Lemon Secrets!

I verified this article with Snopes.  Their comment was, "It is a mixture of true and false information."  You can find more information by going to http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/lemons.asp

Many professionals in restaurants and eateries are using or consuming the entire lemon and nothing is wasted.  How can you use the whole lemon without waste?  Simple..place the lemon in the freezer section of your refrigerator.  Once the lemon is frozen, get your grater, and shred the whole lemon (no need to peel it) and sprinkle it on top of your foods.

The Worst Part of Scans? Waiting....

I have found that if you talk to any family that is currently experiencing cancer, you will find the worst part of having scans is not the scans themselves.  It is not even the anticipation of having a scan.  It is after the scan has been preformed...  waiting for the results.

Stronger - Seattle Children's Hospital Video

Stronger - Seattle Children's Hospital Video

15 Things You Should Give Up in Order to be Happy

15 Things You Should Give Up in Order to be Happy

I am

Nutritional Information We Can Actually Use!

Since Alyn started radiation, he has been having a terrible time keeping down food.  I cannot think of anything scarier than to watch the person you love eat and throw up everything day after day.  I feel like we have tried everything.  Yesterday, out of desperation, we met with a nutritionist.  To date, nutritionists have not been very helpful.  This time was different.

Bad News, Now What?

On Monday, we received bad news.  After two clear scans, when we were told to expect progression and were clear, in April, my husband has 6 new tumors.  In less than four months, Alyn has 2cm metastasises (mets) in his hip, rib and two in his lung.  There are two other small mets - one is in his right shoulder blade, but the other is in his brain.  I keep telling myself the brain met is small - 4mm.  The problem is that the drug they want him to take to prevent future growth is not eligible for patients with brain mets. 

Do You Have a Will?

If you do not have a will, and you have minor children, get one! 

As an insurance agent, I have been talking about the importance of updated wills to all my clients.  The problem?  When our first child was born, we hurried out and completed our will, durable power of attorney and medical power of attorney. 

Tree House Gang Starts Tomorrow, 04/19/2012

From: Dorothy.Carter@dekalbmedical.org
Date: 04/18/2012 01:25 PM
Subject: Upcoming Sessions

Hi,  TreeHouse Gang,
We hope your spring is going well.  In fact,  summer is just around the corner!   We wanted to let you know about upcoming events.  The first one begins tomorrow,  April 19 to be followed by April 26  and May 3rd,  all Thursdays.  This is our regular program for Tree House members from 4:45 to 6:00 and the Young Survivors from 6:00 to 7:15 in the Cancer Center.  If you wish to come, and have not previously registered,   please let us know, or, just come on in!  There will be people here to give out hugs!

Helping Children Understand Cancer

Just added a new link to a great article.

Helping Children Understand Cancer

Greatest Weakness

Courtesy of All These Quotes are Shared with Us by Prabeena Kaylan

I'm Fine, Dammit!

Courtesy of Laugh It Out

Blue Skies

Alyn, Grace, Zachary and I are spending the most wonderful week being spoiled rotten at a Blue Skies Ministries Retreat.  Blue Skies Ministries usually serves families who have a child with cancer.  They invited us to attend this retreat thinking our family needs are very similar.   I never imagined how much we needed this gift.

Favorite Support Group

Do you have a favorite support group?  Post a link so we can see what it is all about. 

Two New Links Added Today

After attending a caregiver support group at the Winship Cancer Center - Emory, I was told about two more programs that would be helpful.  Check them out.

Blue Skies Retreats

Food Tidings - Calendar

Caregiver Support Group Meets Wed. at Emory

The Winship Cancer Institute is sponsoring a Caregiver Support group that meets from 11am to 12:30pm at Emory every third Wednesday of the month.  RSVP to Carol Rivera at (404) 778-4593.  The next meeting is this Wednesday, March 21st.

Laughter is Cheaper than Medicine

Thank you Laughter is Cheaper than Medicine on Facebook!

Medication Template

Good morning!  I am trying to take this technology thing to the next level by using Google Docs.  I've had quite a few requests for a template of the Medication Chart I use to help manage my husbands drugs.  Here is the link.  http://bit.ly/woGwnh  Hope this helps you out as much as it has us.

Met with Oncologist Today - Good News

Good news today from oncologist.  Blood work looked great.  Alyn is to continue at the lower dose of the cancer medication which gives him the opportunity for more manageable side effects.  He is able to get out more and even caught Zachary's tball game on Saturday.  Has been paying for it since, but should be up for another game tomorrow night.

