It occurred to me some months ago that one of the you can’t win for losing aspects of cancer is the accompanying stress. A diagnosis, progression—just living with this shit—it’s all incredibly anxiety making. And you know what? That is to the cancer’s advantage, but not to ours.
I am certain stress has such a deleterious impact on our immune system that it exacerbates malignancy. Yup. Cancer really has the upper hand as it not only fucks with our cells, it fucks with our heads as well.
That is, if we let it.
Cancer may kill my body but it will never get my spirit. I have decided, yes, decided, that I’m just not going to let my progression get me down.
Crazy maybe, but so far, so good.
To wit. The week before I travelled to Italy (trip of a lifetime!) I went on six dates. That’s right–seven days, six dates, five different people. And I found a place to live.
The three weeks in Italy? Could not have had more fun. Ate a ton of pasta, drank way too much wine, and had gelato at every opportunity. Walked a minimum of six miles each day and actually lost weight. Also wrote and submitted an abstract as I am heading to Barcelona in the fall as faculty at the next IASLC annual meeting.
I hit the ground running upon my return, as I have begun to pack for the upcoming move. I’ve already been on two dates (one the night after I returned) with two more before the week ends. On Friday I will be presenting at Harvard Medical School and on Monday I fly to NYC to speak at GE.
My cough reminds me of what is going on in my chest but determination is keeping me from dwelling on it. The goal is to stay strong enough to live with my cancer until the next effective therapy comes around.
And in the meantime? I am living large. Over the top, unrealistic, and totally blissed out. Not a bad way to go. Wherever it is that I am heading 🙂
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
So proud of you, keep up the great work enjoying life!!!!!
Dawn
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
My favorite kind of work 😉
xo Linnea
Yes! 💖 Love you Linnea 💖💖💖
Thank you Jill—love you right back!
xo Linnea
I have been hoping that since we hadn’t heard from you for a while that it was connected with your trip. This is an even better result of your being away for a while! Sounds great!
Yes! Having the time of my life!
xo Linnea
Go, Linnea! Words of wisdom for all of us in this battle. Thank you.
Karen
Indomitable. That’s how we must view our spirit.
xo Linnea
✊🏼❤️😇😈I greatly enjoyed experiencing Italy with you!
Thank you Marc—we couldn’t have had a better time! We’ll get the whole crew there at some point!
xo Linnea
I just left Boston. I was there for 24 hours, just to have a conversation with Dr. Shaw. Had I known you were back from Italy, I would have at least tried. But your blog entry rocks!!! I feel the same way. You can invade my body, but not my spirit. I feel like it’s a way of saying “fuck you cancer, I’m still happy, and I’m still me”.❤️
WE are still US. Hope your conversation was fruitful. And next time let me know!
xo Linnea
brilliant Linnea!
Thank you Anthea!
xo Linnea
Linnea do you still have your little white dog?
Yes, and he’s still my number one boyfriend 😉
xo Linnea
Way to go!
Yes!
xo Linnea
You’re always living your best life, Linnea!
You are da Wo-Man! So glad to hear! Dr. Lynch told Peter, when he first started on crizotinib and he ran (and walked) in the Lake Placid Classic; “That’s why we are working so hard to keep you alive and feeling well; TO LIVE!, otherwise, what’s the point?”
Yes—we have to LIVE. Hope you are doing well my friend.
xo Linnea
You rock, Linnea. LIVE! ❤ ❤ ❤
Hi Dear Linnea- I too, am a EGFR Resister. I was diagnosed in 2014. Back in June of 2018 for inspiration, my son sent me a copy of the Harvard magazine with your photo on the cover. I have read the article again and again and to this day keep the magazine by my bedside for divine guidance. You are a force to be reckoned with and the ultimate Warrior!!! To Life and Fortitude!!! Continued Healing & Healing Blessings Always.