Dissertation Journey: The Struggles of Catholic Women Priests and How We Can Support Them

Health Update These past few months, I focused on healing and keeping my commitment to my students (to the best of my ability. I finished teaching on May 21, 2021). Healing from cancer, in my case, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma , is life-changing, takes time and nearly all of my energy. I had four rounds of chemotherapy. I would say a prayer each time the oncology nurses would insert the medicine into the IV line connected to my port, which I named Lucy.  Shortly after I wrote the last blog entry, I entered the hospital for five days of chemotherapy. My body didn't take too well to the medicine being infused into my system. I had hallucinations and lost my appetite. I had to stay in the hospital an extra day to make sure I was eating. I wanted to go home so badly that I forced myself to start eating even though I wasn't hungry. But after a little while, I began to feel hungry.  Dr. Paul, the medical oncologist, consulted with Banner's sarcoma specialist. They decided to forego ...

The Journey Continues . . .  During February, I focused on my health. I am thankful that I had finished five interviews, pláticas, in January. Two more women priests responded to my request for an interview. I had set up one of them for 2/16/21, but it turned out that I could get my first chemotherapy scheduled that day. I was excited to get started with the chemo because Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, the type of cancer I have, is aggressive and frequently returns. So I need to be just as aggressive with starting the chemo.  The month started with several appointments, an Echocardiogram, a neck CT scan to make sure the cancer hadn't spread to the lymph nodes in my neck. Then, I was scheduled to get a PET scan, but it was postponed due to the insurance needing to get a different doctor to order it, the radiation oncologist, and not the ENT/Rhinologist. I got emotional, and my sister reminded me to stay calm and that we would find a way.  I also had surgery to place a port und...