One year later

Today marks the first anniversary of my diagnosis with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). I feel very fortunate to have survived a full year knowing that the odds of doing so are not regarded as particularly high. It is great cause for hope that a further year can be accomplished and if so, even further horizons may lie ahead.

I would like to note here also, remembrance for several people that I have met or made contact with this year who have now died from their disease. Some of these people showed a particular kindness to me in the short time that I knew them.

It is good to acknowledge too that this year I have also met someone who has survived a similar diagnosis of lung cancer for over 15 years and resolve to take particular heed of her counsel.

My back discomfort continues, although sometimes seeming to abate almost completely, it has flared up again in the last few days. We saw a fun flick tonight being 2 Days in Paris and then later, as a special treat, had fresh truffle shaved onto fresh pasta in a butter and cheese sauce.