Today, it is 11 years since my CT scan showed no evidence of disease (NED). It is also 6 years after the five-year scan, my last one I have had. It is a long journey to cancer recovery and healing.
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story, Perry. Your courage and sincerity touched my heart and I know it will touch many other people as well. Congratulations on your milestone 11th year of cancer recovery. Blessings to you, best wishes and prayers for many more years of continued good he
Bless you Perry! I'm late here, but a huge cheers to life and more coffee and cake 🙏🏻❤️ So thankful you made it through and won your life back. Although you will always remember and it most definitely changes a person. Having Arya holds special meaning and significance ✨ A beautiful friendship, and honestly, a miracle. Birds are miraculous survivors.
Watching both my best friend, when we were young moms of teens, pass away from cancer, and my dad pass from cancer, affected me deeply.
Thanks Deborah; I think almost every family is touched by cancer in some way. It is a disease that robs people of happiness and of life itself. My dad died of the same cancer I had, at age 69. I was 23. I can still remember back to 1980. It was a difficult year that affected me in many ways.
But I have Arya the Cockatiel, a survivor himself and a faithful and beautiful avian companion.
I can’t imagine how you felt, after losing your dad so young, then getting cancer yourself. Overwhelmed when I think of it. So much fear, then the strength to win. You are not done living. And beautiful Arya. I love how animals show us the way through their own survival. Sending you a lot of love Perry. ox
What an ordeal. Health care systems and treatments are often not kind or even humane, despite the best intentions of those working in these systems (speaking as a physician myself). Platitudes about battling cancer just don't cut it. Your account is realistic - including your statement about being changed forever by the experience. Thank goodness that, having gone through all that, you lived to tell about it, and now seem to be enjoying some quality of life.
Thank you, Michelle; and as a physician you understand more than most how healthcare is delivered. It is a system that has its pluses and minuses; it is not all bad, but like most things, there is room for improvement. The people working in healthcare are in many ways constrained by a (rigid) system that does not allow for independent action, which can actually be beneficial in the right hands.
Definitely. I so appreciate your friendship here on Substack. I lost my brother in early adulthood to osteosarcoma and think of him every day. I so appreciate your article.:)
I began reading about your journey yesterday and stopped because I was distracted. There was just something about this story that needed my full attention. This morning, I read the story in its entirety. Are you sure you're a former engineer who turned writer? You are a writing superhero who was parading as an engineer. Then I thought 'footnotes' - ya, he's an engineer. (LOL)
The two photos you shared are remarkable, not because of their differences but because of their similarity. The first at Edward Gardens is an image of an internal badass. The smile is important metaphysically. Meta is the Greek word for mind. The way we present ourselves to the world changes us internally. You're smiling at the camera, and internally, you are saying, "Fuck you, cancer. I'm going to kick your ass."
The second picture, the one of you in a leather jacket with your arms folded, was hidden behind that smiling face in the garden. You won!
Yesterday, I heard a song I had not heard in a long time. It was called Macarthur Park by Richard Harris. The song is a metaphor for losing love, but somehow, it fits. Life changes us. Again and again, we change, losing parts of ourselves and discovering new, better parts. Thank you for sharing this story.
Thank you, Joel, for your analysis and kind words. "parading as an engineer" sounds about right. I feel better in my skin as a writer telling stories and listening to others like yourself. I think you are a good story teller and a good person. Yeah, I have no love for cancer. It can take a long hike off a short pier.
I applaud your tenacity to tame the “C” word scourge. My friend had pancreatic cancer and called it cranberry. Got to the point of even trying to like it and used yoga and mind control. Used cannibis oil for the pain at the end in Mexico where she went for non invasive treatments. Six months later after ups and many downs, a go fund me hopeful account to help pay expenses the dreaded cranberry consumed her frail body in San Diego at Scrips Hospital. One more loss devoured by an entity, a foreign body not even alive, but eventually after consuming the host it grows inside kills itself.
What else does the same?
Humans I believe are killing themselves . Leaving toxic waste upon the earth all for the guise of progress. Yet corporations refuse to clean up their mess. PCB, PFA C, Toxic gases and water tainted by industrial waste but still drunk by people who live near the factories. Love Canal still hasn’t been cleaned up never mind radioactive waste dumped in Desert or in oceans just off shore. Humans are the cancer.
