Episode III: Moving while Hospitalized
Newsletter rebrand, a new e-commerce store, and dealing with the adversity of moving while hospitalized
Mainwaring Monthly is now Cancer Culture!
Same newsletter, better branding.
When I launched Mainwaring Monthly a year ago, my goal was simple: to share my journey through cancer with those who matter most to me. I wanted to create a space where I could document not just the clinical aspects of my battle but also the broader strokes of my life, giving friends and family a chance to follow along and look back on this time with me. In that sense, the newsletter has done its job well.
Now, it’s time for a change that better reflects where I am today. Cancer Culture is more than just a new name; it’s a nod to some exciting new ventures. I’ve recently launched a clothing brand under the same name (more on that soon!), and I’m thrilled to be joining the board of a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer survivors.
The heart of this newsletter remains the same, but the name change is a step forward in my journey. Thank you for continuing to be part of it.
Paid Subscriptions
As part of the newsletter’s rebrand, I’ve also introduced paid subscription options. This is a way to help cover some of my ongoing healthcare costs as I continue this journey. Becoming a paid subscriber won’t unlock any extra content, but it will make a meaningful difference in my fight against cancer. Your support means the world to me, and I hope knowing that brings a little extra peace of mind.
Life: Hospitalized While Moving!
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and our recent move was no exception.
Since January, Amanda and I had been living together in my one-bedroom condo. While it was a cozy place, it quickly became clear that we needed more space to comfortably share. So, in April, we started searching for a new home. We found the perfect two-bedroom condo in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, and by mid-June, we were excited to start our new chapter there.
But amidst the excitement, I was dealing with some serious health challenges. Since the beginning of the year, I had been on an immunotherapy drug called Vecitibx. While it did an excellent job of keeping my cancer in check, the side effects were taking a toll. After discussing my situation with my oncologist, I was referred to Radiation Oncology for a series of radiation therapy sessions. The plan was straightforward: ten sessions over two weeks starting in early June. My radiation oncologist assured me that while the treatment might cause some discomfort, it shouldn’t disrupt my daily life too much.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Just a week into radiation therapy, the pain became unbearable, keeping me up at night. My medical team prescribed oxycontin and fentanyl for pain management, which helped at first, but soon the pain escalated beyond control.
On June 15, we took possession of our new condo and scheduled the move for June 25. I was still involved in preparing the new place, but on June 20, I faced another setback. My labs showed a bilirubin count 15 times above the normal range, forcing my team to cancel my scheduled chemotherapy. Instead, they arranged for me to have a kidney stent placed the following week.
By June 23, the pain had reached a critical level, and I found myself admitted to the ER at Northwestern Medicine. Within hours, I was transferred to inpatient care, where I would spend the next 9 days. During my stay, I had the kidney stent placed and underwent a procedure called paracentesis to remove more than 10 liters of fluid from my abdominal wall; an unfortunate byproduct of my high bilirubin count, as my body was struggling to expel toxins properly.
Being hospitalized during our planned move was incredibly stressful. I couldn’t finish packing our old condo or help with the final cleaning, leaving Amanda to handle it all. Thankfully, with the support of a few friends, she managed to get everything packed and ready for the movers. Despite how busy she was with the move, Amanda still found time to visit me at the hospital every single day, a gesture that meant the world to me.
When I was finally discharged, I was far from the person I had been before my hospitalization. I had lost 50 pounds in just a month and was still extremely weak. It would be weeks before I could participate in meaningful ways with setting up our new home. Even now, I’m still working to regain the strength and endurance I had before.
Being hospitalized on the eve of a move is not something I would wish upon my enemies, but in the end, we overcame the adversity that was thrust upon us, and Amanda demonstrated why I was right in choosing her as my partner in life. I’m thankful that she handled the challenges with grace and that now, we have a large-enough space to call home that is both of ours.
In The News
In The News is a recurring section of this newsletter which will highlight cancer-related news that has recently surfaced in the media.
Sam Neill on his 'pretty brutal' chemo treatments and the iconic Aussie film role he turned down from Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Study highlights why LGBTQ+ people may be at greater risk for cancer from PBS News Weekend
US cancer centers warn drug shortages continue, impacting different varieties of medications from CNN
‘Western Diet’ may raise risk of early-onset colorectal cancer from NY Post
A shot in the arm that can help fight cancer? How vaccine trials are showing promise. from USA Today
Medical Data Firm Tempus AI Raises $410.7 Million in IPO from Yahoo Finance
Kate Middleton says she is 'making progress' amid chemotherapy for cancer diagnosis from ABC News
Does sunscreen cause skin cancer? Doctors debunk claims gone wild on social media from Fox News
Closure of Gaza's only route out leaves boy, 10, with no treatment for cancer from Reuters
Highlight: Apparel for the Cancer Support Community
In February, I launched Cancer Culture first as an e-commerce store dedicated to offering apparel that resonates with cancer survivors, patient-providers, and those supporting loved ones through their cancer journey. The store features unique and empowering products like the Chemo-Cocktail t-shirt, the Infusions: Made with Love tee, and the A Joint a Day Keeps the Cancer at Bay hoodie.
The response from the cancer support community has been incredibly heartwarming. Many members of my audience on Threads have already made purchases, and locally the community has been receptive of the advertising I’ve been able to place in oncology centers.
Cancer Culture is more than just a brand: it's a way to connect, support, and uplift the community that has been such an important part of my journey. Check out my full catalog of products, and if you have any ideas or suggestions you’d like to see made, shoot me an email.
Promotions
Disclaimer: Cancer Culture is community supported, we may get paid by brands or deals, including promoted items.
Gourmand Gala: Join Culinary Care for their 11th Annual Gourmand Gala on November 14, 2024, at Chicago’s Union Station. This formal event showcases dozens of the city’s top chefs, each serving dishes that will delight your taste buds. Grab your tickets before September 1 and save $50 with promo code EARLYBIRD24.
Hello Fresh: Good nutrition drives positive health outcomes, and Hello Fresh has been an excellent partner for the past year in this regard by providing me with a diverse set of meals using quality ingredients. New customers can enjoy a week’s worth of meals courtesy of Hello Fresh, just click this link to get started.
Lemonade Insurance: f you're looking to save on insurance, you should definitely check out Lemonade: a company that’s shaking up the industry. I’ve been with them since 2019 for renters and pet insurance, and I recently switched my auto policy over, saving myself an extra $110 each month. Whether you need coverage for your home, car, life, or pet, Lemonade is worth a look.
That’s it for this episode of Cancer Culture! I’m always reachable via email if you have questions, content pitches, or tips on news that should be shared.
-Joe
