CindyA

How strong is your HOPE?!

Nick Markakis & the #Orioles are ready to K Cancer with #LUNGevity. $5 will be donated to LUNGevity with every purchase of Nick's shirt. NICK MARKAKIS STRIKE OUT CANCER TEE http://ow.ly/vTT3l

Hello. How is everyone today? It's been a good week here for me in Dallas. Although the week seems to be going by so fast. Where is the pause button? What is going on in your neck of the woods?

I've experienced flushing from steroids before and I found that cool rags, or non plastic ice bags were very helpful. I hope it clears up real soon.

FREE Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Wednesday, April 30, 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. St. Charles Hospital, Wisdom Conference Center Health care professionals will be available to assist you in completing a high risk lung cancer questionnaire and answer your questions. Individuals identified as at high risk will be scheduled for a FREE low dose lung CT scan at St. Charles. For more information call (631) 474-6797. http://ow.ly/vR69I

Do Organic Foods Need to be Part of a Cancer Fighting Diet? By Corinne Easterling There have been many studies performed on the healthfulness of organic foods (produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, irradiation, or chemical additives and cannot be genetically modified) but findings are often inconsistent and difficult to interpret. It is hard to detect the specific effects of chemicals used on conventionally produced foods; researchers often study antioxidant status and activity in exposed populations but this does not necessarily measure one’s total risk of developing cancer. While most studies have not found any statistically significant difference in antioxidant status or activity between people consuming mostly organic foods and those consuming conventionally produced foods, conventional produce can have as much as 30-40% more pesticide residue than organic. It has been theorized that these chemicals used in conventional farming can disrupt hormones in humans and abnormal levels has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers. In studies of female agricultural workers and women living in agricultural areas, the use of certain pesticides was linked to their increased incidence of breast cancer. It is important to note that chemicals used in conventional farming can not only remain on food as residue, but can pollute the air, dust, and water of nearby areas. In Hawaii, heptachlor, once widely used on conventionally grown pineapple farms, was banned after it was linked to an increase in the incidence of breast cancer. Despite the ban, heptachlor remains a soil contaminant in areas that once used the insecticide and its toxic breakdown products have been found to remain stored in human fat cells. The use of hormones in livestock, to increase size or milk production of animals, has also been theorized to disrupt the endocrine system in human consumers. These synthetic hormones may remain in animal products and can accelerate puberty (early onset is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer later in life), contribute to abnormal cell growth in breast tissue even at levels 30 times below the FDA limit, and increase levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which is also linked to increase risk of breast cancer. The antibiotics used on animals presents their own danger. Though no statistically significant difference in the level of bacterial contamination between organic and conventional animal products has been found, conventionally raised livestock are more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic-resistant types of bacteria. It is therefore especially important to fully cook non-organic meats and may be advisable for those with lowered immune responses or increased susceptibility to infection to buy organic. Until more is known, those at risk for cancer, cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers should be aware of the potential risk factors associated with conventionally produced food. People with asthma, allergies, and eczema may benefit from buying organic produce as it has less reaction-inducing residue. Those worried about hormone exposure and those who are particularly susceptible to infection may benefit from buying organic animal products. Though it is impossible to completely avoid exposure, it is important to be aware of the many ways your food could be affecting your health. References: Dangour, A. D., K. Lock, A. Hayter, A. Aikenhead, E. Allen, and R. Uauy. “Nutrition-related Health Effects of Organic Foods: A Systematic Review.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition92.1 (2010): 203-10 Gray, Janet, Ph.D. “From Science to Action.” State of the Evidence: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment 6 (2010): 1-106. Smith-Spangler, Crystal, MD, MS, Margaret L. Brandeau, PhD, Grace E. Hunter, BA, Clay Bavinger, BA, Maren Pearson, BS, Paul J. Eschbach, Vandan Sundaram, MPH, Hau Liu, MD, MS, MBA, MPH, Patricia Schimer, MD, Christopher Stave, MLS, Ingram Olkin, PhD, and Dena M. Bravata, MD, MS. “Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier Than Conventional Alternatives?”Annals of Internal Medicine 157.5 (2012): 1-19 http://ow.ly/vO6Lw

