Another clear scan

I had another check up today.  The CAT scan showed no changes and the bloodwork was all in the normal ranges.  I am so thankful to continue my streak of good health.  It has now been over two years that I have been on Tarceva, which is longer than the median of 9-14 months before the body develops a resistance to the drug.  I hope to keep this trend going for a long time!

We just got back from a wonderful 11-day sailboat cruise through the Greek Isles and the coast of Turkey.  I'll be posting pictures on Shutterfly once I have a chance to make a "highlights reel" and will provide a link to the pictures on this blog for those of you interested in viewing them -  so stay tuned!

Finally - Progress in Focus on Research for Lung Cancer!

I've attached a link to a recent news item that is very exciting for those of us with lung cancer or pancreatic cancer, and our loved ones.  Congress has approved making research for treatment and a cure for these two cancers a top priority for the National Cancer Institute (NCI).  We are finally starting to get the attention to these diseases that has been missing for so long.  Yeah!

http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/news/lung-cancer-alliance-news/2012-lca-news/lca-announces-breakthrough-for-lung-cancer-research.html

A Great Day at the Chicago Lung Run

A HUGE "thank you" to everyone who donated and/or participated in Team DL at the Lung Run at Montrose Harbor yesterday.  The weather couldn't have been better, the group was great, the turnout for the whole event was amazing.

Our team of 18 people came in 3rd place in overall donations with $3916.00. (I believe there will be a couple other donations still coming in as well with company matches - thank you so much!)  This was a huge increase over last year, and last year we came in 2nd place in fundraising!  That shows how much this event has grown!

Kudos to Team Cindy Lou who took first place with $6430.00.  It was a special moment to meet Cindy Lou and share our similar cancer experiences with each other. You have a great family and team, Cindy Lou.  It was such a delight to meet you.

My dearest friend, mentor and inspiration, Marla and her Team MAM took second place with $4418.00.

I heard a rumor that the overall event raised over $100,000 - that's a huge amount and it is so exciting to see the growth of this event over the past 3 years that I've participated.  There had to be almost twice as many people as there were the first year I participated.  And I am recognizing more and more of them with each passing year! 

We are making inroads to greater awareness of the prevalence of lung cancer and finally getting some funding for treatments and cures!

Thank you, thank you, thank you - from the bottom of my heart.

Continued Good Results

The celebration continues - today's MRI and blood work at the hospital were all normal and I continue to be well.  I suspected as much, but it is always good to have it objectively verified!

My oncology nurse said today that my case has become rather "boring!"  I LOVE being boring (for once in my life)! 

In the Bonus Round!

Unless something terrible happens in the next 31 minutes, I will officially have outlived my estimated life expectancy at the time I was diagnosed with cancer.  August 20 marks two years since that day that turned my world upside down. 

I was supposed to have a check up last Wednesday, the 15th which would have confirmed that I am still hale and hearty, but technical difficulties with the MRI scanner caused my appointment to be canceled and rescheduled for this Wednesday, the 22nd.  Though the most recent medical confirmation that all is well at this point is over eight weeks old, I can live with that (pun intended).  I still feel great - went on a 4.5 mile run on Friday and an 8 mile bike ride today to pick up groceries for dinner.

Tomorrow Doug and I will have the day together and then meet our family for a celebration dinner.  I've been waiting for this day for a long time.  I've exceeded my expiration date and am now in the bonus round - there's no stopping me now!

Excellent Summary of What It's Like to Have Cancer

I thought I'd post a link to Jeff Tomczek's article in the Huffington Post about what he wishes someone had told him when he found out he had cancer.  It really hit the mark in many ways.

If you are interested, click here to view it.

Still Doing Well!

Just wanted to let you all know that I had my bi-monthly check up at Rush.  The CAT scan and blood work all look just fine.  Next visit will be with an MRI on August 15, five days before my  2-year anniversary of the cancer diagnosis!