funnycancershirts.com

Friend, fellow blogger, and Hodge survivor, Ryan, is a very talented dude. Amongst his gifts, is his creative knack for making some kick ass cancer-themed shirts and other wicked items. They all are available for purchase. A portion of each sale goes to a cancer charity.

Click the banner below to checkout Ryan's awesome products.

2 more hodger bloggers

Paper Gown Supermodel

Another Cancer Blog - Hodgkins

blood cancer resource directory

The LLS has an updated Blood Cancer Resource Directory for patients and families. Diagnostic and treatment information, wellness and financial assistance are just a few of categories listed in this helpful directory.

lls event - diamond dash

On Saturday, September 12th, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in partnership with jewelery and bridal industry leaders, Michael C. Fina and Tacori, will host the first-ever New York City-wide diamond scavenging hunt to raise awareness for the fight against blood cancers. Titled Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure, all proceeds raised will help support the LLS of which Michael C. Fina is a National Supporting Sponsor.

Grand prize winners of the Diamond Dash will receive a handcrafted Tacori engagement ring setting, matched with a Tacori Diamond, both valued at approximately $20,000 in addition to a honeymoon package to Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii Island, including roundtrip airfare and four nights hotel accommodation at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Special prizes for the other participants do exist.

Registration is free. But the last day to register is this coming Wednesday, September 2nd. To find out more and/or sign up, please visit www.diamondsmakeadifference.com.

Please spread the word, especially of course to couples or married couples-to-be.

upcoming post-transplant teleconference

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) will host a free teleconference titled Living Now: Your Post-Transplant Road Map on Wednesday, September 23rd from 1:00-2:15 PM EST. Please RSVP by September 17th.



If you're unable to participate that day, a recording of the teleconference will be available on the NMDP's website a few weeks later.

day +738

This morning's PET scan went smoothly. The results should be ready by Tuesday. Dr. C-M is on vacation, but I was told one of his nurses should be able to tell me the results.

Afterwards, I received the three scheduled immunizations in the clinic: the second and last dosage of (inactivated) Polio, the fourth and final dosage of Pneumococcal Conjugate, and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis).

I don't have any more appointments at Sloan until mid-October when I see Dr. C-M again for a check-up.

From Sloan, I picked up a few framing supplies nearby Canal Street before meeting my good friend, Barb, for lunch in the East Village. It was drizzling on my way to the supply store and my immediate impulse at that moment was to pull out my umbrella from my book bag, which I did. But before opening and raising the umbrella above my head, I paused . . . taking in the awesome simplicity of the moment. What was I protecting myself from? I wondered. This gentle, refreshing drizzle was doing me no harm. So, why did I feel it necessary to shield myself from it? Habit, I guess. Feeling its cool freshness, I was reminded of how absolutely wonderful the simple things of life can be. Precious and refreshing was today's drizzle knowing that I was here to experience it.

I had a similar experience on Monday on Randall's Island, where I was snapping photographs early in the morning. The first rays of that golden early morning light warmed my face, elevating my spirits as I walked. Energized too by the enlivening rhythms of my iPod, I was exploring the island's paths with vigor. How absolutely wonderful it felt to be there at that moment feeling so strong and purposeful. I was alive feeling recharged by the billions and billions of photons who made the remarkable 93 million mile journey to get here. Cradled in such sublimity, I couldn't think of a better place I'd want to be.

After lunch today, I saw the intense thought-provoking sci-film film, District 9, in the Upper West Side before returning home. I found District 9 to be quite gripping (on a variety of levels) though I confess I found its beginning a bit misplaced as it swung between odd humor and the severity of the environment depicted.

2 year PET tomorrow

Early tomorrow morning I'm scheduled for a PET scan at Sloan. It will be my two-year annual scan. Six months have passed since my last one. At two years out, my doctor doesn't suspect anything will happen and I'm not worried. I feel pretty good about it.

