CindyA

Hi Amy, I'm glad you found this group. The people in here are wonderful, helpful, & caring souls. I hope that you will know that there isn't any judgement in here. We believe no one deserves cancer, no matter what life choices they have made. We are here for you, for support, as a sounding board, we will jog along side you as long as you will let us to. Please continue to post in the boards regularly so we know how you are doing. Sending you hope, healing thoughts.

Pumpkin: A type of winter squash, pumpkin contains powerful carotenoids, plant pigments that may help ward off some chronic conditions including heart disease and age-related vision loss (macular degeneration). Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, potassium and iron, and it’s kind to your waistline too. Sweet Potatoes: Native to North America, flavorful sweet potatoes are among the most nutrient-rich foods. One medium (4-ounce) sweet potato, baked with the skin, has about four times your daily requirement of Vitamin A and almost half the recommendation for Vitamin C. Sweet potatoes are also a notable source of vitamin E, providing over a quarter of the daily recommendation. All this in just 100 calories! Sweet potatoes are perfect baked or mashed -- just be sure to go light on the marshmallows or brown sugar when making sweet potato casseroles. Turkey: Don’t just save turkey for the holidays -- this lean protein is worth gobbling down year round. In fact, a standard 3-ounce portion of cooked turkey, with both white and dark meat, contains only 135 calories and 24 grams of protein. As an added benefit, turkey is also rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the body to make serotonin which is thought help to stabilize mood and ensure a good night’s sleep. Turkey is also a good source of important vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, iron, phosphorus and zinc Apples: When it comes to filling up without filling out -- apples are a sure winner. One medium apple contains just 95 calories and 4 grams of fiber to help keep you satisfied and subdue hunger cravings. The majority of heart-healthy fiber is found in the apple peel, so make sure to eat your apple with the skin on. Besides helping to ward off holiday weight gain, apples are also rich in flavonols, powerful plant compounds that can help prevent the bad cholesterol (LDL) from forming as well as help to reduce the risk of certain cancers and age-related degenerative diseases. Consider baked apples instead of classic apple pie to eliminate the fat- and carb-rich crust. Cranberries: Whether you prefer cranberry sauce or cranberry relish, canned cranberry or homemade, the small, antioxidant-packed berry is a terrific complement to your favorite dishes. Just 1 cup of raw cranberries provides a whopping 5 grams of fiber, 24 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and 20 percent of your daily manganese. This holiday favorite also contains high levels of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant believed to protect against cancer and heart disease; and the specific anthocyanins in cranberries are also known to help with urinary tract health. Chocolate: There’s good news for chocoholics! Dark chocolate, hot cocoa or a delicious dessert made with cocoa (cacao) powder can be a healthy, antioxidant-packed finish to your holiday feast. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in phytochemicals that provide heart health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, and reducing risk of heart attack and stroke. Studies have also linked chocolate flavanols with a reduced risk for neurological decline. The darker the better, as the higher the percentage of cacao, the more polyphenols will be in the chocolate. Be sure to choose a chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao. Garlic: For centuries garlic has been used as natural medicine to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. Multiple studies published throughout the last 10 years confirm that using small amounts of herbs and spices in recipes can yield big health benefits. A review of garlic’s impact on heart health found that this flavorful herb may help to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels and aid in blood clotting. Other studies have showed that consuming garlic may help protect against stomach and colorectal cancers. You can reap garlic’s health benefits by chopping it finely to release allinase, an enzyme that aids in the formation of garlic’s cancer-protective compounds. Since cooking stops the activity of this beneficial enzyme, it’s best to let crushed garlic “stand” for 10 minutes after chopping, before adding it to heat – this prevents total loss of its anti-carcinogenic activity. Find more hidden health benefits in this article. http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/100 ... uperfoods/