Hello everyone! It's Monday. What are your thoughts on Mondays? Some people dislike Mondays. As for me, it's the morning part that gets me. I want to sleep just 1 more hour, lol. I dred taking my kids to school because, well, I just like my kids. I like hearing their laughs in the background while I'm working & I like to see them running around. My 5 year old (my baby) is going on his first field trip to an aquarium that is quite a distance away. I wont be going with him nor will my husband. This is his first school field trip and I'm kind of nervous that they might lose him. He's a quite kid...My strategy is to put him in a neon shirt so he will be easy to spot. I'm trying to peel off this "Helicopter Mom" syndrome and just have faith that everything will be okay. Eeek! I foresee him running in my arms tomorrow after it all, and talking my ear off about his trip. I know he will have fun and that's what is important. What is going on with you friends? Are you going anywhere fun this week?

Hello nctcancer14, My name is Cindy, welcome to the Lung Cancer Support Community. I will send you positive thoughts for today as you begin your treatment plan. Please come back and let us know how you are feeling. There are many friends on this board who have gone through (or still are experiencing) similar & maybe the exact same treatments. We are here to support you. If you are interested in personal one on one support, please don't hesitate to let us know. Support@LUNGevity.org

Wanted: Lung Cancer Advocates April 10th, 2014 - by Katie Brown Lung Cancer Awareness is about engaging communities in a dedicated effort to increase survivorship and quality of life for everyone affected by lung cancer. To really accomplish that will take a virtual army of lung cancer advocates, but it’s an effort everyone can join TODAY. Make the commitment to be a lung cancer advocate. Never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference! Every time you talk to someone about lung cancer, you are helping to make inroads in bringing lung cancer into the national consciousness. That’s what grassroots advocacy is all about. MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO TAKE ACTION DURING LUNG CANCER HOPE MONTH (MAY) Having lots of committed people who are willing to stand up, speak out, and educate the public shows that lung cancer is important and deserves attention. The more people who are engaged, the more grassroots power we can demonstrate, because the impact of collective action becomes more visible. Action fuels a sense of energy and community: Grassroots action creates energy, excitement, and momentum that gives lung cancer issues “buzz” and gets the attention of the community and its leaders. Grassroots advocates can influence policy decisions by raising awareness and educating decisionmakers who can change the rules regarding lung cancer and funding for lung cancer. Grassroots action taps the hope and inspiration of people’s personal experiences and translates them into concrete and meaningful change on a community scale. Grassroots action often attracts others who care about lung cancer. The energy, enthusiasm, and results draw people together as they see other supporters speak out, and that may result in a chain of events and action. WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS Write letters. Write your local leaders and let them know the impact that lung cancer has had on you. Get them to issue a proclamation in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, or a fundraising effort. Contact the health editor of your local newspaper and ask if they will do a story on lung cancer. Write the paper a letter and share your story along with the lung cancer facts. Speak up! Take the opportunity whenever you can to talk to doctors, nurses, health care workers, businesses, and employers to increase their awareness of lung cancer. Hold a fundraising event. LUNGevity has the largest national network of grassroots events aimed at raising money for lifesaving lung cancer research and creating awareness about the disease. Dedicated and passionate volunteers from across the country plan local fundraising events to help LUNGevity fund its research program, bringing together tens of thousands of lung cancer patients, survivors, families, friends, and advocates in 25 states (and counting!) to change the course of lung cancer. Breathe Deep events are fundraising walks and runs, organized by grassroots volunteers with support from LUNGevity staff, that raise money and awareness for lung cancer research. The guidance LUNGevity provides can help make it a beneficial, enjoyable, and successful experience. There is a lot of FUN in FUNdraising! The Advocacy Toolkit provides lots of ideas for other types of fundraisers as well. Email events@lungevity.org to learn more about fundraising or to tell us about your fundraising plans. Provide literature. Request “Get Connected” brochures and Lung Cancer Facts Cards from LUNGevity and ask your nurse, doctor, or social worker to place them in the educational area of your hospital. Click here to request literature and find 10 simple ways to increase awareness every day! Share you story! If you have been affected by lung cancer, share the facts and your story to raise awareness and hope that with more research there will be more survivors! YOU can be an advocate, and LUNGevity’s Advovacy Toolkit will give you all the information you’ll need. Every effort makes a difference – let’s get started today. http://ow.ly/vLjBE

