#586 SHAZAM! This is Life Changing

We are masked, thanks to sister Susan.

It's been a while since my last post when... Shazam! Just like that our world was turned upside down and blog writing became secondary. While trying to adjust to the new norm of living with Covid19,  I realized the troubling feelings I was experiencing were similar to the ones I had already agonized over after learning of my terminal diagnosis almost six years ago.

This led me to researching the five stages of grief and how it relates to both my initial emotions with cancer and the Coronavirus that is consuming everyone's lives. One of my findings was David Kessler's words describing what we may be experiencing due to the recent events even though we may not necessarily be suffering the loss of a loved one.

"The five stages, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost. They are tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling. But they are not stops on some linear timeline in grief. Not everyone goes through all of them or in a prescribed order. Our hope is that with these stages comes the knowledge of grief ‘s terrain, making us better equipped to cope with life and loss. At times, people in grief will often report more stages. Just remember your grief is as unique as you are." https://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/

What makes this message so relevant to the Coronavirus and to my living with terminal cancer are the similar feelings they both have evoked.

                                                                         Denial

Covid19--Maybe it isn't as bad as the news reports are stating.
My cancer--A possible misdiagnosis?  Tests can be wrong, can't they?

                                                                         Anger

Covid19--I am so angry I can't see my friends and family and a return to my normal life.
My cancer--Why has this happened to me?  I want to scream and rant and rave. Life is so unfair.

Bargaining

Covid19--Please, higher powers, hear our prayers and requests to get rid of this menace.
My cancer--Help me, I will do anything to be able to live longer.

Depression

Covid19--Why us? I don't see any way we can recover.  It all seems hopeless for our world to survive.
My cancer--There are few treatments to keep me alive and there is no cure.  I won't see my grandchildren grow up.  I will not see ___________.  (Fill in the blank with any number of things).

Acceptance

Covid19--  I get it now.  Accepting a different way of living life and appreciating all I do have will make this catastrophe not feel quite so catastrophic.  Good must come from this and we will be better humans taking care of the earth and each other.
My cancer--I plan to fill my days with joy, laughter and discovery. Cancer will not define who I am.

Ruminating about these five stages is exhausting and occurs on a regular basis for me.  You see, life with a terminal disease is not always easy for others to understand...and that's okay, I get it. But perhaps those of you experiencing this coronavirus crisis and the stressful emotions involved, you may now understand what I, and many others like me, face every single day. I will keep going and so will you--one day at a time.

Thanks for reading #586 of 7777.

#584 Help Us Reach Next October

Champion fundraisers!

October 31

Goals

The last day of the month and I would be remiss in not plugging the most important goal for me--raising a gazillion dollars for MBC.  Don't worry, I'm not expecting that from you, but a donation to  More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center would turn this pinkish month into a color we can all benefit from—the color of hope. Hope for life-saving research. 

MBC Facts

1. What’s the message from those of us living with metastatic breast cancer for this last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
   Live Life Fully Every Day! Let’s celebrate that we survived another Pinktober! http://bit.ly/16NExkp

Supporters

plus many generous individuals too numerous to mention

who have supported me for the five years, four months I've lived with MBC.  Thank you!

Thanks for reading this month's suggestions of goals and for learning about MBC.  Please pass on the information to others.  Education is one of our greatest strengths.  Also, thanks for hanging in there with  #584 of 7777+ blog.

#583 Make 'Em Laugh

October 30

Goal

We all know that laughter is the best medicine so go tell a joke and make someone laugh. Click here-- Did you hear the one about the...

MBC Fact

Thanks for reading #583 of 7777+ and supporting More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

#582 Eat, Drink and be Merry With Your Dining Club

The table set for food from a movie theme.

October 29

3,364 gone from MBC since October 1

Goal

Our dining club began nine years ago.  Every few months we gather at one of the homes and are treated to a delightful evening based on the host's theme.  We've had a few mishaps but overall it has been quite a rewarding experience. Go to Dining club or other clubs to see how to get started.  

We did the main meal--Beef Bourguignon la Hassan from the movie, A Hundred-Foot Journey. Martinis from all the James Bond movies and wine from Sideways.

MBC Fact

1. Do young women get metastatic breast cancer?
   YES. For young women under 40: 5% of the new cases of breast cancer and 3% of the deaths. Metastatic breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in this age group. For young women under 50: 27% of the new cases of breast cancer and 16% of the deaths. MBCN

Thanks for reading #582 of 7777+ .  Of course I will mention a donation to the More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center would be a perfect gift today!