I have my beefs with humans, and I have written about it. But here is the thing. There are no good cancers; cancer can never do good, as your friend with pancreatic cancer found out. And pancreatic cancer is one of the worst. Humans can do good and there are good humans. When I say FCUK Cancer, I mean it.
17 years ago I lost one of the most beautiful persons in my life, She taught me simply by her soft quiet non judgmental and loving nature on things about life that have changed me for the better. I witnessed her quiet struggle as she was determined to beat the cancer... So I am so happy to hear that you have gotten through such a struggle and remain strong. Thank you also for sharing how we all can be better stewards to the land and the animals, to care for life!
Thank you, Karafree. A loss of a friend and companion is tragic in my books. If my battle with cancer has taught me anything, it is that we all share the Earth. All species and no one can (or should) claim ownership of this beautiful and awesome Home.
Perry, as ever, your words strike a chord in my heart. I’ve watched friends fight cancer, and watched one lose that fight. It’s an indiscriminate disease and it changes those affected and those close to them. I totally understand your ‘f you’ mindset. The coffee and cake are a worthy celebration and perhaps Arya can enjoy a treat of his own. The song at the end! My mum’s anthem. I’ll listen to this and think of you and think of her. ✨
Parabens, Perry! So happy for you, and for your sharing your battle. You ARE a warrior!
Thank you, Sandra.
Congratulations, Perry! Yay! 🎈 😁
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story, Perry. Your courage and sincerity touched my heart and I know it will touch many other people as well. Congratulations on your milestone 11th year of cancer recovery. Blessings to you, best wishes and prayers for many more years of continued good he
Thanks Lois. If my story can help anyone, this will make my efforts in sharing all the better.
Bless you Perry! I'm late here, but a huge cheers to life and more coffee and cake 🙏🏻❤️ So thankful you made it through and won your life back. Although you will always remember and it most definitely changes a person. Having Arya holds special meaning and significance ✨ A beautiful friendship, and honestly, a miracle. Birds are miraculous survivors.
Watching both my best friend, when we were young moms of teens, pass away from cancer, and my dad pass from cancer, affected me deeply.
Sending you much love. ox
Thanks Deborah; I think almost every family is touched by cancer in some way. It is a disease that robs people of happiness and of life itself. My dad died of the same cancer I had, at age 69. I was 23. I can still remember back to 1980. It was a difficult year that affected me in many ways.
But I have Arya the Cockatiel, a survivor himself and a faithful and beautiful avian companion.
I can’t imagine how you felt, after losing your dad so young, then getting cancer yourself. Overwhelmed when I think of it. So much fear, then the strength to win. You are not done living. And beautiful Arya. I love how animals show us the way through their own survival. Sending you a lot of love Perry. ox
Fabulous news Perry! Congratulations! I’m thrilled to hear you are cancer free, and celebrate with you — your amazing victory! 💜✨💜🙏
Thank you so much Charlotte. 🕊🐦🦜
Congrats, Perry, I’m so thrilled for you being cancer free; I hope you enjoy your well deserved celebration!
Thanks, Jenn. It is something good to celebrate. Cake & coffee were both good.
That is a beautiful thing. I am glad your victory celebration was delicious ❤️
What an ordeal. Health care systems and treatments are often not kind or even humane, despite the best intentions of those working in these systems (speaking as a physician myself). Platitudes about battling cancer just don't cut it. Your account is realistic - including your statement about being changed forever by the experience. Thank goodness that, having gone through all that, you lived to tell about it, and now seem to be enjoying some quality of life.
Thank you, Michelle; and as a physician you understand more than most how healthcare is delivered. It is a system that has its pluses and minuses; it is not all bad, but like most things, there is room for improvement. The people working in healthcare are in many ways constrained by a (rigid) system that does not allow for independent action, which can actually be beneficial in the right hands.
That’s for sure! A lot of people burn out as a result
Thank you for sharing this moving article with us, Perry, and for inviting us to the dance. I’m so glad that Arya came into your life, too.
Thank you, Heidi for reading and responding. And let’s keep on dancing.