Following the scan, I'm scheduled to return to the clinic upstairs for a few immunizations. I forgot which ones, but I'll be sure to tell you the names tomorrow.

2nd year anniversary

Today's day +731 for me. On this day, August 21st, I received the life-saving blood stem cells of a stranger two years ago.

I want to take this moment to thank all of you - family, medical staff, friends, readers, and strangers - who have been by my side during this remarkable journey.

Unable to find the poignant words that express my gratitude for your kindness, I'm reminded of a lovely scene from the film Contact in which the alien shares his observations about our collective interdependence to the traveling Jodie Foster:

You're an interesting species . . . an interesting mix. You're capable of such beautiful dreams and such horrible nightmares. You feel so lost, so cut off, so alone. Only you're not.

See, in all our searching the only thing we found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.

Thank you everyone for making the emptiness bearable.

livestrong films

You may have seen this powerful commercial by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Nike.



On YouTube, you can find a number of other short films (many of which focus on the personal stories of survivors) by the LAF and Nike. Click here to check them all out. One of these tells the incredible story of Sean Swarner, a survivor of both Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Askin's sarcoma, who after his treatments became the first survivor to ascend Mt. Everest and subsequently, the other six highest summits of the world. Way to go, Sean! An inspirational video.

day +729

With it so ghastly hot and no errands or activities on today's schedule, I stayed inside finishing 1776. It's a riveting read. One of the things that I enjoyed most about it was McCullough's extensive use of primary sources, mostly letters. It really invites the reader in and allows us to have a palpable, nuanced understanding of the characters' personalities.

In addition, as I've become more and more familiar with the history and topography of New York City as a consequence of my photography, I found it quite fascinating to read about the significance of these local spots during the battles of 1776. I had long known about the war in what are now the five boroughs of New York but never to as much detail. The Harlem and Hudson Rivers, Harlem, Hells Gate, and Spuyten Duyvil not to mention other parts of the city, such as Brooklyn Heights which I explored well before I picked up a camera, all saw action. Really fascinating stuff.

This was my first McCullough book. Maybe John Adams' is next?

Besides 1776, I've been reading the popular A People's History of the United States: 1492 - Present by Howard Zinn. Though rich in very interesting quotes from all sorts of people in the past, it lacks footnotes which for a historian is akin to a capital offense. This really hurts the gravitas of the book, I think. Despite this disappointment, I'm interested to learn what fresh observations Zinn might offer into the conversation.

My cardiologist called me late this afternoon with the results of Monday's echocardiogram and the Holter monitor. The tests were normal. Absolutely nothing to worry about, he told me. I shouldn't need to take these tests for about another two years.

hodge bloggers

Below are three Hodgkin's blogs that I found recently:

Pregnant with Cancer

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part - My Journey Through Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Anatasia's Cancer Experience

cancer news

Childhood: Early Cancers Increase Diabetes Risk

Phys Ed: Does Exercise Reduce Your Cancer Risk? is a very interesting read about the well-known benefits of exercise, but as one of the commenters said so poignantly "and yet we all know people who 'did everything right' and still got cancer." Nothing is guaranteed. That we know.

day +727

As scheduled, this morning I had an echocardiogram (ECHO) followed by the placement of a 24-hour Holter monitor to record the electrical activity of my heart. The last time I had either of these was before my last transplant - at least two years ago. The many cycles of chemotherapy and radiation have put me at risk for cardiomyopathy, which is the weakening of heart muscle that causes inadequate pumping of blood. It's not a done deal that I'll ever develop cardiomyopathy, of course, but today's ECHO and the many that will surely follow will hopefully give my doctors a heads-up on any suspicious activity.