#581 Friends--Priceless!

Great buddies being there for each other!

October 28

Goal

Perfect timing for this goal today.  My good friend, Peggy, is celebrating her birthday today and I will be leaving shortly to join a number of friends hiking Picnic Point and then gathering for Babcock ice cream for guaranteed laughter and camaraderie.  Friends--priceless. Click here to find out how your health can improve when..."You've got a friend"

MBC Fact
Is metastatic breast cancer a chronic disease?

1. Not yet, but that is an important goal. As researchers identify more and better treatments, MBC could become a chronic disease like diabetes or HIV/AIDS, where patients can be stable on medications for 20 or more years. MBCN

Supporter

Today's outstanding supporter is our local restaurant , Headquarters. They were relatively new in the area five years ago when we approached them about helping us raise funds. Their immediate response was a yes. Beginning with a percentage of a day's earnings to sponsoring an impressive volleyball tournament, which has continued each year in memory of Maggie--another MBC patient, they have never denied a request to fund research.  A huge thank you to them as they exemplify the meaning of the phrase, "It takes a village...".  

Thanks for reading #581 of 7777+.  Consider the 155,000 of us living with this disease as your friends and donate to make it a chronic disease.  Donate to More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

#580 Help is On Its Way

                                October 27

Goal

Volunteer, give back, help. Visit this website to find out why it is so important for others and for you!  Click here--volunteer

MBC Fact

Several years ago, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance did a study that found that of all research grants, funded by major public and private sources from 2006-2013, only 7% of funds studied metastatic breast cancer, even though metastasis is what causes breast cancer to become a deadly disease. MBCN

Supporter

First Weber Realty has been unselfish in their support for More For Stage IV.  I do believe their mantra is: if you have a need, we will fill it (not their actual words but the meaning is clear).  I can  attest their logo that states, "The human side of real estate",  is an absolute fact.  We have been fortunate to be on the receiving end of generous donations because they care.  Thank you, First Weber, for your benevolence. 

Thanks for reading #580 of 7777+ and volunteering to donate to the More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

#579 Love You Today and Forever

October 26

Goal

Show your love. Click here to find out more-- LOVE 

MBC Fact

Although the National Cancer Institute collects statistics of patients who have an initial diagnosis of mbc, the NCI does not count metastatic breast cancer recurrences.  Studies estimate that there are over 155,000 women and men living with metastatic breast cancer in the US–and doing our best to live well! MBCN

Supporter

Our super duper supporter highlighted today is our very own coffee shop in Oregon, Wisconsin, The Firefly Coffee House & Artisan Cheese.  Every time we have asked for publicity or using their space for our art show, without even a slight pause in the question, they said yes as well as adding a percentage from their day's earnings.  You will recognize them in town by their super hero capes flowing behind them due to their desire to help save lives by funding research.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Thanks for reading #579 of 7777+ donate to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center after a visit to the Firefly.  Oh, you don't live here?  Donate in honor of them.  They will be pleased.

#578 BE KIND

October 25

Goal

 Be kind. Be kind. Be kind.  Nothing else needs to be said.  Read why we should always choose--Kindness

MBC Fact

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (24.2%, i.e. about one in 4 of all new cancer cases diagnosed in women worldwide are breast cancer), and the cancer is the most common in 154 of the 185 countries included in GLOBOCAN Global Cancer facts

Supporters

One of our many generous supporters, thanks to one of their employees bringing MBC to their attention, is Exact Sciences in Madison, Wisconsin.  They were forthcoming with their donation when Kelsey Umland explained the need for more research for this disease.  Thank you to her and to this philanthropic company.

Thanks for reading #578 of 7777+ and kindly donating to More For Stage IV at UW Carbone Cancer Center

#577 Write, Write, Write!

October 24

Goal 
Write in a journal.  Your children will appreciate your life story--click here to find out more. Journal writing

MBC Fact

The most common breast cancer metastasis sites are the bones, the lungs, the brain, and the liver. The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can be very different depending on the location of the cancer: Breast Cancer/org

• constant back, bone, or joint pain 
• difficulty with urinating (either incontinence or not being able to go); this can be a sign that the nerves in your back are being pinched by a cancer 
• numbness or weakness anywhere in your body 
• a constant dry cough 
• difficulty breathing 
• shortness of breath 
• chest pain 
• loss of appetite 
• abdominal bloating, pain, or tenderness 
• constant nausea, vomiting, or weight loss 
• jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and whites of your eyes) 
• severe headaches 
• vision problems (blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision) 
• seizures 
• loss of balance 
• confusion

                                               Supporter
When given this diagnosis, you tend to seek out others in the same boat as yourself.  It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and work with Kristie Konsoer from Middleton.  Please take a moment to see what her big plans for October entail and then view her impressive TV performance.  Being such a powerful and motivated force, there is no doubt she will get her wish of $50,000 for her nifty fifty birthday.  Thank you from all of us!