Definitely. I so appreciate your friendship here on Substack. I lost my brother in early adulthood to osteosarcoma and think of him every day. I so appreciate your article.:)
Perry,
I began reading about your journey yesterday and stopped because I was distracted. There was just something about this story that needed my full attention. This morning, I read the story in its entirety. Are you sure you're a former engineer who turned writer? You are a writing superhero who was parading as an engineer. Then I thought 'footnotes' - ya, he's an engineer. (LOL)
The two photos you shared are remarkable, not because of their differences but because of their similarity. The first at Edward Gardens is an image of an internal badass. The smile is important metaphysically. Meta is the Greek word for mind. The way we present ourselves to the world changes us internally. You're smiling at the camera, and internally, you are saying, "Fuck you, cancer. I'm going to kick your ass."
The second picture, the one of you in a leather jacket with your arms folded, was hidden behind that smiling face in the garden. You won!
Yesterday, I heard a song I had not heard in a long time. It was called Macarthur Park by Richard Harris. The song is a metaphor for losing love, but somehow, it fits. Life changes us. Again and again, we change, losing parts of ourselves and discovering new, better parts. Thank you for sharing this story.
Joel
I remember MacArthur Park by Donna Summer in 1978. What memories.
Thank you, Joel, for your analysis and kind words. "parading as an engineer" sounds about right. I feel better in my skin as a writer telling stories and listening to others like yourself. I think you are a good story teller and a good person. Yeah, I have no love for cancer. It can take a long hike off a short pier.
Listen to Richard Harris's version. The song is unbelievably more than seven minutes long. It's fantastic. You will not be disappointed.
An inspiring battle to overcome Perry and thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you, Neil.
I applaud your tenacity to tame the “C” word scourge. My friend had pancreatic cancer and called it cranberry. Got to the point of even trying to like it and used yoga and mind control. Used cannibis oil for the pain at the end in Mexico where she went for non invasive treatments. Six months later after ups and many downs, a go fund me hopeful account to help pay expenses the dreaded cranberry consumed her frail body in San Diego at Scrips Hospital. One more loss devoured by an entity, a foreign body not even alive, but eventually after consuming the host it grows inside kills itself.
What else does the same?
Humans I believe are killing themselves . Leaving toxic waste upon the earth all for the guise of progress. Yet corporations refuse to clean up their mess. PCB, PFA C, Toxic gases and water tainted by industrial waste but still drunk by people who live near the factories. Love Canal still hasn’t been cleaned up never mind radioactive waste dumped in Desert or in oceans just off shore. Humans are the cancer.
I have my beefs with humans, and I have written about it. But here is the thing. There are no good cancers; cancer can never do good, as your friend with pancreatic cancer found out. And pancreatic cancer is one of the worst. Humans can do good and there are good humans. When I say FCUK Cancer, I mean it.
Totally agree. Lost too many friends, relatives and by their bed sides saw them go.
Well done Perry; I am sure it's been quite a journey and you write about it from a place of strength and acceptance. Absolutely worth celebrating.
Thank you, Joshua, for your astute and kind response. Age helps, as does the natural world, prodding us to see with a particular perspective.
17 years ago I lost one of the most beautiful persons in my life, She taught me simply by her soft quiet non judgmental and loving nature on things about life that have changed me for the better. I witnessed her quiet struggle as she was determined to beat the cancer... So I am so happy to hear that you have gotten through such a struggle and remain strong. Thank you also for sharing how we all can be better stewards to the land and the animals, to care for life!
Thank you, Karafree. A loss of a friend and companion is tragic in my books. If my battle with cancer has taught me anything, it is that we all share the Earth. All species and no one can (or should) claim ownership of this beautiful and awesome Home.
Congratulations, Perry! I'm celebrating my 14th cancer-free anniversary!
Congratulations to you, Ed.🕊🦜🐦
Bless you Perry! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙏❤️
Perry, as ever, your words strike a chord in my heart. I’ve watched friends fight cancer, and watched one lose that fight. It’s an indiscriminate disease and it changes those affected and those close to them. I totally understand your ‘f you’ mindset. The coffee and cake are a worthy celebration and perhaps Arya can enjoy a treat of his own. The song at the end! My mum’s anthem. I’ll listen to this and think of you and think of her. ✨
Thank you, Trudi. I am.sincerely sorry when someone loses the battle against cancer. It is indeed an indiscriminate adversary. I stand by my words.
Ah, Arya, will get a treat. I will not forget to include my wonderful and faithful avian companion in my celebration later on today.
🕊🦜🐦