I was diagnosed with oral cancer in fall 2010. I’m not sure how much detail my friends want about my recovery process. So, for those who want more info, I’ve started this blog.
Here you’ll find the stuff I’d want to tell you if you were a friend who’s visiting and asking what’s up – but since talking will at times be rough on my tongue and throat, this lets me get info across in written, instead of spoken, format. I don’t want to bombard your inboxes with TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) posts. So you can “Follow” for regular updates, or check out this site if you want to know more, or if you’re about to come visit, view recent posts so you know what’s up.
To get updates, click “Follow” in the bottom right. (If it’s behind a cookie bar, first “Close & accept” cookies. Or you might need to scroll to the top of the page.) Then, look for confirmation email.
It helps my healing to see friends & family subscribed, see your comments, and to know you’re with me on this journey, that I’m not alone.
blenderninja 
Thanks for blogging, Rahel. I appreciated the chance to learn more about what you’re going through, without putting strain on you to talk and repeat yourself again and again. I really enjoy reading your voice, experiencing the process with you. It puts me in touch with how very fond I am of you 🙂
I want to hear about as much as you want to tell. Here’s some advice from the trenches:
1. You won’t always be in this much pain.
2. Only read Online posts that are helpful. When you start getting freaked out or more anxious, stop reading.
3. Cancer sucks, no two ways about it. Only good thing is that it really does put things in perspective and you will no longer be depressed about the small stuff.
4. Kaiser can’t go back and find the cancer earlier, but they can apologize to you. They can tell you what they will do when the next young adult comes in with a bump on their tongue. They can tell you they will always take your concerns seriously. If they don’t do this, talk with the Ombudsmediator.
Sending you love and healing–and good energy for C.
Just came across this and wishing you well for the upcoming treatment. I have much second tongue biopsy in a 3 weeks coming up next week – I am a newbie! 😬
Keeping you in my “best possible results” wishes.
On my mind and good thoughts , side by side .
Much Love and healing to you, R. Please let me know what I can do to help you out in any way. I love you.
Much love, healing, and joy. And by the way…Fuck cancer!
Sending love and wishes for the best possible outcome. Don’t be shy about asking for what you need.
So sorry you’re going through this AGAIN. I hope the surgery goes great tomorrow and that you have lots of ease in your recovery. 🥰😍😘
Hi R,
I’m sending you and your doctors blessings for a successful surgery, good care, and a thorough recovery.
Love & wholeness,
Alicia
Sending you strong healing waves and wishes. As a 3+ cancer survivor, I can tell you that a positive attitude helps. So does enlisting as many people to light candles, do prayer wheels, etc. Not being local, I think the MealTrain won’t work for us. Please let me know if there’s anything I can send you and C from sunny, politically crazy Florida.
Love, cousins Ronna & Larry
Thanks, Ronna & Larry. Just good thoughts, and keeping me in mind for healing prayers, will go a long way! Lots of love back to you.
Dear Rachel,
Your neshamah will prevail, have always noticed your courage and resilience to do what right by you, at dancing, in services, in Zoom.
Our paths cross in joyous circumstances, keep it coming ❤️
From all the Rosenthals… We wish you a complete recovery and good health for the future. Your courage, resilience, and effort expended at all the many techniques you have found to help in your recovery is astounding. Your positive attitude, despite pain and frustrations, is remarkable and certainly a major contributor to recovery. May you only know good times from this point on.
Esther