December 22, 2025
Hi Friends,
After a week of fun, food, and friends, I’ve been snapped back into the reality that I’m still not entirely well.
When people see me in person, they’re incredibly kind and often say, “You look great.” I truly appreciate it — and I also wish they could feel what’s happening on the inside. I’m dealing with pain in multiple areas of my body, and my doctors believe many of these symptoms are likely immune-related side effects from Keytruda.
Some issues are completely gone or improving (thank you, God!), but a few are still hanging on. And since my anxiety has always driven the bus, I keep thinking: What if this is permanent?
Luckily, I am a fighter.
After five procedures (two endoscopies, a colonoscopy, a lung biopsy, and an epidural) with zero sedation, my doctors have called me stoic and resilient. This week alone I had nine medical appointments. The one thing everyone agrees on: even though I look okay on the outside, I am not in shape to undergo major thoracic surgery (a complete left lower lobectomy) until I’m stronger and feeling much, much better.
Even if I wanted surgery right now, Stanford won’t proceed at this time because I’m anemic — and I’ve been anemic since I started immunotherapy in March. (My final treatment was September 23 — which, ironically, is the day the tumors were first discovered back in 2022.)
A NEW ATTITUDE
Here’s what has changed: my attitude.
No, I’m not thrilled with my current state of health — but I’m realizing I have very little control over that at this moment. What I can control is my response.
There is still more pain than I’d like, and I privately cry my share of “WHY ME?” tears. But I’m trying to meet this season with faith and humor. I keep telling myself: “Every hand that touches me is a healing hand.”
And when I’m at appointments, instead of spiraling in my head, I now try to connect. I talk with the phlebotomists, nurses, X-ray techs, and front-desk staff. I ask about their lives, compliment something about them, and when there’s time… I do what I do best: I tell a joke.
I learned this years ago from an interview with Carol Burnett — and I’m finding it helps my anxiety. Even if I’m having a lousy day, I don’t want to make everyone else miserable too.
WHAT I’M EXPLORING
One thing I’m looking into is a newer procedure called Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation of the lung:
https://eisenhowerhealth.org/news/healthnotes/?cache=on&action=detail&dataRef=15013&consent=on
Dr. Justin Thomas appears to be one of the few doctors offering this, so it may be months before I can be seen — but I’m exploring every reasonable option.
LIFE UPDATES
Believe it or not, after nearly a month of freezing temperatures, rain, and no sunshine… we’re actually talking about moving back to the desert. So stay tuned.
Despite the constant rain, I’m still enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas at the TrueNorth Health Center. We even celebrated Charles’ “Medicare birthday” with a piece of Cathy Fisher’s famous carrot cake.
Watch all the LIVE the presentations here: https://www.healthpromoting.com/tnhtv
They are NOT recorded.
PUPPY PARTY
My saving grace is still my three weekly comedy classes… which are on hiatus until next year. So for now I’m focusing on another comedian: Shiloh the goofball!
So instead of having a pity party, I’m having a puppy party.
“A whirling dervish of energy.”
“Even he knows when it’s time to rest.”
I hope you remember to take time to rest during this busy holiday season — and make time not just for food, but for friends (furry and feathered ones included!), and above all… FUN!!!
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Love & Kale,
Chef AJ
P.S. This newsletter shares my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team about your individual situation.