How Much Is Too Much?I had posted some images of myself online, detailing the rash I was experiencing with my current treatment. The comments were fast and furious, mostly deeply sympathetic, though with a...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why There Is Still a Tumor in My LungThere seems to be a popular misconception that, having been treated for lung cancer, the tumor in my lung should have been removed. Indeed, when I was initially diagnosed, I...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Taking a Break from the “Rules”Since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been a very good rule follower. I’ve scheduled all my appointments including labs, CT scans, brain MRIs, and bone strengthener infusions exactly when recommended by...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
What a Difference Some Air MakesOur bodies can be funny things. They appear to have simple needs, yet they can react in amazingly complex ways when they do not receive those needs, or get them...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Just How Important is it to Have a Connection with Your Doctor?I recently saw someone ask how important it is to have a connection with their surgeon. It got me to thinking about it. My thoughts were a little different than those...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Learning to Come to Terms With My Lung CancerThe cancer is going to do what the cancer is going to do. I can not control how it will respond to treatment. I can control my reaction to it...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Challenging Your Own Self-CareWhen I walked into my office this afternoon and noticed the pair of hand weights collecting dust next to my desk, something clicked. I have been dropping the ball on...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Screening Versus Cessation: An Either-Or FallacyI just came across an article in MedPage Today with the following headline: “Lung Cancer Screening or Smoking Cessation: Which is the Better Bet?” A subtitle stated, “Two lung cancer...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Availability and Logistics of Participating in Clinical TrialsA year ago, my medical oncologist walked into the office and informed me that he was pulling me out of the trial that I had been in for four years...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Three Legal Documents Caregivers NeedAs caregivers, you may be in charge of a partner, parent, grandparent, or other loved one with lung cancer. Although every patient’s cancer experience and diagnosis is different, it’s important...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My Body Is An Impetuous ChildI always thought that if I treated my body right, it would, in turn, respectfully return the favor. For the most part, I have eaten well-balanced meals and put in...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Being Sympathetic to the Lung Cancer PatientGoing through lung cancer treatment is no picnic. The patient may feel ill, suffer from mood swings, and be generally disagreeable. It is not uncommon for patients to be angry...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Memories of MaeHi, my name is Yolanda. I’m the daughter of Eartha “Mae” Lawson... Funny as I write this I feel guilty stating my mother’s full name, as she couldn’t stand the...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Saved By The Scan?Have you seen the commercial from the American Lung Association and Lung Force? If you have, were you offended? Well, you should have been because all you need to get...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I've Got Joy, Down in My Heart!I just read a draft of a blog post I wrote awhile back and the old children's song we used to sing in church came to my mind, "There's joy, joy...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Another Open WoundI finished off my third bottle of spray wash on my last load of T-shirts and sheets. While they were finishing in the drier, I stood over my bathroom sink...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Treating the Many Shades of RashOver the course of nearly four years, I have learned to cope with a variety of skin conditions brought on by various treatments for my lung cancer. The rashes that...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
This Heat and HumidityI don't even live near the ocean. I live in Northeast Ohio one-quarter of a mile from the shores of Lake Erie and I cannot stand this humidity. How do...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Everyone Needs a BreakAbout a year after diagnosis, I sought out ways to get involved in the lung cancer community. First, it was locally by gathering a team of supporters and participating in...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Call to Action for All Advocates!Lung Cancer Alliance recently brought hundreds of lung cancer patient advocates together to share our stories with our representatives and request increased lung cancer research funding and support for the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments