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Maureen Keefe

@doodledarby

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recently retired city girl, proud aunt, afflicted with wanderlust, lover of art & artists, reader, at the beck and call of her canine companion Star

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Sobering & Spirited Update.

What I thought would be a small COVID speed bumps was bigger than expected. While in the hospital, I was diagnosed with a minor UTI , possible kidney stones. I wasn't prescribed an antibiotic and encouraged to drink more fluids. I was discharged with a stronger medication for my thrush,which exasperated my COVID. Thankfully, that worked quickly, making it more comfortable to eat and drink.

Last Sunday I joined my brother's family on Martha's Vineyard. Aahhh. The weather was great and seeing the ocean from the veranda was healing; just what the doctor ordered!

However, my UT symptoms were not improving. Off to Vineyard Medical I went. The full urine analysis is not in yet, but I left with a script for an antibiotic which provided almost immediate relief. Things were looking up.

Until that is, I received the results from a shave biopsy of a lesion on my right temple which couldn't rule out squamous cell carcinoma. Because ya know, why not? Soon I'll start a topical chemo cream and I'm praying that takes care of it. If not I'll have to go in for a more invasive biopsy 🙏

I remained concerned that all of the issues collectively might my 1st chemo a no-go. My labs had some flags, but passed!. I received a 75% dose since I'm still in recovery and it is a new chemo for me (ENHERTU) My body tolerated it well, thank you steroids. If I continue to feel well, I'm optimistic that future infusions will be the same!

Last on the sobering. I knew that when the cancer metastisized to my brain that it was now incurable. That said, when signing the consent form for treatment, For treatment,he box checked was "prolong life & palliative care."Hard to see it in black and white.

I continue to be so grateful for:
- the generous support of friends & family caring for me and Star; dog walks, transportation, food, cards, messages, and love. My cup is full 🙏

- my outstanding care teams at Dana-Farber, Brigham, and NYU Langone

- the beauty of the Vineyard and it's rich history, especially Oak Bluffs

- .my ability to lean into my sisu to move forward and have joyful and meaningful experiences

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #sisu #joy #grateful #love by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

In the there is a 1st time for everything, last Wednesday I was diagnosed with COVID. After 3 days of Paxlovid, I was actually feeling worse. So, on Sunday I was admitted to Brigham and Women's Hospital.

I'm happy to share that I'm doing much better and should be discharged tomorrow, Thursday at the latest. This has thrown off my chemo schedule even further. Sadly that means I'll need to cut short my time with family on the Vineyard & more disappointing I'll miss a very special wedding.

That said, I remain grateful for so much; that I asked for help and friends and family responded generously, access to such excellent clinical care, and that this is just a speed bump.

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #sisu #family #friends by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

Hair today, gone tomorrow: Knowing that my new chemo would induce hair loss, I scheduled an appointment with my stylist of 20 years to shave my head on September 4th. Well, on Thursday I washed my hair and the shedding was profuse. My stylist and I went back and forth to reschedule. With past chemo hair loss, when the day came, I would walk to a local barber or salon and get it done.

The 1st time my hair loss was upsetting to me. As my cancer journey continued, it was just a matter of fact and actually didn't bother me. I actually found it provided creative opportunities with scarfs and chemo caps, a new way to accessorize.

This time is different. This is my final cut/shave. There will be no completion of chemo and opportunity for my hair to regrow. I couldn't just go to a random barber. Elie had to be the one to do this. Over 20 years we have developed a personal relationship. We know about each other's families. He lives with multiple myeloma. We share our cancer journeys from a knowing place. We love each other.

Thank you Elie for coming into work early today to take care of me 💗

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #sisu #grateful #friendship by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

As I continue balancing rest & recovery with creating moments of joy and meaning, today is feeling good. After a café breakfast with my girl Star, I went to my 1st of Thursday morning figure drawing classes with friends.

@martin_r_anderson_artist was great instructor and sharing the class with @reginaberkeley & @rocketmorrissey was fun. I look forward to this space to explore, learn, and stretch myself.

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #creative #sisu #grateful by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

The last couple of days have been a challenging recovery from the 2 weeks of treatment. The cumulative effects caught up with me and I've had to slow it down a little.

Today I found my Sisu and rallied to head down to Fenway to listen to @the_lazy_susans_86 rock out pre-Sox game. They were a lot of fun and the crowd was energized. The band includes @massartboston alumni @leila.l.mitchell & @heather5haw

#massartsgottalent #massartalumni #sisu #cancersucksbutlifedoesnot by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

Rainy Days & Mondays are sometimes just what the body and soul needs. Two weeks of treatment and adventure have caught up with me.

