Yesterday, Jane completed her endurance marathon of chemo treatments. (Woo hoo!!) She has been having treatments every two weeks for the last four months, and you never would have known it on the front pages of FDL.
How anyone could endure the level of chemo she’s been living through and still snark at Toxic Joe and Shooter is astonishing enough — but she and I spent time on the phone yesterday while the chemo drip was still in her arm, laughing about how Susan Collins should have just written Lieberman a check to stay away from her fundraising shindig. (Honestly, a $50,000 Stay Away Joe payoff would have been a smarter investment for her. How sad is that?)
Jane truly is a force of nature, and we are all so grateful that she’s come through this second stage of treatment as well as she has. There is still a ways to go, but she’s been doing amazingly well thus far. And she is going to kick this cancer’s ass.
You guys have been so supportive, and I wanted to let you know that it has meant the world to Jane.
We’ve talked so many times on the phone while she was at the hospital for blood work, or getting ready for her chemo, or just home trying to rest…and yet still plugged into the blog via the ever-present Treo. And all the cheers and notes of support from all of you have really kept her going at the low points. I just can’t thank everyone enough for that — you guys rock — so I want to do you a favor in return this morning.
I realized yesterday, after I got off the phone with Jane, that I had cancelled my mammogram last year because of some breaking news issue that I needed to chase down or something that needed liveblogging (don’t even remember why at this point), and then had forgotten to reschedule it. This morning, I called my doctor and made another appointment for an exam and a mammogram. No more putting it off for me, not with my family history of several cousins and my mom all having breast cancer and my history of precancerous lumps. My time with The Peanut and Mr. ReddHedd is too precious.
And it occured to me that some of you out there might have put off your annual exams as well because…and let’s face it…life gets busy and who likes being felt up in all the uncomfortable places or having their boobs smashed between cold, metal bricks?
This goes for the men in the audience, too. Get that prostate exam. And get the folks in your life to get their exams as well. My mom discovered her breast cancer during a mammogram that I badgered her into getting after I found my own lump. It was a very invasive and aggressive type of cancer, and her oncologist told me that finding it early via that mammogram saved her life. Your life is just as important — do schedule an appointment.
Just do it. Make the call, schedule the appointment…for life.
For Jane.
Huge thank you to my photo sneak, Jane’s sister Pam, for the lovely shot of Jane dancing to YMCA just days ago. hehehehehe Luv ya, Jane! Love the Melissa Ethridge song “I Run For Life” in the YouTube above — here’s an Amazon clip for the dial-up crowd.
Related posts:
- Health Care Reform: At the Intersection of Pro and Con, a Life
- Diane Feinstein’s Office: “Under No Circumstances Will We Meet with Jane Hamsher”
- Marcy Winograd: Jane Harman Profits from Anti-Generics Amendment She Helped Eshoo Pass
- Megan McArdle Thinks I Should Pay $72,000 More for Breast Cancer
- Biotech Industry Needs 42 Representatives to Try to Refute Jane Hamsher
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Zed?
Jane
Yay, my first Zed. Jane truly is an inspiration. I hope this will close the door for her on chemo.
Luv ya, Jane!
{{{{{{{{{ JANE }}}}}}}}}}}
Just got a reminder in the mail to schedule one—for January!. I’ll be long gone from here by then and will have to find another doc and another facility, but you can bet that I will.
Oh, and 500 men die of breast cancer per year. You guys aren’t in the clear though I don’t know what kind of screening there is for you.
Snark is the Staff od Life.
I really miss you here in L.A., Jane.
Get yer mammograms. Not that bad, good for your peace of mind, and the alternative sucks.
And thanks everyone — especially Christy — for all your support. It did mean the world.
Jane’s my hero. I was unable to complete my chemo. I’m not a fraction of the woman that Jane is.
Here’s a word of advice: when you do your self exam, also check far afield of what you may consider to be your breast. My tumor was fairly far above my breast so I missed it. Had I expanded my self-exam, I would have felt it.
glad the worst is over Jane!
any nurses it the lake with small fingers and a sense of humor?
Wonderful news! Jane’s strength has made us all stronger. BIG HUGS, JANE
David Ehrenstein @ 7
Miss you too, David. I’ll be back in the next month or so for more doctor follow-up stuff, looking forward to seeing you. Steve Audio, Amato, the out-of-the-closet Digby, Howie Klein, Rick Jacobs and all the rest.
Jane’s lucky to have a friend like you, Redd. And we’re lucky to have you both. Arms around you, Jane.
Go Jane! Best wishes, ever!
Jane,
I’m still ready to cook you a dinner. I’ve even got some time now. Let me know.
Best wishes to JH. Stay as strong as you have always been.
Mammograms & prostate exams come under the heading of “wellness care” in my insurance plan, therefore they’re paid in full. Yearly wellness exams should be part of the national health insurance program our next president (D) will initiate.
The good Ms. Hamsher, you hang tough. I’m not sure what I’d do without you around to cuss and swear at!
xo,
Ghostman
I have indeed allowed “life” to cause me to put this off after finishing my second nursing stint. I hereby promise to call my doctor today. Anybody with me? (He’s going to be very disappointed in me…)
Oh, and congratulations Jane and hang in there! I would make you a casserole if you were anywhere near!