Kristie's October fundraiser:

🎃 Is it the Great Pumpkin? 🎃

No, just me, but I am excited to tell you about an event to raise money for stage IV breast cancer research for UW Carbone. 

Join me at Barriques in downtown Middleton on Sunday, October 27th from 9 to 5 and vote for your favorite jack-o-lantern by making a donation. Place your donation in the jack-o-lantern you like the best. 🎃

All donations go to the More For Stage IV Fund where 100% goes to research.

Bring a friend or two! Stay and enjoy some coffee, tea, or a treat. Buy a bottle of wine for yourself or as a gift. Support Barriques whether you sit for a spell or are on the go. ☕️

I would LOVE to see you!

Barriques is located at 1901 Cayuga Street. 🍁🍂

It will be spook-tacular! 🎃

@UWCarbone @Barriques (From Kristie's Facebook page)

Here's the video link about her goal.  Quite an impressive one, I'd say.
channel 3000

 Thanks for reading #577 of 7777+ and while you are at it, how about a donation for Kristie's fund.  Go to More for Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  Be sure to mention her name in your donation. 

#576 Ants on Fire!

October 23

Goal #16

Watch a colony of ants--this article explains an interesting concept about the little creatures. Ants on Fire!

MBC Facts

Between 20 and 30 percent of women with early stage breast cancer go on to develop metastatic disease. While treatable, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) cannot be cured. The five-year survival rate for stage 4 breast cancer is 22 percent; median survival is three years. Annually, the disease takes 40,000 lives. Fred Hutch

Supporter

La Lingerie has been extremely gracious to us over the past few years donating a percentage of their profits to the More For Stage IV fund during the month of October.  If you haven't experienced their customer service or their merchandise, I would highly suggest you check them out as you will be notably impressed.

Because of their generous hearts, our researchers will again benefit from their donation.  Visit the website or their store...you will be glad you did.  Thank you la lingerie for your continued support in so many ways this month. Their website is http://www.lalingerieshop.com/lajoom/

Thanks for reading #576 of 7777+ and donate to More For Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center

#575 Backyard Beauty.

October 22

A one word explanation about my absence since October 14--GRANDCHILDREN!  Rob and I have been in Seattle cuddling with the sweetest children around and, quite frankly, I had no time to even throw a brief blog together.  My question every night when I finally rested my weary head on the pillow was, "How did I do this when my children were young?"  The answer was simply--subtract thirty plus years from my age--having cancer had very little to do with my fatigue level.   My healthy husband was just as exhausted!  

I'll attempt to finish up the month of October with a blog a day.  The goals are worth trying as least once and hopefully the MBC facts will motivate you to share with others.

                                               Goal #15

Embrace natural beauty from your backyard or a walk in the woods. Click here to find out more--Get outside!  

MBC Fact

Only 2%-5% of funds raised for breast cancer research is focused on research for the already metastasized patient Metavivor

Supporters

 Previously I featured a business donating to our fund. Today will highlight one more example of how  more funding can be provided for our researchers because of a philanthropic company. Our supportive business is Sprint Print--a generous contributor who has never said no when we ask for something to be printed or copied.  Liz, one of the owners, has gone above and beyond our ask; and when I question if it is too much, she simply smiles and keeps on donating.  What a place!  We are proud to not only have her in our back pockets for all our printing needs but as a friend who has our backs.  Thank you Sprint Print.  Visit their website--at Sprint Print is the best!!  It takes a village... and she is the chief!

Thanks for reading #575 of 7777+.  As you breathe in the beauty of nature, think about making a donation to More for Stage IV at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

#559 Four Letter Words and All

The BHE recovering in style.

It comes at no surprise my being diagnosed with METS has transformed me into a foul mouthed swearing long shore man type of woman.  At the drop of a hat, the F-bomb spews out of this older (and I hope wiser) woman who should know better by using a preferable choice of words such as;  dognabbit, son of a gun and gosh darn it all.

