Helpful Website

Posted on May 17, 2013 by

I often watch the video clips on GRACE (when I’m not on cancer overload).

The other day I picked up on an oncologist, Dr Ravi Salgia, talking about this website CollabRx.  The target audience appears to be a well educated one in the cancer world.  I learned I’m not one of them, as many of the large words got me all sorts of confused.

What I did find useful is the Therapy Finder Tool on the Patients page.  After filling out a quick form, clicking find drugs and trials, it spits out a nice list of treatment options for lung cancer patients (I noticed some survival statistics – you are warned).

therapy-finder

The website states that the clinical trial data is updated every 2-weeks.  Since I am not an expert I can’t confirm that the website is 100% truth, but with the list of Expert Affiliations it seems quite credible.  If you determine otherwise, please inform me.

I am going to add this Therapy Finder Tool to my links page.

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Finding Joy

Posted on May 15, 2013 by

Today I woke up with a mission – I must meditate!  I can’t even remember the last time I did.

This meditation practice had a theme.  I focused on the phrase, “Find the joy in living”. When I’m out of meditation practice it is hard to stay focused on one subject for any great length of time.  I don’t think I’m the only one with this challenge.  Once aware of each mind-wander, I went back to, “Find the joy in living.”  I lasted about 18-minutes before my legs got too stiff sitting cross-legged.

Cheese - yum!So far, I’ve only made one drastic change in the name of my new theme, “Find the joy in living.”  This afternoon, I purchased a small wedge of delightful buttery soft french cheese and crusty baguette at the market.  After unloading the groceries I indulged in 3 slices of baguette lathered with cheese.  I have found the joy in living today!

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You’re So Far….Behind!

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

Typically, when I get really behind on something I try to forget about it entirely.  That is not going to happen to this blog!  I feel as if I am so far behind here.  I have lots and lots to share…where to start?  Ahh!

National Museum of Natural History - Butterfly Garden

National Museum of Natural History – Butterfly Garden

Well, here goes.

DC was a wonderful 10-day trip.  Started with the Hope Summit; those details will be arriving in a forthcoming post.

I had a good time visiting our Capital for the first time.  I was able to see everything I had on my list of ‘must-dos’.  I was surprised by this accomplishment, considering I did between 3-4 hours of touring each day.  The rest of the day was spent either eating or napping.  Sounds a little dull but it was all my body could do AND that is A-OK!

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A new kind of Summit

Posted on May 4, 2013 by

photo-57This weekend I’m celebrating life with almost a hundred lung cancer survivors at the LUNGevity Hope Summit, in Washington DC.

Two quick highlights:

  1.  I feel like I’ve met someone famous!  I connected with fellow blogger, Jessica Rice.  Another 30-something who’s life has been flopped upside-down from lung cancer.
  2. I had lunch next to a woman who is a 13-year survivor. That’s right- 13!  Makes that number look not-so-unlucky!
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A Good Day

Posted on April 28, 2013 by

Yam having a good time in my shadow.

People talk about having them.  I vaguely remember them.  I was just about to stop believing in them. Then it happened.  I had a  GOOD  day!

I felt good in my body.  I was able to pry myself out of bed and nap in my sunny backyard. I wanted visitors and I engaged in conversation with them.  I had enough energy to pull a few weeds and refill the dried up bird feeders.

When my last set of friends left for the evening, one shouted back, “I hope tomorrow is just as good!”  It seemed like a no-brainer to respond, “Oh, I’d take 20% worse.  Today was wonderful!”

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Got Milk?

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

The last few weeks my productivity level has been sub-subpar.  I was working hard at trying to define the culprit.  Well, after meeting with three docs last week, the culprit was obvious to everyone but me.  WBR wears a person out and will for up to several months, I was told.  OK then.  Got it.  Check-check.  Moving on.  Sure thing…

photo-55Just because I figured out what was causing the problems life did not magically transition to being full of butterflies and rainbows.  I got mad.  I am still mad.  I’m mad at needing WBR.  I’m mad at feeling crappy because of it.  I’m mad at what this stupid cancer has done to me all over again.  Let’s not forget all the other people out there in my same shoes, or in shoes worn a little thinner.

Yesterday, I let my anger power me to the grocery store on foot.  Perhaps, not the wisest decision.  Once I saw my house in the distance, tears swelled up.  I made it.  I made it with the items on my list and one additional item, a half-gallon of milk.

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6-Week Follow-up

Posted on April 18, 2013 by
books

Dr H read this!

Yesterday, I met with my radiation oncologist, Dr Holland (Dr H) at OHSU.  First order of business is always to talk about the book I’m reading while I wait for his arrival.  Each and every time he has read my book – I’m impressed.  Next time I see him I’ll intentionally bring a Stephanie Plum book.  That would make for an interesting appointment!

I’m scheduled to get a follow-up MRI at the end of May.  I am confident that what ever it shows Dr H will have a plan.  We lightly discussed next steps, just lightly.  I see no need to dive into any direction when it will depend on the images.  He has options identified; that works for me.

We talked numbers at this appointment.  I’m usually a numbers gal but not when it comes to grays, number of mets, etc…  I put an abrupt end to this subject.  Not soon enough though.  The numbers went whirling around my head last night; inappropriately at 3:30 am.

Today is dedicated to resting, sleeping, and reading the second half of my book!  A wonderful Thursday it will be.

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