CindyA

Hello everyone, Here is a great opportunity to make food taste good again during chemotherapy! ________________________________________________________________________________ My name is Jessie Callahan. I am the Marketing Director at Cooking for Chemo. We are teaming up with Gilda's Club Chicago on April 20th @ 6 pm to teach a virtual class on Cooking for Chemo. I am writing to invite you to come to the webinar. The presentation will be held at their clubhouse. Gilda's Club Chicago Wells Street Clubhouse 537 North Wells Street Chicago, IL 60654 The event is 100% FREE and is available to anyone who would like to join. We encourage you, your staff, and anyone you help to attend this webinar. In this virtual class, Chef Ryan, teaches you the basics on how to adjust your cooking and make food taste good again during chemotherapy. His techniques focus on teaching you how to combat metallic tastes, loss of appetite, and mouth sores. This class will change the way you see food and help improve your quality of life. Cooking for Chemo ...and After! is a how-to-cook cookbook that teaches you how to adjust your cooking for chemotherapy patients. For more information on Cooking for Chemo and Chef Ryan Callahan: cookingforchemo.org To register for the event: http://www.gildasclubchicago.org/calendar/790/cooking-chemo-webinar?s=1461193200&e=1461198600

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all that you do here in the LCSC forums. You all are a vital part of LCSC! You are knowledgeable, caring, supportive and so kind. -Cindy

HI Paparon, I'm glad you found us for support. I hope you have family and friends who will be there with you on the day of your surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts. Please feel free to update us, if you feel up to it. Cindy

10 Eggless High Protein Breakfast Ideas By Jill Castle, MS, RD Food Allergies Expert Eggs are a wonderful and versatile breakfast item, but unfortunately, if you’re allergic to eggs, they are out of the question. Because eggs house a concentrated source of protein and a variety of nutrients, they may help to satisfy your appetite, and keep your weight in check. A high protein breakfast, containing 25 to 30 grams of protein has been associated with weight loss and maintenance of that weight loss in research studies. If you can’t have eggs, you’ll want to find egg alternatives for breakfast that can mimic these benefits. After all, high protein breakfast ideas without eggs may help you stay on track with your health and weight. Try these 10 healthy breakfast ideas without eggs: Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a strained yogurt, which results in a thicker texture and concentrated source of protein, up to 15 grams per cup. http://foodallergies.about.com/od/livingwithfoodallergies/fl/10-Eggless-High-Protein-Breakfast-Ideas.htm?utm_content=buffere8a3a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=cmsocialposting_aboutmain

Hi bjackson! I love that you want to volunteer! Here is the link to apply for the Social Media Ambassador program. http://www.lungevity.org I can talk to upper management about you only having one account. I hope to see your application soon! Cindy

Hot off the presses, there are still a limited amount of travel grants available (paid for accommodations) for LUNGevity's 6th annual HOPE Summit in DC! Please help us *share* the word. Here is the link to register:www.LUNGevity.org/DCHope

It was so great to meet you in person! I only wish we would have all taken a photo together! Hopefully we will see you at the National HOPE Summit in DC! Best, Cindy

Hi Vicki, Welcome to the message boards. http://forums.lungevity.org/index.php?/forum/3-introduce-yourself/ I invite you to click that link to chat with other people who have been newly diagnosed as well. We have amazing survivors, caregivers, and advocates in these message boards. You have our full support. I look forward to getting to know you, Cindy

Hi Fannymae, I'm sad to hear that you are going through this. Please fill out this form and we will connect you with a support mentor. http://www.LUNGevity.org/LifeLine We are here for you, Cindy

