The Friday Five - On Thursday

The Friday Five is coming at you on Thursday this week because of something even more exciting coming tomorrow (how's that for a tease?). 

Tucson is beautiful, as always, but my sleeping is all out of whack and I was reminded once again this morning that running in the mountains is no joke.  I ended up cutting my run short and I still feel rough. 

So what went on in the week before arriving here?

First signs on spring on a run through Bellevue

A long overdue visit to my old stomping grounds in Baltimore

It was a bit unnerving to realize this guy was overlooking a post-Mass discussion of scuba diving

Food truck rodeo with Loren

I spotted this little purple guy through the rain

Psst - We're just $1,079 away from the halfway mark! 

Thanks to Richmondmom.com!

Note: Blogging is coming to you this week from Tucson, Arizona, where I am attending (and presenting at!) the American Bar Association Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee's annual conference.  So post times will probably be a bit wonky.  But look for a peek into what I do in my professional life next week!

*   *   *
Sometimes life works in funny ways.  Months ago, when the Challenge was just getting up and running, it was mentioned to me that I should really touch base with Kate Hall - the spirit behind Richmondmom.com.  Now, as a kid-less girl, I had never heard of Richmondmom.com before, but as I put together my list of dream meetings, Kate rose right to the top when I realized how many folks in RVA she brings together through her website.

Well, as is often the case when lists are involved, as my list grew and grew with the expansion of the Challenge, I got slower at reaching out to all the people I really really wanted to contact.  I hadn't made it to Kate yet when the piece I mentioned here found its way into the Richmond Times Dispatch. 

And SHE reached out to ME.

Yeah - Ill admit that seeing her name in my inbox sent me into fan-girl mode for a few minutes.  I mean, Kate's a local celebrity, and she had reached out to ME.

Just a few weeks later, Lauren and I found ourselves sitting down with her to chat about the Challenge and were hoping she might send a shout out to our efforts on the site.

She did me one better: 

You can read their sweet post here. 

Thanks to Kate and Richmondmom.com for your support!!

Running Streak Rehash - Week 15

If you missed it, Week 15 was a very exciting one for this running streak.  And not just because it resulted in some ridiculous accidental self-pics like this as I tried to create my first vlog:

But because I crossed THE ONE HUNDRED DAY MARK on the way to 150!  Thats right - There are less than 50 days left in this running streak.  If you missed the announcement, you can find it here.

Here is how the rest of the week panned out:

     Day   99 Wednesday February 20, 2013 - 1.01 miles
     Day 100 Thursday February 21, 2013 - 2.12 miles
     Day 101 Friday February 22, 2013 - 1.01 miles
     Day 102 Saturday February 23, 2013 - 1.00 miles
     Day 103 Sunday February 24, 2013 - 3.01 miles
     Day 104 Monday February 25, 2013 - 3.00 miles
     Day 105 Tuesday February 26, 2013 1.00 - miles

             Week Total - 12.15

The numbers were a little on the low side in large part because this happened:

It was only my second time skiing ever - the last time being about 13 year ago - and my legs required some serious recovery after that adventure.

*   *   *
Oh - and this happened:

We're just $1,347 away from reaching the halfway mark to $25,151!!!!! 

 

If you've watched Friday's vlog (and really, Ive linked you to it how many times now?  You should have seen it!) you know the goal is to get there by COB this month - so we have just three days to go!  If you've been waiting for a major milestone to make your donation - nows the time! 



Mantra Monday

Patience.

As I roll into the final week with Courage as my focus word, I cant help but notice how clear it has become to me that patience and courage are so utterly intertwined. 

Source

The Friday Five Is Interrupted For A Very Exciting Announcement

While my first vlog is in and of itself an exciting announcement, you'll have to watch to hear the real one.

You're Invited!

You know at the Massey Challenge we love our Sports Backers, right? 

 

They've really been a crucial part of not only powering an active RVA, but also an RVA that supports VCU Massey Cancer Center.  In the last few years they've been a huge part of helping us make the Massey Challenge bigger and better with new ideas to bring even more of our city together to support all Massey does.

 

Last year was no exception, when Lisa gave us the idea for the Massey Mile.  And then this year gifted us with a mile of the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k course!

