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Hilary Hattenbach's avatar

Ugh. I'm so sorry that you're suffering. My friend Siri recommended your Stack and I know she was very sick from that cruise as well. It seems my fear of cruises is well founded. Thank you for sharing what you're going through and managing to bring some levity to what sounds like an agonizing journey. I hope you get some relief and feel better soon.

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Isabel Kaplan's avatar

Thank you, Hilary. Siri was the trip's highlight! Well, and the walruses.

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Chris Stanton's avatar

I’m sorry you’re going through this, Isabel, but at least you’ve wrangled an entertaining essay out of it. It’s great that you got a diagnosis, even if that diagnosis sucks. I can imagine your father food shopping for you, with all the pretzels and other snacks, and the cashier asking, “Are you having a party?” Hope you feel better soon.

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Isabel Kaplan's avatar

Thank you, Chris! Forever repeating the mantra, 'think of it as material.'

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Andrea Gale's avatar

What a nightmare! I'm so sorry. Dying over the Dr. Spaceman reference, among other things.

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Laura Sardis's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I have a dear friend with long COVID who has gone through an equally hellacious time. Your openness and honesty and brilliant writing shines through. Thank you so much. Btw we met at RLP over dinner…wishing you well in this journey.

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Isabel Kaplan's avatar

Thank you, Laura! Sorry to hear about your friend

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Elisabeth Donnelly's avatar

Hello! I have two good book recommendations: women and children first by Alina grabowski & Ben shattucks the history of sound - they’re both extraordinary, I think?

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Isabel Kaplan's avatar

I love Women and Children First and Alina! (She's a friend and agent-sibling). Have not read The History of Sound - will look into it, thank you!

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Elisabeth Donnelly's avatar

They’re both the best Massachusetts books I’ve read in awhile. Like, the nerve to have all those voices! History of sound is similarly fun in some impressive ways (short stories with interesting echoes). Yeah with the year ending my brain is like damm, those books are just heads and shoulders above most stuff I read this year

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