I've had several ECHOs over the years and the novelty of the experience has yet to cease. As I lay on the examination table, my chest moist with gel and stickies, I looked in wonder at the grainy images of my aortic valve flicker on the computer screen. That little guy was busy opening and closing. Very busy. Way too busy (thankfully) to stop and say hello to its observers. And the music - that beautiful melody - that I heard pulsating with so much strength and grace is the loveliest rhythm imaginable. It's the rhythm of courage, of perseverance, of love, of intelligence, of hope, and of life.

cancer news

The Wall Street Journal's Childhood Cancer Survivors Face New Threats as Adults is a good article about the belated side effects of some cancer treatments.

we're never off duty

We must try to think beyond our homes, beyond the fire burning in the fireplace, beyond sending our children to school or getting to work in the morning. We must try to think how we can help this world. If we don't help, nobody will. It is our turn to help the world. At the same time, helping others does not mean abandoning our individual lives. You don't have to rush out to become the mayor of your city or the president of the United States in order to help others, but you can begin with your relatives and friends and the people around you. In fact, you can start with yourself. The important point is to realize that you are never off duty. You can never just relax, because the whole world needs help.

-Chogyam Trungpa

two surveys on dating/sexual health

The Stupid Cancer Newsletter's summer issue lists two surveys seeking young adult survivors on the subject of dating and sexual health.

Singles With Cancer: An i[2]y Survey

The Sexual Self of Young Adult Cancer Survivors and as Compared to Their Healthy Peers

cancer news

CureToday.com has had a few entries that may be of interest.

First, on its community blog there's a very interesting post: Would You Date a Cancer Survivor? The blogger lists a few websites where cancer survivors, who want to date, can find and meet other survivors. The readers' comments are also worth a look.

Continuing this subject of dating, its spring issue has an article titled When Do I Tell Her? Readers may disagree on the writer's approach, but its worth a read nonetheless, I think.

And finally, on a totally unrelated topic, its current summer issue has a piece that looks at the well-known and verified role that exercise has in alleviating cancer survivors' fatigue as well as improving overall health.

day +721

The two-week 10th anniversary celebration of Who Wants to be a Millionaire premiered Sunday night. You might recall in a previous post that I was invited to be in the audience for one of the show's tapings, but it never happened. I didn't realize that the taping would take up most of my Wednesday afternoon and I had already committed myself to tutoring that evening. So, I had to cancel.

cancer fighter awards update

Here's an update on the GreatNonprofits' Cancer Fighter Awards!

In July, GreatNonprofits' website received over 46,000 hits and 120 cancer-fighting organizations were reviewed with 1,864 reviews.

Here's a list of the awesome organizations that won (had the most 4 or 5 star reviews) with a link to their fantastic reviews.

Large Budget Winner: Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

Medium Budget Winner: weSPARK Cancer Support Center

Small Budget Winner: The Oral Cancer Foundation

Best of Northeast: I'm Too Young For This!

Best of West/Pacific: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc.

Best of Northwest: Breast Cancer Prevention Found

Best of Mountain: First Descents

Best of Midwest: Mission4Maureen

Best of South: Spirit Jump

Runners Up:
American Cancer Society

Cancer Schmancer Foundation

The Seany Foundation

an update I didn't think I'd make

Just after uploading the previous post, I revisited Eric's blog and learned that he passed away this morning.

I never thought I'd have to make such a post. I'm really shocked by this sorrowing news. He seemed to be doing so well.

Please offer your thoughts of kindness to his mom, who has been an amazingly active and inspirational blogger in the Hodgkin's community.

cancer news

Kathy, mom of a fellow Hodgkin's transplant survivor, posted this recent CNN video about the desperate need for more bone marrow donors, especially amongst minority populations.



To my sadness, this morning I learned that her son, Eric, is in the hospital undergoing kidney dialysis. Please visit their blog and offer words of encouragement.

In another story, there's promising research news for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. According to the article Successful New Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reduces Long-Term Risks in Medical News Today.com, a new chemotherapy treatment called ABVE-PC has a lower long-term toxicity level than the standard regimens, ABVD and MOPP. Higher toxicity levels are associated with secondary cancers, infertility, and cardiomyopathy.

catching up

I apologize for the recent absence of any personal posts. It's not for lack of things to share. I just didn't really have the time to do so. Of course, the problem with postponing is that when the time comes to post something, there's just way too much to say. So, I'm going to try to balance detail with brevity. We'll see how it goes.