Thank you for opening the air today Eric! I'm so happy to read that you and Liz are doing well. I'm also so excited for you in regards to your trip to PARIS this May! Wow. How lovely! I wish your daughter safe travels and hope to hear from you soon. Good luck at your committee meeting. Cindy

Believe. Hope. Endure…Create Change April 9th, 2014 - by Jill Feldman It is hard to believe, hope, and endure when it comes to lung cancer. It’s a constant one step forward, two steps back; an uphill battle. I think back to when LUNGevity first started; I am proud of how much we have accomplished in the past 13 years, but then something happens or someone dies, and I am reminded of how far we still have to go to fight this disease. My dad died 31 years ago; the five-year survival rate was 14.5%. My mom died 16 years ago; the five-year survival rate was 15%. My friend and LUNGevity co-founder, Missy, died seven years ago; the five-year survival rate was 15.5%. Today, the five year survival rate is 17%. I am thankful to be part of that 17%, but it doesn’t change my long term prognosis. How can we not be further along in the fight against this insidious disease? We know that the perpetuated stigma that lung cancer is self-inflicted is largely to blame for the lack of empathy, support and funds raised for research. From the government and physicians down to the individual, there are social biases. Every other cancer diagnosis elicits empathy with responses such as, “I am so sorry,” or “What can I do to help?” The response to a lung cancer diagnosis is usually, “I didn’t know you smoked,” or “How long did you smoke?” Would you ask someone with melanoma if they worshipped the sun, someone who had a heart attack if they ate a lot of McDonalds, or someone with cirrhosis of the liver if they were an alcoholic? The physical and emotional pain and stress are enough for any cancer patient to endure, but then imagine feeling blamed, shunned and shamed. The shame and blame have to stop now; it’s toxic and we (patients) are dying because it creates a serious barrier to diagnosis, treatment and acceptance in the community. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer, ANYONE! The face of lung cancer is diverse; it’s your mom, your dad, sister or brother, your friend or your child. In fact the face of lung cancer could even be YOU. Lung cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither should society. The World Health Organization recently declared outdoor air pollution as a leading cause of lung cancer. This finding hasn’t received much media attention, despite the significance; we breathe = we are at risk for lung cancer. It is a deadly problem! My involvement with LUNGevity has been rewarding, exhausting, frustrating, exciting, etc. I have witnessed and celebrated the creation of a lung cancer community, watched the funds we raised help advance research and increase support for lung cancer patients, but it’s not enough. We need to make lung cancer a national priority. We need to create change. It would help if we had a champion. We need a champion – many champions. It is maddening to me that there are ‘celebrities’ affected by lung cancer who have respected and influential voices – who can reach large audiences and really make a difference – but aren’t stepping up to the plate and speaking out for lung cancer! In fact many won’t even acknowledge their lung cancer diagnosis or death, and it’s disheartening. A few examples are: The Jimmy V Foundation website doesn’t mention that Jim Valvano died of lung cancer (and that is not where the millions they’ve raised have been donated). You have to dig deep to find that Paul Newman died of lung cancer. Bryant Gumbel told his viewers that he had “cancer removed from his chest.” These are the very people that could easily provoke change and become our champions, yet are actually perpetuating the stigma and making things worse by avoiding any affiliation with the disease! Media are a vital conduit for health information, and lung cancer is a major health issue, it is an epidemic. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the country, yet there hasn’t been a ‘health alert’ to educate the public. Why? Lung cancer is not a story that journalists and editors think their audience would be interested in; it isn’t seen as ‘media friendly’ or newsworthy. Here’s an alert: “Lung cancer isn’t going away!” What will it take? How many of us have to die, or who has to die, for someone to take a stand against lung cancer? It’s up to us, the lung cancer community, it’s our challenge. We need to rethink lung cancer and create change. I know firsthand that we have made great strides, but too many of us (patients) are still suffering and dying; the survival rate has only increased a few percent in the past 30 years. Lung cancer isn’t going away, but patients are living a little longer and we are able and willing to storm the Hill, educate the public, raise awareness, tell our story and create change. But, we need help. We need more advocates — more voices, from all stakeholders. And then all together, we can be the champions we so badly need. Many advocacy groups have started since LUNGevity was founded 13 years ago, and each one is doing incredible work to educate, support, raise awareness and raise funds for lung cancer research. Now it’s time to create a common platform, a common agenda and become one voice; a louder voice with a bigger presence. As past president of LUNGevity, I understand it’s not that easy, but now as a patient I also understand the sense of urgency, the distress and the fear that things aren’t moving fast enough. We need more than a collaborative group that provides resources. We have to find a way to create a catalytic collaboration and together create a movement that will result in true systemic change — change that will prolong and better our lives. We share a vision, a core belief and we share similar stories; our desired result is the same. But, the scope of what we need to accomplish is much greater than fighting for tiny pieces of the diminishing pie. The lung cancer community needs to come together and build one community; an organized and educated community that demands empathy, respect and funding for research! I look at Breathe Deep North Shore, one of LUNGevity’s grassroots events, which will be held on April 27th at Deerfield High School (you can still register or donate to my team http://events.lungevity.org/goto/jillsteam or another team) will be over 1,500 people coming together; patients and their loved ones, businesses, physicians, political leaders — all to support and create change. This effort is rooted in one little town of 18,000 people. Imagine what we could do, what noise we could make, if we all came together across the nation, even if it’s just for a day. Individually we can make a difference, but together we can do more, be more, impact more and create change! If we Believe and Endure, Hope will transcend all impossibilities. http://ow.ly/vGHC8