Businesses: Your Consumers Are Lung Cancer Advocates November 21st, 2013 - by Katie Brown Does your company or media outlet support and recognize lung cancer awareness month? Lung cancer advocates love the month of November. I know I do. During November, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, there is a concerted effort among individuals and groups and sometimes even the media to shine a brighter light on the disease that kills more people than any other cancer. While my advocacy is 12 months a year and I consciously try to raise awareness about lung cancer every day, there is definitely more energy and an urgency to get the word out during the month of November when more eyes are upon us than any other time of the year. This month advocates are looking deeper at companies and media outlets that do or don’t recognize the importance of lung cancer awareness. Every 2.3 minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. That person has a birth family and perhaps a family of their own. They have neighbors and coworkers and friends. That’s a lot of people who are watching to see if companies and media outlets care about lung cancer and the people it impacts. Last month we watched the media, sports teams, and businesses turn pink. Did those same organizations and companies recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month this month? I make lasting consumer choices during this month based on who recognizes LCAM and who doesn’t. 1 in 14 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetimes. Lung Cancer kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer and more people than the next four major cancers combined. That’s a lot of consumers impacted by lung cancer. Organizations, businesses and media outlets need to rethink the lack of attention they are paying to this disease. Advocates, this Black Friday and holiday shopping season (and all year long) we need to make our dollars count and only support those who support us. _____________________ Katie Brown lost her father to lung cancer. She is the Director of Support and Advocacy for LUNGevity Foundation, a certified patient navigator, and an 18 year cancer survivor. She also manages the Foundation’s social media and Blog. http://blog.lungevity.org/2013/11/21/bu ... advocates/

LUNGevity Announces 2013 Lung Cancer Early Detection Research Awards FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Whittlesey judy@susandavis.com (202) 414-0783 WASHINGTON, DC (September 12, 2013) – LUNGevity Foundation, the largest lung-cancer focused funder of research in the U.S., announced that it has awarded $400,000 in new lung cancer research funds to two outstanding researchers through its Lung Cancer Early Detection Research program. These awards are in addition to the six other 2013 translational awards granted through LUNGevity’s Career Development and Targeted Therapeutics programs that were announced earlier this year. The work of these researchers will help ensure continued progress against this cancer that kills more people than the next four cancers combined. The additional two grants bring LUNGevity grant-funding to the milestone of 100 grants awarded in 23 states since 2002. LUNGevity’s Early Detection Awards for Translational Research program support research projects directed at new approaches to improve clinical methods for the detection of primary tumors. 2013 Early Detection Awards for Translational Research were made to: Feng Jiang, MD, PhD, University of Maryland, Baltimore, for “Sputum biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer” Ignacio Wistuba, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, for “Identification of biomarkers for the detection of SCLC” “While colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers all have effective methods to detect those diseases early in their progression when they are most treatable, and even curable, lung cancer, which accounts for 27% of all cancer deaths in the U.S., does not. LUNGevity researchers are working to ensure that an early diagnosis of lung cancer will become a reality, with thousands of lives saved,” said Andrea Ferris, President and Chairman of LUNGevity. The 2013 Career Development and Targeted Therapeutics Awards in Translational Research were made to: Timothy Burns, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, for “Targeting KRAS-mutant NSCLC through inhibition of mTOR and Hsp90” David Kozono, MD, PhD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, for “Biomarkers for NSCLC radiosensitization by proteasome inhibition” Meredith Tennis, PhD, University of Colorado Denver, for “Biomarkers for targeted lung cancer chemoprevention” Balazs Halmos, MD, Columbia University Medical Center, for “Identification of predictive biomarkers of chemoradiotherapy in lung cancer” Lecia V. Sequist, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, for “Determining mechanisms of resistance to next-generation EGFR inhibitors” Frank J. Slack, PhD, Yale University, for “Targeting KRAS mutations in lung cancer” Special thanks to Genentech and our other donors for supporting the LUNGevity Scientific Research Program. The Foundation works with its Scientific Advisory Board, eighteen prominent and leading scientists and researchers, and additional experts to ensure that grants are awarded to the proposals with the greatest potential for saving lives. Under the guidance of the Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Pierre Massion, Director of Thoracic Program and, Professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, LUNGevity has become the nation’s premier private grant-making organization funding research for the early detection and effective treatment of lung cancer. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality of life and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments, as well as by providing community, support and education for all those affected by the disease. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. For more information about the grants or LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org. About Lung Cancer 1 in 14 Americans is diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime More than 226,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year About 60% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers Lung cancer kills more people than the next four cancers (colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and prostate) combined Only 16% 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 To schedule an interview with Andrea Stern Ferris or an award recipient, please contact Sara Neumann at (202) 414-0788 or sneumann@susandavis.com http://events.lungevity.org/site/PageNa ... 91213.html

Bruce & Diane, I like to shop online because my kids are still small they are 5 & 7. They just don't have the shopping endurance like they used to when they were strapped inside strollers. What's the bus talk about? I want to get on the bus!