My 50 state coin collection is complete! A dear friend of EFG graciously mailed me the illusive Hawaii about three weeks ago.

You might recall that I was looking forward to meeting Bascove, a remarkable artist who is best known for her surreal renditions of New York City's bridges, at the Arsenal on July 21st. Titled Celebrating the Bridges of New York City, she and Laura Rosen, a photographer and special archive administrator at the MTA Bridges and Tunnels, each gave lectures. Bascove spoke about her captivating sketches and paintings of the bridges in Central Park, which were being exhibited in the very room where this event was taking place. Ms. Rosen talked about some of her photographic work, which before this evening I had never seen. So, I was delighted to learn about another bridge lover. But the bulk of her speech was historical and I jotted down a number of interesting facts that I didn't know before. For example:

• All four East River bridges (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queensborough, and Williamsburg) were designed for rail usage and consequently, had rail and later, trolleys

• I-278 of the Interstate Highway system connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn made construction of the Verranzano Bridge possible

• Macombs Dam Bridge was painted blue originally, but its color was changed to a peach-like color after its last renovation

At the end of the event, a warm and inviting friend of Bascove graciously introduced me to her. Not knowing if she had read my NYT essay, I handed her a copy telling her that I thought she might find it of interest. It so happened, she said, that she had read it and in fact, had saved it. It's on her table at home, she told me. After a pause, pointing to the copy I said: "Yes, that's me. I wrote that." Immediately, she lite up with enthusiasm as did I.

That Tuesday evening was so delightful. It was a blast. Not only did I get the chance to learn more about these bridges and the city's past, but I was offered the rare opportunity to meet two successful artists, who are drawn to the same subjects that I am.

At the Arsenal, I also met for the first time two correspondents at the NYCDOT: the gentleman, who has helped me to secure photography permits over these past two years, and his colleague, who helps produce the department's NYC Bridges and Tunnels Annual Report. We had never met before this day. This too was an unexpected treat.

Two photos of mine are in the recently released 2008 NYC Bridges and Tunnels Annual Report. My shot of the Washington Bridge is on page 17 of Part I of the report and on page 43 of Part II of the report is a shot I took of the plaque identifying the Madison Avenue Bridge.

My good friend, Barb, and I went to Philadelphia's Franklin Institute two weekends ago to see Galileo: The Medici and the Age of Astronomy. While in Philly, we also stopped briefly by the Rodin Museum, which she has visited many times but it was my first. I recall seeing Rodin's work at the Met when I used to frequent its hall religiously, but frankly, his work didn't make a lasting impression like other sculptors. However, my experience was very different this time around. I saw his creations with new eyes. Passionate and evocative. I was impressed and moved.

Last week, I saw my cardiologist for a checkup. Based upon his examination, he said, everything looks great and my last exams were all normal. There is no evidence of any problems, but since it has been at least two years since I last had an echocardiogram, I'm scheduled to receive one in about two weeks just to be sure.

This past week, I patronized the NJ Transit system more in three consecutive days than I have at any time previously. One of my closest friends, someone whom I've know since kindergarten got married last Sunday in northern NJ. I was asked to be a part of bridal party as a groomsman - my very first time. So, Thursday I was there to try on the tux to make sure it fit perfectly. On Friday, the bridal party had the rehearsal followed by the celebratory pre-wedding dinner with family. And then, Saturday was the big day. So, I was pooped by the end but had a really wonderful time. He is my first close friend, whose wedding I've witnessed. And since I've known him for my whole life, it obviously was a special, heartfelt day to be a part of.



He's an enthusiastic admirer of the Dos Equis commercials, which I too find hilarious but wasn't aware until he told me that there are a number of others on YouTube. For example, in one commercial he offers his wisdom on such diverse issues as the two-party system, mix nuts, careers, and narcolepsy.