Peace out girl! And the Kobe too.
Thanks, Christy! (And Jane!)
RevDeb @ 6
For men, the key is getting any lumps or bumps checked out. And if you have any relatives with a history of cancer, you should tell your doctor. A family history of ANY cancers before age 50 is suspicious for a hereditary cancer syndrome and requires a genetics evaluation. You’d be amazed how many people don’t have this done.
Oh, and go Jane! You rock!
Jane and Christy,
Can you believe this – I forgot that I’d skipped my appointment and it was much too long ago. My mom, my sister, my aunts: I think I blocked it out because I get so terribly frightened each time I go. You can’t believe the flop sweat. Ahhhh, sure you can.
Thanks for the reminder.
Jane, I’m channeling the healthy vibes of sunlight, greens, berries and laughter – gotcha.
I turned 40 last year and didn’t make the appt. Then Molly Ivins died, and we went to her memorial service. “Go get the damn mammogram!” was said by at least three of the speakers there, quoting Ann. So I did. A month before I turned 41.
And, it was NO BIG DEAL. Honestly, with all you hear on the TV, I figured it would be horrible. It hurt far less than what a hungry 8 month old once did to my breasts when he didn’t understand why I couldn’t feed him standing up on a NYC subway while also holding his stroller.
For me, with my disability, the only hard part of the test at all was standing for the length of each xray, or whatever they are.
Hello, everyone. I’ve just returned from almost two weeks of vacation (and literally NO access to news). Hearing that Jane has finished her second round of chemo is wonderful & welcome news. I know she’s gonna kick this cancer to the curb.
Christy, I put off scheduling my last mammogram due to insurance changes. It’s been a couple of years since I had one. Thanks for the reminder – I’ll pick up the phone & make the appointment now, even before I sit down to figure out what interesting news I’ve missed in the past couple of weeks. (at the airports, I heard a little about major floods in TX, that there was a controversial Supreme Court ruling about school segregation, and Cheney’s under more scrutiny for something or other.)
Here’s hoping Jane is feeling as strong and feisty as ever. She’s an inspiration to all of us when we feel exhausted.
I’ve been amazed and impressed by Jane’s brilliant writing during the chemo. Treatments differ, of course, but the “chemo fog” I experienced during (and for a long time after) my taxol and carboplatin cycles was fierce. The book-in-progress went on hold for a year.
In fact, I thought I’d lost some of my mind, and that it wouldn’t come back. Some would say it never did! But then a fellow chemo patient told me about the fog–never mentioned by the doctors–and I relaxed a bit. And accepted that indolence was probably contributing to my woes. All fine now, except for that indolence thing.
Mammogram is scheduled for mid-July. And a white candle is lit every evening for Jane, Elizabeth Edwards, and a much-loved friend with serious health problems of her own. My three inspirations.
Marie Roget @ 16
Paid in full on my insurance also.
Any idea how many/how few of the 47 million uninsured get their annuals even once every five years? This country should be ashamed of itself.
AMarie Roget @ 16
As long as we are talking screening/wellness care..Colon cancer is still #2 or #3 killer. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented…A colonoscopy should be the 50th birthday present of choice or younger for those with risk factors.
J’aime Jane.
landofthefree @ 26
Welcome back.
FABULOUS!
calvin always thought that cats couldn’t cry.
Jane is so special.
Jane inspired me to start blogging.
I’m not very good, but I have a good time,thats what counts for me.
Best wishes Jane.
Ps. I joined that Facebook thing yesterday. Now I have to get cleaned up and get a friggin’ haircut(All 6 of them) so I can put a picture up.
Rob Zuber @ 34
Amen.
Bustednuckles @ 35
At least one of “our crowd” has a pic of Homer Simpson, and several have paintings of various sorts. Pic doesn’t need to be authentic.
Hugs to Jane. Not to Kobe, though. We’re convinced he ate our January check. Real dogs — like labs — chew drywall off the kitchen walls, not something wimpy like paper. (We’re gonna double down on the check as soon as the next bank statement gets here.)
Congratulations, Jane! Boy! Hasn’t chemo therapy come a log way? Not like the old days. Stay positive despite the political news. Know that you have a positive network out here sending you good thoughts. Chemo therapy is never a cake walk.
We offer you a circle of love from out here.
Jane Hamsher @ 8
Well, Jane, you humble us. Our virtual support is the least we can do for someone who channels righteous indignation and laser-like snark with equal grace.
Best to you and the fellow poodles.
1,562 DAYZ AND THE KILLIN GOEZ ON AND ON AND..
Citizen Hardin Smith and the Firepup Patriots:
Bless your heart sister Smith and bless Jane and her incredible courage. Mrs. Norske had a dance with the devil breast CA and I am here to tell ya that if it weren’t for the mammogram she was gunna blow off…well, she wouldn’t be here ta rule over this piece of Norsecountry.
