Category Archives: Health and Wellness

Guestblog: Mesothelioma Surgery May Make Breathing More Difficult

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Mesothelioma Surgery May Make Breathing More Difficult

Mesothelioma treatments can serve two purposes: They can help stop tumor growth, and they can help manage symptoms. Curative treatments have the potential to do both; when the tumors get smaller, they place less pressure on the lungs. This in turn reduces symptoms like chest pain and coughing. Treatments can extend a patient’s life expectancy, as well.

In the case of curative surgery, however, many patients experience the opposite effect – at least, for the first few weeks following their operation.

The two main surgeries for mesothelioma – the pleurectomy/decortication and the extra-pleural pneumonectomy – are both invasive procedures. While the former is a lung-sparing procedure, the latter involves the removal of one full lung. The remaining lung must then bear the burden of both.

Additionally, with an extra-pleural pneumonectomy, fluid may accumulate in the space more quickly for the first three days after surgery. These fluid buildups – known as pleural effusions – can make it difficult or even painful to breathe. On the upside, surgeons can safely drain this fluid from the chest cavity with an outpatient procedure called a thoracentesis.

Even with a pleurectomy/decortication, patients may still experience difficulty breathing. As their body heals and their lungs get stronger, this struggle should get easier over time.

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Choose to Believe

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Tonight, when I was out for my walk (gulp… 18 days until the Bluenose Marathon!)… I was noticing the ever persistant pain that has started in my left hip, choosing to ignore the fact that both my grandmother and my aunt had degenerative hip disorder, one who went through hip replacement surgery, the other who grinned through the pain and just dealt with it. And I told myself what I always tell myself… it’s probably nothing. It’ll pass. It’s just getting into the swing of walking more frequently after winter. Whether that is the case or not, it’s what I choose to believe.

Choosing to believe something gives us an affirmation and an inner strength to face what lies in our path. I choose to believe that this pain will go away. I choose to believe that the little stresses of today will not matter tomorrow. I choose to believe that sadness is temporary. I choose to be optimistic because I believe there’s a silver lining in every dark cloud. I choose to believe the losses I’ve had in my life were to teach me hard lessons and how to let go. I choose to believe in love, because I really do believe it is the strongest and purest emotion we are blessed enough to experience in our life. I choose to devote as much time as I can to my children now, because I believe that all too soon they will have grown up and moved on with their lives, and when my nest is empty and I look back I won’t say “I wish I had more time for myself” but “I wish I had more time with them.” I choose to believe that people are inherently good. I choose to believe that doing some small good really does make a difference in the world. I believe in Karma. This isn’t a choice, this is a belief, and because I believe in Karma, I choose to believe that revenge is a waste of energy because in the end, good or bad, people get what is coming to them.

Because I believe in Karma, and that good people have good things come to them, I choose to believe my friend Wanda is going to win her fight with breast cancer. It will not go any other way, because it simply can’t. I choose to believe that she will come through this stronger than she ever was before. I choose to believe that people who are fortunate enough to be a part of her life will also come through stronger and more appreciative of the gifts they have in their lives. I choose to believe that this year, when the CIBC Run for the Cure comes around, that she will be strong enough to participate in it again with us.

I choose to believe that every life experience we have teaches us a lesson, something new about ourselves, or something new about the people around us. I carefully choose the people around me, and choose to keep those who seem to thrive on negativity at a distance. I choose to focus on the good. I choose to be happy.

Wellness: It’s Not Just a Body Thing

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Much buzz has been generated about incorporating Wellness into your life, but how many of us really know what that is? Wellness isn’t just about going for a jog and eating an apple. True Wellness envelopes mind, body, heart and spirit.

Balance

Wellness

Webster’s defines Wellness as “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal”. Actively seeking balance in your life can help anyone, whether you’re already in good health, fighting cancer or another terminal illness, trying to lower your blood pressure, or working to shed those extra few pounds. The key is to “feed” each of the four parts every day.

For most of us, “Body” is easy to figure out… eat better and stay active. However, it is just as important to feed your mind. Pledge to be an eternal student – never stop learning new things. This activity is not only good for personal knowledge, but several studies have been done that demonstrate working to continue to actively challenge your mind helps keep your cognitive thinking sharp and fights off the symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s.

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Something’s Gotta Give

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So here’s another one of those “not the usual Cancerbytes post” posts but in light of recent events, I felt that this story needed to be shared. Because of this recent incident, fuel has been added to the anti-bullying fire. And what seems to always happen I am afraid will happen again… people are outraged, and for a brief time everyone rallies together demanding change… and then eventually everyone goes back to their lives and nothing really gets done.