Hi Mtienes, I got this in my email today and thought of your post. It is a long read on here. It looked a lot shorter online. It is from LungCancer.About.com I posted the link at the bottom in case you rather read it from its source. SENDING YOU HUGS, HOPE AND HEALING THOUGHTS! Loss of appetite, referred to by doctors as anorexia, is a common symptom during treatment for lung cancer (anorexia differs from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, a psychological illness in which patients starve themselves). What causes anorexia, how is it treated, and what can you do to cope, to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need? What Causes Anorexia (Loss of Appetite) During Cancer Treatment? Many things can lower your appetite during cancer treatment. These include symptoms related to the cancer, side effects of treatment, and your body’s response to the cancer. Importance Most people with advanced cancer have some degree of anorexia. Decreased nutrition due to appetite changes can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, and wasting (cachexia). Knowing the effect of poor nutrition on treatment response, oncologists are increasingly addressing the role of nutrition in cancer patients. Nutritional support has been shown to result in: Fewer infections after surgery Better control of cancer-related symptoms Shorter hospital stays Greater ability of cancer survivors to tolerate treatments Better overall response to treatment Improved quality of life for those living with cancer Treatment Several treatment options are available to help with appetite, and also help maintain your weight during cancer treatment. Some of these include 1. Nutritional evaluation/counseling - Many cancer centers are offering nutritional counseling and support for those living with cancer. 2. Treatment of underlying causes – Other symptoms related to cancer or treatment can add to poor appetite. It is important to share any of these symptoms with your oncologist so they can be addressed: Mouth sores Taste changes Fatigue Depression Nausea or vomiting Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Shortness of breath Pain Medications – Some medications (such as pain medications) can interfere with appetite and may need to be changed, or the dosage altered 3. Supplements – Some oncologists will recommend nutritional supplements to boost your calorie intake 4. Medications – Your physician may recommend a medication to stimulate your appetite, or help with transit through your digestive tract. A few of these medications are: Steroids such as Decadron (dexamethasone) Megace (megestrol) Reglan (metaclopramide) Cannabinoids (Medical marjuana and Marinol) 5. Artificial nutrition – This includes Enteral nutrition (tube feeding), or parenteral nutrition (nutrients delivered to the body via a catheter into a vein in the arm or chest) – Your physician may discuss these options with you if you are unable to eat due to swallowing difficulties or other problems. 6. Complimentary therapies - Complimentary/alternative therapies (such as herbal supplements and meditation) are being looked at for their role in assisting with appetite in cancer survivors. Coping Cancer treatment not only decreases appetite, but you may become full more quickly when eating. A few tips may help you boost your calories when you don’t feel particularly hungry: Eat small portions frequently instead of 3 large meals daily Make your environment pleasing. Dine with family and friends. Play music. Use lighting that feels comfortable Light exercise can sometimes stimulate appetite. Ask your oncologist for her recommendations Eat nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein – Good choices include nuts, cheese and crackers, ice cream, peanut butter, and puddings Have food on hand that you enjoy and is easy to prepare Find foods that are comfortable to eat if you have mouth sores or taste changes Drink fluids between meals to avoid becoming full too fast Fatigue is a big factor for many cancer survivors when it comes to cooking – Accept your loved one’s willingness to bring meals, freeze leftovers for another meal, and ask your friends if they would mind preparing meals ahead of time that you can freeze for a quick dinner Eat whenever you feel hungry Try different foods – Sometimes a change in routine can make food more “interesting” and tempting When to Call the Doctor Make sure you keep your doctor updated on your appetite, as well as anything that is interfering with your ability to eat. Call between visits if you: Are unable to eat for 24 hours (sooner if you are unable to swallow fluids) Have difficulty swallowing, or if eating is otherwise painful Develop abdominal pain Lose 5 pounds or more If you note any signs of dehydration such as loss of skin tone, strong smelling urine, or are not urinating as frequently as usual http://lungcancer.about.com/od/livingwi ... a.htm?nl=1

Hey Bruce, I tried to fan some warm air that way, let me know if you get it. I understand about shopping locally. My town has this great little bakery where I take the kids every Friday after school to pick out a cookie. It's an expensive cookie, but it is SO good. It tastes better because I didn't have to cook it or dirty any dishes. Ha. So is there a bakery you could give gift cards to, &/or a local coffee shop? I like to get coffee but rarely do because I feel so guilty because I CAN brew my own.

