Yes, the IT is all caps-- if you have a problem, stop reading right now. I use all caps sometimes.
Lol, that was a remark geared to someone that thought a comment I left on a support group was rude because I capped a few words, not even in order. I put all caps on a few words (separated by other words) in a comment in regards to chemotherapy. I was trying to highlight some terminology, and it was taken as I was being rude and "yelling". I don't yell in all caps.
I elongate when I really am mad...UUUGGGHHHH!!! (and use exclamation marks!)
I guess this rant is more about the importance of research. Do you have an illness, like cancer? Maybe even leukemia or APL? Here's the thing: Please, for the love of yourself and your life, please oh please research your illness or disease.
Its one thing to join a support group on facebook or on a cancer website, but its another to take what another patient or family member to another patient says as truth. And, from what university did they get their medical degree from? Exactly.
I've seen people asking a support group what C-diff is. ASK your DOCTOR! (Yep, did it on purpose there.) In case you don't know what C-diff is, you have not experienced the outbreak that is the most disgusting side effect to chemo or suppressed immune systems have the pleasure and the curse to have. Yes, look it up. Google and Wikipedia are great.
When someone is told they have cancer...many thoughts go through their heads. For me, I was told in a very cold way and then rushed in an ambulance to another hospital. I was lucky enough to have a nurse explain to me what was happening. The following day, I met lots of doctors. I was bombarded with tons of information and questions and it was very dizzying. By the time my boyfriend brought me my laptop, I had printouts, but I also still wanted to look things up on the interweb myself. I wanted to see other stories, hope for happy endings, read about other experiences like what I was about to embark. I wanted answers and confirmations.
Guess what? I got them. I agreed with everything my doctors told me. I questioned (and still ask questions) when I don't understand something fully. Maybe my inner nerd that loves science and biology really got a chance to shine through and help ease my nerves, but honestly, I can't imagine not asking questions and just saying OKAY (totally not yelling). I also can't imagine asking someone who I don't even know what they do for a living what C. diff is--- that's what the hospital staff is for. That's what your doctor is for. And, when you have a fever and don't feel well, well they do want to know. Do your meds make you puke? Tell them. Don't tell another patient...they can't do anything about that. Tell the magicians who are trying to save your life, because the price of magic is plenty, and some of it isn't necessary. Does Compazine make you feel funny? Tell your oncologist. They can easily write a script for Zofran if you aren't allergic.
Don't rely on others for medical advice-- rely on them for moral support.
I know its been awhile since I posted. I should give an update, but I really needed to get this out.
Thank you.
xoxo
lisa
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label research. Show all posts
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
2014 Leukemia Research Foundation Jim Gibbons Memorial 5K run/ 3K fun walk
Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you know, I have spent the last 16 months fighting a rare form of leukemia, Acute Promyleocytic Leukemia. When my leukemia was discovered, I had flu like symptoms and large bruises that appeared out of nowhere. Little did I know, I had days to live without immediate treatment. I am blessed to say I am in remission, although I am still undergoing maintenance chemotherapy drugs until next October. It has been a long battle, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for all your prayers along the way!
I am reaching out to you today asking for your support. I will be walking as a survivor in the Leukemia Research Foundation's Jim Gibbons 5k run/3k walk in Chicago on June 12. I am walking the 3K in memory and honor of a fellow leukemia patient and friend I made while being treated at Rush, Keith Johns.
Keith was diagnosed the same time as me, Feb 2013. We were both on the same floor at Rush, and we became friends during our initial month long stay. Keith was diagnosed with AML (another form of leukemia) and needed a bone marrow transplant. Keith and I went through our battles together. We both had turned our rooms into mini studio-style apartments. His room was plastered with family pictures and goodies from home, as was mine. We lost our hair at the same time. We experienced the same sore throats and upset stomachs from our chemo, lovingly termed by the nurses as "the red death". Yet, he always smiled and waved to everyone in the other rooms. He was always positive. Keith did receive his transplant, after lots of chemo, during the summer. I was lucky enough to also be receiving a round of chemo at the same time as his transplant, so I got to spend a couple more days visiting my friend. Unfortunately, he had some
complications a few months later and passed away November 28. The news of his passing was incredibly heartbreaking for me.
