2 years ago today we heard the words cancer…probably stage 0.  A week after that we heard the words Cholangiocarcinoma…probably stage 1.  About 4 weeks after that we again heard the word Cholangiocarcinoma but it was paired with the words stage 4.

Today I am 24 months post diagnosis, 23 months post Whipple, 16 months post chemo, and 14 months post chemo/radiation.   Today I am grateful.

I have scans and bloodwork every 3 months followed by visits with my local oncologist and a specialist at UCSF.  I am working full-time and exercising regularly (but not as much as I should, LOL).   I’m still learning to navigate the ups and downs that often follow a Whipple surgery but I think that will be a life long endeavor.

Several months ago I decided to do some soul work and reached out to an End Of Life doula.  While I am currently doing well and hope to remain so for many years, I am not naive or unaware of the nature of cholangio.  We have worked on logistics but more importantly spent time determining my priorities and purpose.  The work is hard but has brought more clarity and focus into my daily life.  There is an increased sense of peace that comes with this.

One of the blessings cholangiocarcinoma has given me is the honor of becoming connected to the cholangio community.  I have had the privilege of meeting the most courageous, wise, and kind patients and their friends and families. There is incredible love and profound heartbreak on this journey as the thing that has brought us together often takes us apart much too soon.  Our community has lost some GIANTS this year and they are missed dearly, every day.

Once again I am reminded that every day is a gift and it is a privilege to experience the ordinary miracles that occur all around us.

Thank you for hanging in there with me, with us.  Thank you for checking in and sending your love and support.