Hi Bruce! You will be seeing more of me here too, like Katie. Lucky you! I can't wait to tell my kids how cold it is where you are. They think they need their parkas for the 40 degrees that we sometimes get here. This morning it was cloudy and cool around 50. Now it is sunny and will warm up to nearly 70. Thursday storms, Friday possible slushy weather. It seems like Winter is trying to sneak in, but our warm "cap" wont let it in. As far as Christmas gifts, QVC.com (I bought a teacher a warming scarf from there, she loved it!) surprisingly has a lot of neat items. One of my favorite places to shop is thinkGeek.com, Uncommongoods.com, & gifts.com. You think I shop online much, haha! Let us know what you find.

Sending you hope & healing thoughts Jamie.

Hey everyone! Are you excited for Thanksgiving feast time? Here is a healthy way to make the famous Green bean casserole, we all know & love. What side to you go to first? Please post a comment below and I will find a healthy (still yummy) way to prepare it. Sarah's Green Bean casserole: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/sample-menus-recipes/SarahsGreenBeanCasserole.pdf 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed • 1 cup onion, diced • 2 cups mushrooms, diced • 1½ Tbsp butter • 2 Tbsp flour • 1 cup skim milk • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1/8 tsp black pepper • 1/8 tsp garlic powder • ¾ tsp salt • 16 low sodium whole wheat crackers • 1 tsp olive oil • ½ tsp onion powder INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 3 minutes for crisper beans, longer for a softer texture. Then plunge in ice water. Drain and set aside. 2. Place diced onions and mushrooms in a microwaveable bowl and microwave for about 1.5 minutes on high to soften. Set aside. 3. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once heated, stir in our with a whisk and cook for about 2 minutes (continuously whisking). 4. Whisk in the milk and cook over low heat until you have a thick white sauce. 5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 6. Stir the drained green beans, onions, and mushrooms into the white sauce. 7. Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick spray. 8. Crush the crackers and toss cracker crumbs with olive oil and onion powder. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole. 9. Bake at 350 ˚F for about 30 minutes or until crackers are golden brown. Total Calories 116 Calories Grains ½ oz Vegetables 1 cup Dairy ¼ cup Nutrient Info Carbohydrate 17 g Dietary Fiber 3 g Saturated Fat 2 g Cholesterol 6 mg Sodium 274 mg

I held my breath the whole time I read your post. I let it out with a big relief. I'm so happy for you Diane! Happy holidays to ya!

This is why I advocate. Here is a picture of my Grandpa TP (Thomas Payne). He was such a great Grandpa. I remember him letting me drive his pick up truck on the ranch when I was around 7 years old. He'd put me in his lap and let me steer the wheel. It was great! He also had a lot of stories about what he was like as a kid, the military, college and a judge. SO MANY stories. HA. I miss them now. I wish he could've met my Husband, they would've had a lot of laughs together. He used to call me Gertrude. I don't know why, but that was what I knew to answer to. He called my Grandma, Jane.Her name is Olga , she lives with my Mom & step-dad now...anyway... He would leave notes for her all around the house saying things like, "Tarzan go to ranch. Me love Jane". It was so sweet. He passed away the year after I graduated from High school. I'll never forget that day.

Mel sits down with Susan Mantel, programs and marketing VP for LUNGevity. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Susan talks about the myths surrounding lung cancer, why it should be destigmatized. If you have lungs you can get lung cancer, and it is the #1 killer of women over heart disease and breast cancer! Great information about a great organization that gives HOPE to lung cancer survivors and their caregivers everywhere. Available on demand now! [Click Here To Listen] Susan Mantel joined LUNGevity Foundation as Vice President of Programs and Marketing in December 2011. She brings extensive experience with marketing and management of high profile health care products and services. She also has more than 12 years of experience working with researchers and clinicians to advance knowledge and options in oncology, infectious disease and behavioral health. Friends and family from 15 to 85 years of age have been affected by cancer, including an uncle and cousin with lung cancer, and she is dedicated to improving quality of life and outcomes for those with the disease. Most recently, her work with the healthcare strategy and marketing agency Flywheel Partners included leading the advocacy and marketing initiatives for a biotech client’s innovative lymphoma treatment product. As the first Executive Director of Uniting Against Lung Cancer, Susan worked with the Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee to develop and execute strategies for raising awareness and supporting innovative research into the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. image About Mel Majoros: Mel Majoros, currently in remission, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. On a lucky break after her cancer surgery she was offered a job as a producer on a local talk sports show in Michigan where she advocates about cancer and other health related topics. During that time she started blogging and her blog www.Thecancerwarrior.blogspot.com has been named one of the top ten breast cancer blogs by blogs.com. She brings a unique perspective to being a survivor, always keeping a positive attitude and an athletes mentality for dealing with cancer and survivorship. Prior to working in radio Mel was a 10 year veteran of the television industry working on such shows as Walker, Texas Ranger and Crossing Jordan. http://www.empoweradio.com/home/shows/o ... antel.html