I’m an RN and I deal with life and death stuff a bit everyday and I was a medic in the Nam but I have never been so frightened or felt so helpless as when I watched Kate wrestle with chemo…and radiation ain’t a picnic either. For those out there who haven’t been up close and personal ta cancer therapy of one kind or another, you can’t imagine what strength of will and depth of character it takes jest ta get from day to day durin’ treatment. What sister Hamsher has shared with us is a glimpse of what heroism really is…Jane, you flat kick ass, woman and I’ll hang around FDL everyday jest ta let ya kick mine dear.
And as fer you, sister Smith…well, you jest get yer butt onta the mammo schedule, you got too much doin’ ta do and too much motherin’ ta give that peanut to roll the dice.
And Firepup Patriots of the male gender, everything is political and the fact that we don’t have a cure for breast cancer is a political failure that falls on us males that we’ve let the federal funding and direction of cancer research fall to the politics of tax cuts and corporate greed.
KEEP THE FAITH BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.
Jane Hamsher @ 8
Thank you, Jane. You’re a great example of how to fight for your health.
My PSA for the day: Remember to have a regular screening for colon cancer after age 50, or younger if you have a family history of colo-rectal cancer. Both my father and father in law survived colo-rectal cancer as a result of early diagnosis and treatment.
Bustednuckles @ 35
What Bustednuckles said.
Hugs to Jane,
-S
Reading this it just dawned on me that in March I “celebrated” my 20th anniversary of getting mammograms. You see my mother died of breast cancer in 1974 at the age of 37. She also had a sister who died of the disease at 35. The ACS recommends that daughters of breast cancer victims start getting mammograms when they are 10 years younger than their mom was at diagnosis. My mom was diagnosed at 34. So at 24 the process began for me. And I promise you in all of those 20 exams, only once did it hurt. And I chalk that up to an inexperienced technician.
So, please everyone, get checked. It is not nearly as bad as the fear mongers make it out to be.
My dad is currently recovering from surgery he had on June 11 for prostate cancer. His checkup is this coming Monday, we’ll know then if they got all of it. My father-in-law is, for the moment, in remission from cancer of the throat (one of the kinds you get from being exposed to Agent Orange – he did two tours in Vietnam – but he also smokes very heavily) Breast cancer runs high in both sides of the family – two aunts and a half-sister have done the mastectomy/chemo route, and a cousin had her first lump-ectomy when she was in her 20’s. In spite of all of that, probably because I am usually so healthy plus I have a major “white-coat phobia” thing going on, I admit that I tend to neglect the checkups I should get.
I just made myself a note to call for an appointment next week, as soon as I find out when hubby’s taking vacation for family visits to Virginia and Alabama.
Thanks Christy, for the reminder, and for everything else you do.
And Jane…thank you. You’re a major inspiration to all of us. Take care of yourself hon, let us know if you need anything. And if you’re ever in Huntsville or Nashville, let me know.
O/T, but it’s a biggie!
Rule of Law: It’s the new black!
The Military Commissions Act of 2006 is about to get zapped:
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003568.php
Jane, your physical strength given what you have endured is amazing–your strength of character is even moreso. You are such a fighter, and such an inspiration. We’re pulling for you every step of the way. Go get ‘em.
oops. I too have been remiss in booking my annual mammogram. Thanks for the reminder!
Jane: Je t’aime bien. (I’ve been away from the Lake the past two hours and just got back.)
So glad to hear this chapter is going well too Jane. I send love, healing thoughts, and gratitude for you everyday.
I appreciate all that you do.
jane:
bleib gesund!@
Ellen Goodman has lots to say about another BrCA survivor who is kicking ass and taking names.
A Must Read.
Christy: Je t’aime bien aussi.
Kobe! The Peanut!
Jane inspired me to pin my breasts between two hard plates in March….ouch, but THANKS.
And all of our thoughts and prayers flow to Jane on a daily basis.
Phoenix Woman @ 46
Excellent, excellent news!
Three cheers: one for endurance, another for optimism, and a third for the support of those around you. Okay, here’s a fourth: inspiration to us all.
If Americans are ultimately successful in rolling back the attempted fascist takeover of our government — and I hope that comes to pass — it will be in large part due to the gallant efforts of Jane, Christy, and the whole family at FDL. Jane, you’re my hero — as a cancer survivor myself, I’m pulling for you. Cheers and good luck.
Bless your heart, Jane and congrats for getting thru it…It’s one of the great challenges of this disease and no one who has ever gone thru it will ever forget how hard the fight—so a big “Way to go, JANE!” for you..
By the way, I am right behind you..My last chemo treatment (of 6) is next Thursday…YAY for me! “We don’t need no stinkin’ cancer…”
Good for you, Jane!! Vanquish it, as you vanquish them all!
Kick its ass, Jane.
And you’re right, OK, I’ll reschedule my (first) mammogram, too. I’ve been carrying the slip of paper from my ob/gyn around, tucked in my wallet, for over a month now. Thanks for the push.
Women rock! I am 54, and am going to walk 60 km in two days in October – the FIRST breast cancer fundraising walk in the Netherlands (where I live). Check out http://www.asistershope DOT org for details. I love the little logo girl. One in 9 women I am told will have breast cancer. Sounds like a damn epidemic to me, and I am going to move my ass to help. Wahoo Jane and all brilliant kick ass survivors and their supporters!
