Vulnerability is scary. To share my story, and the complex emotions intertwined with my journey, is daunting. When I started this blog during my recurrence in 2014, it served as a platform to update my community spread across the globe. It was also a form of therapeutic reflection. Over time, I didn’t expect the impact it would have on others. Since starting this blog it has reached over 15,000 people from around the world, some of whom have sent messages sharing their own stories.
These connection are why I am revamping my blog as I go through another recurrence. Whether it is cancer, another form of illness, loss of a family member, relationship problems, or any form of adversity, the emotions we experience are universal. We just don’t talk about it. Despite entering the field of medicine that often emphasizes maintaining a professional identity, I plan to continue my writing because I believe sharing emotions are the foundation of human connection. Recognizing this is ultimately where healing can begin.
This blog will continue to serve as a way to update my community and have a space for reflection, but I hope even more so than in 2014, it can be a service to others. Please reach out, please share your own story, push yourself to be a little more vulnerable than the day before. That is how connections blossom, and I believe that is how we make this world just a bit better.
To learn more about my recent recurrence: When the can doesn’t land as far as you hoped – another recurrence
Note: I would like to mention that all my medical results, doctor’s recommendations, and treatment decisions are my own personal experience. Each individual’s medical journey is unique. What I write is not an endorsement or recommendation for what anyone else should do. Rather, this blog serves as a window for my community, you, or someone you may know to get a glimpse into my experience living with brain cancer. Hopefully there are parts of my story that resonate, areas of connection particularly in the emotional aspects of cancer, that may be helpful to you. If you ever have questions related to what I write, please contact me.
Jeremy's Journey 