 

So consider this your formal invitation.

I cant reveal all of the great things that will be happening between mile markers 3 and 4 this year yet, but I can promise that it will be a great place for celebrating the hope, encouragement, and progress that comes out of Massey every day!  So if you're planning to watch the 10k, don your black and gold and join us along the Mile!  And if you're running, stop by after!

 

*   *   *

In other news - There is just $121 standing between us and $11,000!!  $121!  I know we can do this before the week's end!  Thats just 12 folks donating $10 (well, one of you will have to donate $11).  Lets go!

Lessons From The Mat

As you guys know, I kicked off my 2013 resolution to bring more yoga to my life with Om On's 40 Day Challenge.  I was nervous taking this on.  I still consider myself a pretty new yogi.  My lacking morning person skills would make getting to daily 7am classes a serious challenge.  And I really wasnt sure if I could learn to clear my mind and be present in the way I thought doing the Challenge justice would require.

Well, our 40 days concluded last week and I am surprised how much I learned during those hours on my mat.  What can coming to the mat with the same 11 people for 40 days teach you?  Here's a peek: 

1. The Best Way To Guarantee You Will Fall Is To Compare Yourself To Others.

As a newbie yogi, its really hard not to be in awe of the folks who can get into some poses I never even knew existed before the 40 Day Challenge kicked off.  I'd find myself trying to sneak peeks at those who could get their bodies into configurations I never could - jealous of their abilities.  And then I'd fall over and out of the much MUCH easier version of the pose that I was in, and grow frustrated.  If I couldnt even do the starter pose, how would I EVER get THERE?

Until I finally realized that I was falling over and impeding my own progress by caring more about what others were doing.  And when I stopped, and started looking at myself and my own progress, well, lets just say I finally found myself hanging out in crow for awhile.

2. Failing to Acknowledge Your Weaknesses Can Only Hurt You.

Several years ago, I was in a car accident with a much-larger-than-me truck.  I was extraordinarily lucky and wasnt very hurt, but was left with a tear in my left shoulder.  On a scale of one to ten, it bothers me daily at about a three.  Nagging, but dealable.

I know as a result of the tear that shoulder is quite weak.  It annoys me when I golf.  When I kickbox. 

Rather that acknowledge this and take a pose easy here or there, I decided to power through.  Surely my shoulder could deal with all this yoga when I had only done a few classes before!

And it was fine.  Until around morning 33 when it wasnt.  And I was totally unable to use it for a couple days. 

Lesson learned?  Had I chosen to acknowledge that I might need to take it down a notch, I might not have been sitting totally out for a few days.  Theres nothing wrong with admitting you need a little more time, a little less intensity.  Know thyself. 

3. But Don't Let Those Weaknesses Hold You Back.

But even as we should acknowledge our weaknesses, its also good to challenge them.  That same injured shoulder had been my excuse for so long - surely it couldnt handle classes on back to back days; it wouldnt be able to withstand reaching into that bind; I would damage it too much if I attempted wheel.

And while I did learn that I had limits during those 40 days, I also learned that they werent nearly what I thought they were.

Thats true in so many others parts of life too, right?  I never thought I could raise $5,000 in six months.  Never mind $10,000 in that time.  Or half of it.  I was too shy, too soft-spoken, too nervous.
Amazing things happen when we acknowledge our weaknesses but work through them anyway.  Things we never thought possible.  

 4. Maintain Your Pedicure.
 

For realz.  No one wants to see your raggedy toes.  Especially not yourself while you're hanging out in Ragdoll. 

5. Sometimes The Hardest Part Is Just Getting Out Of Bed. 

And thats okay.  We all have those days.  I had plenty where I am pretty sure if I wasnt positive that the rest of my friends in the Challenge would notice me missing I would have just hit snooze and not bothered.

And I would have regretted it.

I dont know how it is that I forget this when that early morning alarm goes off - but nothing seems as bad once you're watching the sunrise.  Especially when its over a city as pretty as Richmond.

 

 *   *   *

 

PS - Did you know its HDL, Inc. Massey Challenge Day over at the Ukrops Monument Avenue 10k Facebook Page?  

 

 

Might I suggest you celebrate the day in one of three ways?



