I think this comic accurately sums up my attitude to 2018. 2016 was an unhappy year that ended with my diagnosis with stage four lung cancer. The tumor paralyzed my vocal cords, and I could only speak in a hoarse whisper. I was frustrated because I lost a good job and a nice apartment. Suddenly, I wasn’t allowed to drive myself because of the brain tumors. I wanted to get my life back together as quickly as possible, and, one year later, I’m on the cusp of achieving that. However, it’s been a long road and the future remains uncertain.

2017 was also a traumatic year. The steroids drove me crazy and kept me from sleeping for weeks on end. Surgery restored my voice to about 90 percent of what it was before I was diagnosed. My treatment also proved to be effective. I also fulfilled a long-time desire to visit New Orleans, and I had a great time with my uncle and dad. Friends and family have been invaluable this last year.

Eventually, I started to work again and even fell in love with Jessie. But, it wasn’t too long before I was reminded that disaster can strike at any time. If any health crisis was going to happen soon, I assumed it would happen to me. However, Jessie suddenly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and immediately went through some very serious surgery. It was terrifying, but I gave her all the love and support I could.

Despite that, she decided to end our relationship and focus on her treatment. It was heartbreaking, but I couldn’t blame her. She seems to be doing well, which is a relief. She is a kind and generous person who certainly doesn’t deserve this (not that anybody really does).

I’ve been picking up the pieces of my life these last few months. I found a temporary job and will be hired on a permanent basis later this month. I’m planning to finally move out, and I will fulfill another big dream that I’ve been putting off. For the last 18 years, I’ve been talking about going back to France, but this spring I’ll actually do it.

I recently had my annual checkup and the scans show my brain tumors are gone. The chest scans are also largely unchanged, and my liver function remains normal. The doctors say things are stable for now, but the long-term picture remains unclear. The disease could mutate and become resistant to the drugs I’m taking. If that happens, there are other treatments available. Still, uncertainly looms.

The last two years have been very challenging, but I’m on the verge of finally regaining my independence. Despite the good news, I can’t get overly complacent or optimistic. Aside from my disease, the mundane tragedies of life, such as a car accident, could strike me or someone I love at any moment. Even worse, Trump could start a war and get us all killed. So, 2018 looks like it’s going to be a good year, but nobody can predict the future. Thus, I’ll keep my guard up.