Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

I don’t recall signing up for living in a dystopian sci-fi novel.

Republican speaker of the house Mike Johnson is the bland and smiling face of evil.

The willow is too close to the house.

Text STOP to opt out of updates on war plans.

We are learning that “working class” means “white” for way too many people.

No one could have predicted…

Damn right I heard that as a threat.

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

Republicans: “Abortion is murder but you can take a bus to get one.” Easy peasy.

You would normally have to try pretty hard to self-incriminate this badly.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

They are lying in pursuit of an agenda.

It is possible to do the right thing without the promise of a cookie.

My right to basic bodily autonomy is not on the table. that’s the new deal.

Anne Laurie is a fucking hero in so many ways. ~ Betty Cracker

Reality always lies in wait for … Democrats.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

The current Supreme Court is a dangerous, rogue court.

Motto for the House: Flip 5 and lose none.

Russian mouthpiece, go fuck yourself.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires Republicans to act in good faith.

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

Republicans got rid of McCarthy. Democrats chose not to save him.

You are here: Home / Healthcare / Fuck Cancer / Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

by | 202 Comments

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I had to drive to Tampa this morning for a doctor’s appointment. Afterward, I met a friend for lunch at a Cuban diner that’s been a favorite since childhood (La Teresita on Columbus).

Good food, plenty of it and cheap! Usually you can only pick two of those things. We also visited the affiliated market across the street so I could get some proper Cuban bread, which isn’t available in my town.

My friend brought a birthday present in case she doesn’t see me again before my actual birthday (late February — Pisces queen here). Virginia Woolf socks!

Socks with a cartoon Virginia Woolf

The tagline above VW says, “We march on.” I promised not to collect rocks and march into the river.  (It was a joke! My friend has a dark sense of humor too, so she got it.)

The news from my doctor was 100% positive — my response to treatment has been exactly what they hoped to see. I’ve also lucked out in a big way from new protocols and technologies emerging that may actually save my ass yet, so that’s good.

Other than that, I got nothing. Open thread!

Reader Interactions

202Comments

  1. 1.

    comrade scotts agenda of rage

    Other than that, I got nothing.

    Other than that? That ‘that’ is pretty something. Good news.

  10. 10.

    Jackie

    The news from my doctor was 100% positive — my response to treatment has been exactly what they hoped to see.

    That’s the most wonderful news I’ve heard since Nov 5th tore our world apart!!!

    I hope you and Bill celebrate! I’m so happy for you!

  11. 11.

    Baud

    I’ve also lucked out in a big way from new protocols and technologies emerging

    Thank Jesus for ivermectin!

  15. 15.

    TBone

    I’m heartbroken, I have to cancel my overnight, “dinner & a movie date night”  trip tomorrow to my hometown of Media, PA for the World Premier of DelCo the Movie.  Noah the Love Cat projectile vomited bright yellow bile so fiercely yesterday, and growled in pain at me for the first time ever!, so that I had to rush him to the vet.  On top of the expensive “full exam, labs, and x-rays” because he’s a cancer survivor, they gave him Cerenia injection to prevent vomiting. OF COURSE he got the “rare” adverse side effects, drooling, extreme lethargy, and hasn’t moved once since we brought him home.  No food, no water, no nothing. He did manage to purr for me today, so there’s that.  I picked him up to move him into a different “favorite spot” and he growled again. No amount of kitty tapas is tenpting him…

    Can’t go and leave him.  GAH.

  21. 21.

    suzanne

    This is the best news I’ve seen in many a day. Thrilled to hear it!

    I am back home after a crazy week. Now have to go to the store and catch up on happenings of the world.

  27. 27.

    Lapassionara

    So glad to hear some good news re your health. If I were permitted to post emoji’s, I would have some happy faces and many festive balloons and such.

  32. 32.

    tobie

    I’m so happy to hear your news, Betty Cracker! How wonderful that you’ve responded well to the treatment. May the good health news keep coming. You will march on in those super cool socks.

  33. 33.

    FastEdD

    “I got nothing?” Aw shucks BC you got everything. In other news, I’ve got a new turtle. Not a river cooter, just a red ear. She seems sweet, but they get meaner as they get older. I named her Roxy, because she crawls on rocks I guess. It is fun to see them grow up. Roxy is a yearling, but she’s never been held by a human and she’s learning not to be afraid. It was so cute the other day when she watched Big Momma get up on the dock to bask and imitated her and climbed up too.