"He can speak French in Russian." Flawless. Just classic.

Then, on Sunday my cousin was in town on vacation with a few friends, so my family and I met her for dinner.

Today I had a follow-up with my GP. Again, all looks well. He drew some blood. He said to call back next week for results, but again, Sloan did the same thing when I was there about two weeks ago to see Dr. CM. My counts turned out to be very good, so I'm not concerned about today's blood test.

My GP and I talked briefly about the upcoming influenza season and the news concerning vaccinations, in particular the new H1N1 vaccine. Last week, the NYT ran a very informative article about the proposed plan to distribute the vaccine this fall: Swine Flu Plan Would Put Some Ahead for Vaccine.

Right now, I'm reading David McCullough's 1776, a riveting portrayal of that tumultuous year. I've been trying to read as many "leisure" books before I spend the last weeks of summer focusing on teaching-related texts and material of which there are several.

Finally, for the first time in many months I was back on Randall's (Ward's) Island looking to see what I could photograph this morning.


View Larger Map

I woke up at a few minutes after 4 and was there at about 5:45 before the dawn sky broke. (Dawn is perhaps the most magical time of the day. With its kaleidoscopic mix of arresting hues, it heralds a new beginning. Renewed hope. No matter how crappy I feel or ashamed I am about what I said or did the day before, this fleeting dawn signals the opportunity to try again.) I walked to the part of the island that I had always visited: its northwesternmost corner between the Triborough Lift and Willis Avenue Bridges. Based upon my previous trips, it has proven to be an excellent area from which to photograph these spans as well as birds that traverse the adjacent marsh in the early morning. But this morning's sky was consumed by a thick gray overcast. After waiting around for awhile hoping that the clouds would begin to part, I figured I should start walking southwards in the hope that the sky might clear up a bit at some point along the way. I followed a gravel path along the island's western side and was fascinated by what I found: lovely, well-manicured flower beds, a marsh restoration project, non-restricted access to the Harlem River, and unique vistas of the Manhattan skyline and Ward's Island Bridge.

What happened to me this morning is so common. I'll go to a place with the intent of photographing a specific subject, but instead will find something else of equal or greater interest. The clouds didn't part during my time on Randall's Island and as a consequence, my shots are dark but at the very least, my extended excursion down the island sparked a number of creative ideas for future shoots.


At the southernmost end of Randall's Island, I took in the grand view of where the East and Harlem Rivers meet before walking west across the Ward's Island Bridge (the sole pedestrian span on the Harlem River) for the very first time and reentered Manhattan once again.

The forecast looks more favorable for tomorrow. If I can wake up at 4, I plan to be back on Randall's Island once again.

I think I've mentioned (to a fair degree) everything that I wanted to, but there very likely is something I missed. Anyway, that's it for the moment.

CURE e-news

CureToday.com, the online version of CURE magazine, is offering free e-newsletters dedicated to your specific cancer as well as updates on cancer research and other topics, such as nutrition, fitness, and integrative therapy. Subscribe here.

cancer news

I've wanted to post an update for at least a week now, but haven't had the time. I promise to update everyone very soon.

In the meantime, there were a few great cancer-related articles in today's NYT.

For those, like myself, who had a splenectomy as a consequence of cancer, Finally, the Spleen Gets Some Respect will be great interest.

The Fog That Follows Chemotherapy focuses on Chemo Brain. Ellen Clegg, the author of Chemo Brain: How Cancer Therapies Can Affect Your Mind, is cited. A number of friends and fellow cancer bloggers are cited in her recently published book.

And finally, Lack of Study Volunteers Hobbles Cancer Fight offers an insightful review of what many of us know is a continuing problem. Definitely worth the read and please share it with others!

cancer resource

Some may know of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, but I found out it only recently.

Check out its website which provides information for cancer survivors about dealing with health insurance and employment issues and offers helpful tips for communicating with healthcare providers.