 

     1. Head over there and check out the great info they're providing about the Challenge!

 

     2. Sign up to accept the Challenge yourself here.

 

     3. Not up for fundraising yourself?  Click here to simply make a donation to support the groundbreaking work happening at Massey!

Running Streak Rehash - Week 14

I've been grumbling a lot to those around me lately about some pain in my heel.  I really planned to lay off this week, but other than cutting back the training team schedule a touch, I looks like I didnt scale it back all that much.  Happily, the heel is feeling better, so its looking like a big week ahead - crushing through day 100* of this running streak.  Mind.  Blown.

Day 92 Wednesday February 13, 2013 - 1.02 miles
Day 93 Thursday February 14, 2013 - 2.62 miles
Day 94 Friday February 15, 2013 - 1.03 miles
Day 95 Saturday February 16, 2013 - 2.45 miles
Day 96 Sunday February 17, 2013 - 1.15 miles
Day 97 Monday February 18, 2013 - 4.14 miles
Day 98 Tuesday February 19, 2013 3.00 -  miles

Week Total - 15.41

*Rather than ignore the fact that this will leave just 50 days left until the 10k, and in my campaign to raise $25,151, why dont you donate instead?  Click the "GIVE NOW" button up there!

*   *   *
Lent update. 

Kicking sugar is kicking my ass.

Especially since my lovely colleague delivered this little Valentine the day after Ash Wednesday and it is staring.me.in.the.face.

#badtimingHallmark

*   *   *
Over the weekend I worked on a crazy fun project with Stacey over at Due West Photography (aka the reason I dont COMPLETELY hate paying my law school loans each month).

This shoot was the second-to-last step in a project that has been a long time in the making.  And I am super excited to share it with you all soon!

In the meantime, lets raise some more money!  I'm challenging each person who reads today to send a link to my blog to 5 friends - encouraging them each to throw $10 into the pot toward the big ol' $25,151 goal. 

Mantra Monday

Note to self:

I bogarted this from Rachael's Facebook page, so sadly I have no source link for you.  If you know where its from, email me and Ill throw some props up to its creator here.

Friday Five - Valentine's Day Edition

You didnt really think you would find an homage to romance here, did you?

You did?

Well, this probably wont disappoint you.

Because it dawned on me yesterday, as I grabbed by Valentine's Day cup of joe, that I am utterly, completely, madly in love.

With my neighborhood.

Which is saying something, since for over a decade Church Hill has a firm hold on my heart.

So without further adieu - 5 Reasons I Love Bellevue

Bellevue back in the day.
Source

My favorite view on my morning commute.

I love that Bellevue feels like someone transplanted my small Connecticut hometown in the middle of RVA.


A favorite corner on my most traveled morning run.

Morning coffee stop.

 

Ashes, Airplanes, and Arrivals

Yesterday was a big day around these parts.

1. Lent Began

I love Ash Wednesday Mass.  I also love Lent.  There is something about my personality that loves the opportunity to challenge myself - to see how far I can push my limits.  Challenge me to almost anything and I'm virtually guaranteed to hop right on board.   

But I kicked off the new year with a pretty hefty list of changes I wanted to implement.  And I'm still pretty focused on those (I mean - didnt NYE just happen??).  So I had to look pretty hard to figure out something additional that would be challenging and meaningful, but still doable. 

My modus operandi has become clear in the last few years - whenever I give up or limit alcohol, I move directly to the sweet stuff to take its place.  So it seemed like giving this guy the boot would be a good way to go for Lent 2013. 

And let me tell you - that first day in was rough.  Especially since my firm threw a huge birthday party for those with November, December, January, and February birthdays yesterday.  With amazing cakes made and decorated by one of my sweet girlfriends.  Talk about bad timing, huh?

Im not going to go all hard core and give up 100% of sugar.  Fruit is still in.  And I think I am going to adopt a guideline I read somewhere a week or so a go - If sugar is among the first 5 ingredients in something, its out. 

We'll see how this goes!  I think I've got Tim on board, so at least we can commiserate when the gummi bear hallucinations get to be too much.

2. My Baby Bro Is Officially Coming For The 10k!

I am so excited he will be here for the expo and the race (and to help me with yet another house project)!

