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epistrophy · March 21, 2008, 10:29pm

“Battle with [lung] cancer sharpens business perspective”

Linda and Charlie Weaver started their first real estate franchise the same month they got the worst news of their lives.

It was last May, and the Kalama couple had just returned from a training seminar at the headquarters of Assist 2 Sell in Reno. Charlie had an MRI before they left to check a lump in his hip. The news was not good.

Charlie, 54, had stage 4 lung cancer, the worst kind. He needed surgery, he needed chemotherapy and he needed to prepare to fight.

The doctor told him he likely had only nine months left, but the couple didn’t give up. Linda even booked a weeklong cruise in Hawaii to take place nine months later as an incentive for her husband to get better.

The nine months is up, Charlie is cancer-free, and their Assist 2 Sell franchise is open for business in Kelso.

But not this week - because the Weavers are exploring Hawaii.

“Saturday it’s been nine months, and we’re headed on that cruise,” Linda said.

“Can’t wait. Can’t wait! I’m so jazzed,” Charlie added, pumping his fist.

Charlie left the telecom industry after 26 years and searched for a new career. He got his real estate license in 2001, and his wife followed suit in 2004.

The cancer battle has given them a different perspective on running their business, they said. With the economy slowing nationwide, people are looking to save money, Charlie said.

The Weavers’ goal is to help them do that while buying a home, even if it means less profit for them.

“We can now relate very closely to what a lot of folks are going through,” Charlie said.

Charlie is quick to laugh and smile, and he said surviving cancer has made him approach each day with a sunnier attitude.

“Your criteria for having a good day goes way down,” Charlie said.

[The</a> Daily News Online > Area News > Battle with cancer sharpens business perspective](<a href=“Battle with cancer sharpens business perspective”>Battle with cancer sharpens business perspective)

lily_51426 · March 22, 2008, 12:33am

LTS, Thinking of you when I was reading this link:
[UW</a> Carbone Cancer Center](<a href=“http://www.cancer.wisc.edu/uwccc/article_EBUS.asp]UW”>http://www.cancer.wisc.edu/uwccc/article_EBUS.asp)
Healthy wishes

latetoschool · March 22, 2008, 9:01am

Epistrophy, thank you for the link about the Weavers. Very interesting from a business perspective. Since my diagnosis in September, I have consistently achieved record revenues, and career-best accomplishments. Some of my business achievements are far beyond anything I might have wished for. I have avoided puzzling about why, but, Charlie Weaver makes a statement along the lines of “your standard of what constitutes a good day goes way down”, and, I think this is true…

Yesterday morning I spent hours at a client site even through most of the rest of the world was off for Good Friday. I was so happy to be there - so totally psyched and thrilled to be sitting in a conference room, wearing a suit, talking to my clients about FCPA issues and drug traffickers and blood diamond miners - just so incredibly happy to be doing that, and grateful for every minute of it.

Reading the Weavers’ story, I wonder, if I didn’t have cancer, would I have been as thrilled to be sitting in that conference room yesterday morning? It’s really hard for me to remember much about the “feeling” side of life before diagnosis, but, I suspect I would have been wanting to rush the business dialog along, conclude it quickly so that I could rush home and hop into a pair of jeans…

Having cancer certainly has made me appreciate and treasure the other elements of my life so much more.

Lily, thank you for the link. I am having some difficulty measuring all of the treatment option information, and, I feel somewhat rushed. I have a question out to yet another physician today - I read a statistic that 50% of persons who have whole brain radiation and manage to survive two years suffer dementia. I am unable to source the statistic, but, if there is even the slightest chance that this information is true, well…meanwhile, I have an appointment Monday afternoon to begin treatment, but, I made it just to cover the option, I might cancel…

mythmom · March 22, 2008, 10:41am

latetoschool: Thanks for the glimpse of your life in the conference room. Congratulations on your successes and your appreciation of them. Easter is here! And thinking of you and will all day Monday.

Whatever you decide I will keep praying for you.

tobia_e · March 22, 2008, 10:46am

LTS,
I thought of you when I read this article about Grant Achatz, a famous, successful chef who was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer of the tongue and chose somewhat unconvential treatment (more chemo than usual, instead of surgery) because he didn’t want to lose his sense of taste. According to sources, he is now cancer free and doing quite well.

