Dusty's Blog

Breathing Easy

2011-11-28T17:30:00.000-05:00

This guest commentary first aired on NPR's WFDD radio station. It was rebroadcast in recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month 2011. http://wfdd.org/audio/people/WFDD_Real_People_111128_Dusty_Donaldson.mp3

2011-10-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

NC Nonprofit Applauds Results of Lung Cancer Screening Program

Early detection of the #1 cancer killer saves lives

Published in the High Point Enterprise on 7/5/11.
HIGH POINT, NC—(June 30, 2011) Results from the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial will provide hope to millions of Americans who may be at risk of developing lung cancer. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that screening with the use of low-dose CT reduces mortality from lung cancer.

“This is encouraging news for millions of Americans at risk for lung cancer, as well as their loved ones,” says Dusty Donaldson, founder of the Dusty Joy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting lung cancer education, early detection and compassion for families touched by lung cancer.

“It’s not a cure for cancer,” Donaldson says. “But perhaps it’s the next best thing. Early detection is essential to survival. This is a step in the right direction.”

The study involved more than 53,000 men and women who had a history of heavy smoking and were considered at high risk for lung cancer. The study used two different lung cancer screening techniques—chest x-ray and low dose CT scans—and compared participants’ lung cancer mortality rates. Lung cancer deaths were reduced by 20 percent for those screened by CT scans. The study was published in the NEJM’s June 29, 2011 issue. (See http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1102873)

“While the study offers hope, there is so much more that needs to be done,” says Donaldson. “For example, this study demonstrated that CT screening is superior to chest x-rays for early detection of lung cancer. However, currently no lung cancer screening protocols are in effect. So the actual number of saved lives could be far greater.

“Also, smoking is the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer; however, the majority of people who will be diagnosed this year may not even realize they are at risk. Here’s why. Half of new diagnoses are in former smokers, the majority of whom quit smoking more than 10 years ago. And another 15 percent never smoked.”

For nonsmokers, radon is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 20,000 Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer. In fact, more Americans who never smoked will die from lung cancer than from AIDS, home fires, drunk driving or drowning.

The authors of the study expressed concern about the cost of screening and the impact of false-positive results. They suggested further studies must be undertaken before endorsement of widespread lung cancer screening. Specifically, they stated, “Before public policy recommendations are crafted, the cost-effectiveness of low-dose CT screening must be rigorously analyzed.”

Lung cancer claims more lives than all the major cancers combined. In North Carolina, nearly 8,000 citizens will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year and more than 5,900 will die from lung cancer, according to the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. Last year, nationwide, approximately 222,500 people were diagnosed and 157,300 died from the disease. Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women. It claims more than four times as many lives as breast cancer and nearly six times as prostate cancer. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined.

The Dusty Joy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization based in North Carolina. For more information about the Dusty Joy Foundation, visit www.DustyJoy.org.

Be a Hero. Save a Life. Test for Radon.

2011-03-24T18:47:00.000-04:00

Published in the January 2011 issue of Natural Triad Magazine.

By Dusty Donaldson

What action would you take to protect your family if you suspected a killer was in your home?

Approximately 21,000 Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer this year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, more Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer than from AIDS, drunk driving, drowning or home fires. We protect ourselves from these other dangers by avoiding risky behaviors, and installing appropriate safety devices and monitors.

Yet, even though radon poses a significantly greater threat, little is done to protect us from this mysterious killer. The danger of radon exposure and the simple steps to take to eliminate that danger are easy to understand. The only mystery surrounding radon is why everyone has not been warned.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in people who never smoked. And for current or former smokers, exposure to radon is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Research shows that radon exposure can more than triple the risk of developing lung cancer for both smokers and nonsmokers.

What is Radon?

Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas released by the naturally-occurring decomposition of uranium in soil, rock and water. In the atmosphere, radon is not a threat to humans. However, when trapped in our home, school or office, radon levels can become concentrated.

