One year cancer-free

Well, it’s officially been one year since I got the all-clear. That’s right—365 days of not having cancer. I’m not popping champagne just yet (apparently, I have to wait until the five-year mark for that), but hey, it’s a start. And let me tell you, I’ve been making up for the down times.

First off, I picked up the accordion. Yes, the accordion! I’ve always loved the instrument, but I thought it was too complex and difficult to learn, and who has the time for that? Then I figured, if I survived cancer, I might as well try playing it—what’s the worst that could happen? I fail within the first week, and will be out of $300 for the used accordion and with lots of storied to tell. Eight months later, I’ve got at least nine songs under my belt. Sure, they’re all played at the speed of a sloth on sedatives, but hey, progress is progress. It’s been… an experience. My neighbors now refer to me as “the accordion lady". I’ve decided to take it as a compliment.

Secondly, volleyball. I’m back on the court, baby. Sure, I’m slower than I used to be, and my knees sound like a bowl of Rice Krispies every time I move, but I’m out there. And by “out there,” I mean I’m mostly keeping score, sending my serves over the net (when I’m not serving directly into it), and ducking when the ball comes at me to fast Progress, not perfection. 

Then there’s the travel. Oh, the travel—the recovery of the soul. After being cooped up with treatments, weakness, and hair loss (shoutout to my lovely turbans), it was so wonderful to break with our long-standing tradition for Thanksgiving and fly to Italy instead. Orvieto was perfect this time of year—quiet, charming, and full of pasta. I’ve eaten my weight in carbs, gotten lost in more medieval towns than I can count, and narrowly avoided scraping the rental car on narrow cobblestone streets. Pro tip: If you ever drive in Italy, just assume your side mirrors are sacrificial.

And now, I’m off to a wedding in Romania… with my hair almost one inch long. That’s right, folks, I’m practically Rapunzel now.

So, what have I learned in this first year of being cancer-free? Life is short, even if you don’t fill it with random hobbies (though I highly recommend the accordion). I’ve continued to embrace the chaos, getting involved in every activity I can think of, and never, ever take myself too seriously. Also, accordions are much heavier than they look. 

Here’s to year two—may it be filled with even more adventures, questionable life choices, and maybe even a decent rendition of “Libertango” on the accordion. Cheers!