I think this topic is too complex to be able to point a finger at one part and say “There. That’s it, right there, If we fix THAT, then all THIS will go away.” Things in life never seem to work like that. But I do know one part that needs a major overhaul: the school system and their handling of these situations. And I know this because I lived it. My son was the victim of bullying.

The school system will tell you that they have a “zero tolerance policy” on the topic of bullying, and in theory this sounds fabulous. What they seem to practice instead is a hands off policy, which leaves kids and their parents alone in the fight. People seem more interested in not taking responsibility than in the safety and protection of our children. The best way for me to illustrate this is to share Aric’s story.

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Guestblog: Life After Cancer Treatment

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Receiving a cancer diagnosis and prognosis can be overwhelming, but getting back into the swing of things after cancer treatment can sometimes be just as hard to overcome. You might not feel like yourself and your interests might have changed, but getting your life back on track is possible.

Although your life changed the moment you were diagnosed with cancer and it may never be the exact same as it was before your diagnosis, there is hope for a better and brighter future. Generally, it takes the amount of time you went through treatment to regain a more normal life again.

What Is “Normal” After Cancer Treatment?

Many who have completed various cancer treatments describe the first few months as a time of change, rather than a time of returning to the ways things were before treatment. This time is about finding and redefining what is normal for you now. Going through cancer may have changed your outlook on life, what you can accomplish on a daily basis, how you enjoy spending your time, and even the people you want around you.

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Thirteen is a lucky number

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To say that I have been consumed with work for the last few
months would be a gross understatement. I’ve been incredibly guilty
of finding no balance in my life, and working long hours because I
knew it was temporary. My husband has been phenomenal… stepping
up to do things around the house, helping out with the kids, even
getting groceries and doing laundry.

Last Friday I finally reached
the point where it was done. And Saturday was bliss. I was able to
get back into my regular routine, and who’s smiling face should I
happen to run into but Wanda. (you can find posts about Wanda here
and here and here.)
Wanda would be one of many people who have been so understanding
when I did my disappearing act because of work. But more than
anybody, she always reminds me to slow down and focus on the things
that matter in my life. Sad for me to say i “ran into her”
considering she lives right across the street, but that in itself
is a good indication of the last three months for me.

She’d
probably roll her eyes if I told her face to face that she was an
inspiration to me, and one of my heroes when I see how strong and
brave she’s been in her fight with breast cancer. I know there must
have been times through this that she’s felt discouraged, but you’d
never know it talking to her. I knew that her chemotherapy had been
completed (first MAJOR step YAY) and she told me Saturday that she
had 13 radiation treatments left.

download

Obviously thirteen is a lucky
number because after number thirteen we will all be talking about
how she beat this and how she taught all of us around her the true
meaning of inner strength and positive energy. We will talk about
how all of us have learned by her example and I especially will be
thanking her for not only being my friend but for teaching me to
never take things for granted, and to keep focus on what is
important.

Just thirteen more steps. Thirteen phenomenal steps to
complete a journey that no one should have to take. Just a walk in
the park. Right Wanda?

With Age Comes Wisdom

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This was sent to me in email; definitely great enough to share!

Holding Hands

Holding Hands

 

Written by a 90 year old

This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!! Make sure you read to the end!!!!!!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 42 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it..

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

11. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it…

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come…

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

 

As close as I’ll get to a comeback

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The history: I have participated in the Bluenose Marathon for four years: 2007-2010. The first three years, I ran the 5K. (Two of these three years, my son Aric ran in the 10K… so my goal was always to get a better time in my 5K than he did in his 10K, and I’m happy to say I did, both years!). The fourth year, as I went to register for the event, a surge of adrenaline, or stupidity, struck me, and instead of registering for the 5K, I registered for the half marathon. Why did I do it? You can read about it here.

http://hollysalsman.blogspot.ca/2010/05/why-am-i-doing-this-again.html

As you can see, my heart was in the right place, though not necessarily my brain. I managed to complete the entire distance, after having ran 4.4 KM with my boys the previous day, with no training in walking distances that long, on sneakers that were about two months past needing an upgrade. (Which I knew… but I didn’t want to switch them so late in the game). By the time I crossed the finish line I could hardly walk and I was in tears. But, I had registered and raised money for the Easter Seals that year… so I felt more justified in pushing myself as hard as I did.

I knew I was in pain… hardly able to walk… sore… stiff… but I wouldn’t realize the full extent of my injuries until later. The next morning I still couldn’t walk. The pain in my right foot was so excruciating that I had to hold onto things just to get around the house. The morning after, same thing. After about two weeks of it not getting any better, I went to see my doctor, and discovered I had damaged the tendon on the bottom of my foot… plantar fasciitis … and it would take me a year and a half to recover from it.