When most people think of cancer they think of problems due to the growth and spread of the cancer as well as side effects of treatments. Yet some lesser talked about cancer complications can take a big toll - or even cause death. Since some of these symptoms can mimic those of treatment side effects, it's important to be aware of them. What are some of these complications? Blood clots affect up to 15% of people with cancer and are commonly associated with bedrest, prolonged travel, or surgery. Recognizing and Preventing Blood Clots with Cancer Hypercalcemia - that is, an elevated calcium level in the blood occurs in 10 to 15% of people with cancer, and cause symptoms ranging from nausea to coma and death. Hypercalcemia in People with Cancer Cachexia - or wasting syndrome. Cachexia is best understood as the kind of weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs even if someone is taking in enough calories. It's felt to be the cause of roughly 20% of cancer deaths. Cancer Cachexia A low white blood cell count can result in serious or fatal infections. Neutropenia and Chemotherapy That's just a beginning and a very incomplete list, but the important take away is to ask your oncologist about any potential emergencies you should be concerned about, and what symptoms to watch for. It's sad enough when people pass away due to their cancer, but heartbreaking when death occurs due to complications that are potentially very treatable or preventable in the first place. -Lynn Elridge http://lungcancer.about.com/b/2013/10/3 ... r.htm?nl=1

Hi Diane! Oh muh gosh, Mai Tai's sound good! I've never had one but it sounds yummy. This week we had some rain and cold weather. Today though when I picked up my children from school, the thermometer read 65! The skies are a beautiful light blue, with bright, white, traveling clouds that look like pulled cotton. It's a beautiful day! Selling your house is a huge deal, I don't blame you for dreading it. I guess you would just have to weigh out the temporary hassle of packing & staging versus a smaller easier to manage home. I'm not sure how heavy that weighs on you. Oh Diane, my heart is heavy for you & your two friends who are not feeling well. I'm glad to know that they have you as their friend to visit with. Sending hopeful, healing thoughts your way, theirs and to everyone who reads this.

Hi all! I have a request from female caregiver (sister) looking to connect with another caregiver for support. Her younger sister was recently diagnosed and she is trying to manage her care long distance, as well as her paperwork medically and financially. Please message me if you can help or if your loved one can help. Thanks, Nikole (You can private message Nikole, or private message me if that's easier & I will pass on your info to her)

Wanted: Lung Cancer Advocates November 15th, 2013 - by Katie Brown Lung Cancer Awareness Month is about engaging: 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. WHY ACTION DURING LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT 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! 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://blog.lungevity.org/2013/11/15/wa ... advocates/

Through the SMAC! Monkey Angel Matching Program, 10% of the proceeds will benefit lung cancer research through the LUNGevity Foundation, the largest private funder of lung cancer research. I know I'm getting one of these for my little nephew! -Cindy http://www.smacancer.com/give-a-smac-mo ... nd-beyond/