The promise of clinical trials April 7th, 2014 - by Katie Brown Heidi HennHeidi Henn, a program manager for the United States Navy, never thought she was someone at risk for lung cancer. Heidi wasn’t a smoker, so when she was diagnosed with stage 3b lung cancer in October of 2011, it was a complete surprise. Heidi did a lot of research on the internet and visited credible cancer websites and message boards to arm herself with information. Those sites provided her with the knowledge and insight to ask her doctor about gene mutations and clinical trials. It took 3 long months to get her tumor tested. Heidi learned she had the ALK gene mutation, which only occurs in 4% of the lung cancer population. There are many gene mutations out there and Heidi learned that there was a specific drug targeted to treat her type of gene mutation, and that there were other drugs being developed in clinical trials that she may one day be a part of. Heidi often wonders what happens to people who don’t know to get their tumor tested, or whether her cancer could have been cured sooner. “I would like there to be a concerted effort from the major research hospitals down to the local country doctor that will make them aware of the research and the clinical trials available to patients. I believe the future of research and clinical trials will point in the direction of personalized clinical trials and individualized care tailored to your kind of tumor.” When asked what advice she has for those newly diagnosed, she says,“I believe it’s important to educate yourself about your cancer and meet other survivors. When I was first diagnosed it was a very lonely time. I met survivors for the first time at the LUNGevity HOPE Summit in 2012. It was a huge relief to me to meet others like me, learn about clinical trials and therapies like pulmonary rehabilitation for people with lung cancer. When I went home I asked for pulmonary rehab and doing that improved my lung capacity!” http://blog.lungevity.org/2014/04/07/th ... al-trials/

