CaroleHammett

Apple and Avocado Salad (Serves 4) Ingredients: Red dessert apples - 2 large, cored, quartered, diced Ripe avocado - 1 large, peeled and diced Celery - 3 sticks, chopped Sultanas or golden raisins .... 1/4 cup Walnut pieces ...1/4 cup Sweetcorn kernels - 3/4 cup Cheshire or Cheddar Cheese ...3/4 cup crumbled Natural yogurt - 1/2 cup Apple juice - 2 tbsp Fresh mint - 1 tbsp, chopped Lettuce - to serve Mix apples, avocado, celery, sultanas, walnuts, sweetcorn and cheese together. Blend the remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl. Pour over the vegetable mixture. Line 4 to 6 small dishes with lettuce and fill with the vegetable mixture. Complements of British-born Coloradoan Sadie Bell (Maureen), a UK message board food maven, via Barbara (Barb73)

For many months now, I've been adding to "My Story: Quality of Life" (above) until finally it became so lengthy that I had to add an apology for turning it into a book! In fact, however, other than the intro and my strong position on Quality of Life, "My Story..." has been more about actions, not thoughts; whereas, during the many months since my Jan 2007 dx (I am now seven months past my expiration date!), I have become increasingly introspective--often as a result of the postings of others--both patients and family members--to Lungevity's message boards, as well as deep, insightful conversations with members of my Hospice Care team (formerly Palliative Care). As a result, I've decided to add "Waxing Philosophical" for my thoughts and philosophies--which have become ever more clear since July 2008 when I chose to cease further traditional treatments. The following are a jumble--no order whatsoever (perhaps that can be a future project?) Logic Dictates: My childhood was a chaotic mixture of wonder and dread headed by a charming and brilliant, but alcoholic father. That chaos resulted in family dynamics based on what I call "crazy-making" logic, which is why, for most of my adult life, I tried to base my own decisions on "true" logic, including in areas such as religion, ethics and morals), whether they related to my family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, parenting, my career or life in general. Because of my adherence to "true" logic, I had no need to be introspective: Just gather the facts, apply logic and each decision became easy to make (simple solutions to simple problems). This appeared to work until the early nineties when a PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) episode triggered a series of anxiety attacks (with accompanying depression), each of which occurred (I later came to realize) after I fell into the trap of that early "crazy-making" logic. Each time, however, I pulled out of it (returning to "true" logic), and when diagnosed with cancer in January 2007, had been anxiety- and depression-free for several years. Since my diagnosis, I have continued to apply "true" logic to my life, and despite initial concerns that I would slip back into "crazy-making" logic and fall into a depression, I have been able--for the most part--to remain "up" (Logic dictates that I have no time to waste on the negative!). Bonus of Notice: Since my diagnosis, I have also tried to balance optimism with realism, time-buying with quality of life and introspection with an outpouring of love. I first read Pollyanna when a very young child, but her optimistic attitude has influenced my life ever since and one "bonus" of my cancer diagnosis has been regaining that long-gone joy upon awakening each morning (I have never been what I consider "spiritual" except in so far as nature is concerned, when once--and now again--every leaf, cloud, bloom and breeze thrills my soul). Another bonus has been increased introspection--not about where I went wrong (Yesterday's regrets belong to yesterday!), but about all the positives in my past (family, friends, work, sailing, travel) and the possible positives in my future (family and friends and--who knows--possibly even more sailing and travel). A third bonus has been the many wonderful people I've met since my diagnosis--both personally and virtually--including not only health care professionals, but fellow cancer patients and their family members. Their entrance in my life has changed me forever. Yet another bonus has been picking up lost threads of old relationships; i.e., connecting with family members and old friends, sharing memories of times gone by, discussing how much those times meant to us and how much we have meant to each other. In fact, this latter has caused me to truly appreciate the advantages of having "notice" that one's death is approaching--as versus being hit by the proverbial bus (When my sister died in a car accident, she never got to say goodbye to us and we never got to say goodbye to her, whereas I've had some wonderful conversations with family and friends since my diagnosis). Luck: My lung cancer diagnosis notwithstanding, on balance, I feel lucky, as though I'm living on bonus time (I hope it's a big bonus, of course, but que