Login HereYesterday, 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.
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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 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.