Author Archives: susanbriscoe
On Susan’s Death
Susan Jeanne Briscoe November 13, 1966 – August 31, 2018 It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Susan on Friday, August 31, 2018 in Montreal at the McGill University Health Centre (Glen) palliative ward. Her sons, … Continue reading
June Update
I feel bad that I haven’t posted anything but updates lately (I have several posts waiting for revision when we get a rainy day), but I very much enjoyed the wonderful spring instead of spending time with my laptop. I … Continue reading
On Chemo
I have just completed my second round of palliative chemo. People keep asking me if I’m happy about that, as most patients celebrate completion of chemo as the first step to wellness, especially when they finish with no evidence of … Continue reading
Audre Lorde on Dying Full of Fire!
This is extraordinary poet Audre Lorde, on how to really live while dying: I want to live the rest of my life, however long or short, with as much sweetness as I can decently manage, loving all the people I … Continue reading
A Preview of Paradise!
I thought I didn’t need a vacation from my sick leave, but I see now how much more deeply I am relaxing and recuperating from the chemo here in gorgeous Costa Rica! And just enjoying! With the crashing of the … Continue reading
My Blog Title
WordPress asked me to write about my blog title, so here that is, along with a few other title stories! What’s the Story Behind your Site Title? My decision for the site name was quite spontaneous: titles either come to … Continue reading
Happiness!
I can’t imagine being happier or more excited about life. I’m one lucky woman! Even the city is beautiful under this fresh snow sparkling in the sunshine!
Roy’s Blog: Courage
Where Roy explores what it takes to get through this, and it’s not quite Courage.
2018 Update
I am very happy to report that 2018 has started a little better than 2017 ended. I got home from the hospital two days ago and am feeling fairly well and energetic so far. I know that won’t necessarily last … Continue reading
Roy’s Blog: Game Shape
Another post by my sweet man: Game Shape
Late December Update
I was admitted to the hospital yesterday (a different hospital due to ongoing communication issues with my gyne-oncology team) to get a jump start on treatment. Giving into my dad’s persistence, I had a consultation with a specialist in my … Continue reading
Please Give Blood!
Last year I received several blood transfusions and put out a call for friends and family to donate blood, especially as I no longer can. (Also to please sign their organ donor cards! I have a friend waiting for a … Continue reading
December Update #2
I got through my last goodbye hug with Nathan at the open door of a taxi in the middle of a busy street in London on Monday morning. It was a hard moment. But I’m glad I didn’t put the … Continue reading
Roy’s Blog: Poppins
This is Roy’s latest post, Poppins, in full. Poppins I said goodbye to Susan the other day. She was leaving for London for two weeks and I dropped her at the airport. Planning to spend some nights at her son’s apartment, … Continue reading
Not Love Actually
On my last snowy night in London, with two of us tired and not feeling well, we decided to stay in and watch Christmas movies. Online searches revealed the terrible dearth of decent holiday films, and I can never recall … Continue reading
December Update!
It’s time for a fun post! I realize I’ve been all serious here and haven’t shared much about the wonderful times I’ve been having traveling to visit family, taking advantage of this small window of relative wellness. So this is … Continue reading
Roy’s Blog: Normal Joe
This is a really thoughtful post about normalising death in a death-phobic culture: Normal Joe.
Ask Me Anything Invitation
It’s your turn! I’ve posted all my and Oliver’s answers to the college class’s questions about dying, so now I invite you to ask your own questions if there’s anything at all you’re curious about. You don’t have to worry … Continue reading
Ask Me Anything #9: Fear
(This “ask me anything” answer is in response to a class of young college students’ questions.) What are you most afraid of in dying? This question came up a lot and in many different ways, and it’s been the hardest … Continue reading
Ask Me Anything #5: Regrets
(This “ask me anything” answer is in response to a class of young college students’ questions.) Do you have any regrets? Or, is there anything you would have done differently in your life if you’d known you’d die at this … Continue reading
Ask Me Anything #4: Interactions
(This “ask me anything” answer is in response to a class of young college students’ questions.) Did people distance themselves from you? Do people treat you differently? I’m not sure. Nobody close to me stayed away, in any case. There … Continue reading