Table of Contents
To access each chapter, either click on the chapter links below or on “Contents” to the left, and then on the + (plus) sign to the right of “I. Main Body“.
1. “This is who I am” — Introduction
Everything you have heard about me is true – Working (it) out
2. “I look pregnant” — Noticing Symptoms
Something is happening – It is probably nothing – A risk worth taking
3. “A sinister mass” — Being Diagnosed
Drop everything and go now! – A visit from the other side – Small miracles – Take a deep breath! – It is not your story to tell – What to say when you don’t know what to say – The Power of Now – Weekend woes and weekend joys
4. “Treat the patient, not the monitor” — The Hospital Stay
Happy birthday to me – You will be going home soon – Getting up to get out
5. “Walk 5 — Rest 5 — Walk 5” — Recovery, Part 1
It’s a marathon, not a sprint – The diagnosis – What are the odds? – Feeling loved – Treatment (and other) plans – Change is in the (h)air
6. “There is a first time for everything” — Chemo, Round 1
Chair 19 adventures – Better safe than sorry – Side effects of side effects – Crankypation – Gains and losses – I’ll be missing you
7. “Could it be back?” — Chemo, Round 2
Beep, beep, beep – Ode to Joy – Showing up is half the battle – Actions and reactions
8. “Expect the unexpected” – Chemo, Round 3
Freaking out – My life is a sob story
9. “Three nights on a stretcher” — Chemo, Round 4
Body matters – Brain matters – My nurse will tell you what to expect – Saturday Night Fever – Code Burgundy
10. “Feeling dizzy” — Chemo, Round 5
Happy New Year – Ms. Piggy on steroids – Out of control
11. “Closing rituals” — Chemo, Round 6
No rest for the weary – For whom the (chemo) bell tolls
12. “Hot flashes from hell” — Recovery, Part 2
So long, caffeine – Questions and answers – Some like it hot – Reality check
13. “Moving up” — Recovery, Part 3
Less is more – One box at a time – Three little pokes – Are you ready for Tuesday? – Scheduling is everything – The bra-less life
14. “It’s Glow Time” — 28 Days of Radiation
Today, I embrace my potential – Pull down your pants – Have you ever been shot? – Let’s not jump the gun – A special task – Open wide – Mount Vesuvius – The right fit – Please cheer me up – It’s glow time – The end is in sight – One last time – Help me celebrate today
15. “Patience required” — Recovery, Part 4
Holy Week sacrifices – A shot in the arm – Many firsts – Living with the fear of dying – The final question
16. “Perfect Timing” — Epilogue
Supergirl’s creed – Permanence in change (to quote Goethe) – And then she lived happily ever after (or so she thought)
Appendix – “Leading Reading Questions”
A. Content: 1. The Protagonist; 2. The Antagonist(s)
B. Structure and Writing Style
C. Open Education Resource
