Say Cheese

Last week, my art instructor assigned our new project – a painting based on a self portrait. He suggested that it be better quality than a candid photograph. “No facebook photos” he said.

So, faced with the choice of having an awkward photo session with a friend or relative, I decided I would have an awkward photo session at a portrait studio. Because I didn’t want to spend much (or any) money on the photo, I went to an inexpensive “studio” nearby.

When I walked into the studio, it was apparent I was in a children’s portrait studio. I asked the young woman at the front desk if they often photographed adults, and she assured me that they did (liar). So, she ushered me through the waiting area filled with young parents and children, to the room where the session would take place. There was no door…. "Where’s the door?” I asked. “No door,” said the girl. “So, the people in the waiting area are going to watch?” I asked, puzzled. She replied, that I should just ignore them. “Uh, okay”, I said, just ready to get a photo snapped and be done.

I looked around and saw large props such as pumpkins and building blocks, feather boas and miniature fireman hats. My sillier side was tempted to just grab a big pumpkin and say cheese, but I decided to put that idea out of my head.

The photographer (who was also the girl at the front desk….hmm) started asking me what backdrops I would like. “None” I replied. “Just black or white.” She looked a little frustrated and went to get her boss, who came in and explained that in order to provide the best possible quality of session, that we would have to use at least eight different backdrops. I assured them again I would require no fake library, or American flag. Finally, she began to take the photos. I cooperated for the most part. After a few snaps, she told me to lie down. “On the floor?” I asked. “Are you sure you have adults do this pose?” She replied that they always used that pose. (liar, liar, pants on fire) So, as I was lying stomach down with my chin in my palms, I replied, “No offense, but I really don’t think this is a pose for an adult, I mean I can’t see my 83-yr old mother doing this.”

Well, I finally relented and let them do their thing. They showed me the images afterward, and I chose a few I was relatively happy with. So, it would be a shame to not share them.

I should have worn the feather boa.

best laid plans....

A couple of days ago, I flew to Chicago for the follow-up from my recent surgery and to get started on the new clinical trial - a vaccine that would be created using my own cancer cells that were harvested from the surgery. The idea behind the vaccine trial was to take my agressive cancer cells and transform them into a vaccine where they essentialy kill off the body's cancer cells. I was excited. I had a plan. And, it was a plan that gave me immense hope.

So, what's the old saying...."the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry?" Yes. Our plan went awry. This morning at my appointment, the doctor said, "I'm sorry, but we could not create the vaccine from your tumor.....there were just not enough cells to make it." She explained that in reality, there were indeed enough cancer cells, but a significant amount of them were indolent. I was puzzled. "Indolent?" I asked. "You mean lazy? My cancer cells are lazy?" I was visualizing my cancer cells soaking in a bubble bath sipping on chilled chardonnay... Dr. W responded, "Yes, they are a little "lazy". We needed more active cells. But, the bright side is, that we know we can go down this path again, should your cancer continue to grow and become more agressive." Instead of getting caught up on how "cancer growing" would qualify as being "the bright side", I just asked her for Plan B.


Not only did Dr W come up with a Plan B, but she had Plan C, and then had Plan D in her back pocket. In dealing with this disease you truly have to expect the unexpected. In fact, you can count on it. And, as soon as the pendulum reverses its course and begins swinging the other way, you'd better jump on and ride. This pendulum could take you farther than you've ever gone before.