His proclaimed excitement is over getting to stay in my house with Tim for a weekend.  Apparently this means he will "get all the gossip".

3. Shirts Are In!

I think its generally accepted in law firm culture that very few good things come in large boxes.  Its usually some mess of discovery you wish never entered your office.  So when Malissa delivered this puppy yesterday, neither of us was very happy: 

Until I opened the box!

A huge shout-out of thanks to Brian at Bonfire Funds for letting me run this campaign.  Ill have pics up soon of the shirts being shown off.  Anyone out there who ordered one - dont forget to send me pics!

Resolution Rehash

Today is Ash Wednesday - kicking off the Lenten season.  But before I get into what I've chosen to give up for the next 40 days, I thought it would be a good idea to check in on those resolutions I proclaimed back here.  Because accountability and all, you know? 

1. Make time for date night

Well - I failed miserably at this in January.  Like - the flat on your face kind of miserably that makes you want to go back into your blog post and delete the fact you ever mentioned it.

But, I would never really consider something like that . . . right?

A lot of my deviation from this resolution found its root in awesome stuff like this:

Our internal launch of the Challenge at Massey

But even though its usually good and fulfilling stuff occupying my days, I know I need to focus on this resolution more.  I am happy to report that February has gone much better - possibly even in the 4-hours-per-week realm that I am hoping to reach.  And I have to admit, I feel a whole lot more balanced when I clear my schedule for this particularly important person - me. 

2. Make yoga a priority

I've rocked this, if I do say so myself.  Ive missed very few classes in the 40 Day Challenge (and even made them up where I could) and participated in one Saturday afternoon workshop.  A girlfriend and I are scoping out yoga retreats to participate in later in the year.  And Im already working on a schedule that will get me on the mat more often than not during the week after the Challenge wraps up tomorrow.

I might even me a super awesome yogi like these folks one day.

3. Reassess my habits 

This has been difficult, but has gone very well.  While I didnt stay 100% dry during the last 40 days, I significantly - SIGNIFICANTLY - cut down the amount of drinking I have been doing.  And Ive had the chance to really examine why I might drink at times where I would be better off not doing so and the way alcohol impacts my emotional and psychological states.  Its been deep.  And I have to admit, its getting easier to trade in that nightly wine glass for the likes of this guy:

Why, yes, that is a vintage HDJN mug.

4. Bi-Monthly Words

I didn't declare this one in the blog back in January.  But I've alluded to it enough that I feel like it deserves space here.  During Advent I spent time reflecting on the traits, qualities, and themes that I hope to be able to look back and know my life encompassed.  From that list I selected six to focus on this year.  Up first in January and February is Courage.  And while its made me grossly uncomfortable at times, I feel like I have been living much more courageously - taking steps, or even just considering future ones, that in the past I wouldn't have been brave enough to even mull over.  And that discomfort actually feels really good.  Contemplating this theme on a daily basis has really helped me to feel as though my life is being lived in a more purposeful fashion. 

Source

So there you have it - the current status of stuff I'm working on.  And the list will be added to today.  As strange as it seems, I'm looking forward to yet another 40 days on the journey toward a more purposeful life. 

Running Streak Rehash - Week 13

Its the end of week 13 and my body is starting to feel it.  My knees and my left heel have been suffering a bit.  But Im hoping that modifying the Intermediate training schedule that the YMCA Training Teams are using (running just a mile on off days) will help things get back in order.  Im super proud that while 5 miles still feels long to me, I can run it without walking.  Maybe Ill become a legit runner after all?

Day 85 Wednesday February 6, 2013 - 2.43 miles
Day 86 Thursday February 7, 2013 - 1.11 miles
Day 87 Friday February 8, 2013 - 1.02 miles
Day 88 Saturday February 9, 2013 - 5.01 miles
Day 89 Sunday February 10, 2013 - 1.02 miles
Day 90 Monday February 11, 2013 - 3.02 miles
Day 91 Tuesday February 12, 2013 - 1.00 miles

Week Total - 14.61

*   *   *

In the last thirteen weeks Ive logged a lot of miles (well, a lot for me) - and a lot of time with my iPhone and earbuds.  I started off just listening to a couple of play lists made up of the stuff in my iTunes account.  But I get bored fast.  So I thought I'd share some of the alternatives that have gotten me through the miles in a happier fashion.

