Few But Mighty: Round One

Where do I even start? It has been a little over a week, but it has gone by in a flash getting everything marshalled and ready to dive into the process of killing off the bad cells again. Plus, the added complication with the leg infection. Which might be a good place to start.

And Then There Was One

big, bad, ugly cancer cell

The past couple of weeks has been a whirlwind of tests in addition to the surgery to remove the old port and install a new one. The oncologist wanted to have a clear picture of the extent of the progression and to ensure we wouldn’t run into problems due to any unknown underlying health issues. The good news is that other than one anticipated result, everything else was positive.

Out with the Old and In with the New

A new day dawns in the Smokey Mountains

Yesterday, as per the results of the portogram, I underwent port replacement surgery. Out with the old, and in with the new. The day was a bit nostalgic because the port being removed had been with me so far during my cancer journey.

Omens and Outcomes

Transformer explosion in thunder showers

Yesterday was a test day: portogram and bone marrow biopsy. I had to be up at the crack of dawn—except dawn didn’t crack. We had pitch-dark skies, thunder showers, and a transformer that blew in a blinding flash just before we reached the hospital. I wondered whether it was an omen for how the tests would go.

Blessed, Not Brave

Liana Gardner wading into battle against cancer with raised sword and shield slogging through a river filled with rogue cells against a stormy background and mountains

Throughout this journey, I’ve heard “you’re so brave” several times. It always takes me by surprise because I don’t feel brave. I don’t feel afraid either—I’m blessed.

Bat Appreciation Day

Night, full moon and bats

Bats over the years have gained an undeserved unsavory reputation, but they have a lot of good in them.

The New Years’ Dance

Welcome to 2024!!! Life is like a dance, we take a few steps forward and a few back, and sometime run in circles.

NaNoWriMo and Me

As November draws to a close, so does the quest to win NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Congrats to all who participate.

The Next Chapter

Writers tend to view things in scenes and chapters. While I enjoy getting into a flow state and immersing myself in a scene, nothing quite brings the same excitement as starting a new chapter. With a new chapter, you turn the page and choose a new direction. I’m always excited to see where the writing is going to take me. As in fiction, so it is in life.