Good thoughts and advice

Just didn't want to loose these thoughts....

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or t things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

WOW - 2 Years!

So - clearly I am a SLACKER and haven't posted in almost a year. I think that is a really good sign b/c I have been out there LIVING and not having much time to reflect on it. I just passed my 2 year transplant anniversary on 08/04/08! I went to Hawaii to celebrate! I really can't believe that it has been that long. Life is GREAT I can't complain! Everything is just falling into place - including falling in LOVE!

Light the Night with LLS

Hello Friends!

As you know Kristen and I are dedicated to helping support those fighting cancer and have rallied behind the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. We would like you to consider joining us at their annual event LIGHT THE NIGHT.
This year LIGHT THE NIGHT will be held at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday, October 13th at 7:30pm. This event is sponsored by Leukemia Lymphoma Society to help raise money and awareness for blood related cancers. The Society funds lifesaving cancer research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and many other types of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants that have prolonged and enhanced the lives of patients. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue have already begun to provide drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.

But more research is critically needed:

§ Every five minutes someone is diagnosed with blood cancer.
§ Every ten minutes, someone dies.
§ Leukemia causes more deaths among children than any other cancer
§ More than 20,000 Americans died from lymphoma in 2006
§ The survival rate for myeloma is just 33 per cent

Kristen and I have formed a team and would love for you to walk with us. CLICK on this link for more details and to join our team http://www.active.com/donate/ltnAtlant/mcclainsisters

Thanks!
Rebecca and Kristen

Harvard makes innovations in Hodkin's research

Innovations in Hodgkin's Lymphoma research -

http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/blog/2007/07/harvard_researc_1.html

1 Year Since Transplant - ALL CLEAR

So - I had my one year check up and everything is still CLEAR! I can't believe it has been year since the transplant - life has changed so much. I have never been happier. I have a great boyfriend, a loving family and amazing friends. The journey of life is such an adventure - I am blessed to be on it!

2 Years ago TODAY

So - 2 years ago today June 28, 2007 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Life has changed so much since then. I am just so thankful that to be here today and for all the friends and family that have supported me throughout the process.

Life is short - ENJOY

Team in Training

Thought it was time for me to check in and say What up! Things are great. Just got back from Europe (Prague, Budapest and Vienna) Headed to Barbados for the big 30 this weekend! Can't wait. Also - wanted to send a picture of me at the ING Marathon here in Atlanta. As many of you know I was the Honored Hero for the Team In Training group. It was such an amazing experience. I was able to speak on behalf of lymphoma patients and surviors everywhere and share our story. It was very powerful and rewarding. Here is a pic of me on race day. And yes that is the marathon shirt I am wearing (same at the runners) and yes I wear it regularaly so that people think I ran a marathon....

9 month checkup - ALL CLEAR

Just had to share the good news...I had my 9 month PET/CT this week and found out today - I am STILL CANCER FREE! I can't even express how amazing it feels to hear someone say - ALL CLEAR. I am feeling great, blessed and grateful.

2 articles worth the read....

Hello everyone!
So I know 2 things in one day is a lot from me but I HAD to forward this on. Yesterday while walking through the airport I picked up this weeks issue of Newsweek which had a cover of story of HOW I LIVE WITH CANCER. Don’t worry I am not trying to pretend I read this every week, clearly the cover story caught my eye. As I was reading the article in the airport I can’t lie, tears came to my eyes at this amazing articulation of what it feels like to be a cancer patient from diagnosis on. I swear it felt like someone (in this case a middle aged man) crawled inside my head and wrote down everything I have ever wanted to be able to explain. I am not sure why, but I always go with my gut which told me I should pass this article on to you. Maybe you have someone in your life who would benefit from reading this as well. It is worth the read so I hope you have the time. In addition, there is a small article by Lance Armstrong which I think is worth the read as well talking about funding cancer research.

‘My Life with Cancer’ by Jonathan Alter
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17888476/site/newsweek/from/ET/

'We Have to Be Ruthless' by Lance Armstrong
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17888477/site/newsweek/from/ET/

Enjoy the article…sorry I tried to scan the actual article and attach but it was beyond me so just deal with the online ads!

Have a Happy Easter

Great T-shirt....F**K CANCER!