  35. 35.

    BlueGuitarist

    Tim Walz posted “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”  with a snowy photo of himself.

  37. 37.

    VFX Lurker

    The news from my doctor was 100% positive — my response to treatment has been exactly what they hoped to see.

    YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So happy to read this!

  40. 40.

    Sure Lurkalot

    Thanks so much for sharing your good news. I bet you didn’t think it would make EVERYONE’S day.

  41. 41.

    Scout211

    The news from my doctor was 100% positive

    Such good news, Betty!  Yay!  🎉🎉🎉🎉*

     

     

    *These emoji are not allowed. Pretend they are invisible.

  43. 43.

    Jager

    Great news, Betty!

    My mother and sister are both survivors. My Mom made it to 86 and my sis was diagnosed at 37, and is now a healthy 60-year-old.

    I used to sail with a Cuban who defected from the Cuban Olympic team. He told me the best Cuban restaurants are the ones with old Cuban men hanging out and drinking coffee at all hours of the day and night.

  44. 44.

    hitchhiker

    Oh, I’m so happy to hear that, BC. Ever since you made that post about having to wait an extra couple of weeks for your test I’ve been watching this space and hoping they gave you good news.

    And they DID!

    Wow.

    TBone, you’re on my mind. Take care.

  51. 51.

    TBone

    To The Lighthouse!  (A fave V.W.) reread at the pool last summer.  She can really take you there, and I mean right there where she is.  Also love to Liz Taylor!

  52. 52.

    Gretchen

    I’m happy to hear the good news and hope you enjoy your Cuban sandwiches. Maybe a picture of them?

  53. 53.

    Dan B

    Great news plus good food and socks.

    And it looks like keeping warm will be very important this coming week, so here’s to warm socks making a good start!

  57. 57.

    Doc Sardonic

    @Jager: Add in cigars and dominoes and you are describing a favorite set of memories from long ago in Tampa. It was a little place called La Ideal

  59. 59.

    Rusty

    Thanks for sharing your good news BC, I’m keeping you on my prayer list until you are completely out of the woods (and then a little.longer to be sure).

  60. 60.

    MomSense

    Hooray for the good news! Dropped youngest kid off at college and got a bunch of food and supplies for his dorm room.  It was a good day.

  62. 62.

    TBone

    @BlueGuitarist: On BlueSky?  I need to send that to my (now devastated) cousin in Michigan who met Tim & Gwen and posed for awesome photos with them.  I had them enlarged and framed them.  She needs a lift like that right now!

  65. 65.

    Another Scott

    +1 on the good news, BC!  We humans need you to stick around to help fight the monsters.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  69. 69.

    EighthCousin

    ….de-lurking to say:  HUZZAH!! ….for you, Betty!!

    (It’s news that dries up today’s ocean of tears..!)

  71. 71.

    TBone

    @cain: awwww shucks.  Noah & Katrina were bedraggled rescues, found in a pillow case in a roadside gully that had been immersed in the nastiest old motor oil and left out in a cold, 3 day rain.  They were so tiny I had to feed them kitten milk with an eyedropper. Had to wash them 3 times to get the oil off. BUT it was they, the brother and sister bonded pair, who saved ME.

  72. 72.

    cain

    I hope all of you got some good plans for the long weekend..

    My wife and I are heading to the beach. For two nights. I plan to do nothing.

    The orange menace taking the oath on MLK day is a tragedy.

    Once sworn in I plan on retreating to my safe space. My plan involves sex, drugs, and guitar with a side of Duolingo.

    Thankfully I got my passport renewed before the man takes office.

  80. 80.

    WTFGhost

    The tagline above VW says, “We march on.” I promised not to collect rocks and march into the river.  (It was a joke! My friend has a dark sense of humor too, so she got it.)

    What, so you can’t dump your rocks in the river? Well… maybe you can give them away to some poor kid on Halloween in a lousy ghost costume, to fulfill a cartoon plot point that never really made sense.  (Well, the plot point does make sense if you realize he was collecting uncut gemstones to finance his “Angels” special investigation force with Linus demanding the name “Bosley” as a nom de guerre….)

  86. 86.

    Barney

    Adding my very occasional voice here to say your news is marvellous, Betty! Long may it continue!

  88. 88.

    Rose Judson

    @FastEdD: My youngest sister had a red-ear when she was little. He was quite the escape artist, and I was always finding him on the computer under my desk. Warm, I guess.