[A</a> Chef Faces His Worst Fears - WSJ.com](<a href=“http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118850654534013822-LAudtvjuhiNxuLTg6k1drOPbshw_20070929.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top]A”>http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118850654534013822-LAudtvjuhiNxuLTg6k1drOPbshw_20070929.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top)

[Grant</a> Achatz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Achatz]Grant”>Grant Achatz - Wikipedia)

churchmusicmom · March 22, 2008, 1:17pm

LTS, many prayers here for peace as you make your decision about treatments.

One thing jumped out at me… you said:

and what occurs to me is that those are way better “odds” than you have been given so far in this thing. If that is your best option (the whole brain radiation) at this point, I hope you get to the place where you feel you can go with it. Those statistics are NOTHING compared to what you have already achieved.

Just what jumped out at me. Feel free to ignore…

I pray your weekend is a blessed one.

epistrophy · March 22, 2008, 2:06pm

Congressman for 25 years - and lung cancer “survivor”

Clay had no reason to suspect he had cancer when he consulted his doctor about a persistent cough. But when his doctor had a hard time meeting his eyes after a needle biopsy, he knew the news was going to be bad.

Now he has a message that he will preach to anyone who will listen: “I am convinced our only defense against lung cancer is heightened awareness and increased research.”

E. Clay Shaw has spent much of his life in the public eye. He has represented Florida in Congress for 25 years. His current goal is to make cancer a manageable disease and/or find a cure by 2015. With colleague and cancer survivor Collin Peterson, he founded the 2015 Caucus and introduced the recently passed Resolution 210, which shares the goals of the National Cancer Institute: to end the suffering and death due to cancer.

“Cancer is something we can overcome,” he says. He admits that his diagnosis was a shock at first. “The world sort of stops when you hear that, but I did not want any pity parties, I wanted to move forward, and that is what I have done for the last three years.”

“When you are in a race and you see the finish line you sprint, you don’t jog over the line. You give it everything you possibly can, and that is what we need to do with cancer research. We are so close to finding a cure or making this a manageable disease,” he says very passionately. “The more we talk about cancer and the positive things that are happening, it helps the attitude of everyone with cancer.”

Clay and his wife of 45 years, Emilie, have lost family and friends to cancer. But his goals are not about him – they are about everyone affected by this insidious disease. And even though he is not a scientist, he feels he can contribute to finding a cure. “I could retire, but I feel I am in a position to really make a difference.”

Lung cancer kills more people than many other cancers combined,according to the National Cancer Institute. But, Clay says, “We don’t spend nearly enough on lung cancer.”

Congressman Shaw has spoken to the President about this and wants him to make this a priority. “My goal now is to bring the President aboard and make this a national commitment. It is such a logical thing to do.”

<a href=“http://www.facesoflungcancer.com/stories/clay.html[/url]”>http://www.facesoflungcancer.com/stories/clay.html</a>

epistrophy · March 22, 2008, 4:03pm

“Lung Cancer Survivor and Family Endow New Cancer Professorship”

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is establishing an endowed professorship in lung cancer research thanks to the efforts of the Shumate family. The Rose Carol Shumate Professorship in Lung Cancer Research was started with a gift of $100,000 from the Shumate Family Foundation and a matched donation of $100,000.

As a survivor who battled lung cancer, Rose Carol Shumate is keenly aware that cancer patients require thorough care and treatments from up-to-date facilities and properly trained faculty. Because Shumate and her niece Paige Shumate Short were so happy with the care Markey Cancer Center provided, they decided to establish a professorship for lung cancer research. The Shumates hope the professorship will help advance research and treatment in lung cancer and provide adequate care for more patients battling cancer.

“In the laboratory, seeing how the concept of cancer research is derived is the small picture. The large picture is Markey Cancer Center and the many people it gives hope to,” Short said. “Education in academic research fields often generates great physicians to treat and help people today. If someone had not invented this treatment through research years ago, Aunt Carol would not be receiving the care and therapy she is today.”

“The Markey Cancer Center is remarkable,” Short added. “One of the greatest things they offer is support and help to people who are afraid. They provide them with the courage they need to reach down into their heart to fight. Our dream is that someday, someone finally will be able to provide the hope, the care and a cure for cancer.”

