A POSITIVE 1 %!!

Greetings dear readers!!  So I always thought I was part of the 99%, but am happy to be part of a different 1% - the 1% that survive my  diagnosis - stage 4 endometrial cancer.   I went to see my Doc who has transferred to Mass General  - am very happy to stay with Dr. D.  Yes indeed, I am  THRILLED to be a part of THIS 1%!!  Dr. D. said I can now officially use the word REMISSION!  The semester has started at BCC, and I love meeting new students, tutors and faculty who are also committed to supporting our challenged readers.          My goal with the Big "C" adventure is to now reach out to those still in treatment, still struggling.  Dr. D. also said he has confidence that I will stay here to see amazing new treatment options " - the genetic breakthroughs that may indeed be the "magic bullet" for cancer.   I will continue to research and report on the latest  new discoveries.   I also plan to continue my expressive arts work and hope to provide workshops for survivors still laboring under the "every 3/6 months tests" pressure.  We always are waiting for the other "shoe" to drop.  

I also plan to research what's happening to Medicare.  My new Cancer Nurse at Mass Gen was saying she is struggling to negotiate Medicare for her 80 + year old parents who just signed up for Medicare as they took care of their own insurance until recently.  Because they didn't sign up at 65 they are being penalized somehow.  These bureaucratic glitches are so frustrating to say the least...  

I am still struggling with my insurance co. that has denied payment for my radiation because they somehow see the treatment as "experimental".  I think I am getting through to them and will be able to settle this, but it's so frustrating to have to fight for coverage for Cancer treatment!  When will this country and our government wake up about universal health care!  

The good news is - I am still here to keep fighting the good fight - and happy to part of THAT 1%!!!  

MOVING INTO SCHOOL DAZE CANCER FREE!

Happy fall, dear readers!  Yes, Dr. D., my doc who has moved to Mass General, confirms that currently there is "No Evidence of Disease"!!  This doesn't mean "remission" necessarily - my tumor marker numbers are a bit high, but I'll find out this week if they are continuing to climb.  Cross fingers, toes, etc!!  Also, my pate is still pretty hairless - maybe I'm a new baldy style setter!  Guess I'll just make it a fashion statement!

I completed my wonderful expressive arts course at Salve Regina U. in Newport - what an inspiring experience!  I have already developed and presented a workshop about using expressive arts in education for student tutors at Bristol Community College - it was very well received, opening doors of perception for sure.  I continue to seek creative outlets, and to meditate - extending my meditation for several friends also battling the big C.  I realize there are so many of us struggling with this condition - certainly not an uncommon   journey these days.   We clearly need to open the pathways so that we can bring our internal healing strength to send those Big C cells into beloved apoptosis.

I move into my teaching months with this strengthened healing perspective - my students so often need healing of their lack of confidence in learning, their self doubt.  There are so many avenues for learning - the expressive arts provide roads less traveled yet full of promise.  As the entire BCC campus is reading "The Imortal LIfe of Henrietta Lacks" this year, I am excited about exploring this extraordinary account with students, especially those wanting to go into the health professions.  Rebecca Skloot demonstrates her expertise as a writer but more importantly her sensitivity and compassion for this family whose lives were caught in the contradictions of race, class and opportunity to learn and know.  The book brings to light the amazing scientific advances made possible with Henrietta's living cancer cells, while exposing the discrimination and exploitation of near recent health practices.  This community reading project brings so many parts of my life together - reading, writing and the world of cancer.  stay posted for reports of our adventure with this amazing story.    I am reminded of new ways to teach and share building on the ways my life has become so enriched.   More to come soon!