será, será). After all, I've had a full and rewarding life, have loved and been loved, have experienced both parenthood and grandparenthood, had several careers I've loved (careers that enriched the lives of not only myself, but others), as well as hobbies I've loved (including yacht racing/cruising, reading, writing, research, etc.), and travelling half the world. Although I might "feel" young to be dying (I'm now 62), the truth is that I have had a full and rewarding life, and since being diagnosed, each day has been more precious to me than the last. Insanity: I appear to be handling all this with "aplomb," but what if, in fact, I'm an Academy award-level actress? What if my "calm, cool and collected" demeanor is masking denial? Am I nuts? Does it really matter? I am who I am. Some love me for it and others don't. As to the latter, that's their issue and I can live with it or die with it. An Adventurous Journey: I have always had a great love of learning and on top of everything else, this final journey has become the most incredible learning experience of my life. As an agnostic, I don't have a clue as to whether there are more adventures ahead of me, but I do consider the act of dying an adventure itself--a learning adventure, and as part of my love of learning, I've definitely been doing my "homework" about the subject (including topics such as voluntary refusal of water and nutrition, palliative sedation, etc.). Fear: So far, I find that I don't fear death (although I certainly have no objection to postponing it as long as possible!). After all, we're all born to die. I do want to die with grace and dignity (which is why mets to the liver are far preferable to mets to the brain--I'd like to avoid being "ga-ga" when I make my exit). Dying with grace and dignity has a grand sound to it, but in fact, it will not be possible unless I can continiue to maintain Quality of Life That doesn't mean I don't experience fear: I sometimes find myself scared, but not nearly as much as my family and friends. I hope to die with grace and dignity, and I find myself concerned sometimes that, as a result of their fear,they will be reluctant to let me go at the end--for their own sakes rather than mine (which is why I've completed all the paperwork to make that less likely; i.e., the Five Wishes form, DNR, etc.) If I have learned anything about this last journey of my life, it is that no matter who is by my side, I will be taking it alone. Some of my family and friends have been incredibly supportive and understanding; others have exhibited fear, denial, anger and even dementia, but in the end, it's my journey and mine alone. I have a long way to go in trying to express how much this journey has come to mean to me, but in the meantime, I awake each day joyfully, prepared to enjoy it to the fullest. When possible I've tried to convey my philosophies to my loved ones, in hopes that they will be comforted by them after I've gone, but in some cases, they just can't take it, and I've been forced to accept that as well (I can only hope that after I'm gone, my words will reverberate and be of comfort). I am one lucky woman, and that's what I want my family and friends to remember after I'm gone. I hope my memorial service is a celebration of my life, not a mourning of my death, and that my family members and friends remember me as I was (warts and all) rather than turn me into a saint (no wings on this angel). Numerous times in my life I've been the one assuming the caregiver role, I've been the strong one. I would like to think that I'm still strong, but now I need to put myself first... if I want to succeed in dying with grace, dignity, and my sense of humor still intact. It's hard to give up being a codependent after spending a good part of my lifetime in that role. Quotes: Among my favorite quotes: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin I'd rather die while I'm living then live while I'm dead.--Jimmy Buffett Dream as if you'll live forever; live as if you'll die tomorrow.--Jimmy Dean Some situations are so bad that to remain sane is insane.--Frederich Nietzsche The dignity to be sought in death is the appreciation by others of what one has been in life.--Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland (author of How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter). Others of my favorite sayings include: Life is a Terminal Condition I don't have time to waste (borrowed from Omrita). Acceptance: During the past three months (Sep-Dec 2008), even though I've been growing increasingly fatigued, I find that fear has not raised it's ugly head and in fact that I am growing in acceptance. That doesn't mean I've given up, only that I'm prepared for all eventualities. Affectionately, Carole Hammett December 14, 2008 Update PS I know we're not supposed to discuss politics, but one of my short term goals was to live to the first Tuesday in November so that I could vote. My latest short term goal is to make it to January 20, on which date I'm holding an all day Inauguration Party (Open House). Yes!

