The Sorta Good And The Crappy

Well folks, I've got some sorta good news and some crappy news. First let's start with the crappy news. I just found out that I didn't get the job at Dana Farber and it went to an internal applicant. I'm really bummed because I thought I was perfect for it and it was all finally going to happen. But alas, someone already in their system got it. 

Now for the sorta good news. I talked to my oncologist the other day and he gave me the results of my PET scan. He said it doesn't look like Hodgkin's, but it looks like there's something in my throat - most likely an infection. But he sounded weird about everything, he's a pretty serious guy anyways, so I'm not sure what to think. Either way, I've got to get rescanned in September at some point so I can be officially clean again. So for now, I'm taking it as I'm clean with some sort of leftover infection from my bout with strep or whatever it was last month. 

I'm still on Block Island and the weather and fresh air is perfect. I just got back from walking my lazy pup and am probably heading to the beach shortly. Might as well enjoy the vacation while I can :) 

XO

Cancer Fighters Award 2009

I stole this post from Duane because he wrote it so well :)

Great Nonprofits.org is running a campaign to identify the top non-profits across the country serving the cancer community.

People who have personal experiences with organizations (volunteers, clients, board members, donors) are encouraged to post reviews and stories on Great Nonprofits.org, and the nonprofit that receives the most positive reviews during July will win the contest. Individuals who participate also have a chance to win prizes.

I'm Too Young For This, Ulman Cancer Fund For Young Adults, and First Descents are just a few of the organizations nominated.

Visit Great Nonprofits.org for more information about these organizations and to post a review for the one that has made the most difference for you.

Check List Almost Complete

PET scan complete. Job interview, done. Next up, Block Island! I'm heading there first thing tomorrow morning and looking forward to some quality time with my parents, dog and the beach!

As for the job interview, no updates yet but I think it went really well. They told me that they wanted to fill the position as soon as possible, so I'm hoping I'll hear very, very soon. Hopefully I'm not crazy and they really did like me :) I'll be sure to post an update as soon as I hear anything!

Short post, but I wanted to provide a quick update on everything!

XO

Rescheduled PET Scan

Just a quick update to let you all know that I rescheduled my PET scan for tomorrow afternoon. I won't get the results for a few weeks because I didn't want to do an appointment by myself and am pretty sure I'm clean anyways. I'm hoping I can just get the results over the phone and skip the appointment :)

So anywho, think clean thoughts tomorrow around 2pm!

XO

OPI and Look Good...Feel Better

Hi folks. As you know, I love the Look Good...Feel Better program. If I could go every year and pretend I had cancer, I so would. I also just love seeing women's faces when they feel fabulous after the program, and enjoy the laughter that goes along with the whole process.

I just found out that during July and August, OPI will contribute a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of its top-selling Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer sold, with a minimum contribution of $25,000, to Look Good...Feel Better. AND it's actually a good color that goes with everything! So start stocking up, but wait until July of course!

XO!

Job Hunt Looking Up

I've been having more success lately on the job hunt, hooray! No job yet, but I've had two interviews this month and I have an in-person interview at Dana Farber on Monday! Yes, Dana Farber. It's the first time they've actually responded to any of my 30+ resume submissions, so I'm pretty excited at the possibility to get my foot in the door. Hopefully my volunteer work will give me some good karma for it :)

After my interview on Monday I'm heading to Block Island for a few weeks with my family. I'm hoping the weather finally starts to warm up here and it stops raining so I can go to the beach!

I got blood work done last week to make sure I didn't have mono or anything since I've been so run down. All the results came back clean except for the fact that I'm low in vitamin D -- thanks Mother Nature! I'm hoping a visit to the beach and quality time with my dog will re-energize me a bit.

Anywho, that's the latest and greatest! Please think happy thoughts on Monday that I'll like them and they'll like me!

XO

Deadline Approaching - LLS Financial Aid

The deadline to apply for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's financial aid is Tuesday, June 30th. If you're going thru treatment for a blood cancer or did this year, or had up to $500 of cancer-related costs (co-pays, prescriptions, etc.) you should definitely apply for this ASAP. To fill out the form, click here. They also have a Co-Pay Assistance Program which you can read about here (warning, it's a bit more confusing). I highly recommend calling LLS (800) 955-4572 with any questions you might have, since it can be overwhelming, and because the deadline is only 2 weeks away.

Here's the kicker about the financial aid program that I learned about today, it's been $500 for a few years but due to the economy the reimbursement is being cut down to $150 for next year (their fiscal year starts July 1, 2009). My suggestion to you folks is to submit for both years, if possible. Get all your paperwork in for the June 30 deadline for the $500 reimbursement, and then get started on filling out the paperwork for the 'new fiscal year' shortly after to guarantee you get the $150 incase they run out.

I hope you all find this info helpful, I know I did when I was going thru treatment. Every little bit helps folks!

XO

Flag Day!

This year's Flag Day almost passed me! It's officially been two years since I finished chemo! Pop that champagne folks! Of course, I still haven't done my two year scan yet since my throat infection of sorts hasn't fully worked itself out of my system yet... but I'm pretty sure all is clean!

Just thought I would share while it was still June 14th!

XO

Sixty Percent of Cancer Patients Try Unconvential Treatment Methods

I just came across this article written by the Associated Press that discusses how sixty percent of cancer patients try non-traditional, and typically not authorized by their oncologists, medications and supplements in order to boost immune systems, fight cancer, slow growth, etc. which can ultimately kill them.

Please read this article when you have a moment, it references some drug interactions that might be harmful to you whether you're currently being treated for cancer or not. Here's a few examples from the article:

"Examples of potential harm:
-Vitamin E can prolong bleeding time and has forced cancellation or delay of cancer surgeries; some studies suggest it may raise the risk of certain cancers.
-Beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, may raise smokers' risk of developing lung cancer.
-Folic acid supplements may raise the risk for precancerous growths in the colon.
-Vitamin C in large doses may help cancer cells resist chemo and radiation."

So if you're a smoker, make sure to lay off the beta carotene folks!

PET Scan Canceled

Hi folks. Just a quick update to let you know that I had to cancel my PET scan for tomorrow because I'm soooo sick. There's thoughts that it's strep throat. The entire left side of my throat is swollen and I can't swallow or anything. Oh and I'm running a 100 degree fever. I thought about going to the ER but was told it could take hours and I don't feel good as is. I'm such a baby when I'm sick. Ugh.

XO