Thought this was worth passing along to those of you who share my sense of humor!

I just so happens as I was at the ING marathon last week and I met the guy in the story below who was running in honor of his mother–in –law. In addition, Jill who sent the email below is a friend of mine and is the director of the CURE Childhood Cancer organization who will be receiving 10% of the proceeds made on the sale of these shirts for April, May and June. I hope you guys will all place an order to help support Jill and her organization in just as an added bonus – give the big finger to cancer!

----- Original Message -----
From: Jill jill@curechildhoodcancer.org
To: Jill @ home jillgeorge@bellsouth.net
Sent: Tue Apr 03 12:50:14 2007
Subject: cancerfreetees

Dear All,On the side of the inaugural ING Marathon and ½ Marathon, a great t-shirtcaught my eye and then I realized I went to high school with the guy wearingit. So on the side of the 10 mile marker, we started talking about at-shirt line he and his wife started in honor of her mother. I will warnyou; this shirt is not for everyone. Although we may all feel this wayabout cancer, it is quite expressive! I’m sending it on to several people,but a select group - it may be a shirt you will wear, give as a gift orforward on for someone else to buy. In addition, the company donates 10% of each purchase to a differentcancer-related organization each quarter and has selected CURE ChildhoodCancer for April, May and June.Please go to www.cancerfreetees.com <http://www.cancerfreetees.com/> toplace your order. But remember, be prepared, this t-shirt has a strongvoice.

Jill George
Director, Patient & Family Services
CURE Childhood Cancer
1835 Savoy Drive, Suite 317
Atlanta, GA 30341-1000
770-986-0035
800-443-CURE (2873)
770-986-0038 FAX
<http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org> www.curechildhoodcancer.org

Advocate for the Luekemia Lymphoma Society

If you are not already and ADVOCATE for the Luekemia Lymphoma society. Please sign up today!

Friends and Family –

It would be great if you would sign up as an Advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cancer research funding is being cut left and right and we can help make a difference. By signing up as an advocate you will only receive a call to action when federal legislation is being considered related to cancers. These ‘calls to action’ are very simple and once you sign up only take seconds to send an email to your elected officials regarding the legislation. It is very simple!

1. Click HERE
2. Click on the link(s) in the ACTION CENTER related to the legislation you would like to support
3. It will ask you to register if you are a first time advocate – fill in your information. If you are returning it will ask for your email address only.
4. An email will automatically be sent to your elected officials.

You will only receive an email when there is legislation that is being considered – so it may be very rarely.

ING Marathon - Team in Training Speech

So - I was asked to speak at the TNT pasta dinner for all the runners the night before the first ING Marathon here in Atlanta. I just wanted to post the notes for my speech so I wouldn't ever lose them. It went really well. There was about 150 people there.

SPEECH

So the pressure is on to say the most inspirational thing ever and as I sat down to think about what to say tonight, I thought to myself what would inspire me the night before I was going to run a marathon? I have to tell you – the pickings were slim. But then I remembered hearing a speech by one of your fellow team in training runners. He told the story of his first marathon and how he wrote down the names of 26 people to help him inspire during each mile. During each mile he would pull out this tiny piece of paper and kept that person in his heart and prayers during that mile. He said that it was what kept him going and as he just ran his 6th marathon last year he continues to carry this paper with him. The names are constantly changing but the prayers stay the same.

So I started thinking who I would run for and I decided that I would share a few of the people on my list with you.

For the parents who watch their children as they struggle through this disease and do their best to explain how this pain will help heal them in the end.

My friend Sandra who is 25. As she began her first job out of college and before her insurance kicked in she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s and then relapsed. The support and help she gets from LLS is invaluable.

My friend Shawn who is 38. He was my transplant buddy who battled and won the fight with Hodgkin’s twice.
For Justin who lost his finance, had his own battle with cancer and still talks about how beautiful and blue her eyes were.

For the nurses and doctors who are truly angels on earth guiding us through hell to help heal our bodies.

My friend Courtney who at 24 has a very rare cancer and wasn’t given much hope but wakes up everyday believing there are more ahead – and knowing she is right.

My friend Carla, mother of 2, wife and school teacher who fought the battle with lymphoma twice.

