Support for LateToSchool

aibarr · July 14, 2008, 1:06am

Adding my prayers, LTS.

epistrophy · July 14, 2008, 8:51am

“Skip the Hokey Pokey: ATTITUDE is What it’s All About!”

Welcome Visitors,

I am a Stage 3 lung cancer survivor, and statistically my odds are not good. I am whipping those odds, and I have a very strong feeling about the reasons.

My own recipe for surviving cancer includes Attitude (big time!), action, and enlisting/accepting all forms of support from family and friends. Hopefully these elements will be easy to see in this blog.

The people closest to me began sharing my emails with others who are dealing with cancer. They also encouraged me to write about my experiences for the benefit of others. This is my first step in that direction: Sharing with total strangers the very personal emails that I sent to family and friends from the day that I first learned that I had cancer onward. No problem!

Here’s to your health - and your Attitude!

[Dann’s</a> Cancer Chronicles](<a href=“http://dannscancerchronicles.blogspot.com/]Dann’s”>http://dannscancerchronicles.blogspot.com/)

DeniseC · July 14, 2008, 11:50am

Thanks and prayers for your caregivers.

Hoping this week brings easier breathing and higher blood counts.

Willing you healing.

momof2inca · July 14, 2008, 12:17pm

I’m praying for you and those who are caring for you, LTS.

poetsheart · July 14, 2008, 12:32pm

You are still in my prayers, Latetoschool. And now, so are your wonderful caregivers. God Bless you all.

bethievt · July 14, 2008, 1:25pm

With you in spirit LTS–and your amazing caregivers!

coskat · July 14, 2008, 1:51pm

thinking of you today and offering prayers of thanks and support for you, your DD and caregivers.

CountingDown · July 14, 2008, 4:39pm

LTS,
Leroy Siever’s spouse, Laurie, posted some thoughts on the 7/9 blog entry about caregivers, referring to them as “Life-Givers.” (scroll down from the top of the page) [NPR:</a> My Cancer](<a href=“http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/index.html]NPR:”>http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/index.html)
So, so true – and boy, it evoked many responses in the comments section. Warning: it made me cry…

LTS, I can only hope that if I ever need someone to take care of me, there will be people who love me the way your Life-Givers love you.

Be well, stay strong, and accept the gift of everyone’s love and prayers that are enveloping you.

padad · July 14, 2008, 5:53pm

Picturing you in a hospital room in a haiku,

Armed to the hilt
Wireless laptop and blackberry
A cancer warrior

busyparent · July 14, 2008, 6:04pm

love the haiku padad

Moominmama · July 14, 2008, 8:35pm

Many hands lift you
Both real and virtual
Breathe deep, grow stronger

shelley14 · July 14, 2008, 9:17pm

Thanking God for your caregivers - and, your daughter. Daughters are wonderful and, clearly, God’s gift!

BunsenBurner · July 14, 2008, 10:12pm

LTS, you and your wonderful caregivers are in my prayers.

zipyourlips · July 14, 2008, 11:02pm

Having nurtured and blessed and made strong those who love you, LTS, now they return these gifts to you. Like your other CC friends, I am keeping you and yours in my prayers.

ADad · July 14, 2008, 11:15pm

–Sheryl Crow

momkaes · July 14, 2008, 11:17pm

LTS I was a caregiver for two dear family members for three years that overlapped each other. I do not have any formal training or previous experience with this, but did it out of love for both of them. I don’t mention this for any reason except to let you know my feelings about the experience. I was often exhausted, sad, confused, and frustrated for the ordeal they both went through. Ultimately I feel grateful and blessed that I had this time with each of them. Some people thought I was burdened and it was too much for me. They were completely wrong about that but I couldnt articulate it at the time. That time in my life was truely Gods special gift to me and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If asked again I would step up in a heatrbeat. When there is nothing you can do about the illness of a loved one its good to be able to bring comfort in other ways. I will continue to pray for you and add your caregivers to my list. Many blessings to you.

aibarr · July 15, 2008, 1:09am

Sending continued positive thoughts and prayers today, all day, LTS.

Sequoia · July 15, 2008, 1:31am

LTS, Though I have not posted here, please know that many, many of us think of you. Your strength, spirit, and selflessness has been astounding and inspirational. I join in sending prayers, to you, your daughter, and your caregivers.

epistrophy · July 15, 2008, 1:41am

living with lung cancer

“One day at a time for city councillor with cancer”

City councillor Pete Cziraky has been able to rebound from virtually anything thrown at him by life.

At the beginning of the year, the Ward 7 councillor and Bobcaygeon-area resident was thrown a curve ball that even the best hitters would have trouble connecting with - a diagnosis of cancer.

