Post-surgical (w/update)

I write this column from my hospital bedside, having had six hours of surgery on March 6 at Sloan-Kettering, a major national cancer treatment center.

My prognosis is very good but I can tell you, major abdominal surgery is no joke — and neither is the follow-up care required.

This Wednesday my newspaper column will not appear because I wasn’t sure I’d have the energy to write it. That was the right call.

Pollways will not turn into a personal blog but I will talk about my cancer sometimes. It sure adds to my appreciation of people having access to life-saving health care. Those who say people can always just go to an emergency room don’t have a clue. If my disease was found when symptoms were so bad that I’d seek emergency care, I’d have little time left in my life.

Some people close to me told me I should not write this blog post or write about this subject publicly because, you know, people can be so mean. And indeed they can, I said, but anyone who responds in such a way outs themselves as a certain type of person. Besides which, the meanness of triviality usually doesn’t extend to grave matters.

I so appreciate everyone who has given me care and support.

Peace and health to you and your families.

3/19/13 update: I am happy to report that further testing indicates that the indicated follow-up will consist of close monitoring.

Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.