From March 15, 2024, when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, until now, I’ve been keenly aware of my life in a very different way. I’m currently in remission, though not cured, still receiving immunotherapy every three weeks and doing pretty well with that. Living with cancer as a chronic condition is very different from the existential crisis that immediately follows a late stage cancer diagnosis and the rigors of chemotherapy and surgery.

I am grateful that friends rallied around me during that time–though not family, sadly–and even though most of the people in my life are far away, with a few exceptions, a couple of friends did travel in order to take care of me during some of the worst parts. My local friends pitched in too, with some practical care, advice, food, and emotional support. I thank and bless my friends both near and far, and particularly my excellent partner, whose love never wavered. It’s because of all of them that I am still alive.

My cats deserve my gratitude too, even though caring for them (I live alone) was sometimes difficult during the days following each chemo treatement. Bone pain is not a helpful thing to have when trying to empty litter boxes.

I’m also grateful to the folks at the cancer treatment center as well as my mental health support folks. Lifesavers, all–and unfailingly helpful and pleasant. If there really are angels on earth, I’m convinced my health providers qualify.

Creation Counts, Work Continues

Creative work–particularly writing–also kept me alive. Writing still keeps me going. From March 2024 until now, I managed to finish my fourth fantasy novel, The Perilous Past, (published earlier this year), write and self-publish another non-fiction book, How To Break Up With a Chatbot, and produce 76 articles for FutureofSex.net (shout out to that publication and my editor, M. Christian), plus several articles for Kinkly.com, one for Scarleteen.com, and some miscellaneous Medium and Substack pieces. I also wrote a poetry manuscript for a contest, but did not win!

Looking forward, I have a couple of projects on the back burner, which I’ll make a priority starting in January.

There have been other professional achievements as well. During this time I’ve taught a couple rounds of my 15-week Hypnosis for Sex Problems course; presented (virtually) at a conference in Brazil and another held online; and continued client work and private classes, though with a reduced schedule. I also became a certified Diplomate with the American Board of Sexology. All of this keeps me interested and gives meaning to my life. I may seem like I’m bragging–and maybe I am a bit–but it’s these kinds of things that let me know I still have purpose in the world and should therefore stick around a while longer.

I won’t lie. It has been a struggle, at times, to keep going.

The characters from my Guild of Ornamental Hermits fantasy series, pictured above, also remind me to nurture magic as well as friendship and work. And with that, I look forward to the New Year, and hope that all of you who visit here and read these words will live, thrive, and find love and pleasure in 2026.

Many Blessings!

🌙🌈🌞