I started this blog about a year ago by writing about the
molecular biology of B cell cancers figuring there may be an audience wanting
to understand more about CLL and NHL but unable to find the type of material
they wanted. There are lots of
physicians who write to physicians, and medical writers who write to patients,
but not as many doctors who write to patients.
Furthermore, in cases where doctors do write for patients, such articles
are often watered down for the “average” individual. I’m sure I occasionally get too technical
with my writings, but I like to aim high and it seems that appeals to those of
you who have faithfully followed my posts.
Thank you to those who continue to read even though it may at times
include challenging language and terminology.
I’ve largely taken the summer off from writing. Creating content for the blog can take quite
a bit of time. With the unbelievable multitude of new drugs to be studied in CLL/NHL, my life has been filled with protocol reviews, cancer conferences, and local research management issues - on top of an extremely busy clinic.
I guess one lesson of my
job is that you can’t take a pass on living life when you have the chance. Summer in Oregon is magical. There are few places as beautiful as the
Pacific Northwest this time of year.
There are few joys equal to taking the family for a hike and swimming in
waterfalls.
But the seasons change.
While I am not yet ready to let go of summer, school has started, the Oregon
Ducks football team is playing again, and the research meeting schedule is
already in full swing. The rain has started early this year. Soon the leaves
will be changing and the “indoor season” will be
upon us.
I will probably start writing a little more again as the
days get shorter and going out to feel the warmth of the summer sun is no
longer an option. I’m not sure I will
hit the productivity I did last spring when the post ideas just kept coming to
me, but hopefully I can keep updating this with things you might find
interesting. I've got a few video posts ready to go, and a deep dive on 11q- mostly done.
I hope you have all had a good summer too. Many readers of this blog are here because of
some unwanted realities. I hope that in
the midst of your journeys, you can pause and find the things around you that
are indeed good. Cancer is a weird
journey. I’ve heard many patients
comment that it has provided them with clarity to life that enables them to
focus on what is really important.
In that way, I hope I can learn from you all too. Thank you for teaching me what is really important
in life. I just wish I was a better
student of the lessons you all hold. My
waterfall hike this summer was a brief moment in time but it will be an
everlasting memory.
Thank you.