Once you or a loved one are faced with a cancer diagnosis, you have so many questions, fears and concerns. How am I going to get through this? Where do I begin? It's scary and not easy. We've turned to our WhatNext-ers, and asked them what advice they would give to someone who is newly diagnosed with cancer and needs support. They've been through it, hopefully their words of wisdom can help. 1. Assemble your team. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a team to beat cancer. Once you accept you have cancer and have a journey in front of you, it's time to assemble your team. The team isn't just doctors and nurses, but also family and friends, and even strangers. There are so many aspects of the journey ahead that you can never prepare for. Accepting help and gathering a support system is critical. It also helps to know you are not alone in the journey. -- CarolLHRN 2. Know who you can let your guard down with. Emotional health is so important and often ignored by many providers. Make sure you have someone to talk with and don't be afraid of all the emotions you will experience from fear and sadness to laughter and joy and everything in between. To have the strength to move through the journey, your mind has to be strong too. -- CarolLHRN 3. Be selfish. Be very selfish, you need to put yourself first. Put together a laundry list of things that need to get done now and tell a friend. It is perfectly OK to do so. Then, let go all the negative thoughts, acts and things. -- cranburymom 4. Take control. This is your life and you control what is done to you. Ask questions. challenge answers, and research what you are told. Second and third opinions are good choices. Keep your family close, thank well-wishers, trust in God, and deal with the emotions as they come along. -- emtp12 5. Give yourself a break. So what if your house isn't perfect, the cupboard is bare, or you don't have clean underwear, you can worry about all of that later. Don't be afraid to accept help, if people don't really want to help they shouldn't offer, I personally didn't go to Wal-Mart for months and my husband and I survived, so what if he bought the wrong brand of toiletpaper. Also, it is ok to freak out, it is ok to be scared, and it is ok to be angry. You also have to do everything you can to make educated decisions and do what is right for you. Don't second guess yourself. Do the best you can with what you have and what you know. -- grams2jc 6. You are alive - live! Remember that you are still alive and your family needs you. Be selfish with your energy level and with doing things that are not totally necessary, but hoard what you do have to make time for your close friends and family. It's so easy to fall into depression and to be overwhelmed, but right now you are still here and you need to treasure that time! -- danellsar 7. Take care of youself, and that means crying, too. Allow yourself to freak out and cry once in a while. But give yourself a certain time of day to do it. Allow it to own a place in your life, give it it's own freedom and then put it away and focus on your goals. Take care of your body - eat well, get the rest you need when you need and by all means rely on the kindness of others. No one knows what to do with you. They try to help and sometimes it seems overwhelming but the relief you experience by just saying "yes" even if it's not in your nature and just allowing and letting go of it all. Sharing it with others is a way of healing. You need to get the disease out of your body. -- kimjx6 8. Have a positive attitude. Realize you are not alone. There are many of us in the same boat. Cancer does suck but in most cases it is definitely beatable-so gear up for a fight and keep positive. Push the worries aside and focus on each day as a gift, smell some roses, then just keep living your life. Life gets back to semi-normal--but you do change. Some good-some not so good. So watch the poor me syndrome-and finish the race. --indyeastside 9. Be ready for anything. I am losing my sight and at times my will. I am not a weak person but I do cry. It makes me feel better to get that stuff out even if the hurt feelings and worrying thoughts will come back. -- flyglo 10. Surround yourself with others who support you. If there aren't any, go find some. You play a huge part in your healing. Tell yourself you're going to be ok until you believe it. I dealt with losing my hair by praying, so when it was time to cut it, I was ok and I didn't cry. This should change your life for the better! It should change your perspective on life and make you realize what's really important. Only look at the positives. -- RebeccaLynn25
 https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/10- ... ith-cancer

Hi everybody! Katie, thank you for opening the air yesterday. Are you sure you haven't borrowed MY mother in law? Lol. I'm sure we could swap stories one day. Diane, your last joke was hilarious! Donna, 70 degrees sounds lovely! That's nearly the way it has been here in Dallas. We start out with chilly temperatures ranging from 40-50's & have been maxing out around 80 degrees. If you are reading this, please reply and let us know how you are. What has been your favorite part of the week so far?

