Happy Anniversary (Well, Blogiversary)

Today is the 1 year anniversary of Doctor David’s Blog. I want to thank everyone who has ever read my blog, whether you just stopped by once or twice, or you are a subscriber. A blog is nothing without readers.

Honestly, I’m amazed at what has happened over the past year. I’m not sure I knew what would happen that day I sat down to make my first post. Certainly, I had no idea that I would have made 79 posts the first year and would have almost 100 people subscribing to my RSS feed! Even more exciting, though, are the connections I’ve made as a result of this blog. Some connections have been short-lived – a patient or parent calling or emailing and asking for advice. But some have developed into real friendships or have strengthened bonds with patients and their families (and I think you know who you are). I wouldn’t have predicted any of this, but I’m so glad it’s happened.

Anniversaries are traditionally times to reflect on the previous year, and I’ve been thinking back on some of my more popular posts. I wasn’t surprised to learn that my introductory post was one of my most popular, but it was neat to see that my post on a new sarcoma drug, trabectedin (Medicine from the Sea) was also among the most popular. Other highlights from this year included my first ever giveaway (and are those the coolest socks ever, or what?) and the (occasionally controversial) series on viruses and cancer. It has been great to hear from medical students who have responded positively to the posts about what it is like to be a pediatric oncologist.

But above all, my favorite posts to write are the patient stories. Some are heartwarming stories of triumph, while others don’t end as well. But all relate stories of patients and their families facing tremendous odds and triumphing, even in the face of death. I’d like to take a moment to update some of these stories:

K, who was the subject of my first patient story post, has graduated from college and is moving to California to take over the internet (I hope he remembers me fondly when he rules the world!).

M, who I have mentioned recently, passed away after participating in the Phase I study. His family sent me a lovely thank you note, however, and they truly were at peace with how his struggle ended.

Natalie continues to do very well.

Ben not only beat his tumor, but has become involved with Stomp Out Cancer, a group of indie musicians who create and sell CDs to raise money for Ewing’s sarcoma research. Rock on, Ben!

This has been a remarkable blog year for me. I can’t wait to see what Year 2 has in store.