Well, it seems the cancer has brought slight changes to my vocabulary and an attitude of--I don't give a flying rat's ass what anyone thinks. While in college the language was completely acceptable (at least in my circle of friends), however, my mother would have had the soap ready to wash out my filthy mouth and despair how she had failed to raise a "proper" daughter. (phrases such as: "You eat with that mouth?"  and "Not in this house!" still ring in my ears).

To redeem myself to my departed mother's good graces, I will use another four letter word that would have made her smile and knowingly nod her head in approval. 

The profound four letter word?  HELP.  This mighty word has also given me another companion to use, and that is HOPE.  Let me explain.

If you've kept up with the latest Gooze saga, you know Rob and I have been in a @#$%^ (sorry mom) turmoil of personal trials.  His bum quad is slowly healing and he now can drive, fix meals and even shower by himself.  With his above mentioned activities my level of stress has greatly decreased, however, I will admit the showering, well... it felt almost like the year 1978...but I digress.

My heart issues have been resolved and am now working out again and feeling grand.  Which brings me back to the four letter word--HELP.  Friends and family assistance came roaring in at a category 4 storm level and, before I could even mutter the H word, meals, flowers, good wishes and a delivery plan for the paper and mail were provided.  Their never ending attention was always present and any words of gratitude I could muster do not fully express how much it meant to us. A gigantic thank you will have to suffice.

A multitude of friends helping me plant this spring.

Which leads me to the other word in this combination of four letter wonders--Hope.  My active BHE was sidelined for the first time in his life, two major trips had to be cancelled and the approaching summer had the look of a fun sucker (thanks, Deb, for the word).  As help arrived we could see a bit of hope at the end of this whole saga and would eventually be able get through this muckity muck of disasters.  HOPE was around the corner reminding me of the quote,

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end".

This was a signal for me to alter my thoughts of taking Rob out to the back shed--insert a visual of a lame horse--that, indeed, we would eventually persevere. 

Yes, we are both doing much better thanks to the circle of friends and family.  I've learned a few things along the way as far as how to help others--for one, just do it-- text and say a meal is on its way or secretly deliver the paper to our doorstep.  It takes the pressure off the caregiver and taker to even understand what needs to be done and what to ask.  

Help and hope go hand in hand to recover from any malady--big or small.  Thanks family and friends for your caring gifts of love.  One benefit to your kindness is my foul mouth has taken a slight hiatus for now.  My mother would be happy.

One last quick reminder--Mark your calendars to visit the The Oregon Firefly Coffee Shop on August 3rd, 8-4 PM featuring our Art Show benefitting the More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.   

Thanks for reading #559 of 7777.

#556 Over the Moon

Hiding the chubby bod behind the Best Husband Ever.

Alert--random babbling on my part.

First of all, the best medicine...ever... is spending time with an adorable two and half year old.  Seeing life from her vantage point for three days when we watched her while momma and daddy were off at a conference was priceless.  All the health issues preceding our visit vanished as I sat and performed puppet shows and colored masterpieces with crayons.  Maybe I could have my oncologist write a prescription--frequent visits with granddaughter will enable healthy cells to combat cancer.  Hmmm.  Not sure but it's worth a try.

On another note, it's been a wild few weeks as I have begun a new treatment due to progression. The never ending saga of MBC continues.  My shortness of breath issues are slowly getting under control while the energy level hasn't moved from the basement level.  A little nap in the afternoon helps and certainly makes me more pleasant to be around (according to Rob).

A couple of nights ago we did an evening hike--due to shortness of breath I aborted the mission of the mile climb and stopped a quarter of the way up.  The super moon gently rose over the hills as we watched from the elevated angle slightly above the homes.  It was magnificent and quite humbling as it slowly ascended in the cloudless sky.  I was in awe but in the back of my mind was the question, "Will this be my one and only super moon sighting...ever?"

Ten more years would be the next one I thought--well, you can imagine what someone with terminal cancer ruminates on long range plans--so I wanted to be sure I was present for this phenomenon.  Thanks to our all knowing google machine, I found this site that explains the entire background of the super moon feature.  https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/super-full-moon.html.  Next year I will be out there watching it again.  Yes, I'm sure of it.  March 2020 is definitely doable--do you hear that, cancer cells?

Moving along on my babbling-- BHE Rob has begun brainstorming for next year's fundraising gigs.  Our last campaign was quite successful and will fund several promising grants for our researchers--more to come on the details of those possible life savers. I plan on swimming and shouting out about more resources but we could use your help.  If you have any bright ideas on a highly successful fundraising campaign, let us know or just go directly and donate to the One Woman Many Lakes-More For Stage IV fund at UW Carbone Cancer Center.  More money in the till means more time for us with MBC.