My friend Jamie, from middle school who I ran into a the honored hero’s party a few weeks ago only to find out she is this season’s honored hero for the San Diego marathon who was diagnosed 4 months after me with the same cancer.

For the mom’s and dad’s who still have a job to do once their chemo drip stops and they go home.

My friend Lynda. Who wore the most fabulous wig possible to her daughters wedding and whose husband sat by her side everyday and supported the woman he loved for over 30 years while she won her battle with lymphoma.

My friend Bill who made me smile during my first week of chemo and has kept me smiling since – who was given 2 years but so far has taken 3.
My grandfather who was diagnosed recently and throughout treatment continues to show me everyday what it means to have faith.

My sister Kristen who walked into high school without any hair but is walking here 9 years later stronger and more beautiful than anyone I know.

Finally I would run for you – the people who devote their time, energy, money and hearts to help raise money to find a cure for this disease.

So tomorrow when you ‘hit the wall’ remember who YOU are running for and know that in their hearts there are no words powerful enough to thank you for the sacrifices you are making and that at each mile we are running with you.

The Hidden Blessings

So - CANCER SUCKS - we know that. But there are many hidden blessings that you recieve when something like Cancer happens to you. I can name countless things that are better in my life becuase of this experience. Don't get my wrong - I would'nt wish it on anyone but for me it was a journey that opened up so much in my life that I am thankful for.

One of those things is friendship. For the first time I have developed an amazing friendship with my little sister. In addition I have become friends with my mid-level who helped save my life during my transplant. We just got back from a trip to Europe (Prague, Budapest and Vienna) it was amazing...check us out!

I guess I just hope that if you are struggling through Cancer or some other horrible experience that you are able to take time and look at the good things you have learned or people you have discovered through your experience.

YACS - Young Adult Cancer Survivors

So while I was sick there was no place to go to meet other young (or younger) patients. Now in Atlanta there is a group. It is called YACS! We all meet for the first time the other day and it was GREAT! If you are in the Atlanta area and between the ages of 20 and 40 please feel free to join us. To join the mailing list email yacsatlanta@gmail.com.
Hope to see you there!!!

First Checkup...ALL GOOD

I had my first set of CT/PET checkup scans since all treatment has been completed on 02/07/07 and ALL CLEAR. The relieft is overwhelming. I can't begin to describe how great it feels. I had a friend ask..."ok so now what?"...I had to laugh b/c now we wait 3 months and do this again!!!!!!!
I hope it gets easier each time - b/c honestly I don't function as a normal human while waiting for the results.

Day 119

Today has been 119 days since my transplant and I am feeling great. I have decided to have some radiation just to make sure everything is gone for good. I will begin radiation next week and should recieve my last treatment on January 1st. 2007. What a way to kick off the new year.

ALL CLEAR!!!

Today is day 98!
I had my first set of scans on Monday and the PET scans showed no activity! GOOD NEWS. The CT scan still shows a slightly enlarged lymph node but no PET activity so Dr. Reddy is happy with the progress. I have to say - so am I!

Plan at this point is to do the bone marrow biopsy next week and then if all clear start with radiation.

Day 89 and feeling ... kind of fine

89 days since transplant. WOW! First set of scans are on Monday - not sleeping trying not to think about it too much. Who am I kidding I am STRESSING!
Seems like God is putting people in my path lately that can share some of these worries with me. It is very funny for the first part of my illness I didn't know anyone my age going through the same thing. Now - over the course of the last month I have met 2 young women who are both in the midst of cancer treatment. In addition I met a really great guy at the transplant clinic who keeps me laughing (i know you are reading this Shawn so don't let your head get too big)! It's funny how you meet the people you need exactly when you need them.

Bad news - more cancer in my family

My papa has been diagnosed with lung cancer. It is amazing how much harder it is to think about someone you love going through cancer than it is yourself. He is such an amazing man and I am devestated for my family and my Nana.
Please keep him in your prayers.

Email - Checking in on day 81+

I hope this note finds you and your families happy and healthy preparing for what I am sure is going to be a hectic holiday season.

Thought I would send a quick note and check in with you all. Since I have been back at work I have been able to catch up with a few of you. It is great to be back in the working world and out of the house. I am feeling better everyday and counting down the days until day 100 (19 days left) when all bets are off and the fun begins! I am also looking forward to my hair growing out so I can have a scarf burning party.