Dr. Susanne Arnold was named the Rose Carol Shumate Professor in Cancer Research. She is a UK graduate and received medical oncology training at Markey Cancer Center. Arnold is the lead medical oncologist in the Lung Cancer and Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Programs.

Arnold’s research is focused on the development of novel therapies for epithelial cancers. She is supported by awards from industry sponsors and grants from the National Cancer Institution. Arnold was named as the inaugural Rose Carol Shumate Professor in Cancer Research in recognition of her many academic accomplishments and extreme dedication to her patients. This professorship will provide important support for Arnold’s research programs.

<a href=“http://news.uky.edu/news/display_article.php?artid=2482[/url]”>http://news.uky.edu/news/display_article.php?artid=2482</a>

epistrophy · March 22, 2008, 4:30pm

artist, author, ecologist, designer - and lung cancer “survivor”

<a href=“CaringBridge”>CaringBridge;

<a href=“http://www.tomcross-artist.com/[/url]”>http://www.tomcross-artist.com/</a>

Ever recognising the contributions of great artists whose creative imagination and work has made a major contribution to Fairy and Fantasy images world wide, Fairies World® is proud to present the work of Tom Cross.

Not only has Tom worked wonders with his Wizards and his Fairies but he discovered in January 2004 that as a non smoker he has lung cancer. We are consciously aware of similar illnesses within our artists fairy circle and the outpouring of love, prayers and support from so many of us has lifted the spirits of our patients as they undergo their treatment, giving strength for them to help others.

Those reading this please see the links to where great help and comfort and support is at hand. Tom is a tower of strength his story is below, we wish him continued success with his artistic achievements and in his fight with cancer for himself and for so many others.

TOM CROSS

An artist, author, and designer, Tom is known worldwide for his lighthearted, yet thought-provoking glimpses into the aspects of nature that are so often overlooked-its lore, its myth, and its legends. His art is well known through its publication as limited edition art prints by the prestigious Mill Pond Press and in numerous books, including his creation, FAIRY GARDEN: Fairies of the Four Seasons and the popular THE WAY OF WIZARDS, which he wrote and illustrated. His work appears on many different licensed products such as puzzles, greeting cards, posters and collectible products. It has been exhibited worldwide, including the recently completed European touring exhibit, IMAGES FROM MIDDLE-EARTH, which attracted some 30,000 spectators in Rome. Tom also holds the distinction of being perhaps the only officially sworn in expert witness - on faeries mind you - in a multi-million dollar lawsuit and jury trial in California that has, as of this writing, been in and out of the courts since 1999.

A nationally recognized specialist in the study of coastal barrier island ecology, Tom Cross has contributed his talents to the likes of the Cousteau Society, the EPA and the Conservation Foundation. A longtime resident of the Sarasota area, Tom Cross lives in Osprey, FL with his wife, Patti, and their daughter, Amber.

CANCER: A CHALLENGE & AN OPPORTUNITY

"Never a smoker, I was shocked at age 49 with the January 2004 diagnosis of terminal lung cancer. Through dogged determination and research, the support of friends and family, an acceptance of complementary and alternative treatments, and essential medical expertise from near and far, a daunting fight for survival holds hope.

Much has been learned through this experience about the human condition - the compassion of friends and strangers alike, the strength of will, the power of positive thinking and the camaraderie found in a common cause to overcome a formidable foe that afflicts so many, yet is so misunderstood.

Every year lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States–more than 160,000 deaths per year; more than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. Concurrently, 178,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, at least half of which are too late for curative therapy. 30% of all lung cancer cases are non-smokers, with a growing number of “never-smokers” now being identified with the disease Lung cancer, because of the stigma of being a self-inflicted disease, receives some of the lowest research and treatment funding of all cancers. Statistics show $24,000 in research per breast cancer death and $1,800 per lung cancer death.

It is my hope that through my art, participation in lung cancer awareness activities that some small difference may be made to bring hope and someday a cure to this disease."

ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES

Diagnosed as an inoperable, stage IV case with little chances of surviving one year, his relentless determination and self-advocacy lead him to various major cancer centers, finally zeroing in on compelling evidence from clinical trials with targeted lung cancer drugs that showed promise for this “never-smoker” subset of lung cancer patients (defined as having smoked less than 100 cigarettes lifelong). There was little hope for a cure, but there was hope and a reasonable chance that the disease could be controlled and treated as a chronic condition.

