Dear Life, Kintsugi is the ancient art of making shattered dishes “whole”, a Japanese aesthetic celebrating the beauty in imperfection. The artisans use gold to fill the cracks. The dish is then considered more valued and stronger. Today, I have treatment as I complete 14 days of oral meds. Tomorrow, I receive an injection to boost bone marrow activity. These treatments are intended to make the body whole and strong, free of cancer cells. I am the beauty of imperfection.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

B&W Painting with Flowers

Dear Life, I love an evening of being with friends, eating good food and playing TEXAS LIVERPOOL RUMMY. Game has several AKA’s through out the country. At this Southwest table, we had sharp-shooting hands, quick-witted minds, along with lots of hoots and laughs from the sharks. So much fun. I love to play!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

The Card Sharks 08.19.2023

Dear Life, Cancer patients know that the good news of a clear scan does not necessarily mean the end of treatment. It means the drugs are working to prevent cancer. My oncologist told me this on Tuesday. He also said there’s no cure yet. I came off my pink cloud and landed back on earth. I asked if we could cut treatment in half and he asked if I could stop bargaining with him. Yes, I am that patient. Pushing the edges, advocating for myself, asking all the questions. I am an optimist who hopes to hear “treatment is over”. Someday. Today, I continue the oral meds and infusions. I am grateful to have a Strong Body.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Dear Life, I met with the radiologist in his “space station” at XRAY Associates, a dark room with a gravity chair facing multiple large screens with a computer. We went through my PetScan report while looking at images from the past 6 months. My spirit lifted as he declared, “these images are clear. Negative. The immunotherapy drugs are working.” I walked out on clouds, tears in my eyes, thanking my Higher Power, the medical professionals, my body and all of you. I see Dr Herbert, my oncologist, today to discuss the report and what’s next. Another Miracle!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Dear Life, While the sold-out theaters captivate audiences with Oppenheimer and Barbie, and more indictments roll out of Washington DC, I plead “Immunity”. Focus and attention are at home documenting 5 years of love letters. That’s a personal story of many life colors still being written. I am not on strike. It’s a blockbuster!
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Collage 08.03.2023

Dear Life, My home studio was rearranged. We opened up the space and made a clear pathway through it. Feels good. I am also rearranging my neural pathways: 10,000 repetitions of a thought makes a new neural pathway. This requires discipline, awareness and a desire to thrive. A friend who interviewed me for a podcast called me a “Cancer Thriver”. This rang true within me. Yes, I want to thrive each day no matter the symptoms, side effects, PetScan results, treatments, etc. If my body needs to stay home, I can thrive in my studio. If I need to stay in bed, I can write and read and sleep. I am a great dreamer. When I am upright and out in the world, I appreciate it. I thrive where I am. Thank you, Life.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Dear Life, Friday, after getting a blood booster injection, I went to a Yard Sale in Santa Fe. Richard Kurtz was selling some of his fabricated metal letter paintings and I bought two: X and O. I’ve wanted these for over 10 years. Now they are in my studio injecting me with their energy of “The Good Fight for Life”. Mexican Fighters are painted on all the surfaces. That evening, I made dinner for Richard and Jennifer Esperanza, his wife and business partner. They told me stories of their adventures traveling the world. May there be many more adventures of life and love for all of us!
Hugs and Kisses, Pamela Rose

Thank you Jennifer Esperanza for the photo: PRM & Richard Kurtz

Dear Life, A friend sent me this photo of me from 1998. I have a box filled with photos and am inspired to take a look. Today, I see Dr Herbert at 9:am then have an infusion treatment until 4:00pm. Bringing my computer to work on compiling the Love Letters into a document in order to edit for publication. Let’s hope we can find a publisher so the Love Letters to Life can inspire those who are touched by cancer or addiction. My younger me is here today because of all the support I’ve received from others and their inspirational stories of recovery. Please send me your positive stories and vibes. I need them. Thanks.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

PRM 1998

Dear Life, Today I have bloodwork; tomorrow meet with Dr Herbert and have infusion treatment 9-3pm. I am on day 13 of 14-day oral med regime. Add the infusion to that and I am a chemical cocktail! Fortunately, I am upright, most of the time. Changing the “Feng Shui” of the studio has helped me enjoy working for longer periods of time. That’s chemical: creative chemistry. I am grateful to be a conduit of life and creativity.
Yours Truly, Pamela Rose

Collage 07.21.2023