, and more, you can visit marktaylorcountry.com or find him on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.