More than anything, I want to honor my friend by participating in this walk. The Leukemia Research Foundation is a non-profit that actually provides financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their treatments and/or medications. It also funds research grants to help find better treatments for all blood cancers. Last year, LRF provided over $500,000 in grants for research to help cure this devastating disease. My specific leukemia was a death sentence 20 years ago, but because of groundbreaking research, it now has a 90% survival rate.
Below is a link to my fundraising page. Please check it out and read my cancer story. I am reaching out to you today asking for your donation. I originally set a goal to raise a mere $200, but then I realized I could do better. Please help me blow the roof on that silly $200! Your donation will help fund leukemia research and help pay another patient's medical bills. No donation is too small. If you can't donate, I would love it if you could share my fundraising page with others, or better yet, join me in the walk!
http://gibbons5k.racepartner.com/Jim-Gibbons-5K-2014/lisalee
Everyone is touched by cancer. Everyone. Whether its an aunt, mother, father, grandparent, friend or coworker...we all know someone that has experienced what I call "Warrior Training". Not all of us are lucky enough to hear the word CURED. Leukemia is a cancer that has a general survival rate of about 50%. 50% is TOO LOW! We can't up that number without research! I am one of the lucky ones, I heard REMISSION. I WILL hear CURED in 4 years.
I am walking in memory of Keith. Please make your donation in memory and honor of your loved ones who have fought cancer.
Thank you! Please share on twitter/facebook/linkedin
As many of you know, I have spent the last 16 months fighting a rare form of leukemia, Acute Promyleocytic Leukemia. When my leukemia was discovered, I had flu like symptoms and large bruises that appeared out of nowhere. Little did I know, I had days to live without immediate treatment. I am blessed to say I am in remission, although I am still undergoing maintenance chemotherapy drugs until next October. It has been a long battle, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for all your prayers along the way!
I am reaching out to you today asking for your support. I will be walking as a survivor in the Leukemia Research Foundation's Jim Gibbons 5k run/3k walk in Chicago on June 12. I am walking the 3K in memory and honor of a fellow leukemia patient and friend I made while being treated at Rush, Keith Johns.
Keith was diagnosed the same time as me, Feb 2013. We were both on the same floor at Rush, and we became friends during our initial month long stay. Keith was diagnosed with AML (another form of leukemia) and needed a bone marrow transplant. Keith and I went through our battles together. We both had turned our rooms into mini studio-style apartments. His room was plastered with family pictures and goodies from home, as was mine. We lost our hair at the same time. We experienced the same sore throats and upset stomachs from our chemo, lovingly termed by the nurses as "the red death". Yet, he always smiled and waved to everyone in the other rooms. He was always positive. Keith did receive his transplant, after lots of chemo, during the summer. I was lucky enough to also be receiving a round of chemo at the same time as his transplant, so I got to spend a couple more days visiting my friend. Unfortunately, he had some
complications a few months later and passed away November 28. The news of his passing was incredibly heartbreaking for me.
More than anything, I want to honor my friend by participating in this walk. The Leukemia Research Foundation is a non-profit that actually provides financial assistance to patients who cannot afford their treatments and/or medications. It also funds research grants to help find better treatments for all blood cancers. Last year, LRF provided over $500,000 in grants for research to help cure this devastating disease. My specific leukemia was a death sentence 20 years ago, but because of groundbreaking research, it now has a 90% survival rate.
Below is a link to my fundraising page. Please check it out and read my cancer story. I am reaching out to you today asking for your donation. I originally set a goal to raise a mere $200, but then I realized I could do better. Please help me blow the roof on that silly $200! Your donation will help fund leukemia research and help pay another patient's medical bills. No donation is too small. If you can't donate, I would love it if you could share my fundraising page with others, or better yet, join me in the walk!
http://gibbons5k.racepartner.com/Jim-Gibbons-5K-2014/lisalee
Everyone is touched by cancer. Everyone. Whether its an aunt, mother, father, grandparent, friend or coworker...we all know someone that has experienced what I call "Warrior Training". Not all of us are lucky enough to hear the word CURED. Leukemia is a cancer that has a general survival rate of about 50%. 50% is TOO LOW! We can't up that number without research! I am one of the lucky ones, I heard REMISSION. I WILL hear CURED in 4 years.
I am walking in memory of Keith. Please make your donation in memory and honor of your loved ones who have fought cancer.
Thank you! Please share on twitter/facebook/linkedin
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