After a novel protocol of the standard systemic chemotherapy complemented with the targeted daily pill, Iressa, and a regimen consisting of a carefully tailored diet, traditional Chinese herbs, acupuncture and other “outside the box” thinking, Tom had a complete response and was cancer-free as of July, 2004 - an unexpected but welcome result. He stayed on the Iressa pill, the alternative treatments, an array of supplements and accelerated his efforts on behalf of lung cancer research and education.

Much has been learned over the past year about lung cancer in never-smokers that may open doors for the entire lung cancer population, including the discovery of genetic mutations, that when present, may indicate a greater chance of response to the targeted therapy.

Unfortunately, as is so often the case with lung cancer, Tom’s disease returned in April of 2005. An anxious 3 months of treatment-free tests, a lung biopsy, gene sequencing for the mutations (none were found) and exploration into possible clinical trials or more chemo ensued.

In July of 2005, part by design and part by happenchance, Tom decided to try Tarceva, another targeted pill. Tests 6 days later showed the disease diminishing - an unprecedented occurrence. Follow-up tests in Sept. '05 showed an amazing further diminishment of the cancer by 75% or more! All involved are happily befuddled.

Buoyed by yet another victory for chronic survival, Tom continues with his varied lung cancer advocacy tasks, including the Chronic Survival Tour art show and events (<a href=“http://benefitshow05.tomcross-artist.com/)%5B/url%5D”>http://benefitshow05.tomcross-artist.com/)</a>, and ongoing work on the online registry he co-founded with fellow-patient Terri Hunziker, <a href=“http://www.neversmokers.com%5B/url%5D”>www.neversmokers.com</a>.

Meanwhile, progress continues to be made in lung cancer treatment and Tom intends to be around to benefit from them . . . chronically.

<a href=“http://www.fairiesworld.com/wizards/[/url]”>http://www.fairiesworld.com/wizards/</a>

<a href=“http://www.neversmokers.com%5B/url%5D”>http://www.neversmokers.com</a>

epistrophy · March 22, 2008, 10:22pm

It’s quite dark, and not the sort of thing to read if one is looking for something uplifting or comforting, but there’s a short story by Alice Munro (who, if you’re not familiar with her, is generally regarded as one of the finest short story writers around) in a recent issue of the New Yorker in which the protagonist is a woman who has had cancer.

“Thanks to the radiation last spring, her cancer was at present in remission - whatever that actually meant.”

<a href=“http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2008/02/11/080211fi_fiction_munro[/url]”>“Free Radicals,” by Alice Munro | The New Yorker;

epistrophy · March 23, 2008, 7:43am

another lung cancer “survivor”

"“I can do it”

Retired now, Steve Shakal of Cary attacks his volunteer activities with the same fervor and passion that he once dedicated to his career in electronic communications. His never-give-up attitude made him one of the lucky fewhe is a lung cancer survivor, and only 15 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer live more than five years.

Today, Shakal gives back to the community. He serves as head usher at St. Andrews the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, his spiritual community. He volunteers at a food shelter to feed those less fortunate.

And as he sips coffee at Perkins Family Restaurant in Apex, our interview is punctuated every few minutes by cell phone calls. Shakal is a member of North Carolinians Against Lung Cancer (NCALC), an advocacy group affiliated with the American Lung Association, and there are always lung cancer patients and survivors to meet. Ever-present is a list of people he should call or visit. He also speaks to high school students and adult groups about quitting smoking. I tell them, look what I got from cigarettesI got sick.

Shakal, who has defied death on more than one occasion, brings a stubborn, persistent attitude to everything he tackles. So when his physician told him in 1997 that he had lung cancer in an advanced stage, giving up was not an option.

By the time he was diagnosed, Shakal had been smoking over 35 years. When I was a kid, I used old cigarettes that Uncle Stan had left in the driveway, Shakal said. As he grew up, he said there were times when he smoked two to three packs of cigarettes a day.

Shakal, a retired Navy reservist for over 26 years, was transferred to Cary from Chicago in 1992 because he was known as a hard worker.