http://blog.lungevity.org/2013/11/12/th ... od-safety/ November 12th, 2013 - by Jessica Iannotta Safe food handling is important for everyone in order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. It is especially important for cancer patients to practice safe food handling during the holidays because of the potential increased susceptibility that can result from a compromised immune status. Here are some helpful tips to ensure safe food handling during Thanksgiving. Safely Thawing Your Turkey: Be sure to thaw the turkey completely because a frozen or partially frozen turkey will take longer to cook than a fully thawed bird and may leave areas that are not fully cooked. With the refrigerator temperature set at 40ºF, you need to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 lbs of the turkey. Therefore, a 20 lb turkey could take at least 4 days to thaw safely. Turkey can be thawed in cold water at about 30 minutes per pound of turkey. Wrap turkey well before submerging in water. The water should also be changed every 30 minutes until the thawing process is complete. Begin cooking the turkey as soon as it is fully thawed. A 20 lb turkey will take approximately 10 hours. For microwave thawing, follow instructions printed on the turkey. Be sure to cook immediately after microwaving, as some areas may begin to cook in the microwave. Stuffing the Turkey: The safest method to cook stuffing is separate from the turkey in a casserole dish at 325ºF, allowing it to reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. Do not buy fresh, pre-stuffed turkeys as there is a higher risk that harmful bacteria can grow if they are not handled correctly. Cooking the Turkey: The oven temperature should be set no lower than 325ºF for a whole turkey. The turkey is done when it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (innermost part of thigh and wing and thickest part of breast). It is recommended to check temperature even if your turkey comes with a pop-up indicator. Thanksgiving Leftovers: Discard any leftovers that have been left outside for more than 2 hours. Leftovers should be refrigerated in shallow containers. If you plan on giving leftovers to friends, don’t forget to send them home with an icepack to keep the leftovers safe for travel in the car. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days and frozen leftovers within 2-6 months. Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165ºF keeping it moist by added broth, water, or gravy. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! For more information: UDSA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-674-6854 MPHotline.fsis@usda.gov AskKaren@usda.gov http://www.fsis.usda.gov Home Food Safety http://www.homefoodsafety.org

LUNGevity Foundation Cites Disproportionate Impact of Lung Cancer on Veterans Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact pressreleases@worldnow.com. SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation Organization Recommits to Funding Critical Research WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, on Veterans Day, LUNGevity Foundation, with the largest research awards program of any lung cancer-focused organization in the U.S., notes the promising advances in the pursuit of better outcomes and better management for lung cancer patients, including the nation's veteran community. Andrea Stern Ferris, President and Chairman of LUNGevity Foundation, noted, "This reminder of the hope and promise of today's lung cancer research is particularly relevant today, Veterans Day, because our nation's 26 million U.S. veterans are disproportionately affected by lung cancer, the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. The fact that Veterans Day takes place in the midst of Lung Cancer Awareness Month has added significance." Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in November 1919 at the conclusion of the first World War, when he urged parades and public commemorations. Congress, in 1938, made November 11th a legal annual holiday. The observations have grown and changed over the decades reflecting the issues of the day. "Our nation owes so much to our veterans, past and present, and organizations from coast to coast are helping our veterans and their families in a variety of ways. Today LUNGevity Foundation recommits our organization to the funding of critical research which has the potential to improve and save lives of lung cancer patients, especially those within our military community," said Ferris. Dr. Pierre Massion is Ingram Professor of Cancer Research at Vanderbilt Medical Center, Chair of LUNGevity Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, and a physician at the Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center with significant experience in lung cancer research. Dr. Massion noted, "The progress we are making in dealing with lung cancer in our veteran community is encouraging. We now have a method for lung cancer screening that works and is cost effective - the low-dose chest CT scan. It could be preventing 12,000 Americans from dying of lung cancer every year." The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of non-federal experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine, is developing screening recommendations for particularly vulnerable populations that include members of the veteran community. According to Dr. Massion, the Department of Veterans Affairs is developing strategies to implement screening programs, and the progress and increased access for early detection and early treatment are changing the prognosis for lung cancer patients. Dr. Massion stated, "As important as the progress in early detection is the exciting news about new targeted treatments that are tailored to patients' tumor genetic makeup, and the positive results from boosting their immune responses to attack the tumors. These strategies are making great progress in our quest to prolong the lives of all our cancer patients, including the veterans I have worked with at the Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Continued research, and the critical funding to support it, will increase our ability to successfully treat our nation's lung cancer patients, especially our disproportionately affected veterans." Since 2002, LUNGevity has funded projects representing more than $16 million spent on 100 research projects at 56 institutions in 23 states and has connected people to lung cancer survivorship through research, education, and support. Throughout the year, LUNGevity coordinates grassroots and large-scale initiatives with the goal of funding research in order to extend patients' lives and improve quality of life post-diagnosis. The research is specifically focused on expediting development of an effective early-detection strategy and identifying therapeutic agents that provide customized genetic intervention for lung cancer. About Lung Cancer 1 in 14 Americans is diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. About 60 percent of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Lung cancer kills almost twice as many women as breast cancer and more than three times as many men as prostate cancer. Only 16 percent 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 to 52 percent. About LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality of life and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and more effective treatments, as well as by providing community, support, and education for all those affected by the disease. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. For more information about LUNGevity Foundation, please visit www.LUNGevity.org. http://www.abc27.com/story/23935461/lun ... cecgbypass

Thank you so much JYoung20! We appreciate that.

