Erica’s Cancer Journey: My brain MRI scans
This gadolinium glimpse inside my brain shows me that my cerebral edema swirl (brain swelling) looks like a graceful design on my latte. That’s never come up in my reports before!
Health
The Smartbells choice: A new form of exercise developed locally
More versatile than dumbbells, Smartbells are not metal shapes that ring but modern exercise tools. They can be used solo, in pairs, or in groups for a form of movement that engages the whole body, especially muscles in the shoulders that rarely get a workout. Invented by Paul Widerman of Accord, the devices are used in an exercise class led by Woodstocker Angel Ortloff for the oncology support group at the HealthAlliance Hospital (formerly Benedictine Hospital) in Kingston.
Probiotics to potions
Healthy diet and exercise are best, granted, but many health claims are made for other edible, imbibable and poppable substances, from probiotics to raw milk.
Erica’s Cancer Journey: Metastatic breast cancer, an acrostic
T is for Time. I don’t have a lot of it. My prognosis is short-term. But what a gift.
Tobacco 21 for Ulster County?
If approved, Ulster would join New York City and 10 upstate counties that have boosted the legal age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21.
Erica’s Cancer Journey: Discovering Disney
Did you know that Disney World is 40 square miles, the size of San Francisco?
Erica’s Cancer Journey: What is a legacy?
A letter to my family (which hopefully inspires you to create yours).
How to not get sick
I don’t like getting sick, so I avoid it like the plague. I have here some really super simple tips for you to help keep me, you and your loved ones healthy.
Woodstocker Arya Nielsen help effect shift away from opioids
Using acupuncture instead of narcotics.
Erica’s Cancer Journey: Internal combustion
I lay out some twigs, a clump of dryer lint and a drugstore receipt for eyedrops that’s inexplicably as long as my arm. The firepit fills with flames, rapidly consuming my offerings while fading away as quickly as they began. I reload with more sticks, torn paper bags, newspaper shreds and fallen wood. I am patient with my fire-tending.