Even though our travel grant request period is closed, we have a handful of hotel rooms available for our 4th annual HOPE Summit. If you know a survivor who can get to the summit, please let them know that we may have a room we can grant to them for 2 nights at the conference hotel. Email kbrown@lungevity.org This offer expires Friday April 11.. Are you ready? Set. GO! http://lungevitydev.com/hope-summit

LUNGevity Hero Monica Barlow April 8th, 2014 - by admin Monica BarlowLUNGevity Foundation is proud to honor our April LUNGevity Hero, Monica Barlow, an incredible, dynamic, talented young woman who passed away in late February. An inspiration to so many and a beloved member of the LUNGevity team, Monica served as a vocal advocate for lung cancer research, both as a spokesperson for LUNGevity Foundation’s Breathe Deep Baltimore and DC events and in news articles raising awareness of the disease. She also was always available as a resource to fellow lung cancer survivors. Monica graduated from the College of William and Mary. She began interning for the Baltimore Orioles in 1999 and, but for one year with the Richmond Braves, remained an Oriole until her death. Monica became involved with LUNGevity Foundation after her own stage IV lung cancer diagnosis in 2009. She had developed an incessant cough while training to run a half marathon. A never smoker with no family history of lung cancer, she was shocked to learn that an inoperable nodule had developed on her left lung and had spread to her lymph nodes and liver. Thanks to a clinical trial of crizotinib and the surgery removing 40 percent of the lung cancer mass, Monica was able to add years to her life. Seeing first-hand the benefit of lung cancer research and new, innovative medical technologies, Monica was eager to share her story with the world, hoping to raise awareness that not only non-smokers could be diagnosed with the disease, but also that the research we do can extend lives. She was also an extraordinary resource for fellow lung cancer survivors, providing support through in-person and over-the-phone meetings. Her positive attitude and infectious spirit served as a beacon of hope for many. Never defined by her disease, Monica continued to live life to its fullest, exploring the outdoors and hiking mountains with her husband Ben. LUNGevity Foundation is so grateful to the Orioles and Monica’s many friends and family for their support of LUNGevity, championing lung cancer research in Monica’s memory. The outpouring of support from across the nation is a testament to her character and the injustice in our world losing such a remarkable woman. LUNGevity hopes that as we continue to raise awareness and make significant technological advances, we will one day know a time when no one dies from lung cancer. During her lifetime, Monica was an inspiration to many who struggled with the disease, and that legacy will continue to inspire the research and strength in community that LUNGevity Foundation offers. She will be dearly missed.

Do you have big plans for the week? I always wonder if everyone has a schedule for themselves like I do, or do you just go about your day and just wing it? Either way I hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!

Researcher Profile: Rebecca Heist Dr. Rebecca Heist Rebecca Heist, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and thoracic oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and her colleagues have been awarded a research grant from LUNGevity Foundation to identify biomarkers for the development of targeted lung cancer therapies. Dr. Heist is collaborating on this project with Director of the Laboratory for Diagnostic Molecular Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Anthony John Iafrate, MD, PhD, and Director of Personalized Cancer Medicine and the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Vanderbilt University, William Pao, MD, PhD. By leveraging changes to individual patients’ tumor genes that are responsible for the development of lung cancer, such as EGFR mutations and ALK translocations, researchers have successfully been able to develop and implement targeted lung cancer therapies. Approximately 60% of the lung cancer patients screened at Massachusetts General Hospital since 2009 were found to have known genetic mutations in their lung cancers. Many of these patients received treatment that targeted the underlying genetic causes of their cancer. However, approximately 40% of the patients did not have any of the known mutations. For such patients, understanding the underlying genetics of their cancer is key to developing effective targeted therapies. Dr. Heist and her colleagues are working to identify new genetic mutations that can be used as targets for the development of new treatment options for these lung cancer patients. “With 40% of our lung cancer patients having unknown genetic mutations, I am confident that we can screen their cancer’s genes to find new targets, new underlying genetic causes of their cancer,” says Dr. Heist. “Once we do that, we have targets for developing the drugs that can save lives.” The researchers are sequencing the genes from patients’ tumor samples that did not have any known cancer mutations. Then they will screen the genetic codes for changes in the tumor genomes that could ”drive” cancer growth. With the identification of new genetic mutations in lung cancer patients, drug developers will have springboards for developing more lifesaving therapies. And as more is learned about these mutations, physicians will be able to offer more personalized and effective therapy. In all, this work could offer hope to millions of lung cancer survivors worldwide. http://ow.ly/vw5JP

