Interesting Website, Interesting Lady!

I accidently found this website "The Assertive Patient" about a woman with cancer who supports actively advocating for yourself. I'm browsing it now, but I like what I've seen so far. Go Girl! :)

Cancer Survivor Day is Sunday June 1, 2008

I didn't know there was such a day! Thanks to http://www.ncsdf.org/

Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day^® on Sunday, June 1, 2008

On Sunday, June 1, hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries will observe the 21st annual National Cancer Survivors Day by hosting celebrations of life. NCSD events are filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, faith, and love. Cancer survivors are honored for their strength and courage, and the contributions of their families, friends, and healthcare providers are recognized.

The activities are as diversified as the towns and cities where the events are held and include parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contests, dances, inspirational programs, and more. Surviving cancer is an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest. NCSD helps call attention to the issues of cancer survivorship and will be commenced with greetings from President George W. Bush and the director of the National Cancer Institute.

A “survivor” is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, which reports that an estimated 12 million Americans are cancer survivors.

National Cancer Survivors Day 2008 marks the 21st anniversary of this celebration of life, and the Foundation is encouraging everyone to participate in their community’s event. To locate the one nearest you, check with your local cancer treatment center, American Cancer Society office, or contact the Foundation at (615) 794-3006 or info@ncsdf.org. National Cancer Survivors Day 2008 is being sponsored nationally by AstraZeneca, Coping magazine, Lilly Oncology, and R. A. Bloch Cancer Foundation.

About the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation
The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities, by providing free guidance, education, and networking. Its primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.

About Cancer Survivorship
As the world celebrates life on National Cancer Survivors Day, the accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever-growing cancer survivor population. Addressing the poorly understood needs of these survivors is becoming a formidable challenge.

A cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, financial, and emotional hardships often persist after diagnosis and treatment. Survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate insurance, financial hardships, employment problems, and psychological struggles. To improve the quality of life of cancer survivors, more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation is needed.

CONTACT: PAULA CHADWELL
PHONE: 615-791-3834
E-MAIL: PCHADWELL@NCSDF.ORG

Freedom to work????

NOTE: I wrote this before my trip but forgot to post it here. Will update this weekend.

Things have progressed since my last post. I found a funding source to get back on Medicaid (yea!) and am continuing the Xeloda chemo pills. My last CT scan showed no growth, so they decided this time to continue rather than stop the treatment. All the other times my CT scans came back negative, they'd stop that chemo and start something else, or stop everything. Not sure WHAT that is all about.

I have an appointment with Dr. Dragovich at the center. He's the GI specialist Oncologist I mentioned before - that I didn't know he existed, let alone at my own clinic. That won't be until June, but I'm very excited about it. My Oncologist and I seem to have come to an impasse.

I wrote up a bunch of questions for her my last appt. One of them being the triphasic CT scan that the surgeon in CA said he'd need to see to give me an opinion. Her response (through the nurse) was "if she wants a triphasic CT scan, have that Dr in California order it". Wow. The nurse DID tell me that my doc in fact did consult Dr. Dragovich when my CT scan showed growth (in FEB) evidently it was HIS suggestion to try Xeloda. Nice to know. sheesh!

The bad news is that my sister, who's been my main support, is having surgery today for Breast Cancer! She had had several biopsies over the years, always negative, but this time they found a lump. Very small, but aggressive, since it's showed up so fast, but then they are catching it early. Such twists! We're hoping for a clean lumectomy (sp?) and they plan on some radiation. The whole family is reeling from both of us getting cancer at practically the same time.

I'm going back to the Midwest next week. I extended my trip to visit my daughter in Chicago to also go to Minneapolis to visit my sister. I'm so looking forward to that! It's strange all of a sudden being a "caretaker" (as much as I can from 2000 miles) as well as trying to deal with my own issues by myself here in AZ.

I'm feeling ok. Some transitory pain in my middle, diharrea from the Xeloda, and it seems I'm getting fluid around my liver. It doesn't show up on the scan, I guess, but I've gained 15 pounds for some reason (besides eating a lot!) and I can FEEL my middle expanding! The nurse said I have a "little" fluid at my last check up last week, but let it go at that. I just had to buy new pants however! Anyone know much about this? She just said to watch my salt intake.

All in all I can't complain. They said my prognosis last August was 6-11 months, and we're at 9 months and I'm in good shape!