PeppermintPatti @ 59
Our thoughts are with you!
{{{{{{JANE}}}}}}
Congrats!
REGARDING Steve @ 29
“As long as we are talking screening/wellness care..Colon cancer is still #2 or #3 killer. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented…A colonoscopy should be the 50th birthday present of choice or younger for those with risk factors.”
Amen to that. I turn 50 this year, and had my second procedure last year, owing to a situation six years ago and some family history of same. As those of us involved in live music often are heard saying: “TESTING… TESTING…”
If it hasn’t been mentioned before, women should do monthly self-exams. Choose some easily remembered day. Showers are a good place for them. A little soap and water makes it easier to detect minor variations. Become familiar with yourself so you will be aware of changes, especially hard, irregular, or inflamed tissue. Remember also that mammary tissue extends up to the shoulder so you should check this high. Also check under the armpits for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes.
Some lumps can be benign fibrous tissue. Others can be fluid filled cysts, also benign. Some inflamed areas can be associated with a local infection and so are also benign. Any noticeable change should be checked out. Better safe than sorry.
Screed finished.
PeppermintPatti @ 59
Here’s a hug and a kiss and a slap on the ass. You can do this!
I am convinced that attitude has much to do with cancer survivorship. And since this administration is a cancer on our country, I see Jane’s leadership in both fights as a bright ray of sunshine, hope and power zapping both into submission/remission.
Just FYEIEIO:
I read somewhere that, should they live long enough, ALL men will experience prostate cancer.
it’s kinda nature’s way of tellin’ us fellas not to get cocky…
Hugh @ 66:
You’re simply amazing. How do you know all this stuff? I remember you correcting a commenter’s Latin a while back. You’re the Renaissance Man.
(((Jane)))
You go, girl!
Somewhat, but not exactly OT – Yesterday I received a “handwritten” plea from NARAL to help with some campaign. In it was a stamped return address. Instead of a contribution they are going to get a letter telling them why I will not be supporting them anymore. Much of my message will be channeling Jane.
I have always gotten one. I did this year and they said they couldn’t read it so I ended up with an ultrasound. I was fine but the anxiety was bad. Ill alway get my yearly exam… but I now have the tiniest bit of understanding
Congress threatening subpoena enforcement: Developing… I hate it when Raw Story does this!
wgg: rogue scholar @ 69
Ouch.
Jane,
I am sure all your West Coast friends will be happy to have you back in California. Think of all the things you can do like watch the California GOP self-destruct, California Congresscritters get hauled off to trial, and other fun things.
But do bring some rain with you cuz right now the prediction is no rain in SoCal until September.
Ghostman @ 17
Hope you never have to find out, Ghostman. That’d bug me too.
Giant hugs to Jane and Peppermint Patty–you’re doing the hard work. We’re just tagging along.
I also want to echo something Christy knows very well. Sometimes, mammograms show “something”, which leads to more pictures (ouch!) and, in my case, more ultrasounds, worried technicians, doctors, etc., etc., etc. For me, it has gone on every 6 months for the last 2 years (and again 6 months from now). So far, all benign, which is great. But, it’s nerve wracking (understatement of the month).
But, despite the anxiety it’s really important to remain vigilant, even on days when you just want to cancel the appointment and pull the covers over your head!!! So, please make those appointments and keep them…
{{{{JANE}}}}}!!!!!
Just dipping into the lake, caught this post and want to add my very best wishes for a hearty recovery and sincere thanks for all you do to inspire and generate passion, dialogue, and action for so many things that are important to so many.
Thank you Christy, for your important reminder…
Hope to be back online soon……. ;>)
CatelynK @ 27
Good to hear. I’m really looking forward to getting rid of chemo brain.
PeppermintPatti @ 59
Woo hoo! Congratulations, Patti We did it together.
{{{{{{{ JANE! }}}}}}}}} You are an inspiration to us all.
I am one of the many without health care…2 yrs of graphic arts temp positions leaves barely enough to cover asthma meds, no $ for extras like doctor visits or checkups. So I’m excited about today’s job interview (which went well, probably won’t hear til next week whether or not I got it) as it is a 2 month temp contract with a large company which more often than not offers temps a permanent position.
And thanks to everyone who left good luck wishes on my wall at Facebook, and an especially big thank you to Jane for getting us into Facebook. I’m having a lot of fun with it!
Jane Hamsher @ 79
Funny – chemo brain wasn’t mentioned in this highly technical video text…
angie at 78 — Great to see you online!
And PeppermintPatti — good on you! Just like marksb, you are going to kick the cancer to the curb!
Jane if you’ve had “chemo brain” these past few months since I got to the lake, I look forward to seeing exactly how smart and sharp and insightful you are after it all!
((((((Women of the Lake))))))
(((((Jane!!! Love and healing coming your way)))))
Helen @ 44
Okay, a family history like this is something that needs to be brought to the attention of a genetics specialist. You need to be tested for hereditary cancer syndromes. You also need to talk someone who’s up to date on the latest research. Someone with your family history may be referred for breast MRIs (yes, I’m serious) in addition to (or in lieu of) regular mammograms.