Bone scan, CT scan of abdomine and lungs, and MRI of head scheduled for 04/18/2012 with oncologist appointment scheduled for 04/23/2012.  Wish us luck!

God grant me a vacation...

Thank you Kathleen Tracey from Facebook.

Where is everybody? Who cares. Enjoy it!

I am enjoying what has become a novel concept.  I am all alone and loving it.  My kids are in bed.  My husband went to a board meeting for the kid's swim team, and isn't home yet.  I am actually allowing the part time house keeper to do her job and am not feeling the least bit guilty. All this joy, and the first thing I wanted to do was brag, I mean blog about it. 

Bereavement Support Groups

I added some new links for family support during the grieving process.  These were recommended to me by people that have or are currently participating in these Bereavement Support Groups. 

Look for these links on the right side of the blog under Atlanta Links.

Suvivor?

Here is another interesting transition.  It happens slowly.  It is a new chapter, but does not present with the turning of a page.  Rather, when you look back at the story, you see the change that unfolded.  I never truly understood the term survivor.  Now, I see how it can mean different things to different people.  In my mind, being a survivor simply means being alive.  One more day...  One more month...  Hopefully, one more year... And is something to celebrate, but how?

Please "Follow" Us on Twitter

Please "Follow" Us on Twitter

Twitter - Help! My Family Has Cancer

Please "Like" and "Share" our Facebook Page

Please "Like" and "Share" our Facebook Page. 

Facebook Page for Help! My Family Has Cancer

Try Not to Laugh When Watching This....

Laughing Babies

Muscle Spasms

OK, I am trying to find a funny side to muscle spasams.  Ironically, I was at a great Lilburn Business Association meeting at lunch time listening to a speaker discussing stress management.  Mid-laugh, my neck went out.  I was lucky enough to have a friend close by for a quick massage.  I was able to get home via the pharmacy.  Again ironically, I was picking up a Rx for my husband.  Why ironically?  His Rx was for a muscle relaxer. 

Here is the question.....  are my neck spasams due to stress or sympathy pains?  Realistically, I know the difference.  I would just rather like to think they are sympathy pains instead of admit to the stress.  Yesterday, I was really proud of myself for dealing with my emotions instead of compartmentalizing to survive.  Today?  Not so much.  Why is being healthy so painful sometimes?

Man Plans, God Laughs...

"Man Plans, God Laughs..." used to be one of my favorite sayings. It's not as funny any more.   I think the thing I hate worse about cancer after the suffering of the patient, is the uncertainty. 

Courage is...

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laugh-Its-Free/102938843155757

New" Kid Support" Group Starting 03/10/2012

What is Kid Support?

Kid Support is a peer support group for children who have a parent or loved one with cancer (either in treatment or post-treatment), or for children who have cancer themselves.

Professionally facilitated, this 8-week group offers children ages 5-12 an opportunity to make friends and learn skills to help them when cancer is in their lives.  Each week kids explore various topics related to cancer through activities and play.  Parents will connect with others to discuss parenting during cancer.

What Do Canadian Geese and Ladybugs Have in Common?

Topic for the day...  Why do I hate Canadian Geese and now Ladybugs?

What's Wrong with Optimists?

The problem with an optimist, other than often times being annoying has hell, is that you don't always give a clear picture of the reality of your situation.  We are so busy trying to be positive that often times  reality is ignored.  "Denial ain't just a river baby," as the saying goes.  I would much rather not watch the news or read a paper, then I can continue to believe that the world is a good place. 

The problem is further complicated when you combine an optimist with a control freak.  To feel in control, us control freaks create an illusion of control by thinking more information is better.  I have found that this really confuses people, especially me.  Because I have so much negative information, it is tremendously hard to remain positive.  It is very obvious that no one publishes their good stuff because they are too busy enjoying their lives.  Besides, cynically, people want to read about dirt, not flowers.

My answers, for what they are worth, at this place and time are the following:

Baseball, the best medicine?

Sitting at T-ball practice watching father and son play. Really makes you thankful for being able to enjoy the important things.

One day at a time, the wise man once said. Sometimes, it's just a minute at a time. Don't forget to look for the good moments - celebrate them. I've missed too many worrying about what might happen instead of enjoying what is happening when it does.

For what it's worth, I'm celebrating having a loving husband and family for Valentines Day. Did I mention that it is 47 degrees? Burrrrr

My "New Normal"

Today was a good day.  It's 9:15pm, and I'm done.  Now keep in mind we are six months from my 50 year old husband's diagnosis and radical nephrecatomy five days later determinging he has Stage 4 Kidney Cancer.

