Many people started reading this blog in the midst of a very scary time in my life when Alan was battling late stage colorectal cancer at the age of 25. It’s been just about a year now since he had his last operation and finished all treatment, and I’ve been wanting to write an update post about how great he’s doing now. But then, a few weeks ago, his oncologist brought up Lynch Syndrome as a new potential concern that he should get tested for. Basically, people with Lynch Syndrome are more likely to get colon cancer at a younger age (like he did), and they have an increased risk for a ton of other scary cancers. He’s getting tested for it now, and we’re anxiously holding our breath that he tests negative. Thinking about him possibly relapsing tears me up inside and makes me feel sick, it always has and probably always will. But when I think about things like that, it really does make me stop to appreciate all the sweet, seemingly small things that I take for granted every day. (And for now, they are a nice distraction).
A New Appreciation
Update: We heard back from the geneticist this morning and the preliminary news is that Alan tested negative and doesn’t have anything to worry about — HURRAY!
{like how my cousins Denise + Justin brought back the prettiest box of Laduree macarons for me from their recent trip to Paris}
{like how Alan didn’t judge me when I ate 7 macarons in less than 5 minutes on the car ride home and didn’t even ask for a bite}
{like watching my friends Preethi + Birt be cute and lovey at their engagement ceremony}
{like Preethi’s mom grabbing my hand to lead me upstairs so she could dress me in traditional Indian-celebration attire + jewelry}
{like convincing Alan to try the cod roe, snow crab, bacon, wild mushroom pizza at Gochi and having it taste so good}
{like waiting until Saturday to buy flowers from the little sweet lady at the farmer’s market + seeing them brighten up a room}
Last modified: January 10, 2019
13 Replies to “A New Appreciation”
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i'm one of those readers. in fact, earlier this week, just out of the blue, i thought about your alan's cancer and wondered what has happened.
glad you're seeing so many things to smile about. there always are hundreds of them. changing perspectives helps us see em all. 🙂
I've been wondering how he's doing. I hope his test comes out negative and will be keeping him in my thoughts! That must be so scary and stressful!
It's so easy to take day to day things for granted. It's nice once in a while to step back and realize all the good things we have going on.
I love that first photo. Where was that taken?
Wow, this must be such a scary time. Taking everything one day at a time and appreciating the little things might make it a little easier. Just wanted to let you know that you and alan are both in my thoughts and i wish nothing but the best for you both.
Thank you all for your sweet thoughts and comments! He talked to the geneticist this morning and got good news. Most of the cells/genes checked out, so she says he shouldn't have anything to worry about!
raises hand…that would be me too. glad to hear both of you are doing well. =)
yay for Alan, he owes me a run…by which i mean he will be walking at a normal pace while i "run." give him a huge hug from me!
I'm an old friend of Alan's from 8th grade/high school and stumbled upon your blog a couple years ago when I saw the "how's your health?" comments on his facebook and the cute girl he's dating (not too creepy, right?). So, while my boyfriend was sending his photo to Taos last night for his alumni spotlight, he mentioned the person he was sending them to.
Weird!
Jeanette,
that's pretty crazy–what a small, small world! 🙂
Briel79, the first picture is from this amazing beach house in Montara my friend had her wedding at: http://www.quietlikehorses.com/2010/09/montara-beach-house.html
So happy to hear the positive update! OXO Nat
Thanks, Natalie 🙂
Great post Sobrina – and super glad to read the news about Alan. I remember first stumbling upon your blog and being drawn into the concern for his health, and the delights you were simultaneously providing us, and him with. Your new blog layout is lovely.
So glad to hear the good news! Love the post and now have a craving for macaroons! 😀