Hi Don, Happy to see your update. You want to eat a shark's head? Sushi is right up my alley, please let me know what that is like. I love your intoxicating optimism! It's so motivating!

I saw this on the Hungry Girl's Facebook wall today. I couldn't help but post it! It's low cal, has low sugar. The sodium is a little high but you could tweek it with natural homemade chicken broth. I'll post a link below it so you can see the picture Crock-Pot Roast 1/12th of recipe (about 2 1/2 oz. cooked meat with 2/3 cup broth and veggies): 206 calories, 7g fat, 447mg sodium, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 25.5g protein One 3-lb. raw boneless chuck beef roast (trimmed of excess fat) 1 tsp. each salt and black pepper One 14-oz. can fat-free beef broth 4 cups carrots cut into 1/2-inch coins
 3 cups roughly chopped onion 2 cups sliced mushrooms
 1 cup celery cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 tbsp. tomato paste
 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 sprigs fresh thyme
 1 tsp. chopped garlic
 2 tbsp. cornstarch Directions: Bring a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to high heat. Season roast with 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Cook and rotate until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Place in a crock pot. Add all remaining ingredients except cornstarch to the crock pot, including the remaining 3/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper. Gently stir. Cook on high for 3 - 4 hours or on low for 7 - 8 hours, until roast is cooked through. Turn off crock pot. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp. cold water. Stir into the liquid in the crock pot. Let sit, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 
5 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. Slice meat and serve topped with veggies and sauce! MAKES 12 SERVINGS HG Tip! If the roast breaks into pieces when you trim away the fat, just cook each piece in the skillet until browned -- the smaller pieces will take less time. Tongs are great for rotating the meat when browning.

LAHEY HEALTH (Boston, MA) is offering FREE lung cancer screenings in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness month . Please share with those you know in the Boston area. http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/bl ... gs-boston/ Beverly Hospital in Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester are offering free, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screenings to qualified high-risk patients the whole month of November for Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The screening programs are modeled after Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s program, which was the first hospital in New England and one of the only medical centers in the nation offering the life-saving screening to high-risk patients (and it still does). Lung cancer kills more Americans annually than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers combined. According to the National Lung Screening Trial, LDCT lung screenings could prevent at least one in five lung cancer deaths in a high-risk population and could save 12,000 lives every year. “Qualified high risk” means that you must meet the criteria in one of these two categories: Category 1: You are between 55 and 74 years old. Are currently a smoker or have quit within the past 15 years. Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 30+ years. Category 2: You are between 50 and 74 years old. Have smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 20+ years. Have one additional lung cancer risk factor (not to include secondhand smoke exposure). “This innovative screening program will allow us to detect lung cancer early, create an effective treatment plan and increase our patients’ likelihood of surviving cancer,” says Dr. Fares Mouchantaf, pulmonologist at Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals, and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center began its free LDCT lung screening program in January 2012, and initial results were published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in April 2013. The hospital has screened more than 1,600 patients since the program began. Patients will be given the test free of charge, regardless of their insurance status, geographic residence, or primary care affiliation. But patients will be required to obtain a doctor’s order before being screened.

Hi Paul, I'm so sorry you had to find us. Welcome to the LUNGevity message boards. I bet you have such busy days with those little ones. My kids were born 2 years apart so I really remember those days. It sounds like you have a great family there with you. I'm really inspired by your determination! Please keep us updated on how you are doing. In the "Discussion boards" there is a board titled "NSCLC & Mesothelioma". You might want to drop a line in there or browse the messages. LUNGevity is also on Facebook, if you are a Facebook user. On there is informational & educational posts. The message boards are more personal and it feels more like a warm cozy lounge. Just thought I'd let you know that we do have a few avenues of communication. Sending you hope & healing thoughts.