Jane:
Thanks for being a model of courage for us all.
TexB @ 84
It’s pretty impressive. Just ask Kate O’Bierne.
keep on rockin’ the free world, Jane!
TexB @ 84
Go here in the archives for samples. Not that she’s been any less smart and sharp and insightful these past few months.
jane – everyday you are an inspiration. congratulations and hugs for yesterday’s milestone.
Jane-Congratulations. Now we can concentrate on excising the cancer eating away at our country.
Seriously, though (without going too far over the top), the work you’re doing, both personally and professionally, will result in lives saved. After watching what you’re going through, how many women will now schedule their exams, discover a lump, go through treatment, and go on to live full, productive and happy lives?
Even if it’s only one, what you’ve gone through and what you’ve inspired, will have been worth it.
I watched my Dad die of cancer (leukemia) a couple years ago. Would earlier detection have made a difference? I don’t know. But when the next person I know gets diagnosed with the big C, I don’t ever want to be asking that question again.
angie @ 78
that’s good news! you’ve been missed – a lot!
TexB @ 84
Short Ride Joe, on the other hand . . . not so much.
He’s probably wishing you would just enjoy your improving health and spend more quiet time with your poodles.
Dream on, Joe.
She knows where you work. She knows where you raise money for “friends” like Susan Collins. She knows where you stick up for Bush. She knows what to do about folks like you.
And so do we. Blue America, anyone?
selise @ 94
angie: Ditto. Was wondering.
Biodun @ 91
I don’t know, she doesn’t seem to be using the third person, plural with nearly the same alacrity; but her verb tense agreement is spot on. She’s definitely living here, in the now! ;-)
I’m sure Joe is looking forward to Jane’s upcoming visit to Cal. *g*
Frank Probst @ 87
Frank thank you for your concern. You can rest assured thatI am on top of it. I happen to work at the most premier cancer hospital/research institution in the world (in our humble opinion). I am surrounded by the best of the best.
My mother had 3 daughters. We are now 46, 44, and 40. And we are all to date cancer free. Thank the goddess.
OT Juan Williams defends the Supreme Court decision in the Seattle and Louisville case. He points out that integration doesn’t guarantee a good education. He misses the point that segregation doesn’t either but does make unequal education easier to pull off.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06…..ref=slogin
Hey johnSwifty:
It’s been a while. I ran into John Forde at a mediabistro.com party last Wednesday. Also met his wife. We should all get together soon and sample some more exotic cuisine downtown Mpls.
I miss you all too!!! Thanks for the kind words.
(Hope to check in soon again and much more regularly)
Best wishes to you, P. Patti!
Jane was all over Short ride when she lived at the beach, a short trip to Cali won’t faze her.
Short ride can’t hide.
hi to angie
Biodun @ 100
I’ve been watching John’s program on the local cable access, it’s really quite impressive. I’m hoping to complete several large projects soon and then I should have all the time in the world.
Also, here’s wishing all the time in the world to the incomparable, egg laying, Ms. Hampsher!
Jane, FDL saved my sanity during these unbearable times we live in. Wish there was some way to repay you.
I’ve been reading here since Feb. 2006, and have been addicted since. I mostly lurk, but have you in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Waving hi to angie!
All my best to you Jane.
-GSD
calvinthecat @ 33
Don’t believe it! Every Siamese I’ve had has been able to turn on big crystalline tears when severely disappointed by moi.
Upon reading the post on the front page, my first thought was “neither you nor Jane owes us any favors” — but then, after reading the flipside, I forgot all that, and now I only want to chime in and express my thanks and admiration to both of you. That was well worth saying.
Congratulations on your making it through the ordeal. Even though we disagree probably on everything, I would not wish the ordeal on anyone.
Keep fighting the good fight, Jane. FDL is a daily stop for me, and it’s great to know you’re doing well. How is it possible that your analysis every day on this site can be so trenchant and detailed, while the daily press gets it so wrong so much of the time?
As the son of a man who was too pigheaded and scared and closed-mouthed to get checked for cancer until it was far too late, I’ve learned that waiting too long to go to the doctor can make all the difference. Now if only I could learn this lesson when it comes to the dentist…
Wishing you the best with a full return to good health.
Helen, I have an extensive family history, too. Have you explored diet? Wondering what you’ve come up with.
:-) Thanks, Jane and everybody for the good wishes…the support from friends and family is really THE thing that gets you thru it…
I have heard that the “distortion” (OK, squashing) imposed during the mammography exam increases the risk of breaking loose “bad cells” and sending them out into the circulation: any docs in the readership who might comment? Any holistic types who might comment?
There was an inspired researcher who devised a way to image the inside of an undeformed breast using laser scanning technology, but I think that technique died by the wayside. A shame.
