What’s Next?

I’ve had a month, and the new year, to ponder this question.  There’s been a lot to think about so this update is quite long.  It may make good bathroom reading.  Anyways, here’s what’s going on with my work, my health, and my recovery plan:

My Work

I’ve asked for another 6 months off work.  I’m doing this for 3 reasons.  First, I need some time to recover and recuperate.  The past 6 months (last July – Dec) focused on the surgery and chemo; I want some time to adjust and enjoy myself.  Second, most people I’ve talked to who have been in this situation have wished they took additional time off; I’m going to take their advice!  And, third, when I go back to work, I want to be “all in”.  I want to return to the same level of intensity, drive, and focus from before.  Fortunately, my Accenture colleagues have provided me with a lot of latitude and understanding of the situation.  I’m looking to return in mid-June.

My Health

As mentioned in my previous blog, I’m continuing with the chemo treatments.  I’m on a similar 3-week cycle with infusion on day1 and pills for the first 2 weeks; week 3 is recovery.  I’ve changed my attitude from disappointment (in continuing the drugs) to acceptance, and with the acceptance I understand I need to continue to be aggressive in treating this disease.  A clean scan does not mean that the cancer is gone.  It can always grow back.  Given that I had no idea I had cancer in the first place, I think it’s a good idea to continue to address this aggressively.  I’ve come to accept and believe that it’s better for me to be on the pills for the next several months or years.  Whatever it takes!

At the same time, I looked up the stage4 colon cancer survival rate.  I didn’t do this during my initial diagnosis, as I didn’t want that information, and regardless of what it was, it wasn’t actionable.  I did this now because I wanted to gloat a little after getting a clean scan (thinking that I beat the odds).  Well, cancer survival rates are measured in 5-year periods.  For my situation, the rate is extremely low (not even double digits).    I will need to save any gloating for another 4.5 years from now.  In fact, while I’ve been happy with the situation, I think I’d feel more confident after a couple more clean scans.  My battle is far from over.

Given the low survival rate, I’ve decided that I no longer need to save for retirement (nor contribute to my 401k account).  If someone can make a case for why this is a bad idea, please let me know.

My 6-Month Recovery Plan

This involves 4 things – food, family, fitness and LOA (Liner’s Out-the-door Adventures):

(1)  Food – I’m convinced my diet is the primary contributing factor to my cancer.  The only colon cancer risk factor that describes my lifestyle is the “low fiber, high fat diet”.  Also, when I hear lung, breast, or brain cancer, I think the environment contributes.  When it’s stomach, pancreatic, and colon cancer, the impact is on the digestive system; the food we eat goes through these organs.  I’m working on upping my fruit and vegetable intake to at least 5 servings per day (I’m charting and recording this).   Right now, my average is 3 servings / day.  I’m also trying to cook more.  I got a new cookbook (The Cancer Fighting Kitchen, by Rebecca Katz).  In addition to providing simple recipes, this cookbook has been helpful in detailing foods that fight cancer, foods to eat during chemo, and tips on providing meals. 

(2)  Family – I’m fortunate that most of my family lives within 5 miles of me.  They have been wonderful in taking care of me the past 6 months, and now is my opportunity to return the favor and spend more time with the kids.  They grow up so fast!  I made 2 commitments:  (1) I am driving Jason (my 9-year old nephew) and a few of his teammates to San Mateo (45 minutes away) for hockey practice every other week.  It’s entertaining to listen to the 9-year old boys, and so long as they are not smelly, I don’t mind being the “hockey mom”.  (2) I’ve signed up to be a coach for the Girls on the Run program at Aneska’s (my 8-year old niece) school.  This is an 11-week program with practices 2x/week starting in March.  It finishes with a 5k run for the girls in mid May.

(3) Fitness – A few days ago, Demetra (my 12-year old niece) said “You were broken last summer”.  Ha ha.  Well, I still feel broken.  I’m working on regaining my core strength, flexibility, and endurance base.  I’ve signed up for the Honu Half Ironman in early June.  I’ve done this event 3 times, and for each iteration my time just gets worse and worse.  I now understand why.  So, for closure on this medical journey and my work time off, I’d like to re-do this triathlon with, hopefully, better results.

(4) LOA (Not Leave of Absence; this is Liner’s Out-the-door Adventures) – in an attempt to get off the couch and out of the house, I’m selecting one day per week for a day trip.  While I’ve grown up in Northern California and lived here all my life, there are many places within 1-2 hours away that are unexplored.  California Academy of Sciences, Stinston Beach, Mount Hamilton / Lick Observatory, Point Reyes, Mt Tam, the Marin Headlands, Carmel, Big Basin, Henry Coe State Park, etc.  This list goes on and on.  I’m open to suggestions.  Hopefully people are available to join, but if not, I’m still ok going at it on my own.  I’ll be posting my destinations on Facebook each week. 

I’d also like to take a few trips here-and-there, but for now I think I’ve got enough on my plate.  Quality over quantity.  The focus is on food, family, and fitness – not travel.  Besides, I need to be back home every 3 weeks for my drugs.  

So, that’s my long update.  Please remember to flush and wash your hands.

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Archive Comments

fai: “I went to the woods because I wantedto live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrowof life, To put to rout all that was not life and not when I had come todie Discover that I had not lived.” - HDT You inspire me, Liner.

Jeff Liao: Hey Liner, Thank you for sharing about what you have been learning and sharing the struggles as well. I'll be in continual prayer for you as you undergo chemo and treatment. I'm encouraged to see that this has not even come close to get the best of you but made you more intentional as a person about what really matters in life! Thank you for sharing and praying that you will be fully recovered!

James Cheung: You see, how much love and care that you got from your friend (me included, of course). Stay sharp, stay fit, and stay active, and most importantly, stay healthy. Tomorrow will be a better day!

Rubes: I love you, Liner Lee!

hovo: Meowmi, you ROCK! Congratulations on your battle and your unwavering attitude! I love your whole plan, EXCEPT for the 401k part. It reduces your taxable income thus you pay less in taxes. Did you know I would say this, haha! I'll email you some food ideas (I've learned a lot of hints and recipes in an attempt to make veggies palatable to a 2 year old, haha) but first and foremost - get a Vitamix and make green smoothies!! You can puree up a ton of veggies easily! Add Gold Country and Tahoe to your travel list! :) Talk soon xo

FrenchFry: Caroline, YOU are an inspiration. We should all take a note from you and live life to the fullest. Other nearby sites worth a visit in no particular order: Mendocino, Muir Woods, Tennessee Valley Hike in Marin, Do the DipSea if you are running, Pinnacles for camping (see a condor), Gold Country, Hetch-Hetchy, Shasta. I'm sure you've done some or all of these, but in case you haven't.

Lisa Diffenderfer: Liner, I've enjoyed reading your blog through your "kicking cancer's ass" journey. You have a TERRIFIC attitude and are an inspiration! Your positive outlook on life has a lot to do with the great results to your treatment.

Kami: Love you, Liner! You are so hilarious and inspirational! You should write a book! You made my day!