You're welcome, Randy. I've now been doing 10-minute VIBE machine electromagnetic therapy sessions an average of 5 days weekly (usually not on the weekends). I can't say that I've noticed any difference at all, but then I don't know but what it's keeping me from feeling worse. I have to confess I probably wouldn't still be using it other than the fact that the owner is giving me a "break" ($50 mo. for unlimited sessions). As noted earlier, the FDA has pulled the VIBE machine website pending substantiation of claims (See http://cbs4denver.com/investigates/vibe.machine.greeley.2.780695.html, which also states marketing of this machine is now taking place under the name of Quantum Plus). Also complicating analyis of the results of using this machine is the fact that I have also changed my daily supplements (particularly the addition of Mona Vie and massive increases in both oral Vitamin C and D). but again, I can't say I've noticed any difference. On the other hand, I'm stil "Dancing in the Street" so who know? (Plus it is definitely too soon to tell re at least the vitamins, if not the others). I'll post more on this subject when/if there is news to report. In the meantime, I continue to do well. Affectionately, Carole Yesterday's Regrets Belong to Yesterday

Thanks for the tip, DT. I haven't tried audio books yet, but do try to fall asleep reading (sometimes I succeed; others I end up staying up late and finishing the book! ) I also haven't tried radio talk shows, although I do sometimes listen to music on my iPod. Another aid has been by way of a terrarium I created that has a waterfall (a submersible pump with tube recirculates water that travels over rocks into a pool and back over rocks again). The sound of the water helps me go to sleep. Carole

Ah-HA! Now we know why I feel so good despite my dismal condition! It's because I'm still Dancing in the Street! ( ) Carole "Be-Bop-A-Lula" Hammett

Thanks for the posting, Barb. I've been drinking apple juice almost every day since I was dx'd in 01/07. During that time my initial chemo was cisplatin/etoposide and I've subsequently taken both Cipro and Levaquin for chemo side-effect infections. I also wonder if this might apply to some of the vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements i take with juices (and if it also holds true for juices other than grapefruit, apple and orange). Carole

Mine were almost always in the early morning (radiation therapy at 8:30 and chemo therapy at 9:30). Carole

The following study was reported in Jan 2008, and shows that oxidative stress is higher and anti-oxidants lower in patients with advanced NSCLC lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma--further evidence of the importance of anti-oxidants (including Vitamin C/ascorbic acid). Carole PS I continue to be buried in back emails, etc. so continued apologies for being "non-responsive," but am doing well healthwise. --------------------- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1819 ... d_RVDocSum Respirology. 2008 Jan;13(1):112-6. High levels of oxidative stress in patients with advanced lung cancer.Esme H, Cemek M, Sezer M, Saglam H, Demir A, Melek H, Unlu M. Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey. hesme@aku.edu.tr BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress status in different stages and histological types of lung cancer. METHODS: Forty-nine lung cancer patients, who had not received any therapy, and 20 healthy subjects were chosen for the study. Lung cancer patients were divided into those with early stage or advanced stage disease. The tumour type was adenocarcinoma in 24 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 21 and large cell carcinoma in four. We measured serum nitrite, nitrate, ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene and ceruloplasmin levels, and whole-blood malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma and healthy subjects. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the patient group and the control group were detected for all biochemical parameters. Mean malondialdehyde, nitrite, nitrate and ceruloplasmin levels and catalase activity were significantly higher in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels were significantly lower in the group with advanced stage disease than in the control group. Mean malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly higher in the patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with adenocarcinoma, and mean malondialdehyde level was also significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma than in those with large cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that with advancing stage of lung cancer, the levels of oxidative stress increase, while levels of antioxidant molecules decrease. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have higher oxidative stress as reflected by higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitrite. (PubMed: 18197920)

Hi, Greg. All joking aside, I really have been drinking a single glass of red wine each night to "wash down" my resveratrol caps (based on the positive studies re both a glass of red a day and resveratrol caps plus your data above). As you know, I'm science-deficient in terms of trying to understand much of what you post until I've read and re-read (and asked you a ton of questions!). One of the areas I'm still working at trying to understand is angiogenesis. You mention anti-angiogenic drugs such as Avastin being enhanced by alcohol in red wine. Today's question is: Are all anti-angiogenics drugs or are there non-drug anti-angiogenics that might be added to, for example, red wine, and if so, what are they? Thanks, Carole PS Apologies in advance if the above question doesn't make sense! But this time, instead of attributing it to my being science-deficient, let's just blame the red!