The chemo meds may have knocked Jane’s immune system back to close to zero: does anyone have tips on how to rebuild an immune system? (Think positive thoughts about the marrow in the long bones for starters?)
i have kicked cancer in my younger days.
i was 14 and it was 1963.
by 1968 we’d had four surgeries and one failed series of radiation.
chemo had not been invented.
my upper left arm ain’t quite the same, but i wear long sleeves and no one notices.
and i survived and still have my left hand, et al.
i lost a close friend to liver cancer on March 19.
2 weeks before we all (he has three grown children) knew he was going.
it could have been much worse for him.
we are blessed he did not linger.
i miss him very much.
guys over fifty need their prostate palpated once a year, with the annual check up.
and a colonoscopy by 50 and then as often as the doc says.
my third colonoscopy will be next summer.
we have cancer cells in us all the time, but our immune system keeps them at bay.
healthy people as just in remission.
Hi Jane
Found FDL this past January- am so glad. Jane, you put together a great thing. Thanks. Your openness, passion, sense of humor, knowledge, and generosity are amazing. The others you have on board with you say a lot about who you are too- Christy and EW and all the other writers/posters- Wow. You attract good things. Jane, you rock. Sending wishes of healing and peace. MR
Jane,
I’ll never forget traveling through the links during the Libby trial, trying to understand ole 60 grit.
Boston1775 @ 114
I have, but with most diet info it is forever changing. For hereditary info go here It is Memorial Sloan Kettering’s hereditary cancer info site. One of the best in the field.
Jane has a fresh post, up and ready for the reading for everyone.
Hugh @ 100
I’m sure everyone here has read Jonathon Kozol’s “Savage Inequalities”. His premise is that it is school funding based on property taxes that results in “compulsory inequality” in public schools. So, if we are going to find a remedy other than the one that was just dumped maybe that is where we should start.
A Badreporter you will all enjoy!!! Yes, you will!!
Jane’s up top.
Jane you’re an inspiration to us all. Keep swingin’ and when you need help, ask for it. Lots of support going your way throughout, around, and inside the wires.
FDLakeside in Summer. Priceless.
peace
All the best to you, Jane.
My regular ‘gram is scheduled for next Friday. During the past year, my husband went from COBRA (the coverage you get/pay for after being employed by an entity that provided health insurance) to being self-employed. He searched long & hard for coverage for a “one-person shop.”
What we got is expensive, with high deductibles. Thus gone are the many years when I could schedule these things without a thought for anything other than the modest co-pay.
And we are “middle class.” This country should be SO ashamed of not providing health care for all. So ashamed!!
EPE’d from prior thread; slightly OT:
Jane,
Yesterday when you accepted my request for “friends” on facebook, I grinned from ear to ear. What you’ve done with FDL has given me real hope that as a nation we can we can fight off the sickness that is dissolving our democracy and at the same time remedy the ills that share responsibility for our nations failures. Thank you so much for giving me that hope.
NewDealFarmGrrrlll @ 81
I just can’t thank everyone enough for that — you guys rock — so I want to do you a favor in return this morning.
Christy, you do us a favor every morning just by being there writing. You’re wonderful. I can’t overstate the value of having such an informed and articulate person writing for us. Thank you so much. And of course we adore Jane and passionately wish her a fantastic recovery.
I hope by the time I’m old enough to start getting these exams they’ve come up with a less painful method of doing them. I see no reason why they haven’t already made some kind of effort to do so, either. Is there some pseudo-sadist component of the medical community that likes to make women suffer?
My OBGYN reminded me that since I turned 35 this year I will need to go for my baseline mammogram. I’m looking into where to go that is covered by my insurance and hoping to have it done by the end of the year.
Congrats on finishing chemo, Jane.
Best wishes to all.
Congratulations Jane! If you don’t mind, I will continue to hold you in my prayers, though. ((((Jane)))
Oh and hugs to Kobe too.
Maybe Jane already knows about this, but I figured maybe she didn’t and mentioning it might help with her recovery. Chlorella, a food supplement, taken in conjunction with chemo can offset some of the worst side effects. You can buy this stuff at any health food store and what it does is chelate the toxins in your body. I have to take methotrexate weekly for arthritis. Methotrexate is a chemo drug, and very toxic. My Dad is a doctor and he is always researching to find something to offset the side effects of all the medication I have to take for the arthritis. He just discovered Chlorella, and has several patients who swear by the stuff, one who was getting chemo. I’ve been on it for about a week now, and it is making a lot of difference in my energy levels. I just feel better. Anyway, maybe she and her doctor could look into it. If it could help, it would be a small payback for all the knowledge and pleasure I’ve derived from FDL since I discovered it. I’ll send some healing energy her way too, since I’ve got enough to spare these days.
visualize that the cancer is joe, then kick its ass, jane.
Thanks for the push regarding mammograms Christi. I actually hate to have one done, and am a nervous wreck the week before. But still, I do it. People like Jane and the wonderful Elizabeth Edwards keep me knowing how important it is to get that darn Mammogram. So if your post gets one of our many readers in to get the mammogram and something is found when it can still be treated, well good for you.
I feel like I’ve been getting a regular prostate exam by the Bush Administration, but I called my HCP this morning and scheduled a full physical and prostate exam for August. You know, by a doctor. And not, you know, by the likes of NSA wiretapping and all that.