SU2C Lung Cancer Dream Team Launches Website for KRAS-positive Lung Cancer Patients LUNGevity President Andrea Ferris presents new site at SU2C Scientific Summit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Aliza Bran abran@susandavis.com (202) 414-0798 WASHINGTON, January 29, 2016 - LUNGevity President Andrea Ferris, a member of the Stand Up to Cancer Lung Cancer Dream Team, presented the team’s newly launched website, a patient-centric resource that enables users to be active, informed participants in their diagnosis and treatment, at a poster session at the 2016 Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) Scientific Summit. Ferris is an advocacy representative on the Lung Cancer Dream Team, created in April 2015 to address treatment options for patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancer. She helped create the patient-friendly website and guided its December launch. The resource will help patients understand their disease and treatment options, report on the Lung Cancer Dream Team’s research progress, and inform patients of open clinical trials. “This patient population has never seen significant progress,” noted Ferris. “Our goal in creating this website was to provide hope to people diagnosed with KRAS-mutant lung cancer. We designed the site with the patient in mind, so that they can be informed participants in their health care decisions.” “While there have been meaningful steps forward in lung cancer research, treatments for patients with the KRAS mutation have seen little success,” said Jeffrey Engelman, MD, PhD, member of the Lung Cancer Dream Team’s Scientific Research team. “To be successful, it’s crucial that our team connect the science to the patient, and connect the patient to the science through enrollment in clinical trials. We can’t accomplish these goals without advocates who ensure that the patient voice and needs are incorporated.” To learn more about the SU2C Lung Cancer Dream Team and its work in KRAS-mutant lung cancer, visit www.lungcancerdreamteam.org. For more information on LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org. About Lung Cancer 1 in 15 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime More than 221,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers Lung cancer takes more lives than the next three leading cancers (colorectal, breast, and prostate) combined Only 17% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it’s caught before it spreads, the chance for 5-year survival improves dramatically http://www.lungevity.org/about-us/media-resources/news-from-foundation/su2c-lung-cancer-dream-team-launches-website-for-kras

Sesame Chicken Celery Root Salad Serves 4 2 large carrots, peeled 1 large celery root, peeled (about 1 pound to 1 1/4 pounds) 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (see Recipe Note) 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (preferably Thai basil), or cilantro 1 small clove garlic, peeled and grated with a Microplane, or finely minced 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon dark pure maple syrup (or agave) 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari (or reduced-sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free) 2 teaspoons sesame seeds 1 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Shred carrots and celery root on a box grater or with the grating attachment of a food processor. Combine the carrots, celery root, chicken, and basil in a large salad bowl. Combine garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, tamari, sesame seeds, ginger, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Divide among 4 large plates to serve. Recipe Notes To cook chicken: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to dissolve. Add 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and return to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, turning occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly, until the chicken is cooked through, 15 to 17 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to cool, at least 20 minutes before shredding. http://ow.ly/YaC07

Here is another response someone would like for me to post: I have stage 3A lung cancer. I just finished 6 rounds of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation.I just turned 56 years old. I have two children who still live at home 24 years old and 26 years old.I lost many family members to lung cancer.Gail is right about everything. And attitude is everything.I treat my cancer as a disease. I say in my mind I am sick,but with every treatment I am closer to being in remission. I try willing my body to fight this beast. I won't let it have me !!! It took to many of my family members.I have to much to still do. And I don't have time for cancer.One more thing make sure you take someone with you to take notes.If you don't have anyone to take notes record what the doc is saying. Ask many questions. And surround yourself with positive people . Join a support group. Good luck .Sending prayers your way.

