22 Comments
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Mary Varner Hutto's avatar

Hope this is a scheduled MRI and not because you are having symptoms of a problem returning. My husband is a 2 time survivor and I remember how anxious he would be before follow up scans. I think it is the not knowing and of course the waiting. Please keep us updated. 🙏

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Paul Crenshaw's avatar

It's my 1 year scan <3

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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Paul, I deeply appreciate your specific lens into the world and the way you give us access to your inner world. I hear you that machines in and of themselves are not bad; many times, they save our lives. I hear you about the enticement of using AI for creative work--just this morning I was thinking, "Wouldn't it be nice if I just plugged in some questions to an AI program and asked for help with this essay I'm working on?" I choose not to, for a lot of reasons. I realize AI would be saving me time. I realize in many ways it is "smarter" than I am. At the same time, I don't want to lose my ability to research, to critically think, to analyze, to distill, to consider nuance. Machines can't do that. A machine can't replicate my very human thoughts and feelings and needs--my writerly voice.

Finally, I will be thinking of you as you get your MRI. Please know I sincerely mean that.

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Vince Puzick's avatar

Sending my best hopes into the sunrise and rising bread, Paul, for this MRI. ❤️☮️

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Maggie Bennett's avatar

Sending virtual strength, positivity, good will and compassion your way. I said a little prayer for the best outcome.

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Susie's avatar

Jesus Christ. Even this. Even cancer and death and the grief of not knowing how long we will keep them at bay is written with grace and beauty and a profound sense of gratitude. You amaze me.

I didn’t know I still worried along these lines, as it’s been nearly 23 years since I kicked cancer’s ass a second time. But it never leaves completely, the fear. Nor the gratitude. I hope you get good news, Paul. 💜

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Stanley Stocker's avatar

I hope all goes well, Paul.

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Toni Jeffrey's avatar

Oh gosh, so sorry to read this! Paul, I am a praying girl, and will pray that the results are good.

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Ally Hamilton's avatar

I’ll be thinking of you all day and sending you and Jenn and your girls so much love. So much!

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Irena Smith's avatar

This may be cheesy but it, too, is human-generated: I hope your scan is as clear and beautiful as your writing. This brought tears to my eyes this morning, in the best possible way. Thank you. 🙏

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Susie's avatar

Exactly. That’s a lovely statement. 💜

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Phyllis Unterschuetz's avatar

I hate that you have to go through this today and I love what you wrote.

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Elizabeth Fletcher's avatar

These semi-annual plunges into scanxiety are 0/10 stars. Received the all-clear with my latest MRI/exam this week, and my fingers are crossed that you hear the same.

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Jodi Sh. Doff's avatar

Don't forget to ask for earplugs. ❤️‍🩹

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Abby Alten Schwartz's avatar

Thinking of you and sending lots of good energy

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Laura Steadham Smith's avatar

Sending lots of love to you today!

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Kate Mapother's avatar

I couldn’t possibly send you more love than I always do but you make it easy — any extra I find is coming your way brother 🤟🏼

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Dina Honour's avatar

Not only do I not use AI, I don't even know how to use AI beyond a basic spell/grammar check. Good luck with the MRI. And the bread.

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