It was during the Christmas holidays last year that Pete, feeling a little under the weather, finally “gave in” to his partner Doris Cicci and made an appointment with his doctor. The news came a few weeks later. A spot was found on his lung.

Further tests revealed two brain tumours that had metastisized. They were also inoperable.

Pete was told that, even with chemotherapy and radiation, there was little chance he’d see another Christmas.

A wide range of emotions followed; grief, sorrow, anger and finally acceptance and resolve.

Being “strong and healthy,” Pete decided to make lemonade out of his medical sour fruit.

A conversation with staff at Princess Margaret Hospital resulted in Pete volunteering for a clinical trial study. He started a 10-week schedule of radiation treatments in February at Lakeridge Health then moved on to the double blind trial of six treatments starting this past spring.

“Everything went so fast,” said Pete, noting it’s been a real “roller coaster ride,” physically.

The first couple of chemotherapy sessions involved a barrage of tests and injections, including steroids. Surviving the side effects almost seemed worse than the disease, he quipped.

“By the second treatment, I just wanted to give up,” said Pete, explaining he was in so much pain, weak and tired, it didn’t seem worth the effort.

However, he’s glad he didn’t give up.

“It’s all evening out now,” he said.

Things improved by the third treatment and by the next one, Pete was almost back to normal.

He’s also recently received some encouraging news.

His latest CTScan revealed the lung tumour is shrinking significantly.

It’s come at a “good time,” said Pete.

Just prior to the test he was having one of his “bad days.” He wasn’t feeling well. He had lost (more) weight and blood tests were not favourable.

Pete still has two more treatments remaining in the trial and hopes to continue to follow through with the treatment.

However, he notes it’s not the only way he’s battling the disease.

A spiritual person, Pete puts a great deal of stock into “having faith.” He also appreciates those who are praying for him and providing moral support.

Pete has also gone to a healer who has prescribed a “special tea.” It’s been given the green light by his doctors. Better yet, it doesn’t taste half bad.

Although he appreciates all the concern and caring from the community, he does admit that “sometimes, it gets a little overwhelming.”

But, he also recognizes that’s what happens when you spend more than 55 years in the same community.

Although Pete has lived in other places, he always called Bobcaygeon “home.” It wasn’t surprising that he would eventually stay put, raise children and operate two businesses - This&That and The Book Gallery - with Doris.

His parents Paul and Viv did set the scene. The couple emigrated from Hungary in 1947 and continue to live in the same farmhouse near Nogies Creek. They also remain active in the business community, operating Zeus Travel.

“Bobcaygeon’s a great town…You live there 55 years; people get to know you,” he said. “But there’s a down side of knowing everyone.”

In a way, quips Pete, it’s been feast or famine.

On one side are those well-meaning people who have shared every alternative, new-age, cutting edge, personal experience treatment. On the other are those who have put off speaking to him as their council representative, not wanting to add to his “personal problems.”

He wishes they wouldn’t.

While there are days when he simply isn’t able to attend a council or committee meeting - he currently sits on the development and public works services committee and recently resigned from his position on the health board - Pete is dedicated to his political position.

“I love the job of being a councillor,” said Pete.

In June, his fellow councillors formed a Relay for Life team, collecting pledges and walking in his honour.

“That made me feel really good,” said Pete, who appreciates the fact that, although he’s had “arguments around the table,” they don’t show favouritism, but rather the support he appreciates.

But it’s the support he receives at home that touches his heart the deepest.

“Doris has been a rock,” he said, explaining she and their children, Jacob, Joseph, James, Julie and Cole, have freely given their help and support - “not their sympathy.”

“I’ve sort of had a charmed life. . . no matter what happens, I’ve always bounced back - with help,” said Pete, adding those angry feelings at the beginning have since been resolved. “This is a learning experience.”

Granted, he doesn’t like all of the things he’s learning.

“The number of people with cancer is just astounding,” said Pete, adding his own doctor is a cancer survivor.

However, in the meantime, Pete plans to continue living each day to its fullest.

“So we’re carrying on as normal as we can be,” said Pete, adding one never knows what things will be like, one day to the next. “The disease is just something that gets thrown at you…This is just one more challenge.”

[One</a> day at a time for city councillor with cancer - myKawartha](<a href=“Latest Peterborough News | Peterborough Examiner”>Latest Peterborough News | Peterborough Examiner)

epistrophy · July 15, 2008, 8:02am

and another (living with lung cancer)

“Nakasone will follow service, his first love
Too much left to do for Maui, Democrat says”

WAILUKU - State Rep. Bob Nakasone has won his state legislative re-election campaigns by healthy margins, but this political season he is facing a ruthless challenger from within.