Here is some advice someone wanted to send you: I too was dx young. 1st was Breast cancer. 4 years later Lung cancer. A huge shock! No one in my family had ever been dx with any cancer except a distant uncle. Here is a few ideas of what I might have done: 1. I would seek a 2nd and a 3rd (if need be) opinion from NCI designated "Comprehensive" Cancer Center. 2. My thoracic surgeon was an excellent doctor; however he was worried the surgery would kill me or totally disable me...he had QOL issues (quality of life) However, he is/was a very capable surgeon. 3. I would have found a surgeon who performed my 1st, 2nd and 3rd operations using the VATS procedure vs. what I call the Fillet of Fish surgery. The recuperation from least invasive VATS would have been much easier. It was 1992, I'm unsure if VATS was available? 4. I would suggest you find a doc who has his mind-set on curing cancer, or stabilizating "The Beast" vs. treating it. So I think that I'm trying to say you might need a tenacious Onc and equally tenacious Doc's all around you. 5. No Doctor can tell the future. If yours is preaching Doon and Gloom, Fire him/her. You need a doctor who will take an aggressive stance against 'The Beast'. Why didn't he take my upper left lung? Now I've had cancer in that lung 3 times and now I've exhausted any traditional treatments - cause no one wants to kill me. No one, absolutely, no one knows when anyone is going to pass away... Again, find a doc who has a mindset to keep on going. Nothe preaching negatives, 'you will pass away in 3-6-9 months' 5. Attitude is everything. Keep yours positive! After 5X dx with Lung; 2x with Breast, including bi-lateral mastectomy; and 2x Thyroid... I'm still here. Take Charge of your healthcare! You can't realistically expect any one Doc to keep up with your full history. I just sent my Onc a note about a side effect I'm experiencing... and included this "please let me remind you I'm allergic to Penicillin and Sulfur drugs". It's easier for us patients to keep track of these things vs. our Doc's who often see 25 patients a day! I've got more to say on this topic, but I'm sure you are snoring away reading this. Hope it provides even one good idea for you and your treatments going forward. If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to let me know. Good Luck!

