Jennifer L. Keene
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At least 2016 ended well!
Last full day in St Martin 🙁 #bikinibeach #sxmstaycation #sxm #saintmartin #stmartin #caribbean #orientbay #beach See this Instagram photo by @jenniferlkeene * 90 likes When my friend, also named Jennifer, asked if I’d be interested in returning to beautiful St Martin, I practically shouted “YES!” Four of us vacationed there in July and it…
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Shared grief
I cried when I heard the news. It arrived, like most of what I consume in the moment: via Twitter. After I finished saying aloud “No!” I turned to Google. There were no new results in the News tab and I hoped against hope that someone had jumped the gun and gotten things mixed up. But…
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The grey area
“So it was benign, right?” “Well…it’s complicated” And so begins an awkward conversation with well-intentioned friends and colleagues. I know how to answer the question – sort of – but responding almost certainly requires me to veer into TMI territory. I am comfortable talking about what I have been through and what I face next.…
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The best laid plans
I went back to work about two weeks ago. And quickly realized it was too soon. Ouch. I had jumped the gun in my eagerness to act like everything was normal, and that I could be strong. Part of the problem was that my first day back involved a long flight in an uncomfortable plane…
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“You got very lucky”
Last night, Dr. E texted me. “Just checked. Pathology report not yet back.” She knew I would be having my first post-op visit with Dr. S today and hoped to manage my expectations. Dr. E is thoughtful and kind like that. The medical team had warned me that the report could take a week and…
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Feeling OK
Today is day five post-op and I’m feeling pretty good. I had hoped to post an update sooner, but between pain medication, sleep, visitors and the fact that sitting upright can still be a bit uncomfortable, suddenly here were are. I feel much better than I thought I would at this point in the process,…
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Today’s the day
Surgery is today. In fact, by the time you read this, it might be over. They gave this night owl a report-to-the-hospital time of 6 am. (this is a scheduled post) Wish me luck! I’ll post an update when I can. Keep reading here.
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With thanks to Moby
I usually start a new blog post with a strong sense of what I want to say and how. The words and their tone typically come to me as naturally as breathing. And I’m guilty of not proofreading most posts beyond running spellcheck because of my eagerness to connect with people through my writing. Talking…
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Why am I the way that I am?
It starts at Reception. There I am, trying to ingratiate myself to a woman named Lavinia. I am late for what I think is my pre op-physical appointment (but subsequently realize is pre-admission which is Not The Same). I am late because instead of going to the Ambulatory Care building for my 9 am appointment,…
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