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As a neurofibromatosis survivor, I¡¯m already in a high-risk group for contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19). So, even though I¡¯ve never had cancer, I¡¯ve been under strict orders to stay at home for months.

A surgery I had 20 years ago to remove some large tumors from my diaphragm essentially left me with only one functional lung. That means I already get out of breath easily. And sometimes, I have trouble feeling like I¡¯m getting enough air. So, I have to be extra careful, and take all of the advised precautions possible.

That¡¯s why I¡¯ve started conducting some of my medical appointments at MD Anderson virtually. And, except for the occasional curbside food pick-up, I haven¡¯t been outside of my house since March.

Despite these efforts, I know it¡¯s still possible for me to get COVID-19. So, when I hear about other people refusing to wear masks, socially distance or take any other precautions, it¡¯s not just frustrating ¡ª it feels personal.

What I miss most during the COVID-19 pandemic: in-person interactions

COVID-19 has already changed so much about my everyday life.

As a professor at the University of Houston, I¡¯d normally be in my office or my classroom on campus throughout the week. Other times, I¡¯d be giving a guest lecture somewhere or having lunch with a friend or a student. Now, all of those activities have moved to video or audio platforms.

As a writer, I¡¯m accustomed to doing a great deal of solitary work, but I still really miss those in-person interactions. The classroom environment was particularly exciting.

But, until it¡¯s deemed safe by medical experts for me to resume my normal activities, I plan to keep working from home, social distancing and following up with my physicians virtually. Because I don¡¯t need any additional medical problems. I don¡¯t want to endanger anyone else. And I want to be there for my friends and family.

Doing my best to practice acceptance

I¡¯ve been doing my best to accept the current situation. First, because I know there¡¯s nothing I can do to change it, and second, because I know it¡¯s not going away anytime soon.

But I still want everyone who is able to wear a mask to do so.

Because I already know first-hand what it¡¯s like to have difficulty breathing. I know what it¡¯s like to face new medical treatments. And I know what it¡¯s like to have long-term damage to the body I live in.

But most of all, I know what it's like to want to live.

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