Actually, sometimes I don't listen to anything at all.  Sometimes I just like to run with my thoughts, and the birds, and the cars.  Sometimes Im too tired to listen to anything at all.  Or too stressed from a crazy day.

But when I do want some company, lately this is my first stop:   

Songza just might be the best music app I have ever been introduced to.  Its like Pandora on crack.  I have found some great music I might never have stumbled on otherwise.  And I am never, ever board by listening to the same thing over and over again.  I am in love.  And if that cutie little monster were real, Greg might have a run for his money.

Okay.  Probably not.  But we'd probably have a pet.

For those in between times - when I want something but am not up for music, these next two fellas save me.     

How Stuff Works and Stuff You Missed In History Class teach me the craziest stuff, fill in some gaps I have from high school (when I admittedly missed a lot in history class), and keep me entertained on my longer runs.  Today I learned how autopsies work.  Earlier in the week it was the history of Halloween.  So after a run Im fitter AND smarter.  Win-win. 

Anyone have thoughts on other podcasts that might keep my attention during those longer runs? 

Monday Mantra

I can't remember if I mentioned before (I just made a really lame attempt at digging through the archives to figure it out) that I have selected six words to be focuses for me in 2013, with two months devoted to each.  For January and February that focus word has been COURAGE.

One of the compliments I receive fairly often is that I must be courageous for having battled cancer and turning down recommended surgery in favor of being monitored like mad by the folks at Massey.  But I'll tell you a secret - when it comes to big changes I'm the most cowardly lion around.  I get so wrapped up in the what-ifs that I usually end up deciding that the devil I know is preferable to the one I dont.  And then I stagnate and grow frustrated.

But in reflecting on the past this weekend, one thing became glaringly true - Each and every time I have followed my heart and my gut (or when I've been shoved forcefully in the direction they were telling me to go anyway) I have never regretted the outcome.  And I when I haven't listened so well - well, thats generally where a lot of heartache and pain came into the picture.

So in that vein - a few words for the week:

source

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You all know we passed a HUGE milestone last week, reaching the $10K mark on the way to $25,151.  Next stop?  The half way point!  I cant believe how close we are (just $2,317 away for anyone really counting)!  Even if you've already donated, you can help push us even further along.  Forward a link to this blog to your friends and family and encourage them to join the fight too.  All they have to do is click the button above and add their $10 to the pool.  We'll see $25,151 before we know it!

Friday Five

I'm more than a little sad to see this week end.  Partially because next week brings with it the end of the start of a what has been a really good year so far.  The 40 Day Challenge is wrapping up at Om On and (although I am REALLY excited to get a day or two to sleep in) I am really going to miss the daily 7am classes and the great people I have gotten to know in them. 

But Lent is also right on the horizon, which is a time of year I always really enjoy.  But it feels way too early this year.  My resolutions are just being settled into (and I am loving them, BTW) and thinking of something new and meaningful to commit to seems premature.  But I have ideas, and you know Ill report on what I've selected.

So what went down in this last week?  Here's a peek.

Hanging out with Worth at Virginia This Morning

Sometimes life just tells you to paint the stairs pink.

Best Superbowl watching buddy.  Well, second best to Lauren.

Everyone needs a friend they can kick in the ribs one day, and take to a fancy breakfast the next.

Pink.  Glitter.  Mustache.  Yes.

Team Spotlight - VCU Medical School

As I mentioned yesterday, I have a special fondness for the students at VCU Medical School.  I was their age when I was diagnosed with Hodgkins.  Many of them will make up the future of oncology in this country and hopefully - for a few of them - they will do that at Massey.

The first time I was asked to speak to these students, it was to a lecture hall full of first years as part of their genetics curriculum.  I was nervous - my understanding of cancer and my diagnoses is definitely a layman's understanding rather than a technical one.  I was afraid that I would use the wrong term, or seem ignorant to them, or use some statistic or figure that I thought was right but that they had just learned was wrong.