Jane Hamsher is a hell of a person. We met once, in Los Angeles (she won’t remember), when I was working there, and she was one of the sharpest people in the room.
Still is.
Great courage and spirit, too.
To: 130, Why do you say Pseudo Sadist? I swear it is the real thing who invents all this stuff. While they squeeze and mash every tiny breast fiber, do they have to gloat that it is “worse” for small chested girls? And could any one really invent the wand sono-gram? How is that for a sense of humor? Not exactly a fairy god mother. Jane can continue to remind of us heroism…while some of this stuff is just barbaric.
RevDeb @ 6
Exactly the same. You have to be aware of your body and monitor yourself, and report anything odd to your doctor. That’s what I did about two years ago when I noticed a tiny lump under one nipple. He sent me in for a mammogram — yes, guys get them done too — with an ultrasound follow-up.
It turned out to be nothing. I was just being cautious. But I would never say I was being too cautious. There is no such thing, especially when your Dad has prostate cancer and your brother died of leukemia. “Too cautious” doesn’t exist.
Thank you a million times, Jane, for this wonderful place you’ve created. I’m hopelessly hooked.
Cheers to Jane, and best wishes for long-term success.
And everyone, do like Aunt Christy says and get caught up on those exams, including the self-exams! I’m another self-insurer, and it makes me angry every time I have to pay up, but keeping those diagnostics current is worth some sacrifices. In some counties, by the way, you might be able to get free mammograms and pap smears, though they might only be able to give a fixed number of them per budget cycle.
I can validate this. They also can laugh, though for some reason they don’t want you to know it. Maybe they think it’s like farting or something. I got mine to stop scratching —permanently— by whimpering while showing him the scratch. He never scratched me again.
Love ya, Jane! Glad the worst is over for you.
Boy, didn’t get any shit about the Yankees cap. Where are all the Mets fans?
Love you Jane. Best of health wishes for you… and thanks for the reminder to our loved ones, Christy.
Shhh don’t tell Pach.
Jane, it is Sooo good to hear of your fighting spirit!
God bless! Luv ya! and all at FDL.
So many well wishers here….
Wonderful…
So Jane you know every step of the way you have family, friends, and all of us here cheering you on…
May every day give you something beautiful to remember and keep you strong…
Best Wishes….
To Jane: Every time I’ve read one of your posts lately I’ve wondered how you’re feeling and how you manage to handle FDL stuff as well – and have offered the secular equivalent of a prayer for you. Thanks, Christy, for giving us an update.
To all the male readers here: As a survivor of testicular cancer may I advise you all to make sure you know what your balls feel like. If you’re familiar with them, you’ll easily recognise a tumor as feeling more solid, and sticking out of one side of a testicle. If dealt with early, testicular cancer treatment is almost always successful nowadays.
best wishes Jane !!!
I had a mamogram and Damm it hurt especially when there is nothing to hold onto really so I know from experience that it is important and painful.
It was kind of funny as i’m standing there legs wrapped around this pole, like a pole girl at the local doll house (no offense meant ladies)and the nurse mr. could you get a little closer… well hell im halfway in the machine and that thing can only stretch just so much..any way please get cheked and other GYN exams do not put them off.
Thanks ladies!!
Wow! Jane, I tip my hat to you as I have seen up close the cumulative effects of aggressive chemo treatment. And the comments form others are so timely and right onthe money. I too have put off routine health exams because the demands of work seemed to outweigh the need for self care. I made my “routine” appointments two years after I should have and am now hoping that my concern for others has too dear a cost.
I just saw the first showing of Sicko and urge all Firedogs to check it out and take appropriate action. For fellow dogs in CA Please PLEASE support SB 840 (Keuhl) universal single payer health care for ALL californians.
Jane, you are in my prayers and your courage is a constant source of inspiration to me.
Christy this is an excellent post and great ‘tube!!! Melissa has the fight. Jane has the fight, peppermint patty too!
Jane, I honestly don’t know how you’ve done it but I admire the fight and strength in you. Congratulations on getting through this. Attitude is everything and certainly you have it! Stay strong! We’re with ya!!!
I confess that I skipped my mammogram last year. Thought they were flattened enough, thanks all the same. Along about the time of Jane’s surgery, I revisited that topic and got around to it shortly after that. My appointment is next month after a trip to Seattle. I’m glad to be reminded again and know I already have that back on the radar!
I agree, schedule your mamogram! Do your self exam! Men too, get your exams!
We need everyone’s voice loud and clear.
There is no routine examination for uterine cancer in this country. If anything at all unusual is going on, go to your doctor immediately and demand an ultrasound screening.
Jane, all best to you.
Best wishes to JH, and all of those others who are battling for life…May the victory be sweet.
Jane, you have been an inspiration in many ways – not the least of which, in my being able to offer reassurance to my best friend – just embarking on her own chemo at St. John’s. I’ve been able to relate a tiny bit of your story and share some of your best snarks with her. (She’s finally gonna get a computer. Hooray!)
Thoughts of healing sent to you and my friend daily.