About that time, Shakal realized maybe he was working too hard. I thought to myself, all I do is eat, sleep and sit at the computer. So I decided to get up and run two miles every day. He ran 10 miles many Saturdays.

I knew about smoking, Shakal said, with a wry grin. And I said, Im runningsee?

By 1996, there were mild symptoms: back pain that did not respond to physical therapy and an upper chest cold with a nasty cough. The cough got worse. Shakals doctor referred him to a pulmonologist, who then took X-rays.

Shakal said the physician did not even glance at the X-rays before he announced to Shakal and his wife, Steve, youve got lung cancer. Its advanced, its incurable, its inoperable. Shakal said he was completely shocked. The first order of business after leaving the doctors office was taking his cigarettes and tossing them in a dumpster in the parking lot.

Shortly after his diagnosis, Shakal found an oncologist who was a perfect fit. Dr. P.J. Singh treated Shakal despite the gloomy outlook, and what followed was a battery of chemotherapy, radiation and seemingly endless tests. Shakal said what helped him was Dr. Singhs request for spiritual assistance. He said, I want you to help mecan you pray for me? Shakal said his own spirituality helped him through the months of treatment and recovery.

An MRI confirmed that the lung cancer had spread to Shakals head. The tumor was affecting my short-term memory. When the doctor asked me to repeat what he said, I couldnt do it.

<hr>

Soon, Shakal had surgery resulting in 68 staples in his head. A few months later, Shakal had thoracic surgery to remove the top lobe of his lung, three ribs and some muscle.

The road to recovery was long and paved with obstacles. For weeks, Shakal was confined to an armchair in front of the television. His muscles were so affected by the surgeries that he could not operate the remote control.

I just kept trying, Shakal said. I bought picture puzzles. I would put together a few pieces and then go lie down. I ended up putting six 1000-piece puzzles together. It raised my confidenceI thought, I can do this.

The medical focus was can we save your life? My focus was, can you save my quality of life? What can I adapt to? I just kept trying.

<a href=“http://www.agwoodman.com/Articles%20Survivor.htm[/url]”>http://www.agwoodman.com/Articles%20Survivor.htm</a>

epistrophy · March 23, 2008, 7:56am

and another lung cancer “survivor”

“Lung Cancer Survivor Reunites with Her Daughter”

The old saying, “every cloud has a silver lining,” seems to have been written just for Sandra Hearn. What started as a cough and turned into a cancerous tumor on her right lung, eventually ended with a mother and daughter reuniting after a lifetime of separation.

"My life was saved by two men, Hearn said, referring to Dr. David Jablons and Dr. Thierry Jahan, renowned lung cancer experts at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, who treated her in September 2001. “I realize the many wonderful stories and lives changed by your staff are numerous, but I would truly like you to hear mine. I feel unique as there was a real and special reason my life was saved.”

After coming home from vacation with a cough and feeling ill, Hearn, who lives in Cobb, Calif., was told by a local doctor that she had the beginning of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of conditions that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is the leading cause of death, illness and disability in the United States. Because tobacco use is the leading cause of the condition, Hearn’s doctor told her she should quit smoking. She did and felt all right for the next year, until she began to feel rundown again and had serious trouble breathing.

During a visit to the emergency department, she was told that she had a mass on her right lung. She was transferred to another hospital to see a heart surgeon. After numerous tests, the surgeon told her that the tumor was cancerous. The doctor scheduled her for surgery but warned her that because her lung capacity was so damaged, he might have to just “close her up” in surgery. She was scheduled for surgery in a few days and went home to prepare.

But Hearn’s family in Southern California insisted that she wait for a second opinion. Her sister sent her some information about UCSF Medical Center, highlighting Jahan and Jablons. Luckily, she agreed to make an appointment with the Thoracic Oncology Program at UCSF Medical Center before going through with the previously scheduled surgery.

Because of the unbelievable compassion, honesty and concern that Jahan and Jablons showed, Hearn said, “My fear vanished. I now had a plan of action and two doctors who would help me through whatever lay ahead for me, and my family. They never promised me anything but respect for my wishes.”

Unfortunately her tumor did not respond well to the chemotherapy she received before surgery. Even still, her doctors persevered, determined to provide her with the best possible care.