    Betty: I am so, so glad you got green flags from the doctor. Long may they wave.

  92. 92.

    blindyone

    I’m very happy for you. As someone who has gone through the- ok I have cancer, what stage is it experience- the first good thing is seeing that the treatment approach worked on your particular cancer. The next good thing is hearing your oncologist tell you that you’re definitely in remission. After that we all have to decide what we want to do with the time that the treatment protocol gave us.

  93. 93.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Other than that, I got nothing.

    Oh, dear Betty, you got everything! I am thrilled at your good report from the doctor, and I expect you to be the Pisces Queen ♓️👑 for many years to come!

  94. 94.

    dexwood

    So very happy to read this news, Betty. Because my situation has been so similar to yours, you are often in my thoughts. My last, and roughest chemo infusion, was on 12/26. Had a follow up PET scan on 1/13. My oncologist’s nurse called on 1/14 to say he was “very pleased with the PET scan results” and that I have had “a significant response to treatment”. Not sure what that means to him exactly, but I like the sound of it. He told me in August I might have less than a year to live if treatment is not helpful. I see him next week for the details, but it feels as if my warranty has been extended.

  96. 96.

    m.j.

    I’m just spitballing here, but are there ways we can misdirect the focus of the morons’ hatred?

    Maybe the Dems could wear their lapel pins upside down. Keep it simple. Keep it united. Say something like, “I choose to remain silent just like Pam Bondi,” when they are asked about it.

  97. 97.

    Lily

    Virginia Wolf is our dog’s best pal.  Ginny for short.

    Your news is the best news, B. C.  💚 🎶

  99. 99.

    FelonyGovt

    In this week / month of unremittingly shitty news, I’m ecstatic to hear that your treatment is working and your doctor is so positive! Thrilled!

  100. 100.

    Elizabelle

    Yippee.  Great news.  May you wear those Virginia Woolf socks out.  And many other pairs as well.

  102. 102.

    Elizabelle

    @dexwood:  And I hope you have beat that disease back too.  You will have to tell us what kind of celebratory socks you would like.

  105. 105.

    divF

    Wonderful news, BC !

    I was just having lunch with a colleague who is my age, and we were simultaneously saddened by the death of friends, but in wonder at the miracles of modern medicine. Monoclonal antibodies and bypass surgery allowed Madame divF to dodge two bullets (lymphoma and coronary artery disease), while cardiac ablation turned him from someone with dismal prospects into someone who walks all over town every day.

  107. 107.

    Professor Bigfoot

    The news from my doctor was 100% positive — my response to treatment has been exactly what they hoped to see. I’ve also lucked out in a big way from new protocols and technologies emerging that may actually save my ass yet, so that’s good.

    That’s FANTASTIC news! I’m horribly late to the thread, BC, but that’s outstanding to hear.

  108. 108.

    Blue Galangal

    Thank you for letting us know, Betty; I’ve been thinking about you a lot with fingers crossed.

  111. 111.

    Juju

    That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while.

    In my birdwatching news, last Saturday I was watching the birds because I saw my cardinal couple.  They were making a late Christmas card for me. A few minutes later we had two cardinal couples in the backyard. I’ve never seen two cardinal couples in the same place before. It was pretty. Also saw a blue bird.

  115. 115.

    Tim C

    I know I’m far more a reader than engager of your writing Ms. Cracker, but I literally pumped my fist in victory for you.    We keep fighting till we can’t.

    Always.

    And rocks are for throwing at Nazis.

  120. 120.

    Barbara

    Betty, what wonderful news.  So, so, so glad to hear this for you, and a bit selfishly for me too.  I hope it feels good to know that.

  130. 130.

    TBone

    Did anyone know President Biden turned over our air defense bases in Poland to NATO so Donold can’t fuck with them?  TIL:

    bsky.app/profile/skylee1.bsky.social/post/3lfxlw2m6222x

    cnn.com/2025/01/09/politics/nato-air-defenses-poland-ukraine?cid=ios_app

    NATO assumed command and control from the US on Thursday, said Col. Martin O’Donnell, and will help to safeguard logistics nodes in Poland that are needed to continue delivering aid crucial to Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. The move is part of a broader effort that has been in the works for months to shift the burden of helping Ukraine from the US to European countries, amid questions over whether US support would continue under the Trump administration.

  136. 136.

    Lyrebird

    WOO HOO!!!  Thanks for the excellent report and sharing the excellent socks.

