Navigating Chemotherapy and Critical Security Updates from a Hospital Bed
A personal account of balancing cancer recovery with urgent server maintenance and resilience.
1Initial Chemotherapy Challenges
The author began treatment with weekly lumbar punctures to inject methotrexate into the spine. This procedure caused severe spinal headaches, requiring him to lie flat for extended periods. These initial six weeks of treatment were physically taxing, setting the stage for a long and difficult recovery process involving subsequent drug infusions.
2Managing Infusion Side Effects
Following lumbar punctures, the author underwent a 28-day cycle of Bendamustine and Rituximab infusions. He experienced metallic taste changes, loss of muscle mass, and significant fatigue. Despite losing 50 pounds, he maintained his appetite but struggled with a metabolism working overtime, eventually requiring five meals a day to sustain his body.
3Physical Recovery Milestones
Daily walking became a critical component of his recovery, despite nerve damage that compromised his balance. Using walking sticks, he gradually increased his distance from a quarter-mile to over a mile. This consistent physical effort eventually triggered a positive change in his nervous system, allowing him to regain mobility and stair-climbing ability.
4The March Health Crisis
In March, the author developed pneumonia while his immune system was severely weakened by chemotherapy. His blood oxygen levels dropped below 90 percent, and his Apple Watch detected an episode of atrial fibrillation. This critical moment forced him to confront the severity of his condition while fighting to maintain his physical strength.
5Return to Normalcy
By May, the infusions concluded, and his stamina began to return. He eventually celebrated with short trips to Topanga Canyon and boat rides. However, swimming remains prohibited due to the risk of infection at his port catheter site, a device used for chemotherapy delivery that must be removed after final treatments.
6Final Treatment Phase
The author is currently in a hospital bed for a final stint of chemotherapy to ensure no lymphoma remains in his brain fluids. This procedure requires close monitoring due to high dosages but carries minimal side effects. Once completed, the port will be removed, finally allowing him to swim in the Pacific.
7Unexpected Security Emergency
While hospitalized for his final treatment, the author discovered a critical PHP vulnerability affecting his company's servers. Despite the physical exhaustion caused by steroids and chemotherapy, he spent hours blocking access to vulnerable processes. He managed to secure the infrastructure from his hospital bed, demonstrating an intense commitment to his professional responsibilities.
8Server Infrastructure Restoration
The day after the security incident, he performed a full server migration to the latest version of Ubuntu using hospital WiFi. He utilized Lish to maintain a stable connection despite the hospital's restrictive network policies. This effort ensured that the Iconfactory sites remained secure, even while he was personally recovering from treatment.
9The Role of Support
The author emphasizes that his recovery would have been impossible without the constant support of his wife, Lauren. He notes that the shared struggle has significantly strengthened their relationship. This personal partnership provided the emotional foundation necessary to navigate both the physical toll of cancer and the stress of professional emergencies.
10Reflecting on Resilience
Looking back, the author views the past year as a period of profound difficulty that gradually improved. By balancing rigorous physical rehabilitation with the demands of maintaining digital systems, he has found a way to move forward. He remains grateful for his recovery progress and the ability to return to normal life.