Emotional and Physical Benefits of Music Therapy for Cancer Patients What do we know about music therapy for cancer patients? We know that music has a large effect on us in general. It can make us smile when we're feeling stressed. It can take us out of a robotic "do" mode and put us in touch with our "feeling side." But what about people living with cancer? Do studies tell us what our hearts do - that music can make a difference? Research hasn't disappointed, and seems to say that the sound of music really does help people climb the mountains we call cancer treatment. Benefits of Music Therapy for People with Cancer It can even cause our hearts to beat - not like a bird - but in healthier ways. There are now 30 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers which offer music therapy as an integrative treatment for cancer. There have been a surprising number of studies done to examine potential benefits of music for cancer patients. It would seem we're guessing intuitively that music has a role. What have we learned? Emotional/Psychological BenefitsThe emotions that accompany cancer can feel like a roller coaster sometimes. And that roller coaster can go both directions - it seems - in just a matter of minutes. Does music help people cope with the emotional ups and downs? How about the fears? Reduced anxiety and improved mood A few reviews have looked at several studies to date evaluating the effect of music on mood and anxiety in people with cancer. The overwhelming conclusion of these studies was that music decreases anxiety and has a strong positive impact on the ability of people to cope with cancer. Improved quality of life A review of studies looking specifically at patients in the palliative care setting confirmed these benefits and more, concluding that music was associated with an improvement in the overall quality of life for these cancer patients.Study subjects included those who took part in music therapy as part of a hospital program, as well as people who simply listened to recorded music. One of the reviews also found that music could be helpful in alleviating depression related to cancer. Better pain control A decrease in pain was noted in some of the studies mentioned, but the effect of music on pain was studied specifically among people who were undergoing surgery for lung cancer. These patients not only experienced less pain than those who weren't offered music therapy, but had a reduced need for pain medications. Since pain medications can have significant side effects, this was an encouraging finding. Decreased shortness of breath At least one study has delved into studying the effect of music on the sensation of shortness of breath, with music decreasing the sensation of breathlessness while providing meaningful spiritual support at the same time. Physical BenefitsThe physical benefits of music haven't been studied to the degree of emotional benefits, but what we have seen thus far is encouraging. Effect of vital signs Modest improvements in vital signs have been seen among cancer patients participating in music therapy studies, including a decrease in heart rate, a decrease in respiratory rate, and a decrease in blood pressure. Increase in natural killer cells A few studies on healthy volunteers have found that listening to music resulted in an increase in number as well as activity of natural killer cells in the body. Natural killer cells are an aggressive part of our immune system that aids in eliminating cancer cells. Benefits of Music for Family Cancer CaregiversFew people experience cancer in isolation, and some cancer survivors have even remarked that they believe their cancer experience was harder on their loved ones than themselves. Cancer is a family disease, and we tend to forget the needs of those who are busy meeting the needs. Thankfully one study looked specifically at those who were caring for a terminally ill loved one with cancer. These caregivers and cancer patients were offered a home music therapy program, and results indicated that not only did the cancer patients appreciate this program, but there was a double benefit for caregivers. A double benefit? It can help to remember that one of the greatest frustrations for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients is the feeling of helplessness. In this study, not only did the caregivers experience their own joy (which would be called autonomous joy) but they also experienced "caregiver joy." The opportunity to provide music granted these caregivers a sense of empowerment. They were able to do something concrete for their loved one while their loved one was still alive. This benefit lasted beyond the loss of their loved one. Following death, the caregivers were able to look back at the time they shared music with their loved one with a sense of joy and connection, feeling filled with happy memories and "sentiments of hope." Potential Side EffectsOf course there could be a few side effects with music. If the music makes you want to dance a jig the day after you have surgery, this may not be wise. It's probably best as well to avoid music which would remind you of a difficult stage in your life that you don't care to relive. But in general music appears to provide some positive comforts with little fear of side effects. Bringing Music To Your Life - Translating the Research into Climbing Your Own MountainHow can you add more music to your life as you cope with cancer? Take a moment to brainstorm. Do you prefer playing music or listening to music? Is there an instrument you have that's getting dusty? Are there CD's hiding in a closet that you put there meaning to listen to a decade ago? Then think about what types of music you like. What music makes you feel good? One woman with cancer dug out music she had used when she gave birth to her daughter. She found that using the same music during chemotherapy not only gave her the sense of calm she had back then, but also filled her with precious memories. For some of us, a labor tape might not bring thoughts of relaxation, but the point is the same. Think about the ways music has brought you joy in the past. Best Music for HealingOf course not all music will be helpful. Hateful music or loud heavy metal might not be the best, but it depends on your personal likes and dislikes. In studies looking at immune function it was found that "alkaline music" was one of the best. Music in this category would include things such as soothing classical music, east Indian music, harp music, and Brazilian guitar for starters. Ask your friends, or people in your cancer support group what they enjoy. It's likely you'll hear some strong opinions! Ideas and ResourcesSome cancer centers provide music therapy or have music on hand for you to borrow. For example, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center provides CD's you can borrow, with a few songs you can download from their website. Check the collection of music you have, your ipod, or your library. Youtube.com provides a quick way to play many a song. It seems people are always wondering what kind of gifts to bring someone with cancer. Perhaps music would fit the bill. I'll share the list I used for picking out music to relax with and have not been disappointed. Check out thesetop 7 CD's for relaxation and stress relief. Creativity and CancerIf music is just not your thing, or if you are looking for further creative ways to cope with your cancer treatment, there are plenty of ideas. For example, art therapy was one that I participated in myself and truly enjoyed - and I'm not an artist. Check out these art therapy benefits and resources for people with cancer. Or perhaps you've been thinking of journaling your cancer journey. Check out these benefits and tips on journaling for cancer patients. To view all sources and direct link: http://lungcancer.about.com/od/Mind-Body-Therapies-for-Cancer/fl/Emotional-and-Physical-Benefits-of-Music-Therapy-for-Cancer-Patients.htm?utm_content=20160208&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_lungcancer&utm_term=list_lungcancer

Hi Alphaomega9, Welcome to the Lung Cancer Support Community Message boards. You can post wherever you like in the forums. Here is a great start to read about side effects if you would like to read up on side effects http://www.lungevity.org/support-survivorship/survivor-resource-center/living-well-with-lung-cancer/managing-treatment-side I look forward to getting to know you, Cindy