But they were so kind to me.  I have never been asked more questions - about my relationships with my doctors, about what patients need, about what living with my cancer risk is like.  I LOVED that morning with them.  And have grown to love all of my time with them.
  
So I was particularly excited last year when this rock star started the VCU Medical School Massey Challenge team:

(I'm sorry, Jamie - Its the only Challenge pic I have of the team!)

And I was even more excited to learn that they were back again this year, and that Jamie had recruited her classmate Emily to help her make this the largest VCU Medical School team yet!

As as side note, to off-set the not-so-great story from last Friday that I shared with you yesterday, I want to share one of the sweetest moments I have had in a long time today.  Although we had emailed back and forth for quite some time, Friday was the first time I actually met Emily.  She was even more sweet, enthusiastic, and graceful than I had expected.

As we walked together from the lecture hall to the lobby outside of the M1 and M2's next lecture, we chatted some about the Challenge and life generally.  All that time, I never put together the fact that Emily had been in one of the genetics classes I had spoken to.  Until she brought it up.  It was heartwarming to hear that some of the things I said had spoken to her. 

Sometimes I wonder if all the words we say to all these people in RVA really get through.  Thank you, Emily, for reminding me that they do.

Want to help Jamie, Emily, and the rest of VCU Medical School reach their goal?  Click here.

Milestones and Mean Guys

I have to kick today off with two words:

THANK YOU!

In just slightly (as in 4 little days) more than three months time, together we have raised over $10,000 to support the life-saving research happening at VCU Massey Cancer Center.

This is absolutely amazing.  And its thanks to so many of you who have not only donated  your money, but who have purchased t-shirts, attended the Masquerade for Massey, and forwarded my emails and status updates to your friends and family.  This journey to $25,151 - and to a cure - is a group effort and I thank each and every one of you for your help, love, and support.

But dont think you're off the hook yet!  We have another $15,142 to raise in the next 2 months and 8 days!

*   *   *

Now on to more serious things.

It's easy write about all of the high points of the work I do with Massey. There are so many. But every once and awhile, something happens that can rock me to the core and remind me that there are some really difficult people to reach out there. No matter how often it happens - admittedly not a lot - it shocks me. Because who hasn't been touched by cancer? Who doesn't want us to find a cure?

I love each and every person and group I have the privilege of sharing my story with and of bringing the Massey mission to. And there are those who are extra close to me.

The students at VCU Medical School are very special to me and my life. I share my story with them in some of their lectures not only in hopes of helping them understand the needs of their future patients, but also in hopes that I can help them understand that they aren't too young to start thinking about their own health. After all - I was their age when I was diagnosed.  I also bring the Challenge to them to encourage them to forward the research that will play a role in their careers and offer treatments to their patients in the years to come.

Last Friday, I had the chance to help recruit members to the VCU Medical School Massey Challenge team. As usual it was 99% uplifting and heartwarming. Sharing my story in this safe environment, with all my vulnerabilities, is very rewarding.

Until...

"I don't have to deal with this f$(*!#g fundraising bulls#!t. I'm going to be an oncologist."

That came out of a medical student's mouth. Directed at me. And it has stuck with me, rather than the dozens of interested and sweet students or the kindest comments. No. It was this guy - this pretentious, selfish one - that I found myself ruminating on as I ran, baked, and tried not to get bored during the great Superbowl Power Outage Of 2013.

Why? After mulling it over, I think there are two big reasons.

First, there will be people - scared, struggling people - who will be this guy's patients. And unlike me, who had such incredible support from Dr. Ginder, these patients will have to deal with this attitude. This attitude coming from a doctor who doesn't care whether or not he can deliver to them the best possible treatments - or a cure - for the disease interrupting their lives; who disconnects himself from the research, treatment, and humanity so intimately integrated with cancer prevention. This part of me feels absolutely sick that he is studying in this school, only to have this attitude toward the people he will directly affect.