On Sept. 25, 2001, she underwent surgery. Although Jablons, was unsure whether he could remove all of Hearn’s cancer, he promised to do everything he could. “He is truly a genius,” Hearn said. “He performed magic during my surgery, (he told me he had help and I believe he did). I had many people peeking in at me while in the hospital wanting to see the miracle woman.”

But Hearn’s miracle soon became about more than just her physical recovery. After a successful surgery, she was reunited with the daughter whom she had given up for adoption at birth 37 years before. Although Hearn was a very young girl when she had her daughter, named Michelle by her adoptive family, and was never even allowed to touch her, she never forgot her and always hoped to find her.

“Michelle has been trying to find me for most of her life. I had been registered with many organizations, and needless to say, many more when I thought I had no time left,” Hearn said. “She found me through the Salvation Army this past February.” Michelle’s adoptive mother passed away when she was 23 and her adoptive father, with whom she was very close, passed away of lung cancer on the day Hearn had her surgery at UCSF Medical Center.

For the first time, Hearn has been able to hold her daughter in her arms, and get to know her and her four children, who live in Saranac Lake, N.Y. “The healing happened the day we met; it was as if we had never been separated,” Hearn says, who calls it a “dream come true” – a dream she insists would not have been possible without Jahan and Jablons, and the team of outstanding professionals at UCSF Medical Center.

At Hearn’s last visit with Jahan on June 4, 2003, she brought him a photograph of her and Michelle. “I told him that that he and Dr. Jablons had saved my life and that there was a reason for it.”

<a href=“http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/profiles/hearnSandra.html[/url]”>http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/profiles/hearnSandra.html</a>

epistrophy · March 23, 2008, 8:05am

“Cancer survivor in 125 mile canoe race”

A CANCER survivor is celebrating his tenth anniversary since beating the odds by competing in a kayak marathon.

Andy Cook, 50, will take part in the Devizes to Westminster 125 mile canoe race during the Easter weekend in aid of charity Myeloma UK.

Andy, a retired music and primary school teacher of Tamar Close, Loudwater, was struck down with the increasingly common bone marrow cancer in 1998.

The married father-of-two, was diagnosed with a collapsed vertebrae as a result of the disease.

He went on to have radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Andy said: "I am doing it to celebrate the fact I have had ten years in remission from Myeloma and the fact I’ve lived until I am 50.

“Myeloma is treatable but not curable. The expectation was anything from no time to three years.”

The keen canoeist first completed the canoe race when he was 16 and three further times before giving up when he became a father.

He began training while on the road to recovery. “When I first started canoeing I had to paddle for a bit then rest. Only in the last few months I have been able to paddle without resting,” he said.

Andy, who is also a member of the Marlow Canoe Club, then went on to do the Windsor and Wycombe half marathons two years ago and even climbed Ben Nevis.

“My family think I’m mad. You couldn’t do it without a support crew. They will follow me in the car with food and extra clothes,” he said.

He added: "Having this to aim at has given me something to do with my life. Myeloma is the fastest growing cancer in the Western world - more and more people are getting it.

“I thought it was a good thing to celebrate rather than having a 50th birthday party - to raise money for Myeloma UK because it’s a really good charity and has been very helpful to me.”

Andy sets off for his journey on Good Friday and will paddle for seven hours a day until Easter Monday.

<a href=“Cancer survivor in 125 mile canoe race | Bucks Free Press”>Cancer survivor in 125 mile canoe race | Bucks Free Press;

tobia_e · March 23, 2008, 2:14pm

Hoping you have a blessed and joyous day today and everyday, LTS. :)

sybbie719 · March 23, 2008, 2:40pm

Hi LTS,

You are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you and yours a blessed Easter.

epistrophy,

Just gotta give you a shout. Although I don’t always have time to read all of your postings in depth, I just wanted to say thanks for all of your contributions to this thread and you really have been a blessing, as I have passed your information on to others.

epistrophy · March 23, 2008, 7:35pm

“Life beyond chemotherapy”

For decades, oncologists have focused on ways to help patients survive cancer.

What they didn’t pay much attention to was what happened when people did.

That thinking has begun to change in recent years with advancements in treatment and an increase in the number of survivors.