    Rooting for many more good health reports!

    And I still haven’t tried Rincon Cubano in Sarasota, but I actually found something tasty and not super sugary at Smoothie King, and the relatives all liked it as well.

  139. 139.

    lowtechcyclist

    Good food, plenty of it and cheap! Usually you can only pick two of those things.

    It’s the project management triangle!

    Well not quite, it’s actually ‘good, fast, and cheap, choose any two’ but same idea!

    I will see if my wife will be up to a meal there next time through. We can still swing by La Segunda afterwards and pick up Cuban sandwiches for dinner, guava pastries, and Cuban bread.​

    ETA: Looks easy to get there from the airport, which is always helpful!

  140. 140.

    Miss Bianca

    Oh, Betty, so glad to hear your condition is responding to treatment! That’s the best news I have heard all day!

  142. 142.

    Anne Laurie

    AWESOME news, Betty! May your personal life be as excellent this year as our mutual political life promises to be… fraught!

  143. 143.

    Baud

    The very first thing Republicans are doing is to eliminate the billionaire corporation minimum tax, lower corporate taxes, and fund it with cuts to Medicaid, ACA, food for the poor, and Medicare. It was never about the price of eggs. They don’t give two shits about the price of eggs.
    — Brian Schatz (@schatz.bsky.social) Jan 17, 2025 at 7:08 PM

    The Senator channels the Juice.

  144. 144.

    lowtechcyclist

    The news from my doctor was 100% positive — my response to treatment has been exactly what they hoped to see. I’ve also lucked out in a big way from new protocols and technologies emerging that may actually save my ass yet, so that’s good.

    Yay!!!!!!!

    Now back to the important stuff: if I can talk my wife into lunch at La Teresita, what do you recommend? :D

  146. 146.

    Quaker in a Basement

    Jesus, child! Talk about burying the lede!

    Your doctor’s report is fantastic news! Here’s hoping your around to keep marching for many, many years.

  147. 147.

    sxjames

    Fantastic news!  I am so happy for you – the world feels a little bit brighter right now :)

  148. 148.

    lowtechcyclist

    @TBone: ​
     

    Did anyone know President Biden turned over our air defense bases in Poland to NATO so Donold can’t fuck with them?

    First I’d heard of it, but that’s a fucking brilliant move on his part!!

    Yeah, it’s a shame that it’s necessary, but we’re in this timeline and this is absolutely a brilliant move here! WTG Joe!!

  149. 149.

    kindness

    I’ve lost too many people I love to cancer.  Bless you Betty C and we are all so happy for you.

  150. 150.

    frosty

    Great news from you doctor! Ms F is happy to hear it too. I read her two of your great lines today and she appreciates your ability to turn a phrase even though she doesn’t read B-J.

    We gave up on Arizona for this trip* and made a left turn in Ohio so we’ll be back in Florida tomorrow for six weeks. I think we’ll be close enough to Tampa at one of our stops to check out this diner. One good turn deserves another!

    ‘* 12 nights of subfreezing weather meant we couldn’t use the trailer, so 12 nights of hotels. Too much hassle, too expensive. We got reservations everywhere including a week at Myakka River State Park! We got lucky!

  151. 151.

    lowtechcyclist

    @BlueGuitarist: ​
     

    Tim Walz posted “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” with a snowy photo of himself.

    Yeah suuuuuuure, I’d like to ask him what’s the right clothing to turn freezing rain into good weather?

  153. 153.

    banditqueen

    Not a slow news day at all–this is a great news day and it’s made so many of us happy :)  You’re doing great now, your house is coming along after the hurricane, the dogs are having fun, the birds, the alligators, the manatees–yes, it’s a great news day!

  154. 154.

    Spanky

    @lowtechcyclist: A good Gore-Tex (or similar fabric) rain suit over fleece-lined pants below a fleece shirt over an Under-Armor base layer. Gore-tex Merrell Moabs over alpaca socks.

    There are no bad days when you’re in the woods.

  155. 155.

    Currants

    BettyC!  Yes, LOVE the socks (I’m saving my rocks to throw in gears where I can over the next 4 yrs). BUT BUT BUT

    HOORAY for the fantastic medical news!  Sending love and cheers forever. ♥️

  156. 156.