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. With love and affection, Carole Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.--George Carlin

The above website is now up and running, but the correct URL is: http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org The Bone and Cancer Foundation website also includes links to: 1. What Lung Cancer Patients Need to Know about Bone Health (http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/LungCancerBooklet.pdf) 2. Vitamin D Deficiency: Information for Cancer Patients (http://www.boneandcancerfoundation.org/pdfs/Vitamin_D_Booklet.pdf)

Dancing in the Street in Boulder!!!!

Hi, Barb, Shelley et al Just wanted to let you know that I contacted Pfizer, but was told (as expected) that I was ineligible for their clinical trials on CP751,871 and that they had no other mechanism for supplying me with this therapy. This puts me back in the position of asking whether anyone knows where CP751,871 iis manufactured (not just specific address, but floor and room #). All information regarding Pfizer's security system would also be appreciated. With love and affection, Carole PS to all: I continue to be so behind in my emails, PMs, message boards, etc. that I'm not even bothering to try to be organized or catch up. I confess to being tired, but I've been so busy chasing my own tail since getting home that I can't even blame it on cancer fatigue!

Sandra: Be a good girl! The red wine is a no-no unless you use it to wash down the Resveratrol tabs! With love, affection and Baileys on the rocks, Mama Carole PS to all: I am so far behind on the board and with my PMs and emails that I'll never catch up... so just take heart that I'm still around, as evidenced by the fact that I haven't lost my sick sense of humor, and doing well, as evidenced by the fact that I'm still around.

A belated note that a lengthy and very interesting discussion resulted from this posting in the Family Members/Caregivers forum at: http://www.lungevity.org/l_community/viewtopic.php?p=364955 Affectionately, Carole

Greg. Thanks for the additional info. I'm still trying to digest it, but in the meantime I've developed a compromise for the alcohol v. Resveratrol caps dilemna: I went out and bought a bottle of red which I use to wash down the caps! Affectionately and appreciatively, Carole

Thanks for the explanation re multiple targets, Greg. I've been grumbling and muttering under my breath about the failure of drug companies to offer trials whereby their product is "stand alone." Now I have a better understanding of why this rarely happens and thus will need to shift gears in my never-ending attacks on pharmaceuticals! Affectionately, Carole

Hi, Teri, and thanks for the kudos (both earlier and above), but my hat's still off to all of you who have been left behind for the strength and endurance you've exhibited. You're my super-heroes! And more importantly: Congratulations on finishing your first draft intro to Bill's book! Affectionately, Carole