Not only did it require time, I had to make some real changes to my everyday living. All the cute shoes I had, that had no support, had to go. I couldn’t wander around barefoot anymore, which was one of my favourite things to do. Any shoes I wore had to have good support and I learned how to pick shoes that fit the bill. I had to stretch before I could even get out of bed… take things slow until the morning pain wore off, and roll frozen golf balls on the bottom of my foot when the pain would get the best of me. My doctor told me if things didn’t get better, she could prescribe cortizone injections… which I heard horror stories about, so did everything I could to avoid them at all costs. My physical activity was severely limited, and more than anything I just felt stupid that a decision I made had caused it.

2011 came and went, and still being in recovery I was unable to participate in the Bluenose Marathon… which was tough for me to accept. Finally, around 6 months later, I was officially healed. Well, as healed as it would get.

Then came 2012… and I was officially healed and had started going for walks… but not nearly to the level of a half marathon. Because of this, I was incredibly tempted to register for the 10K… but me, being stubborn, didn’t want to go backwards from the half. Begrudgingly, I missed yet another year… but started seriously training. I made up my mind that I would train properly and participate in 2013 in the half once more.

10th Anniversary

Bluenose Marathon

The present: True to my word, I have worked hard on my training. I have currently walked a total of 646.26km, completed the full half marathon distance once, in September, and gone 18km in October. Aside from that I regularly walk over 12km. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and have registered for the Bluenose Marathon half. On top of that, I have also registered for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, this year choosing to support (for Cancerbytes as well as a friend) the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Team in Training. The link for my fundraising page is here; any and all support is appreciated to help me reach my goal:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1703272

The future: Will I do it again next year? Who knows! I’m focused on getting through THIS year first. As Cancerbytes nears it’s one year anniversary I’m proud of the support this website has generated, and grateful to be able to participate in events myself, which ultimately helps to accomplish what this website does.

To anyone who supports me, thank you. To those who are participating in the Marathon and would like to join my team, awesome! The more the merrier. You don’t even have to go the full half… shoot me a message and I’ll get you added in whichever event you’re participating in.

Here’s to the Bluenose… and helping charities raise money for a cure.

 

Attention all Tightrope Walkers!

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If wishes were fishes...

If wishes were fishes…

New Year’s Resolutions: who makes them and who doesn’t? Generally I’m not someone who makes them, because I figure they are too easy to break. This is why I quit smoking on December 27th, 2005… and I’m still smoke free. That being said, you can’t deny the advantages of setting personal goals for yourself, and statistics show that people who regularly make New Year’s Resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals. Not all the New Year’s Resolutions stats, however, are this motivating:

New Years Resolution Statistics:

Percent of Americans who usually make New Year’s Resolutions 45%
Percent of Americans who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions 17%
Percent of Americans who absolutely never make New Year’s Resolutions 38%
Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution 8%
Percent who have infrequent success 49%
Percent who never succeed and fail on their resolution each year 24%

*Source: University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, published 12/13/2012

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The Greatest of these is Love

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In light of the recent tragedy in Connecticut, a tragedy that has expanded beyond the borders of this state and even the country, a lesson that we all can take from this is don’t take time with your loved ones for granted. We hear all the time that in this life there are no guarantees, but how many of us truly live this every day of our lives?

I’m just as guilty as the rest of us… rushing around in the morning to get ready, at times barking at my kids to get them up and going for the day, and at times spending way too much time working. Over the last few days I’ve thought a lot about those parents who had to receive that call that changed their lives forever. No amount of words I could write, even if I wrote for the rest of my life, could convey the overwhelming shock and loss they, and their entire community, are going through.

A tragedy is a tragedy regardless of what time of the year it is, but to have it happen so close to Christmas… and to have it involve so many children and adults who dedicated their lives, and ultimately gave their lives, for these children… again there are no words.

I have shed so many tears over the past few days, and feel selfish for admitting that because as a parent the grief I feel in empathy is so small compared to what others are going through that I don’t feel justified in feeling it. However, on the weekend, as I wrapped Christmas presents to put under the tree, my thoughts kept returning to those parents in Connecticut… how many presents were already under their trees… hidden away in closets… gifts they will never get to deliver. I feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate to have my children in my life… to know where they all are… to know they are all safe… and if I take anything away from this tragedy it is that I want to always remember what is important in life. None of us have guarantees. I don’t want to put off the important things, and I know there are times I have.

This holiday season I hope that everyone takes this away from this awful tragedy. Sure there will be political talks and discussions and calls for change. Those things will come. But right now, at this time during this season, we all need to slow down, embrace the people in our lives and reach out to others who may not have people in their lives.