One last rant to get off my chest.  Besides the loss of hair and looking like a chicken with a bad hairdo--I have found this new drug loves to add the pounds to the body.  Really?  I have to not only have crappy hair but now look like a Pillsbury dough girl with the emphasis on dough?  Ugh!  But as someone pointed out to me--"You are alive!" Yes I am and I'm grateful to be here but let me whine once more and then I will let the whole--Yikes!  I look like s&*t thing go and be cognitively aware I am still on the right side of the grass.

Enough for now.  Hug your loved ones a little closer tonight--just because.

Thanks for reading #556 of 7777.

#554 My Holiday Wish

Thanksgiving is fast approaching so will share my Holiday wish letter to our past supporters.
Happy Turkey Day to all!

Thanks for reading #554 of 7777.

#553 November and Still Here!

A couple of metsters and our support team!

November 1st already.  Looking back, I've taken quite a break from my goal of writing every day to stretching it to once a week, then to a month...and now will it be once a quarter?  Life gets busy -- writing was shuffled to the back of burner but now I am back!

The onslaught of pinktober is officially over and I've been following the discussions on social media. There's hate, there's love and then there is indifference.  Let me address the indifference.

First of all, raise your hand if you have never met anyone with some type of cancer.

Next, raise your hand if you have a relative or friend or neighbor with this disease.

Now, raise your hand if you, indeed, have this beast living inside of you.

Maybe the small number of hands in the air of not knowing anyone lets you feel indifference to this disease because, hallelujah, it hasn't directly affected you.   Unfortunately, and I don't want to scare the crap out of you, the chances are good someone you know will be hit with the cancer bomb in your lifetime. Or maybe indifference isn't the right word and it might be because you simply don't know how to help (the Pollyanna in me wants to believe you care that we are dying and truly do want to help).

Your lucky day because I will make sure you are educated on this disease and then encourage you to share your newfound knowledge with your friends.

 Since cancer can affect almost any area on our bodies, I won't overwhelm you with all the known cancer facts but will narrow it down to what I know (and hate) best--metastatic breast cancer.

Here are the top ten facts according to our brochure we put together this past year (I told you I was busy!)

1.  Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs in the body (most often the bones, lungs, liver or brain).
2. No one dies from cancer in the breast.  Deaths are due to metastasis to other parts of the body.
3.  There is no cure
4.  20-30% of people initially diagnosed with early stage disease will develop metastatic breast cancer.
5.  Three years is the average survival after an MBC diagnosis.
6.  Metastatic breast cancer can occur 5, 10 or many years after a person's diagnosis.
7. Less than 10% of all breast cancer research dollars goes towards Stage IV
8.  An estimated 150,000-250,000 Americans are living with metastatic breast cancer
9. Approximately 40,450 women and men in the US died in 2016 from MBC.
10. 100% of your donations to the The More For Stage IV fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (click on it) will directly benefit metastatic breast cancer research.

Now there are 10 powerful facts to share in November after the pink dust has fallen away and as the new month unfolds, we are again pushed aside, ignored or completely forgotten until next year. Guess what? My voice is louder than ever and will make sure you know we are still here and always need your support.

Last request, please go vote for the democrat running in your district!  Our lives depend on making sure our preexisting conditions are covered with reasonable health care benefits and they are the ones who will protect us.

Thanks for reading #553 of 7777.

#552 Attention Caregivers

Kayaking while I swim.  He never stops giving!

A guest blog from Rob (BHE-best husband ever):

People are very kind and often ask me how I’m doing. I often use the words that we walk a tightrope of hope versus reality. Or, as the canoe picture shows, some days the water is calm while others it is a category 5 storm. Let me share this article that expresses many of my sentiments and thoughts.

https://www.scarymommy.com/loss-watch-loved-one-die/

Rob

Thanks for reading #552 of 7777.

#550 Rob's 65th Birthday Wish

Cheers to the BHE! (Best Husband Ever)

June 19, 2014.  A bone scan.  On his birthday.  He insisted on accompanying me when I reassured him it was probably a running injury. "Lighten up," I said.  "Let's get this thing done and then go out and celebrate your big day."