    RA

    I am beyond thrilled to hear that and may it continue for years and years. I was depressed for days after I read your first post about your diagnosis.
    My sister was diagnosed 4 years ago with a non operable cancer that had a 5% survival rate after 1 year. It had metastasized into her brain. They were able to zap those tumors and the cancer that started it all is still there but it has reduced in size and is inactive. The last few years have been amazing with the cancer meds that have been produced.
    May you and my sister live the long happy lives you deserve!

  158. 158.

    laura

    Cuban bread- so flat, so delicious!

    Please consider taking a victory lap around the couch Betty Cracker- show cancer who repels it, because It Is YOU.

  160. 160.

    Denali5

    @BC,

     

    Wonderful news!  So glad to hear it. I’ve been thinking of you and hoping for the best. And this is the best!

  161. 161.

    Jeffro

    Great news Betty and congrats!  (still sending good thoughts your way for the duration, though!)

  164. 164.

    cain

    @RA: I expect AI/ML to make this even better with better ways to do distribute medication but also early detection.

    AI/ML is really just fancy pattern matching. With human health we will be able to find anomalies.

  170. 170.

    Lynn Dee

    So happy to hear the good news about how well your treatment is going, Betty.

    And the socks are very cool. :D

  171. 171.

    dww44

    @satby: Indeed  we are.  A needed bright spot to counter the political  dark ones.  I was hoping Trump would keel over from the cold at Monday’s inaugural ceremonies. But now he’s gonna be nice and toasty inside the Capitol with his billionaire entourage.

  173. 173.

    Betty

    I was out of a connection all day, but late as this is, I have to stop in and say Hip. Hip, Hooray!! So pleased to hear the positive and hopes for new and improved help possible going forward. Celebrate!

  174. 174.

    lowtechcyclist

    @Spanky: ​
     

    Sounds like too much work to acquire the wardrobe!

    Much as I love the woods, I think I’ll just stay out of the rain, thanks. :-)

  175. 175.

    WTFGhost

    I’ll add my congratulations on the good fortune, at the end of the thread, because I’m new enough to feel a bit outsider-ish.

    Congratulations; here’s hoping your life plays out better than you can imagine (so, that way you know you’re not dreaming).

  176. 176.

    MJN

    What wonderful news, Betty! I’m so happy for you and your family.  May you have many more years to enjoy your beautiful swamp.

  177. 177.

    something fabulous

    HOORAY FOR BETTY’S ASS!

    (…wait, that doesn’t sound like I intended, I don’t think? Anyway: yippee for technology and prognoses!)

  178. 178.

    Soprano2

    Late to the thread, I’m so glad the news was good! You can’t leave us, we need you to get through the TCFG years.

  179. 179.

    Nancy

    @TBone: ​
     
    No you really can’t leave him. But it’s tough to give up an event you’ve really wanted to attend. I hope he recovers in time to reward you with whatever nice kitty actions he might offer.

  180. 180.

    Nancy

    @Mark: ​
     
    I’m sad for you. No matter how many times we’ve been through it and how many pets we lose, it’s always the first time.

  181. 181.

    BigJimSlade

    I’ve also lucked out in a big way from new protocols and technologies emerging that may actually save my ass yet, so that’s good.

    Great news!

  184. 184.

    Nancy

    I’m late to the party as so often. Betty Cracker, I am very happy for you. Wish you continued good news.

  185. 185.

    Ramalama

    @TBone: there’s so much going on in this little thread. NATO base screwing with Trump, kitty cats not feeling so good, Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse: a jarring and brilliant read I haven’t thought about in a decade, and now Betty Cracker getting the thumbs up from Doctor Feelgood. What next? Betty swimming with the manatees every Sunday like it’s a religious practice? Taking a slingshot to the boats going over 5mph to protect said Manatees?

    I get winded from the possibilities.

  190. 190.

    Gloria DryGarden

    @TBone: oh no! I hope he’s better soon!

    Betty, I am deeply glad you are doing so well, and that they have more fancy technologies and protocols to offer you, if needed. It sounds like you’ve been able to turn this around! Woo hoo!
    It’s a big deal. As someone who’s lost a lot of family and friends to cancer, your news gives me a burst of hope and optimism.
    Yay!

  193. 193.

    Kathleen

    I’m very happy that you got such positive results! And I’m jealous that you got those socks! I need to find where I can get a pair!

  200. 200.

    Shana

    Great news Betty! It’s truly amazing how much cancer treatment has advanced since my mother’s experiences in the late 1990s to mine in 2022. Maybe not the cancer moonshot but a damned sight better than before.

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