Take the time to volunteer in your community to help others. Remember the elderly who are in their homes… nursing homes… those who have family that have moved away or family they’ve lost. Embrace these people, let them know that they are important enough and valued enough that you choose to spend your time with them. An act that may seem small to you could mean the world to someone else. We live in a busy society, however this should not override humanity. We all have the power to slow down, take a breath, and make the people around us feel valued.

Christmas shouldn’t be about the things under the tree, but the people around it.

 

The Water and the Sun Revisited

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In honour of “International Day of Disabled Persons”, a blog I wrote before about the best speech I have ever heard live.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend an “Employment and Education Symposium”. It was an event to recognize local businesses and individuals who truly were making a difference in furthering the interests of people with all abilities. Awards were given to different individuals, but there was person by the name of Derek Lewis, founder of Red Arrow Digital College, who really stood out for me.

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Everyone Has a Story

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telling stories around a campfire

The more people that I meet in my life, the more I realize that everyone has a story. What I find myself wondering is how many of these stories remain unshared? Forgotten? And ultimately lost through time?

Among the many many things I loved doing at my Grandparent’s house, the one thing I loved the most was going through the drawer with old photographs, asking who each of them was, stories about them, where they lived and how they grew up. In some ways I think  I was destined to be a writer because people’s stories have always fascinated me. The story I loved the most though, the one I made my Grandpa and Grandma tell me over and over and over again, was the story of how they met.

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Health Care should be a Right… not for the Privileged

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As I sit here this evening, with my television on CNN, but muted… and working at my second and even third job with music playing in the background, turning around every few minutes to check the latest electoral vote counts, these last months of biting my lip in an attempt to keep political views to myself is just disintegrating. I have tried very hard not to express my opinion, because lets face it, I left the United States. I made the decision to move to Canada, I made the decision to become a permanent resident, and then I made the decision to become a Canadian Citizen. Since leaving in 1997, I have been back to the United States for one visit, and it wasn’t back to my home town. However, I do have plans to go in June… assuming that I still have a place to stay after writing this.

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TODAY MATTERS!!

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We can all use a little dose of inspiration… especially on a Monday!

Don’t let worrying about tomorrow rob you of today.

Life is not measure by the breaths we take, but rather by the moments that take our breath away.

We cannot change the wind. We can only adjust our sails.
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Ten Things Others Have Done To Beat Insomnia During Treatment

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Ten Things Others Have Done To Beat Insomnia During Treatment

You have been told that you have cancer, how are you supposed to get any sleep? All the worrying, what could go wrong, what will the treatment be like, will I lose my hair, what about the kids, will I be able to work and a thousand other questions.
Then you start treatment and that adds to the problems. Many of the WhatNexter’s on WWW.WHATNEXT.COM that are being treated for cancer either by Radiation or Chemotherapy have described problems with sleep disorders and how they have tried to correct them. Here are some of the remedies tried:
Sleepless

What Can You Expect As A Hospice Caregiver?

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Being a Caregiver will be one of the biggest gifts you will ever receive. A gift? Yes, a gift. Often times the caregiver is a child of the person who needs to be cared for. This turns into role reversal, and brings up different feelings for both people. The Parent may feel guilt that they are taking up your time, being a nuisance, or a bother. The Caregiver may feel resentment, stress, fear and fatigue once the situation starts to be more demanding. But once you have committed to take care of your loved one, right till the last second, you will find out what a gift it is. It is a great feeling knowing that you were there to take care of every need, to comfort, aid and Dr. When you see the fear and anxiety wash completely off of their face when you take care of their needs, it starts to sink in, that if you were not there to take care of these things, then that person would be going through this difficult time alone.

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Random Musings from Cancer Patients/Survivors

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In my 24 year journey dealing with Cancer, I have had 3 diagnoses, Chemo, Radiation, Surgery, Procedures, more tests with names that the average individual shouldn’t know, radiation again, lost 50#…..twice, lost my teeth, my hair…..twice, quit one job, started a Company, lost BOTH parents to cancer and turned into a Cancer Advocate. During that trip, I have spoke with many people about the everyday cancer subjects that come up when talking with another cancer patient/survivor.

These are some of them:Hero Of Hope

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What Does Relay Mean To You?

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24 Years ago when I was diagnosed with Cancer my first time, I was not aware of Relay For Life. Even the second time I was diagnosed, I wasn’t aware of it. During the next 18 years of being “clean”, I saw the signs around town for Relay.  I always thought I should go help out, volunteer somehow. But In my mind I always thought, no they don’t need me they probably have hundreds of people out there, I would just be in the way. So, for the 18 years that I spent enjoying being clean from cancer, I did nothing to help, nothing to give back, because I Hero Of Hope, Greg Piercethought somebody else would do it.

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