Second, I feel terribly for those incredibly trained and sensitive doctors who will be sharing a profession with this guy.  I never liked doctors until I met my father-in-law*.  To me, he will always be the epitome of what a professional should be. His manner is universal, and what I model when I conduct myself in my legal practice.  He is the definition of hard work and passion and discipline and love for a subject.  And of treating every person in his presence - whether a colleague or patient or volunteer - with the same level of respect and compassion.  The fact that he is perhaps one of the most highly regarded doctors in the world has never changed this in him - and you'd never guess he is so highly regarded amongst those in his profession to meet him on the street.  He is simply a kind and professional man.  Every other physician in the world should be proud to share a profession with him. Now, this pool of exceptional doctors will be tainted by the brash, inconsiderate, and unsympathetic attitude I encountered on Friday.

*   *   *

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending Massey's Women & Wellness Forum Series, where I heard Lee Woodruff speak about her experience as caregiver to her husband, Bob Woodruff, following his traumatic brain injury. I'll have to paraphrase what she said, but it was along the lines of the following: that after just a day with Dr. Ginder, she knows that if she had to receive a cancer diagnosis, or bad news related to a loved one's diagnosis, he is the kind of doctor she would want to receive it from. Everyday I thank God for sending me Dr. Ginder - for sending him to so many of us.

This medical student's patients? They wont ever experience what I have experienced in being Dr. Ginder's patient. And that makes me sad.

*   *   *

Now please, don't get me wrong. I don't expect every person out there to think funding cancer research should be our top priority. We all have causes close to our hearts. This one is mine.

*   *   *

To this guy directly (who I doubt would ever take the time to read a survivor's blog): To shit on my vulnerabilities, my history, and my hard work is equivalent of shitting on your patients directly. Without these funds, your patients are less cared for - and that should be your top priority as a doctor.   Either consider an adjustment to your disposition or an adjustment to your profession.

And yes, in electing to be an oncologist - or any other physician - you are certainly providing a service. But simply taking on the title of "oncologist" isn't enough.  You are placing yourself in the position of supporting, lifting up, and renewing the spirits of your patients. Of encouraging others to go out into the world and find better treatments and cures for the diseases of our world. There is responsibility far beyond running through a list of patients waiting in a clinic that comes with that title.

I sure hope you learn that before its too late.
______

*For those of you who don't know me other than through this blog - yes, I am divorced. Its something I choose not to blog about out of respect for my ex-husband's family, who I love dearly. If you have questions or need support going through a divorce, feel free to email me and I'd be happy to chat with you about it privately.

Running Streak Rehash - Week 12

Week twelve is done.  And it went out with a bang.  The kind of bang that results in a smashed iPhone screen.  Yeah - you know all those lessons in the Bible about not judging?  God totally called me on judging the careless folk whose screens look all jankety.

(I'm looking at you Jay Lugar.)

But the running must go on, and my sad Mac and I went on our not-so-merry way this morning to round out the 2nd longest run of the week.

Day 78 Wednesday January 30, 2013 - 2.37 miles
Day 79 Thursday January 31, 2013 - 2.00 miles
Day 80 Friday February 1, 2013 - 1.02 miles
Day 81 Saturday February 2, 2013 - 2.01 miles
Day 82 Sunday February 3, 2013 - 4.14 miles
Day 83 Monday February 4, 2013 - 1.01 miles
Day 84 Tuesday February 5, 2013 - 3.07 miles

Week Total - 15.62

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I'm also sending out an ENORMOUS "thank you" to everyone who hopped on board and purchased their "UNDER SURVEILLANCE" shirts in support of the cause.  You should be getting them super soon - and when you do - I want to see!  Shoot me a pic (you can find my email address in the "Kaity's 411" tab on this blog) so I can feature you and your shirt here!

This picture is totally irrelevant.  Ive just been dying to include it here.  #girlwholovesrandomsigns

And by the way, those 50 shirts sold put us within $100 of the $10,000 mark.  If you haven't contributed yet, you know the drill - click the "donate now" button above to help push us over the edge!

World Cancer Day

Your regularly scheduled Monday mantra is being interrupted today for the sake of something more important - World Cancer Day.  Although this day would be important to me regardless, the focus of World Cancer Day 2013 really struck a chord with me:

                    World Cancer Day 2013 (4 February 2013) will focus on Target 5

                  of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and

                  misconceptions about cancer, under the tagline “Cancer - Did

                  you know?”. World Cancer Day is a chance to raise our collective

                  voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer

                  and dismissing misconceptions about the disease.

