Sometimes life has to hit you a few times to get your attention.

This is especially true when you happen to be me.

Over the last few months I’ve had a few signs, a few knocks on the door, reminding me to pay a little more attention to my health. Growing nausea at the day job that I thought was just stress. A collapse at the park that I thought was just the heat. Dizziness, and more nausea, that I thought was just me walking into a pillar. (That last one cannot surprise anyone who knows me.)

You’ve probably figured out that there was Something More going on. Something that all these signs were trying to point me to. And I finally paid attention.

I’ve been to a primary care physician, which in turn led to a gastroenterologist…

…which in turn led to an oncologist.

Yep, as I’m wont to do, I’ve buried the lede. A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Stage IV, so it’s pretty serious. But I’m fighting it.

I’ve been through two rounds of chemo, and learning to manage the side effects so they don’t manage me. I’ve been doing my best to overcome the nausea and build up my diet again. I’ve been writing, whether it’s on assignment for Nikki or for my own little project (after all, if I have this story, then isn’t it on me to tell it right?). I’ve been working to keep my mind going even as we work to bring my body back.

And most of all, I’ve been overwhelmed by all the love you’ve shown me. Family and friends and fans, online and off, the support you’ve shown means so much to me. And I hope you know that. I hope you know that all the messages and comments and gifts and GoFundMe donations have helped carry me through good and bad days alike.

With all of that said, I’m going to try to reboot this blog again. I have a few reviews I’d like to write, and maybe a few other musings along the way. Maybe, maybe I’ll offer a few posts about my medical experiences, but I really don’t want that to be the focus. I have cancer, but I’m not Lee With Cancer.

I’m still plain old Lee.

And one way or another, I’ll find my way back.