January 24th, 2023
A biopsy reveals the ulcer on my tongue is a squamous carcinoma
February 18th, I turned 73
March 22nd … Surgery …. again
the sixth one in a year and a half
“good” news, they got all the tumor
“bad” news, cancer was found in 2 lymph nodes in my neck
It’s not a fully enclosed cancer cell
“it has like a little beak sticking out” says the surgeon
so it can spread…
“aggressive” they say
my body contracts
at the harshness of the term
I choose to think that due to its nature,
this cancer can spread more easily
feels softer
my body relaxes
easier to be with myself
I want to keep my body, my being, as a peaceful place
a place free of “aggressive”, “fight”, “kill”
to remember that cancer is a cell
neither good nor bad
not my enemy
just a cell
Chemo, radiation options…
Standard or experimental trials?
It’s all so overwhelming
the list of side effects is daunting
“Do I really want to do this to myself?”
Never a clear answer
always a back and forth dance
allowing parts to be heard
to be acknowledged
to be held
to be in choice
Amma to guide me
May 30, 2023
Start treatment at UCSF
6 weeks
30 radiation, 5 days a week
6 chemo, once a week
Breathe
breathe in deeply
exhale fully
Repeat
Dancing to the Words 
I just popped into WordPress after a long absence and I’m so saddened to hear about your health situation. Sending you heartfelt hopes for healing after your 30-day treatment. Blessings to you, dear blogging friend.
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Thank you, your blessings and hopes for healing are gratefully received
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I cant’t give this post a like, but I wish you all the strength you need on that new journey.
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Thank you Michael
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Good wishes Arati.
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Thank you
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Thinking of you at this time dear Arati. The main thing is to be at peace with your choices and you will feel this natural alignment with your spirit pulsing through to guide you. Sending love and light across the miles 💫💖💫
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😊 love and light taken in
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I wish you a lot of courage…. thumbs up and take good care of yourself.
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Thank you
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Wishing you healing and comfort.
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Thank you
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I am in a cancer journey with my husband right now. It is daunting. One step at a time. I am thinking of you.
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Thank you, and yes it is daunting. May you be surrounded with support and care
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You, also.
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Arati,
Please know that I am thinking of you. I’ve experienced something of the beauty in your life, and peace, through your wonderful photography over the past few years. I feel I have to come to know a bit about your soul. I wish you the very best in the battle you have ahead. -Curt
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Thank you Curt. May you be well!
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