The Democrat representing Kahului and lower Paia residents had to miss two-thirds of the recent Legislative session as he battled lung cancer.

On Monday, the typically media-shy Nakasone discussed his illness in an interview with The Maui News.

Nakasone, 68, said he has decided his political future will continue. There’s too much left to do for Maui, he said. He will formally file today with the state Office of Elections for his eighth state representative race.

He said he feels good. He’s got the backing of his family and a phalanx of dedicated supporters. And door knocking on the campaign trail will do him good, Nakasone said.

“I need the exercise,” he said. “We’re not going to run this campaign any different.”

The cancer in his left lung has been isolated and soon he will begin a third and final round of radiation treatment. Nakasone said he is 80 percent back today and expects to be at full strength in a month.

“The doctor said it’s very promising as far as the results of the treatment,” Nakasone said from a second-floor conference room/campaign headquarters at Ameritone-Maui, his paint and wall-covering store in Kahului. “It’s a wake-up call for anyone. None of us are Superman. The pain and anxiety I wouldn’t wish on anybody. It was the hardest thing I ever went through.”

Throughout his ordeal, Nakasone said he kept the majority leadership abreast of his condition and conducted negotiations by telephone and through intermediaries. During the 60-day session, he had 42 excused absences, the most of any lawmaker.

“Sometimes you might feel good, but exposure will put you at a higher risk,” he said.

Maui Democratic Party Chairman Lance Holter said Nakasone’s knowledge of state capital improvement funding formulas and taxes is almost unequaled.

While seeking treatment, Nakasone was still instrumental in Maui Community College receiving $25 million to build a new science building on the Kahului campus, his colleagues said. Nakasone also said that part of the reason he isn’t done with politics is to achieve his dream of establishing a four-year nursing program at the school.

On Monday, Speaker of the House Calvin Say said he was elated to hear that Nakasone would be running again.

“He is a tremendous asset for the people of Maui. A senior person like Bob and (Rep. Joe) Souki makes it much easier for Maui to get the funding it needs,” Say said. “You know, he’s a man who is very quiet but very effective, especially when it comes to speaking to the Senate.”

Nakasone said he wasn’t intentionally keeping his medical condition quiet. It was a more a result of the circumstances, he said.

Nakasone has represented Maui’s 9th District since 1992 in a political career that began with his election to the Maui County Council in 1977. Nakasone also founded and owns Ameritone-Maui. He has a wife, Ruth, and three adult children.

Nakasone, who was a smoker, said doctors aren’t certain about what caused the cancer, but he quit smoking cigarettes soon after he fell ill in December. He said at first he thought he had a virus that had been going around when he was overcome by jags of coughing.

His wife also became sick around that same time, suffering water in her lungs and a mild heart attack. Needless to say, it was a very trying time for the family, said the couple’s daughter, Joni McGinnis.

“We all know that our parents won’t live forever, but I’ve never seen him in a state of vulnerability, which I guess is typical for Japanese families,” she said. “Dad has always been the pillar of family, especially as far as the business goes. But what he really loves is his public service. So he should follow his first love.”

Nakasone was at the capital for the first two weeks of the session, which began Jan. 16. Soon after, he began medical testing. In early March, Nakasone learned that he had lung cancer, which was followed by an aggressive form of chemotherapy at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.

The program, which was administered during three-day hospital visits, has lasted through this month. In between chemotherapy treatments, Nakasone’s body would be wiped out for 18 days, said the lawmaker, who lost his hair and about 25 pounds. Perhaps the most difficult challenge was temporarily losing his voice, he said.

Nakasone said he held off making any announcements until he had some firmer test results. But the deadline for candidates to file for state and county elections - July 22 - was fast approaching.

And Nakasone could now face a formidable surprise contender.

A former Maui County mayor, council member and Maui Democratic Party chairman, James “Kimo” Apana of Wailuku, officially filed his candidacy with the state Friday.

Apana was not available for comment Monday.

“As party chair, I feel like the more the merrier,” Holter said. “It just means more ideas. We’ve got the kupuna of the House with an incredible amount of experience. And you’ve got to salute him for running again. I just wish Kimo well. He must miss politics. It would be a daunting task to run against someone like Bob. But they both have great networks of people.”

Henry Kahula, a Republican from Paia, has run unsuccessfully against Nakasone in the past. Kahula has also pulled election papers, but he has not filed them yet.

[Nakasone</a> will follow service, his âfirst loveâ - Maui News](<a href=“http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/505939.html?nav=10]Nakasone”>http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/505939.html?nav=10)

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