As I entered the scanning arena, the young tech greeted me enthusiastically and gushed about my "adorable" shoes as I laid down on the extremely comfortable (sarcasm inserted here ) gurney.  It was a jovial group preparing me for the scan which led me to feeling more at ease about the outcome.  Moments later, after the procedure began, the mood in the room shifted and I craned my neck to see the pictures on the screen.  Needless to say, the red dots showing up on my hip and a few other areas made me reconsider my running injury prognosis--this can't be a good sign.

When the previous bubbly tech reappeared with a sad sack look on her face, I immediately sensed a hovering doom settle into the room. She quietly escorted me to the X-ray area without a word spoken between us.  At the time I clearly remember thinking, "Please, no bad news on his birthday."

Of course we didn't have any answers until the following day but the evening prior to THE phone call that would alter everything, Rob's sixty-first birthday, was a somber celebration.  At the time we had no clue what a metastatic diagnosis would mean only that it was not the news we had anticipated and thought life as we knew it would now be forever changed.

And changed it has become. As of this upcoming June 19th, I will have outlived the three year median life expectancy for anyone diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.  I have gone through four radiation treatments, switched drugs twice and will be beginning my third line of treatment (on his birthday...again) which also means I have had progression twice and, a silly complaint, but have lost a good portion of my hair.  The positive side to all of this is being overwhelmed again and again by the support and kindness of family, friends and strangers.

But one thing has been constant and that is this incredible loving man by my side every step of the way.  He refuses to accept a grim diagnosis and has taken on this monster called cancer with a vengeance that would rattle even the most skilled opponent.  If you know Rob, you know his tenacious spirit and unwillingness to take no for an answer.  Our fundraising has exceeded both of our expectations (well, mine. He sees it as a challenge to find more).  And he pushes on to where we are going next, how we raise more money for our researchers and educating all those who are uninformed.  His networking skills are his strength and as a result have inspired others to give, donate, offer, pledge, bestow, etc. etc. etc. to our More For Stage IV fund.

 A side story about his tenacity.  He has become a top notch amateur researcher and well known in the medical circles, ie. my oncology department, as Dr. Google or Mr. I'll ask questions until there are no more to answer.  For the past two years he has attended the world's largest breast conference in San Antonio--he schmoozes with the researchers, takes notes and then returns to relentlessly pester my oncologist about any latest treatments that might work for me.  Dr. A. is always patient and understanding of his nonstop onslaught of questions and never once has he rolled his eyes.  Mine, on the other hand, are often rolling around my head.

My last oncology visit was sans Rob as it was a teaching session about my new treatment so no need for him to be there.  I was met with the usual hellos from everyone followed by the question, "Where's Rob?"  From the nurses to the receptionists, he is adored and admired for his unbelievable gift of caring and cancer knowledge.  According to them he is close to a walking metastatic encyclopedia if there ever was one and it makes me feel proud that others see him as I do--a stand-up kind of man who will do anything to keep his wife around a while longer.

Lucky me to have him by my side as we navigate through the scariest time in our lives.  When we said our vows forty years ago never in a million years would I think this one would be of such importance--"In sickness and in health".  Yep, he has been there for both--even on his birthday.

To wish Rob a very happy birthday, please consider a donation to UW Carbone Cancer Center. Trust me, he would honestly say it would be the best gift--ever.

Thanks for reading # 550 of 7777.

#549 Mad As Hell

Alive and still kicking, thank you very much.

Outrage, infuriate, enrage, incense, anger, scandalize, offend, affront, shock, horrify

You pick the verb that would best portray what cancer patients (and anyone with a moral compass) would feel after hearing a statement from the White House--"He's going to die anyway"--and use it to confront the ignorance, apathy, indifference, lack of concern, etc. etc. etc. surrounding a terminal disease.  These words were spewed from a staff member of the President of the United States towards John McCain, a decorated war veteran, a respected member of Congress, and someone living with a terminal disease.  And no apology was given, no reprimand from the higher ups.  Nada.  This is what it means when we marginalize terminal cancer patients--the gig is up, let's not waste another dime on you poor bastards.

Excuse me for being so blunt but where the hell is the_______(see any of the above highlighted words)?  Those of us with a terminal disease must face living or dying every single day and, believe me, it does not sit well when someone so publicly dismisses us with the declaration--you are dying anyway--which has the ominous tone of: Let's stop the feeding, the care, the research because it won't make a damn bit of difference. Seriously? Is this the philosophy from Washington--where decisions are made about our health with regards to where funds go for lifesaving research?

Show me America still has a moral compass by clicking here to make a donation (100% goes to research) to the UW Carbone Cancer Center .  We are worthy and NOT DEAD YET.

Thanks for reading #549 of 7777.