Enclave of Cancer Survivors

Six years ago I was diagnosed with metastatic cancer, the bad cells hanging out on my liver, my adrenal glands, ribs and other bones. Devastated was I, since no other family member had ever suffered the disease and I’d lived a healthy lifestyle.  Even though I researched the malady as quickly as I could, I had this generalized idea I’d take medication that would either kill the cancer cells or deem those bad boys victorious. A PET scan at the end of a year of immunotherapy might gave me a new lease on life…or I could die. Two options.

I was wrong. It’s 2026 and I am decidedly above ground.

I’ve learned that as science develops more remedies for cancer, we ingest or infuse those chemicals into our bodies, often with some, but not complete success. I had no idea in 2020 that I’d begun a cancer journey, not a sprint. In fact, many cases of metastatic melanoma reveal the remarkable resilience of cancer cells, acting like obstreperous neighbors who refuse to move out of their houses.

Add to the journey aspect of the disease, the concept of ‘waiting.’  Interminable waiting. When is the next PET scan? Wait three months. What does the PET report say? Wait for the oncologist to interpret. Why won’t this rash go away? Wait for the greasy ointment to do its work. What’s this lump on my waist, my face, under my arm? Wait to see if the lumps grow. So much waiting for answers, when more questions and waiting bubble up.

Patience. One of my cancer buddies decided we are the most patient of patients on earth, because we are super-waiters, praying for yet another way to eradicate cancer once and for all. 

Seeking Membership in an Enclave of Cancer Survivors

Such uncertainty and complication prompted me to seek membership in an enclave of melanoma survivors, (We hear much about enclaves of breast cancer survivors). Waiting is always easier with people who understand our specific health problems.  My group is CancerCare, moderated by a health professional. Fifteen of us offer summaries of our medical histories along with how the disease is affecting our lives. We complain, which is freeing, but we also compare and contrast symptoms and remedies. For instance, I’ve suffered a great deal from dry mouth and dry eye-both side effects of immunotherapy. I can share with others some of the tactics I’ve used to lessen the symptoms.  What’s amazing is the variety of ways metastatic melanoma has attacked our bodies. Still, we can cheer each other on as we wait patiently, for the next scan, doctor appointment, surgery, infusion, or shot. 

In 2025, I released WHEN WINDS HOWL, my twelfth novel, centered on a new ship captain who is living with the side effects of immunotherapy as she takes on her new, exciting profession. My character had already figured out her happiness depended on living her life to the fullest, even in the face of stage four cancer. Turns out I’m a little tardy at realizing I’m on a long, sometimes challenging journey, heartened to have friends and family support along the way.