From here.

Most of you know by now that one of the things that motivates me is the desire to motivate others to help fund cancer research - and to recognize that it doesn't take large donations do to do that.  Every bit helps - be it $1 or $5 or $10.  When pooled together, those small donations make an enormous impact.  And will find the cure for cancer.

But another reason why I basically strip emotionally and healthfully buck-naked for all of #RVA is to help dispel the myths surrounding cancer.  Because there are still way too many.  So lets take a look at the four myths being focused on as part of World Cancer Day 2013.

Source

Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue.

No.  Just . . . no. 

(Hang on, I have to get my hysterics under control before I continue.)

Its a financial issue.  How are you going to pay for your treatments?  Even with VERY good health insurance, it was just four years ago that I finally paid off the debt I accrued from co-payments and prescriptions.  Even today, each MRI and CT scan has to be budgeted for - WITH VERY GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE.  That cap on pre-tax health care spending accounts?  I blow through that like a Kardashian at Fashion Week.

Its a self-image issue.  "You don't look as much like a skeleton as I thought you would."  "Why, thank you . . . ?" (Yes - real conversation).  Will I still look like me through treatment?  After?  Will people wonder about my radiation tattoos?  Will i always notice them?  What about the surgery scars? 

Its an issue of how you see yourself fitting into society.  You might die.   You could have died.  What do all these people who havent experienced this know?  You are bald but didnt choose to be.  Who are these people to worry for hours about hair color?  How can you ever just be and fit in?  How can you ever be "normal" like everyone else again? 

Its a psychological issue. There is no such thing as "just a headache".  An extra-tiring run means you're headed home to fully examine all of your lymph nodes.  You see things in a way that few people can understand and when you find someone else who does you LATCH ON.  Tight. 

Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries.

I was 23 and pretty fresh out of college when I was diagnosed.  I was 22 when I first developed the symptoms that would lead to that diagnosis.  Cancer can happen to anyone.  Any where.  At any time.

Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence.

Im still here.  Lots of people are still here.

Have we lost people?   Yes.  Too many.  And its awful.

But every day - and with every dollar - we make progress toward making the number of those we lose shrink right down.

Until one day it will be zero.

Cancer is not a death sentence.  And some day, it wont even make death a possibility. 

Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.

According to one of my oncologists, if it were statistically possible, I would have greater than a 100% chance of developing cancer again. 

BUT CANCER IS NOT MY FATE.

It is no one's fate. 

Why?

Because we can run, and practice yoga, and play soccer, and swim.  1 in 7 cancers can be prevented through a healthy and active lifestyle.

Because we can choose what goes into our bodies and what doesnt.  Im not perfect at this.  But I try.  And each time we pass up that 2nd beer or that drive through window, we tell cancer it wont be that easy to get to us.

Because we have the power to carry our end of the research bargain.  Researchers are 1/2 of the equation.  We are the other.  Its up to us to make sure they have the funds to continue to work on finding better treatments - and a cure.  Your $10 donation, partnered with hundreds of others' $10 donations - they have the power to ensure that we see that cure in our lifetimes.

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Want to do something help the fight in honor of World Cancer Day?  You still have a few hours to snag an "UNDER SURVEILLANCE" shirt - $15 from each sale benefits the groundbreaking research happening at VCU Massey Cancer Center.  Click here to get one before its too late!

The Friday Five

I'm about to head out for a wonderful Friday - chatting with Virginia This Morning all about the Massey Challenge - something I enjoy doing each year but made even more special this time around with Worth by my side.  Then its off to chat with some of the medical students over at VCU - their team is already up and running and we're hoping today will just make that enthusiasm spiral right out of control.  And we're wrapping it up with the internal launch of the Challenge over at Massey.  Im prepared to dole out lots of hugs to those folks who work every day to dole out something even better - second chances at life.

And theres a chance Lauren and I are working on a secret project in there too.  Stay tuned!

By the time yoga rolls around tonight, Ill need it!

What else happened this week?  Take a look:

We crossed the $9K mark this week, folks!  Thank you!!

Few things are better than a night on the town with besties.  And sequins.

Perfect Sunday morning

Loving my early morning yoga sessions.

Inspirational street art.