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Dr. Lou Verardo's avatar

Really enjoyed this piece, Theresa. As a native New Yorker, we are encouraged to use the F-word as a noun, verb, adverb, and adjective in our daily parlance. As a doctor working in healthcare until my recent retirement, I found its use particularly relevant in navigating the maze of insurance issues and bureaucracy inherent in contemporary medical care. And what a delightful way to express yourself (in Morse code - brilliant!) while maintaining the decorum of an accomplished author...

I hope this comment makes you laugh and smile. And again, congratulations on hitting that 5 year milestone with great energy and nice glasses!

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Edward Sevensky's avatar

Thanks for sharing this part of a deeply personal journey; I got another clear PETscan in May and am now two years out from the initial dx of Merkel Cell carcinoma. Cancer does cast a long shadow, and it takes energy to stay positive. (New haircuts or browsing the racks at TJ Maxx help keep my sunny side up.)

Ditto remembering to be grateful; On the other side of the Commonwealth from you, I think I was lucky to have the team of four physicians from Perelman Center at UPenn, and their support staff. I was surprised that a big city hospital was as supportive and caring (I have cell numbers for two of the docs).

I am disappointed that cancer treatment hasn't advanced further, but there are some new treatments being tested, so maybe the folks coming behind us will have more options.

Cheers to you and I raise a middle finger to our4mutual foe.

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