I don’t have much to report on the health front. I met with my Dr today and have my 1st set of scans on 11/6. Once we have the results from those scans we will do one of 2 things. 1 – If the scans are clear I will start 28 days of radiation. This is no big deal, 15 mins a day for 28 days. It doesn’t hurt and there are no weird side effects. 2- If the scans show some irregularities then we go back to the drawing board. My doctors and I are positive things will continue heading in a positive direction so, no worries.

On a serious note my grandfather has been diagnosed with lung cancer so if you would all please keep him in your prayers as he begins this journey I would appreciate it.

If I haven’t said it enough – thanks to each of you for your constant support,
Becca

Day 80 - Life...right around the corner

So today is 80 days since my transplant and I can honestly say.....I knew I would make it, it just felt like I wouldn't everyday for the last 80 days. Although my mind is has caught up, minus the few 'chemo brain' moments my body is not being as thoughtful. I am looking into begining some rehab via pilates over the next couple months to regain my pre-cancer strength and figure (who am I kidding right?).
I am trying to keep tabs on all my transplant buddies. Everyone seems to be experiencing the same 'my body is a daily science experiment' tribulations as I am so that is fun to chat about. I have also met a new friend, Sandra who is 24 and just relapsed Hodgkin's. She is about to enter mobilization and our instant bond has been healing for us both. It has really helped me to watch her and keep my perspective on how far 80 days really is and I think seeing me at 80 days is helping her see the end of the road (at least I hope).
That is all for now...hope this finds you all happy and healthy.

Day 68...Back to work....seemed like a good idea

I am not doing a good job at being 'work girl' and 'sick girl'. I feel fine so the stay clear of life orders are hard to stick to. I am doing my best but have to admit - I have stopped being the good patient. Don't tell!
Updated picture of me and my roommate (aka: my sister)

Day 62 and back to life...back to reality

So today is day 62 (since my transplant). I am feeling good! I started back to work this week and the adjustment back into 'normal' life is mentally a nice break from the world of sickness. I am slowly trying to find my place back here but it all seems so much less important.
I am having trouble turning my brain off now that I am in survivorship mode. I think it is beacuse last time I started to live life again is when it all hit the fan for the second time. I am just trying to hang on, enjoy life and keep reassuring everyone around me that I FEEL FINE!!!!

Email: The finish line (Day 40+)

I am sorry I have been out of touch for so long. Thank you for all the calls and emails, I am sorry that many of them went unanswered but I am just getting back to the ‘real world’. Today is day 40 and I am finally feeling much better and getting my energy back. I also have some good news to share with you all. Today I had the lines removed from my chest and next Monday the 18th I will be dismissed from the transplant clinic back to my regular oncologist. They have also given me the all clear to go back to work at the office the first week in October. I will still have to be conscious of being around big crowds and can’t go out and about until day 100 but a slow return is better than isolation!

I hope you are all doing well and I can’t wait to see each of you.
Becca

Email: I'm Free! (Day 17+)

Just wanted to let you all know that I am out of the hospital and on the mend. I still to get I still go to the clinic for 6 hours everyday for fluids and to make sure my system is rebuilding itself. So far so good except I can’t seem to start eating and drinking on my own. I know that is hard for many of you to believe, I myself have a hard time imagining myself not being able to eat but it is true J. Today is day +17 (17 days since my transplant) and everyday I feel a bit better. All of your emails and calls are amazing as you might imagine I am really BORED but super excited that football season is here something new to watch on TV J.

Email: Released on Good Behavior (Day 11+)

Today is day +11, which means it has been 11 days since my transplant. I just met with the Dr. this morning and since I haven’t had a fever in 24 hours and my blood counts are on the mend I will probably go home on Thursday, as long as I stay on my best behavior. Of course getting cleared to go home really means I am cleared to go home and to the clinic everyday BUT it is better than being in the hospital. Around day +20 they will probably let me switch to every other day at the clinic and weekends off! Day +50 (September 22nd) is when I will be able to re-join society! J - not that I am counting.

Thank you guys for your emails and calls, as you can imagine it is hard to keep yourself entertained here.
Can’t wait to see you all!