Until Further Notice April 4th, 2014 - by Kenneth Lourie Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: “13 months to two years” is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ “you’re going great”/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is. Ergo, the title of this column: “Until Further Notice.” Whenever I’m asked by those in my know how I’m doing, I typically respond: “I’m doing fine, until further notice.” And “further notice” is my way of lightening the emotional load under which I live and thankfully still breathe; any port in a storm, you might say. Moreover, even though there’s relative calm right now, given my diagnosis/prognosis, there’s likely to be some inevitable unpleasantness down the road – as I’m semi-fond of saying/joking. And as many changes as I’ve already made to diet and lifestyle since I was diagnosed, I don’t suppose I’ll know what turns I’ve taken until my oncologist advises me after my miscellaneous test results have been analyzed. As much as I’m doing internally, I still feel as if the news will come externally. As a result, I feel pressure every day; self-assessing, analyzing, introspecting; it’s a constant battle of mind over what may or not matter yet. And of course, I can never forget the pie. The great Satchel Page joked to not look back because you never know who’s chasing you. And though I’m certainly mindful of death and what’s chasing me (figuratively speaking), ignoring certain facts as they were presented to me by my oncologist is much easier said than done. When I first learned about my medical situation/diagnosis/prognosis, it certainly sounded like a death sentence; now, five years later, it has evolved into more of a life sentence. And though it’s unlikely I’ll ever make parole, it is life nonetheless, and though there are some days when it’s not very pretty, these are days I didn’t anticipate having. And so far, there’s been no pie or sword to diminish them – all things considered. http://ow.ly/vw3Yf _____________________________________________________________________________ “This column is my life as one of the fortunate few; a lung cancer anomaly: a stage IV lung cancer patient who has outlived his doctor’s original prognosis; and I’m glad to share it. It seems to help me cope writing about it. Perhaps it will help you relate reading about it.” Mr. Lourie’s columns can be found at www.connectionnewspapers.com. (key word, Lourie)

RIGGLE5583, I admire your strength. I Hope you and your girlfriend will find peace and she is a lucky gal to have you by her side.

Hi everyone, How was your week? As for me it has been a busy week. That's good though, I'm happy about that. I guess the bus had to pull over for a couple of days so we could all freshen up and hydrate. You know the weekend is here! ALL ABOARD, the party bus!! Comment here if you are on board or if we need to go pick you up! Diane - I know you are on board. I see you standing up front with the mic telling your jokes. Have a new one for us today?

jde512, Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Welcome to the Lung Cancer Support Community message boards. We have a lot of Survivors in here and we are so honored that you are apart of our team as well. Please keep in touch with us. We look forward to following you through your journey. If you have any questions about this board or the Foundation please don't hesitate to email us at support@LUNGevity.org

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This year, it's estimated there will be 228,190 new cases diagnosed, and close to 160,000 people will die from this disease. Approximately 85% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. are attributable to smoking, and a high percentage occurs in former smokers because their risk continues after they stop smoking. In July 2013, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening for lung cancer with Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT). There is evidence that screening can reduce lung cancer and prevent deaths. Early detection and treatment of lung cancer improve chances for survival. Health damage caused by tobacco use is cumulative, so the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk of lung cancer. LDCT screening is recommended for people ages 55-74 who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years (or the equivalent, such as two packs a day for 15 years). Anyone interested in assessing their risk for lung cancer, may take the Genesis online survey. High risk patients should speak to their physician about a lung cancer low dose CT screening. Results of the screen will be shared with the referring doctor. As always, Genesis professionals will be available to discuss provide follow-up information and support. Through the generosity of Gene and JoAnn Waddell, lung cancer screens will be provided at no cost to individuals, and lives will be saved. http://www.genesisphilanthropy.org/regi ... und-1.html

Hi Mike_S, Thank you for coming in to say hi. I hope you will come back often and chat with us. I'm so happy to read that you are NED. That's great news!

Jessica and her family are in our thoughts and in our hearts. http://ow.ly/vdsd1