After a wonderful weekend on the Cape, reuniting with Star and special visits with family and friends, I was ready and anxious to return to my tasks and to-dos. However, after a sleepless night I was blessed with a rainy day that persuaded me to ease back into my routines and rest and recharge. Star needed this as well.

I'm taking it slow today and it feels good. So many kind people sent real mail while I was away. Today I was able to take it in and receive an abundance of love and support.

I also received a very special t shirt from @lespcook and was introduced to a new word: Sisu. If you're unfamiliar as I was, you probably have some people in your life that exemplify sisu. Maybe you want to develop your sisu and lean into it.

For me, I believe that my sisu has been at my core and will continue to sustain me in this journey 🙏

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #blessed #grateful #sisu #resilience by @doodledarby

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2 months ago

For anyone wondering, it was an enthusiastic reunion with my girl, Star. Then she needed to give me a glimpse into her life the past 2.5 weeks at Camp Cape Cod.

Thank you to @mhess626 and the family for integrating them into their pack. I wouldn't have been able to get through the last couple of weeks without this level of support 🙏 💗

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #star #bestfamilyever by @doodledarby

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3 months ago

Please no eye-rolling.... The Cure carried me through my final treatment. @procureprotontherapycenter was amazing. The care I received was extraordinary. After 22 years of multiple tradition radiation treatments, I've never been invited to celebrate completion until today 😊 Not only the bell, but they gave me a little graduation ceremony. It was an emotional and welcome send-off 💗 I also left with a new radiation mask to add to my collection 😉

Kevin and I were both eager to get home and were quickly on the road. Too bad that a four hour drive became six due to traffic. That said, we're home.

Not an easy 2 weeks. However, I couldn't imagine this journey with anyone but my brother. There are no words to fully express my gratitude to him.

A lot more ahead on my Thriving with cancer journey. Thanks for following along. Love y'all ❤️

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #blessed #findjoyeveryday by @doodledarby

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3 months ago

Vampire Weekend was my penultimate push before treatment is completed tomorrow!

Since tomorrow is my final study treatment and proton therapy, today was low-key perfect. My dear friend, Susan Kring & her partner Robby met us for lunch at a small chain @pistachio.pink. Don't be dissuaded by chain, or trendy. The vibe was great, the service excellent, and all raved about our meals. Highly recommend 😊

Post-lunch we returned to Colonial Gardens and Park. A re-visit to the gardens was lovely. This time we ventured over the footbridge to walk along the Delaware-Raritan Canal. 10/10.

Next big decision, dinner. Then it is getting packed up and in bed early for the Final Day! The reasons for our time here was not happy, but we made it so with explorations. We're very eager to return home. Thanks New Jersey!

#iseetgefinishline #cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #beautyiseverywhere ##seekjoy #grateful by @doodledarby

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3 months ago

Treatment day #8: nearing the home stretch with @sarabareilles reminding me to stay brave for the next steps on this journey with cancer. As I've said, I'm not dying of cancer, I'm "Living" with cancer. In a couple of weeks I'll start chemo until that journey ends.

I look forward to sharing my adventures in Thriving.

But, back to today. Study treatment days are long with prep. So, after so many recommendations, our field trip was just south of the Jersey border to New Hope, PA. It was a beautiful drive through farm country back roads. And New Hope was charming. We enjoyed a great lunch @martinesriverhouse on their deck overlooking the Delaware River. Sitting under a shady tree, with the breeze blowing, watching the ducks swim by... Peace. We walked off lunch along the river and street lined with cute shops, eateries, and great architecture. Worth a stop if the opportunity presents itself.

#cancersucksbutlifedoesnot #beauty #joyandsadness #grateful by @doodledarby

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3 months ago

Once again, Natalie Merchant helping me to express my deep gratitude for the abundant love and support I continue to receive from such good humans near & far.

After a good (#8 of 10!) treatment day and field trip, more on that next, I returned to my hotel to a heap of thoughtful, loving gifts. After a healthy (good) cry, I want to thank so many HOCR teammates (@amehr1976 @libdiamond @lindamuri @jfromain Mike Nute) & once again, my Guilfordians with the feels, The Waddell family.

So much love for y'all. Your care and thoughtfulness makes this journey much easier and less lonely. My village rocks 🥰💓

#kindness ##cancersucksbutlifedoesnot ##friendsmatter❤️ by @doodledarby

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3 months ago

Field trip part 2: Onto West Long Branch to visit the @springsteencenter. What a treat! It is a beautifully designed and curated space. While featuring the Boss and his various bands, as you might expect, the museum provides a much broader historical context to American music writ large. From early indigenous music, and that of the enslaved, to hip-hop and pop, and everything in between.

A short, well-done film set the stage for an incredible experience with a wide range of artifacts, archives, and interactive installations.

I highly recommend that you as this to your list.

#thepowerofmusic #useyourvoiceforchange by @doodledarby

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