One of the hardest things for me to do as a caregiver is live our lives without looking toward the next scan.  I don't always succeed, but we choose...  to be positive.  We choose to meet this disease with a smile and a joke.  We choose to show our love for each other, as if we just started dating.  We choose to make the best of everything, no matter the pain.  Don't get me wrong, I cry, I fear and I hurt, but I CHOOSE to have a good attitude.

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/PositiveInspirationalQuotes

CLIMB (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery) At Emory Hospital

My understanding is that they are looking to put together a group for late Spring and are looking for interested families. 

Enables children 6-11 years old to deal with their feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety or anger in the wake of a parent’s cancer diagnosis through songs, games, and other creative activities to learn about cancer affects on family.

Address:	1365C Clifton Road, Atlanta
State:	GA
Zip Code:	30322

Phone:	404.778.5926
Website:	http://www.cancer.emory.edu

Free Transportation for Cancer Care

Road to Recovery Program, 1-800-ACS-2345

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out if Road to Recovery is available in your community.

Confirmed availability in Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb, Henry, Hall, Cherokee and Forsythe Counties

 Not available in Fulton or Clayton Counties

Thank you Winship Cancer Institute for this information.  http://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/WinshipContentPage.aspx?nd=680

Parachutes

Another great idea about helping kids cope with cancer.

http://www.someoneiloveissick.com/2012/02/creative-ways-to-help-children-talk-about-cancer-in-the-family/

Support Group for Men with Young Families?

Another interesting link?  We have had a problem finding support for my husband.  He does not want to join a group of people getting ready to die.  He wants to join a group of men (who have different issues than women) that want to function with their illness.  This is a real problem for men especially who have young families and want to LIVE with cancer.  Maybe an on line support group is an alternative.  Do you have any another suggestions?

http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support/Online-Support-Groups.html

If you are in the Chicagoland area, this link looks really interesting...

http://www.campkesem.org/site/c.jvI0ImN0JuE/b.2535855/k.27F6/Welcome_to.htmg

Women are Angels

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/CosmicCowPie

Lots of Great Input

I can't tell you how excited I am.  I have reached out to several people which have given me fantastic feedback, and links to information that have helped them through this unexpected journey.  Some links are more helpful than others, but I wanted to share until the feedback is negative.  Who knows, you might find something helpful which improves your life.  Keep 'em coming.   Thank you!

The Gathering Place

Just found a new website that looks interesting. Tell me what you think.

http://www.someoneiloveissick.com/the-gathering-place-for-those-touched-by-cancer/

How do I get him/her moving?

One of our real challenges post surgery has been conquering the fatigue associated with recovery and the side effects of the medications.  The advice we received is exercise is the key.  The problem is how does someone find the motivation to even do simple exercises when they are so tired, nauseous, dizzy and often times in extreme pain?  Even worse, if they can't drive, and have to ask someone to take them to the gym or physical therapy?

ACS - Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer

Here is another good link that I found when we first began our journey.  We are also lucky that a neighbor works for ACS, and has given us wonderful books and information.  They are a great resource.

ACS - Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer

The Tree House Gang

I heard about the Tree House Gang from my wonderful pediatric office, The Pediatric Center in Stone Mountain, GA and ACS (American Cancer Society). 

The Tree House Gang at DeKalb Medical is a group for children ages five to 17 years old.  Information about their Parent's (Grandparent's) diagnosis is shared in a way they can understand, and with consideration of their ages and maturity level.  The right information has been shown to help decrease children's worries and calm their fears.

In three consecutive after-school sessions, the children are guided through art, play, discussion and tours of the hospital to help them understand what cancer means.

The Tree House Gang is provided free of charge to children, regardless of where their parents (grandparent's) are receiving cancer treatment.

Attached is a picture my five year old son drew while there.  It is a picture of his daddy's cancer pill (complete with lasers, bombs, guns and surveillance equipment) hunting and destroying the microscopic cancer cells and tumors.  My daughter is much less grossed out about blood because under a microscope, the cells look like giant pink donuts.  Her favorite color is pink and she loves donuts.

Contact this wonderful group at DeKalb Medical, 404.501.EASY or www.dekalbmedical.org.

Helping Hands Website

Good evening!  Wanted to share a link that was very helpful when we first needed a way to coordinate friends that wanted to help by bringing meals, child care, etc.  I was lucky to have a great friend that volunteered to help me as a coordinator.  Check out this website...Helping Hands