Christy – I’m grateful to you as well -for clearing the smoke and letting us see the bright shiny truths. And yes, I’ll take the reminder off the fridge and make my appointment Monday.
You go, Jane.
Having lived with a chemo patient, I know from close, helpless and scared second-hand experience how hard it is, and Christy is right in that one could never tell from your posts.
You are brilliant and fabulous, and if there is anyone who can kick that damn disease’s ass, it is you for sure.
People Bless You, Jane. Be strong, be smart (no-brainers for you, I suppose) and soak up the love of your fans. Also, laugh as much as you can. I have it on good authority (well, OK, mine) that laughter is in fact the best non prescription medicine there is.
Book suggestion: Powers of Mind, by Adam Smith. Pay particular attention to the Stewart Alsop bit.
Very few of us are loved by tens of thousands of strangers. Me, I think that will count for something. Hang in there. We are there with you.
John O
Wow, You are a good friend to Jane, Christy, in support of her victory over this unworthy opponent of a disease which is beatable. I have been there.
Great clip! Pass this link along to Jane — Scooter gets his number! Yowza!
http://tootruthy.blogspot.com/…..umber.html
Let me give my best wishes to the great Jane.
As your long time Italian lurker I have a special place in my heart for all the great ladies of the Lake and Jane in particular: keep up the incredible work and get better for the coming battle for the soul of the USA. Your country need more people like you.
Ah, Jane. My little sis (little not= young – I’m far along the road to old-fartdom) is going to have a bone marrow transplant next month because the chemo to treat her non-Hodgkins lymphoma is so severe it will kill her by killing her marrow. I’m being tested to find if I can be a donor. You are going through hell and you will win. My sister will win.
I know this late post is automatically EPUd but I’ve got to wish you the very best. Thanks for all you have done and all you will do.
Jane is beyond amazing. I’m so glad she’s done with that, and am stunned at how she carries on so beautifully through it all. Big hug, Jane!
And Christy, you too deserve a medal for being a terrific friend, and for posting what you just did.
I go every year and hate every minute of it. But I go. And do breast exams, which are just as important.
Thanks for the tips, thanks for the update, and thank you both for being so inspirational in so many ways. <3
I am reminded of Molly Ivins urging everyone to do the same thing. Get their exams and check-ups. She had let some go by.
{{{Jane and Christy}}}
Funny you should mention appointments!! I called to reschedule my 6 month checkup…I have a thing called a “shadow”..but am not too worried!! Had calcium removed a few times..not too bad a procedure for anyone facing it. My appt. is mid July! Three of my friends have more or less beaten CA in the past year and are “clean” right now…Another is just starting the process and we don’t know yet her total condition…so, Jane and any others dealing with this, prayers are there for all of you
and together we can beat this damned disease.
Jane you are just the example that many need…
I have kept telling my friends to stay positive and that is the answer!! There are new miracles every day…and Jane…I think you are
one of them!!
Is that a Yankees hat? My god, could Jane be wearing a Yankees hat? I hope not because that would be a Connecticut cliche. How could anyone on our side root for the Yankees?
I am inspired. I wish you continued health and joy.
When I was 40, I had a breast reduction: two lbs. off each breast. I thought I’d be the last person to get breast cancer. NOT. At 54, I was diagnosed with a 3cm tumor under my right arm. I had chemo first, which shrunk the tumor to 1 cm, surgery and then radiation. I’m presently 9 years out with no recurrance. You’re crazy if you think regular check-ups are too cumbersome in your busy life. I was a jerk but you don’t have to be.
Jane, you go girl. You’re an inspiration and no need to feel chemo-brain affected. You’re coming in loud and clear.
Bless you Jane and Redd, you are both “Christians” in the highest sense of the term.
Being a Christian is about having a love for God, humanity, and having a loving mindset
God loves us and it is that love we are supposed to enact in the world. God is not an auditor with a spreadsheet, counting every little sin. And God is not about shaming people. God is about the life and liberty of the human soul. We have certain loving missions in our lifetimes, tasks we need to be doing, with our special talents, in loving service to all souls on the planet. This may sound very vague, but there are real practical consequences to this loving service.
1. We need to preserve our planet. (yes, we pray for the stewardship of the planet every week) We understand that our life on earth is about manifesting God’s love, and there is no way to do that in this place if we destroy it. There is also an inequality about the destruction of the earth, where the most damaged places are often inhabited by the least able to deal with them. THat is where charity comes in.
2. We need to treat EVERY person as our neighbor. The Good Samaritan story was about loving people that politics and social pressure has shunned. Jesus often spent time with “undesirables” (at least according to the mores of the time.) I interpret this to mean that no one is beyond the love and help of God. This also means we have to put an end to war and torture. These are the opposite of what allows a soul to grow and blossom. Only love can nourish a soul.
3. We need to put our money where our mouth is and really HELP people, regardless of where they are or where they come from. We need to help people in our immediate circle and outside of it. We need to give of our time, our effort and our money. We need not to be selfish in this. Give up the latte and put the $3 toward a homeless shelter.
Sorry to go on so long, I just think it’s important to say..