PBS Broadcast Explaining My Tarceva Treatment

Doug’s mom informed me of this broadcast on PBS this past Friday.  There isn’t anything really new in it, but it clearly explains the status of my Tarceva treatment and the ways they are looking for the next line of defense against lung cancer that responds to this type of treatment.  (By the way, contrary to the information in this broadcast, Dr. Bonomi believes he does have other treatments to try if the Tarceva ever gives out on me.)

You can either watch the video or read the transcript below it.  Here is the link:  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june12/cancer_01-13.html  

Please keep those prayers, intentions, chants or whatever positive force you subscribe to coming so that they find further advancements and maybe even a cure sometime soon.  And please help build public awareness of the serious need for continued research for a cure for lung cancer, as funding for these research advancements is critical.

Thanks for all of your support.

All Good from Today's Dr.'s Visit

Happy New Year!  I wish everybody health, happiness and prosperity for 2012.  My new year has started out well with a normal MRI brain scan and blood work.  Yippee!

November 30 Doctor's Appointment is All Good

I had a CAT scan to the lungs and bloodwork on Wednesday, November 30 and all is looking good.  I'm so pleased to have nothing to report to you all!

Next appointment is January 10, which will be a MRI for the brain and bloodwork again.

I doubt I will have any reason to blog again before then, so happy holidays to everybody.  Stay happy and well!

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Although nobody hears much about it, November is Lung Cancer Awareness month.  I am trying to create more awareness of this leading killer among all the cancers.  One way I am doing that is attending a Lung Cancer Awareness vigil tomorrow at 6 p.m. at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.  (Anyone is welcome to join Doug and me there!)
Another way is to ask those of you reading this blog to take the one minute required to watch this very short video at the following YouTube link - This Cancer - and send it on to anyone else you think could benefit from learning the real facts and statistics about lung cancer.

The "color" to represent lung cancer is transparent, grey, white or pearl, which is meant to represent the fact that this disease is so often hidden.  I personally think that whoever comes up with these things could learn a few things from the breast cancer awareness folks who've managed to get just about everything conceivable to become pink, especially in October, which everyone now knows is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Please help spread some of that awareness and publicity (and funding!) to Lung Cancer.

Thanks.

Icing on the Cake!

Those were the words my sister Deborah used to describe the news of another clean MRI scan of my brain today after returning from a two-week trip to Italy with her, her husband Jim, and Doug.  We just got back on Friday night.

First, the doctor's visit:
Had an MRI with and without contrast this morning and then blood work followed.  All results came in normal and everything looks fine.  They want me to work on trying to gain a couple pounds - that's a first!  Next check up at Rush is on November 30, when I will have a chest CAT scan, blood work and doctor visit.  This coming Thursday, I will have a check up with the neurologist, Dr. Angelopoulos, but don't expect much to come from that appointment.

Now, for Italy:
My eldest sister Deborah and her husband Jim gave Doug and I a most generous and incredible gift - taking us on a trip to central and northern Italy for two weeks and two days in grand style.  We started in the Tuscan wine country, staying in Cortona; next going to Siena; then to Florence; followed by the Italian Riviera, staying at Santa Margherita Ligure and including a trip to Cinque Terre; and wrapping up in Lake Como in a town called Blevio.  It was the trip of a lifetime.  One place more spectacular than the next.  We had exceptionally warm, sunny weather and we all had an absolutely fabulous time.  What a huge reward to celebrate a good outcome to a trying year.  I am eternally grateful to Deborah and Jim for making such great memories for all of us.

2011 Lung Run

Team DL at 2011 Lung Run

What a difference a year makes!  From wet, cold and soggy weather to a beautiful sunny early fall morning; and from just getting diagnosed with lung cancer to celebrating the cancer's remission!  Lung Run 2011 was a great success.

Thanks to the 22 family members and friends who made up 2011 Team DL for your participation.  Team DL ranked fourth in highest team donations raised!  Everybody seemed to enjoy the scenic walk/run and nobody got injured.  Success all around!

I am still smiling from the great day you all gave me yesterday.  Once again, I count my blessings of such a great support network.  Thank you.

All Quiet on the CAT scan front

I had my first CT scan of the lung since they did the focused radiation on it in early May.  As expected, there is what they called a "frosty glass" type of spot exactly where the radiation was done that is very likely scar tissue.  Everything else was clear, so looks like the lung is fine.  All the blood work was also normal.

So I will be able to take our trip to Italy with no worries.  Yeah!

I will have an MRI to ensure the brain remains clear on October 10, so that is our next major date. 

On August 20, we had a party to mark the one year anniversary of my lung cancer diagnosis.  In spite of some rain at the beginning, it turned into a lovely day and a joyous time to celebrate the progress that has occurred in that year's time.  Thanks to all who have supported me and shared this journey with me.

Ciao for now!