ChaucerProf's Friends

ChaucerProf's discussions

About Me:: Before an MRI (for major lower back pain) that changed my life, I was teaching courses on medieval and Renaissance literature at a small liberal arts college in the midwest. Ye olde academic credentials: I went to Duke for my Ph.D. and I specialized in medieval literature. I am from California and went to Berkeley and Stanford before attending Duke. My husband is a professor in the Religious Studies department and we were thinking about conferences, articles, book contracts, tenure issues, etc. before a large tumor was found in my sacrum. This changed everything -- for both of us. I am thirty-six years old.

I am currently being treated at Johns Hopkins. I have a type of primary bone tumor called a giant cell tumor, a rare disease like Kris's. Giant cell tumors are considered a sarcoma and a "grey area" in terms of research and treatment. They are very destructive locally (so my lower spine, and part of my pelvis, has been destroyed by this tumor). The tumors tend to be very hard to control and do not respond to chemo.

Kris's book has been by my side for the past week and I am so happy to have found this website and all of you!

Favorite Quote:: ""By Crist!' quod Conscience tho, " I wole bicome a pilgrym/And walken as wide as the world lasteth"" (Piers Plowman)

Favorite Book:: An unfair question for a literature prof! ...medieval poetry especially. Dream visions and pilgrimages.Donna Tartt's The Secret History. Watership Down by Richard Adams is my favorite book from childhood.

What's your personal mission statement?: to live, to write, to learn, and above all to love

At 8:11pm on August 9, 2008, genie said…: Chaucer prof -- how cool. Rare cancer -- not cool at all.

You gave fabulous advice to Jules on how to look for a good doctor -- some sort of permanent reference about this would be great on this site.

I have an MA in RS and have taught lower and upper division courses in it.

At 12:57pm on August 7, 2008, Deborah (Skyecat) said…: i wish you improved health and happiness in your career and your life with your husband.

pls keep your spirits high -- and prayers are headed toward you...

At 5:38pm on March 26, 2008, Lauren said…: Hi I read your post. I can't give you any advice for coping, but just wanted to say hello and welcome!

At 4:53pm on March 26, 2008, Caitlin said…: Yep, that's Margo aka: Madam Old Fart. She's about 26 or 27! I miss it too, I haven't been on a horse in years.

At 2:43pm on March 26, 2008, Adventure Grrl said…: Hi girl, welcome! You are going to find so much support and love here.

Welcome to
My Crazy Sexy Life

Sign Up
or Sign In

check out The Crazy Sexy Tech Lounge for your Q&A about using site features!
******************************

On Sunday, 11/23, Kris Carr and other special guests will be speaking at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's ThanksLiving Banquet.
Click Here for details...Hope to see you there!