A growing number of hospitals are turning to fitness to combat cancer and often-debilitating treatments. The idea replaces the longheld notion that patients, weakened and wasted by their ordeal, should simply go home and rest, left to regain ground on their own.

Memorial Hospital Central began offering exercise and other physical therapies to cancer patients two years ago. In January, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services launched a program. Both hospitals say patients have generally experienced fewer side effects from chemotherapy and made bigger strides in bouncing back.

Hospital officials predict physical therapy will be a staple in cancer treatment in another five years.

“It’s changing their world,” said Charles Stine, director of rehab for Penrose-St. Francis. “It’s no longer a life sentence. . . . We’re preparing them for life after cancer.”

Traditionally, doctors have been so consumed by combating cancer that they’ve been slow to consider what happens when patients go home, said Dr. Anuj V. Peddada, a radiation oncologist at Penrose Cancer Center. Patients suffering from the severe fatigue, muscle wasting and depression could take years to fully recover, if at all.

But with successes in treating more cancers, he said, some physicians are beginning to look beyond the chemotherapy, radiation and the surgical knife to assess patients’ lives when they go home.

Baby boomers are fueling that trend, he and others said. Many are active before cancer strikes, and they are determined to get back to the jobs, families and lifestyles of before. People such as cyclist Lance Armstrong, who beat testicular cancer to win seven consecutive Tour de France road races, have fueled that fight-back mentality.

Research on the benefits of exercise in these patients, coupled with revised American Cancer Society guidelines in 2003 to include fitness, have provided the clinical credibility for hospitals such as Memorial and Penrose to invest in the idea.

Insurance companies, according to hospital officials, have traditionally been willing to pay for rehab in oncology. It just wasn’t routinely recommended.

The concept is simple: The same benefits of exercise in healthy people - lower stress, more energy, a stronger and better-conditioned body - apply to cancer patients. The benefits in many ways come faster and are more significant in cancer patients than in the general population.

Memorial physical therapist Liz Bauer points to one patient whose pain, according to an assessment, declined by 50 percent in a month while his oxygen level during exercise improved by 53 percent. The patient also reported 39 percent less fatigue. 

Statistics aside, patients say it gives them something they can control.

For Pat Heinz, a 51-yearold mother of three with Stage 4 lung cancer, rehab has given her something to take charge of - and look forward to - in a situation mostly out of her hands. A nonsmoker who two years ago ran a half marathon, she was diagnosed in August after a dry cough would not go away. “Your life can change in the matter of a CAT scan,” she said. In therapy, she can focus on extending the distance of her six-minute walk, and her will to walk helps determine her success.

Physical therapists are quick to say they are not personal trainers. Too much exertion can be harmful, and cancer patients are heavily monitored during activity.

The goal is to get cancer victims back to work, holding their children, or even going to the grocery store, said Britta Newcomer, Memorial’s manager of oncology services.

“A big part of our job is cheerleader,” Bauer said.

In April 2007, Memorial received a $25,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to strengthen its oncology exercise program, called Energy for Life. The program has been modeled after The Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute in northern Colorado, a leader in cancer rehab research.

At Penrose, physical therapy assistant Lynette Olson spends part of her time in the Penrose Cancer Center helping patients get into rehab.

Exercise isn’t easy in the throes of chemo, radiation and cancer. Patients and health care workers say that cancer-related fatigue does not go away with rest, and it’s more severe than a healthy person has experienced, even with no activity.

Add to that a treadmill and it can be Herculean. Therapists are trained to keep people within a well-defined range of moderate activity, but moderate is a challenge in itself.

For Regina Topp, a 53-yearold mother of two with Stage 2 breast cancer, “it was like climbing a fourteener.”

Heinz said the first time she attempted exercise after chemo it felt like “pulling lead” and was comparable to the half marathon she’d run.

Yet both say they seemed to rebound faster and felt better than before they started physical therapy. Bauer points to a patient who came to her after breast cancer treatment with little use of her arms. After a few sessions of therapy, she got involved in a swimming program at the YMCA.

“We really changed her perception of what she believed she could do,” Bauer said.

Peddada thinks oncology-related rehab marks the beginning of increased research in looking at helping patients in holistic ways to supplement traditional treatments. Doctors, he said, are starting to recognize as they search for cancer cures that it’s not just about “quantity of life.”