5 days and counting

I am still stuck in the hospital because of mouth sores and fever. It is not too bad here. I am on the transplant isolation floor so alot of the people I see everyeday at the clinic are here as well. My mom has been hanging with me during the days, basically we just sit around while they pump different meds into me all day. All and all it is boring but I have my very own pain pump so it is not too bad :)

Email: Hospital Food (Day 7+)

Hello everyone ~

Just wanted to send you all a quick note and let you know that I am in the hospital. They admitted me on Wednesday 08/08/06 and think I will be here for about
a week. The main reason I am here is because of mouth and throat sores,
which make it almost impossible for me to eat or drink. The good news is
that I am in the hospital and not eating or drinking their food is a blessing
:) I am doing well just sleeping a lot. I haven' t been able to
answer the phone b/c my voice is a little raw at the moment but thanks for all
the calls.

Today is day +7 which means only 43 days left until I get out of the bubble.

Have a great weekend and I will talk to you soon,
Becca

Last Dance...Last Chance for CHEMO

Just had to write a note and put the following out into the universe. Today, August 2nd 2006 is the LAST DAY my body will every see any chemo! I am so excited and ready for the transplant!

My Ultimate Chemo Playlist

So – since I have nothing but time on my hands at the moment I thought I would share my Ultimate Chemo playlist with you all. I like to listen to this when getting ready for chemo and during the infusion. Even before I was sick music always served as such an inspiration for my life. I can listen to certain songs and they take me right back to a feeling or time I may have forgotten.

Gotta Get Thru This – Daniel Benningfield
First of all the title of the song is so appropriate. Second of all, this song brings back memories from what I thought would be my last chemo during my first round of cancer. My little sister came up to help me through my last chemo and at one point did an IV pole dance to this song. As you can imagine it was HILARIOUS and being that many times I am one of the youngest patients in the treatment centers the older patients had quite a look on their faces. It is a memory I will cherish forever and to this day makes me laugh.

Out Of My Hands – Dave Matthews Band
First and foremost this is by my favorite artist. I know many of you make find DMB a little cheesy but I can assure you my love affair with this band began before they were cool. Once they became so popular it was too late, I was in love. This song again appropriate alone for the title is a good reminder for me that control is an illusion which I think is one of the biggest lessons that cancer can teach.

Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve
The beginning of this song always stirs emotions inside, sometimes a few chill bumps. Life truly is bitter sweet many times. Cancer is no different. It made me clean up, own up and take responsibilities for things I had avoided. Without I would also have not met many of the people that I now can’t imagine my life without. Cindy – my chemo nurse, from the moment we met I knew my life had been blessed. Bill and Sandy – Bill and I were in treatment together during my first round of chemo. I met them when Bill put on a nasty old wig to try and make me smile. I can’t imagine my life without any of them.

Life in Slow Motion – David Gray
This song and album titled “Life in Slow Motion” came out when I was sick the first time and I think I wore a hole in it. First of all it serves as a soundtrack for my cancer experience complete with a song called “Hospital Food”. Second of all, David Gray is a good old Irishman and who doesn’t love an Irishman? Third the cancer experience has been like that for me, slow motion.

Move Along – All American Rejects
I heard this song on the radio recently and it pumped me up. So now I listen to it as I drive to chemo.

Unwritten – Natasha Benningfield
This song helps me focus on my life after cancer. I reminds me that even though some days it feels like this will never end, that once this is over I have a whole life left to live and it has some much possibility.

100 Years – Five for Fighting
Good reminder of life and how precious it is without being too depressing.

Come Monday – Jimmy Buffet
I find this one particularly ironic as most of my chemo’s start on a Monday. I love Buffet, not only does this song remind me that everyday is a new day but it also lets me dream of Corona’s and Margaritas on the back of a boat somewhere in the middle of the ocean which sounds like a plan to me.

Lady – Lenny Kravitz
Needless to say it is hard to feel sexy when you are bald but no matter where I am or how bald I am this song always makes me feel sexy. I bald girl can dream. J

Today – Smashing Pumpkins
Even though today may not be “the greatest day I’ve ever known” it is another day I have to share with my friends and family the world and for that I am grateful. Plus this song reminds me of so many good times and nights in my life.

Sweetest Thing – U2
Last but not least this song reminds me of how sweet love is and all the possibilities it brings into your life. Everytime I hear this song I am happy!