Hi, Barb et al. Thought some might be interested in abstract of earlier trial: Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16966690?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Phase II study of belagenpumatucel-L, a transforming growth factor beta-2 antisense gene-modified allogeneic tumor cell vaccine in non-small-cell lung cancer. Nemunaitis J, Dillman RO, Schwarzenberger PO, Senzer N, Cunningham C, Cutler J, Tong A, Kumar P, Pappen B, Hamilton C, DeVol E, Maples PB, Liu L, Chamberlin T, Shawler DL, Fakhrai H. Mary Crowley Medical Research Center/Texas Oncology Professional Association, Dallas, TX, USA. jnemunaitis@mcmrc.com. 1: J Clin Oncol. 2006 Oct 10;24(29):4721-30. Epub 2006 Sep 11. PURPOSE: Belagenpumatucel-L is a nonviral gene-based allogeneic tumor cell vaccine that demonstrates enhancement of tumor antigen recognition as a result of transforming growth factor beta-2 inhibition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a randomized, dose-variable, phase II trial involving stages II, IIIA, IIIB, and IV non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Each patient received one of three doses (1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 x 10(7) cells/injection) of belagenpumatucel-L on a monthly or every other month schedule to a maximum of 16 injections. Immune function, safety, and anticancer activity were monitored. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (two stage II, 12 stage IIIA, 15 stage IIIB, and 46 stage IV patients) received a total of 550 vaccinations. No significant adverse events were observed. A dose-related survival difference was demonstrated in patients who received > or = 2.5 x 10(7) cells/injection (P = .0069). Focusing on the 61 late-stage (IIIB and IV) assessable patients, a 15% partial response rate was achieved. The estimated probabilities of surviving 1 and 2 years were 68% and 52%, respectively for the higher dose groups combined and 39% and 20%, respectively, for the low-dose group. Immune function was explored in the 61 advanced-stage (IIIB and IV) patients. Increased cytokine production (at week 12 compared with patients with progressive disease) was observed among clinical responders (interferon gamma, P = .006; interleukin [iL] -6, P = .004; IL-4, P = .007), who also displayed an elevated antibody-mediated response to vaccine HLAs (P = .014). Furthermore, positive enzyme-linked immunospot reactions to belagenpumatucel-L showed a correlation trend (P = .086) with clinical responsiveness in patients achieving stable disease or better. CONCLUSION: Belagenpumatucel-L is well tolerated, and the survival advantage justifies further phase III evaluation. PMID: 16966690 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] NCBI PubMed A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health My NCBI Related Articles Allogeneic vaccination with a B7.1 HLA-A gene-modified adenocarcinoma cell line in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. [J Clin Oncol. 2004] Phase II randomized controlled trial of an epidermal growth factor vaccine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. [J Clin Oncol. 2008] Randomized phase IIB trial of BLP25 liposome vaccine in stage IIIB and IV non-small-cell lung cancer. [J Clin Oncol. 2005] Phase 1/2 trial of autologous tumor mixed with an allogeneic GVAX vaccine in advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. [Cancer Gene Ther. 2006] Induction of CD8 T-cell-Ifn-gamma response and positive clinical outcome after immunization with gene-modified allogeneic tumor cells in advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma. [Cancer Gene Ther. 2003] Phase 1/2 trial of autologous tumor mixed with an allogeneic GVAX vaccine in advanced-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. [Cancer Gene Ther. 2006 Jun; 13(6):555-62]. -------- Carole

Hi, Barb. Thanks for posting this article. I'm trying to figure out how to come up with a recipe based on the info above, but think I'll need to do more research, perhaps even a lot of research... all requiring eating as well as cooking. Tonight's dinner menu at my place was going to be large bay scallops on a skewer with vegetables including tomatoes (or are tomatoes still considered a fruit?), which means the tomatoes would at least be heated (and subjected to olive oil). Oh, well. it's a start. Affectionately, Carole

Just as an FYI to all, I signed up Tuesday for a month's worth of VIBE machine sessions here in Boulder and had my first two 10-minute sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday (I plan a session a day for a month). I did not sign on because I believe that the VIBE machine can cure cancer (or anything else), but because universally those who have used it have claimed an increase in energy (any other positive results would simply be frosting on the cake). And those of you who are familiar with my positions in respect to Quality of Life will understand that, now that I am on hospice and my cancer going untreated, I am concentrating on maximum Quality of Life in the weeks and months to come. I will report back here at the end of the month as to whether I believe that any benefit was accrued by these sessions (although I also plan to try a couple other homeopathic remedies so anything I report may be meaningless in re which remedy was of help, if any). Side Note: The website noted above is no longer functional (taken down at insistence of FDA with whom the inventor is now corresponding re clinical trials, etc.). Affectionately, Carole

Greg: I've been taking Resveratrol sporadically in cap form for at least a year, and at one point was also drinking a red glass of wine with dinner every night (a punishment since my dinners are usually fish, which doesn't go with red! ) I am confused now, however, since on one hand it seems that alcohol is the key, yet on the other hand that one should take caps as one would otherwise have to drink too much wine (not necessarily a punishment! ) Affectionately and appreciatively, but nevertheless confused (as always), Carole

Thanks for the postings, Greg. I just emailed Weisenthal to inquire about their program (including whether, if indicated, they would be able to obtain Pfizer's CP751m871). Affectionately and appreciatively, Carole

Please pass on my congratz, Denise. Affectionately, Carole

Great news re shrinkage and liver lesion disappearance, Denise. Not so great that he has to go on Prednisone, but if it keeps him breathing... (as I tell myself every morning when I take mine) Affectionately, Carole