<a href=“http://www.gazette.com/articles/focused_34524___article.html/ways_help.html[/url]”>http://www.gazette.com/articles/focused_34524___article.html/ways_help.html</a>

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“Exercise Program Helps Cancer Patients”

**Jan Callen knows what it means to be a survivor. Diagnosed with lung cancer more than a year ago, she’s gone through chemotherapy and radiation. But the treatments to save her life, left her exhausted. “There were days I just really didn’t want to get out of bed,” she remembered. “I’m a high energy person and I couldn’t stand that.”

Jan is now cancer free and slowly getting back into life by exercising.** She’s a part of the Live Stronger, Live Smarter Cancer Exercise Program at Candler hospital. Whether she’s lifting weights or walking on a treadmill, each step gives her a little more strength back. “I can walk from one end of Broughton Street and back and it’s nothing. Before, just to walk a few blocks was pretty exhausting,” Jan said.

Katie Britt is the program coordinator and Jan’s trainer. She tailors each workout session to her patient’s needs, using cardio exercise and weight training to build up their endurance and strength. “People think when you get sick that you shouldn’t do anything, you should sit home and do nothing,” Katie explained. “But really, the opposite is true. Because you’ll feel so much better once you start getting up and moving, no matter how little it is.”

Jan says the program works. It’s helping her not only get her life back, but beat the disease that threatens to take it away. “It gives me the strength and the energy to fight and to keep going for my children and grandchildren, because I have a lot to live for,” she smiled. “And I intend to be around for a long time.”

And exercising every chance she gets.

<a href=“http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8047187&nav=0qq6[/url]”>http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8047187&nav=0qq6</a>

latetoschool · March 23, 2008, 8:01pm

Epistrophy, I just really need to echo what Sybbie has posted. Thank you so much for your efforts here. The information you bring provides a lot of hope, as well as interesting and even surprising news.

For anyone else reading/lurking, I cannot say enough how strongly I agree with the last article Epistrophy posted. I intentionally rented a house in Arlington where I have no choice but to climb LOTS of stairs to get to a bathroom, a bedroom, etc. I did this knowing full well that things could possibly get bad enough that navigating the stairs could become very difficult. I have always been a fan of “never, ever walk when you can run”, so, I run up and down them most of the time. In Miami, I worked out every day in the weight room, even on chemo days. In Washington, even though I have my car, and various car services at the ready, I still walk to the Metro every day (although I walk a bit slower than I did a couple of months ago), AND, I walk, not ride, the escalators on both ends.

Several doctors have remarked to me recently about my unusual performance status, given the seriousness of this particular cancer. More than a few of them have reacted with a lot of surprise at my overall condition, no meds and still no side effects. I do not have any idea if it will translate to a survival benefit or not, but, I am convinced that the level of exercise and activity maintained has had an overwhelming positive impact on my situation.

Because I am also convinced that we become what we think about, I make an effort every day to read about the sports that I for the moment cannot do. It is something to work my way back to…

Last, on the cyberknife forum, one of the contributing doctors emphasized strongly (in response to a patient’s question) that exercise, not rest, is the solution to exhaustion caused by radiation/chemo or cancer treatment in general.

So, for anyone else going through this, or perhaps caring for someone else who is going through this, if you can at all do even the smallest amounts of exercise, perhaps it will help. At a minimum, it will almost certainly feel better to at least try.

sax · March 23, 2008, 9:57pm

Leave it to you, LTS, to be trying to take care of the masses and I for one say thanks.

Just wanted to log on and say I hope this day has brought you clarity of thought and a decision on your treatment tomorrow. As always sending you good thoughts.

overseas · March 23, 2008, 9:58pm

I totally agree on the exercise. I walked for 40 min + every day for my weeks and weeks of daily radiation therapy and never felt depleted. I’ll add you are what you eat as well. I have totally changed what i put in my mouth. Nutrition is everything for me. Along with exercise, good nutrition gave me back energy. Three cheers for feeling as good as you can!

jym626 · March 24, 2008, 9:23am

LTS,
I just noticed that it’s been almost 6 months since this thread started, and you’ve just passed your 2,000th post. These are all remarkable milestones which bear acknowledgement. Keep on truckin’!

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