After a searlingly long summer (I know, I know, this too shall pass) I'll be off for a short adventure to the Davis Mountains in west Texas.
Mountains you think? In Texas? Yes, Sherlock, and there's a few more where those came from. Texas is a big, big place. So large in fact, it will take TEN hours by car to get there. And I don't even care. That's a lot of time to think and mediate about where we need to go and how to get there in the cancer arena.
The last week in cancer has been a rollercoaster. I've written already about ovarian cancer, and @sonsalli circulated a great quiz on ovarian cancer symptoms you can review to educate yourself.
My rule of thumb is this: if I'm having any unusual symptom (a ping, a pang, a swelling, rashing ...any lumps, bumps, fullness, shortness of breath or pain) that persists for three weeks or more? I call my physician. Seriously. After cancer you become hypersensitive to body changes....as you well know. The 'three week rule' helps keep my anxieties and imagination in check. Some of you may have different experiences or self-checks tips -- please share them!
September is also thyroid cancer awareness (I posted some information from U.S. Oncology) and yesterday was World Lymphoma Awareness Day. This morning the irrepresible Alicia Staley (@stales) posted a quick read on legislation to recognize blood cancer awareness month. Blood cancers are diagnosed at a rate of one person every four minutes and, according to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell. That's it. All the ensuing cellular mayhem can steal a life.
Here's our mantra: do all we can, as we can, to guard our health and keep cancer in the opposite corner until we stomp it out for all. This morning Marie (@jbbc) published a list of 'brain foods' for fighting chemo-brain -- all good stuff!
But for now...and this weekend and the Davis Mountains. On Saturday I'll be participating in the Fort Davis Cyclefest, a two-day cycling event for some total kick-butt training. Saturday's ride is 50 miles. The climb on Sunday ends at the famed McDonald Observatory you see above. The final ascent (1.7 miles total) has been known to take down the most experienced so I'm planning in advance: I'm hiking it and have no shame saying so! Counting on some star gazing too, in Marfa, home of the infamous Marfa Lights, inexplicable visual flickerings in the middle of, yes, nowhere.
I'll let you know if we encounter any extraterrestrials:) How cool would that be?
Until next week,
Jody
10 comments:
Dear Jody,
So happy you are going away on an awesome weekend!! Looks great to me. Have fun riding your bike and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, you sure deserve it. Big hug, Annemieke
Ah Marfa! I've been longing to drive out there. We've been waiting for the weather to get cooler so we can pack the dogs in the jeep too.
Here's hoping you see those mysterious lights. Lights of hope for a wonderful lady!
All my best, Allie Dillon
p.s. used hubbie's google account to post comment, so if I show up as Mr. Dooley (that's our dog!)
Oh my stars, girlfriend! I know that road. It's wicked!! Send photos.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Photos and blister: promise to post photos of the blisters, the climb, and as much beauty as I can capture w/my little Nikon.
Love you guys,
jms
PS -- Dooley is an awesome name!!
Jody,
This is the same email I just sent Deb:
"I am such a ditz! No pretending I'm not! All this time my chemo-addled brain thought I had a link to your website, and I DON'T! Or to Jody's!!
Do you have an HTML link you'd like to send me? A 1000 apologies."
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Great post Jody, I have actually driven to Arizona cutting through Texas and forgot there were mountains! Thanks for the reminder. Girl I hope you have a great time as you cycle. I like your three week rule! Have a great time. Hugs Luann
Great post Jody, I love how you are keeping so many things juggling in the air and taking the time to share it all and making it so important to kick cancer's butt. You are THE AWESOMESAUCE. You bring the best out in me and you bring us all together. Peace and love my friend, Deb
Jody, great mantra. And I loved that article on "brain foods" its shocking how few resources there are to address such an important aspect of life with cancer. If there are other aspects of life with cancer that you feel are not being addressed adequately please share them at www.BreastCancerRegistry.org. Thanks!
Cancer The success rate for advanced cancer is about 95%. So you can count on this method, not merely hope it will work for you. It is a total approach that not only shrinks tumors, but also normalizes your blood chemistry, lowers your cancer markers, and returns your health. The small failure rate (5%) is due to clinical emergencies that beset the advanced cancer sufferer.
http://www.evitalhealth.com/
Most women with cancer or those at high risk for cancer would feel hopeless and would give up a dream of having a family. However, evidence published in Journal of Women's Health provides these women with some hope that infertility cure does exist and it appears to work on women with cancer or women who have an increased risk of cancer.
here
Post a Comment