When we breathe air with radon gas, radioactive particles embed themselves into our lung tissue. Radon causes lung cancer, which is the number one cause of cancer deaths. More Americans die from lung cancer than from all the other major cancers combined.

Radon gas enters our homes through cracks in floors, walls or foundations. It seeps in through gaps around pipes and other small openings. The air pressure inside a home is usually lower than pressure around the home’s foundation. This causes a vacuum effect that sucks radon out of the soil and bedrock and into the home. Radon also enters the home through water. When radon-infused water is used for showering, radon gas is released into the air in the home.

Nearly 1 out of 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels, according to the EPA. Although dangerous levels of radon have been found in all areas of the country, certain geographical areas are classified as having higher concentrations of radon than others. The EPA evaluated the indoor radon potential in every county across the nation. To classify the potential for elevated indoor radon risk, the EPA assigned three color codes—red, orange and yellow. Red has the potential highest concentration; orange moderate; and yellow low.

In North Carolina, Forsyth County is on the cusp of increased radon concentration. Generally speaking, counties west of and including Forsyth are classified as either moderate or high potential concentration or risk. Eight counties in the state are classified as red—the highest risk. Red counties include the following: Alleghany, Buncombe, Cherokee, Henderson, Mitchell, Rockingham, Transylvania and Watauga.

Most of the counties east of and including Guilford are classified as “low potential” for elevated radon concentrations. However, deadly levels have even been detected in all zones. The only way to know if the radon level in your home is safe is to test.

How to Test for Radon

Radon testing is cheap and easy. There are short-term tests and long-term tests. For fast results, short-term tests are the most common, inexpensive and easy-to-use. The short-term, charcoal-activated radon test kit is available at most home improvement stores or online. Charcoal-activated test kits usually include a postage-paid mailer, lab analysis with the results delivered to you via email or mailed to your home. This type of kit usually will cost between $12 and $20. (Make certain your kit includes the lab analysis or else you may have to pay additional fees for the lab results.)

Conducting the short-term test will take at least 3 days but no longer than 7 days. Follow the instructions for placing the test in the lowest lived-in area of your home. Radon is heavier than air, which is why testing should be done in the lowest lived-in area of the home. Complete the form on the outside of the kit with the date and time you started the test, as well as your name, address and email, if you request the lab results be sent to you via email. There are other questions and instructions, such as circling the average temperature of the room. Place the test away from drafts or open windows and just forget about it for a few days. It’s important that you do not forget about it too long, though. Radon breaks down and, after 7 days, the test results will be inconclusive. So be certain to mail the kit back before then.

Within a few weeks, your radon test lab results will be sent to you, along with recommendations based on the results. Radon levels are measured in pico curies per liter (pCi/L). There is no known safe level of exposure to radon. However, the EPA recommends that homeowners consider fixing their home for radon levels between 2 pCi/L and 4 pCi/L. The EPA recommends homes be mitigated if the radon level is 4 pCi/L or more. (see Mitigation figure on right)

Radon Mitigation

If your short-term radon test kit indicated that your home has an elevated level of radon, you may want to retest to confirm the results before mitigating. If your home needs to mitigated, don’t panic. The cost is quite reasonable and inexpensive compared to other homeowner repairs. The average cost of mitigating a home is $1,200.

Gloria Linnertz, a friend who lost her husband to radon-induced lung cancer, says the cost to test and mitigate a home is “cheaper than treating lung cancer...and less painful.”

The EPA recommends that you have a qualified radon mitigation contractor fix your home. Not using a qualified mitigation contractor could actually increase the radon level in your home.

Conclusion

Anyone can get lung cancer—yes, even you. Even if you never smoked, you could be at risk. January is Radon Action Month. Take care of yourself and others living in your home. Purchase a radon test kit and test your home. The test is easy, inexpensive and may save your life.

If you smoke, and would like to quit, contact the North Carolina Quitline at www.quitlinenc.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). If you already quit smoking, congratulations! You may not realize that you remain at a significantly high risk for developing lung cancer. Radon exposure greatly adds to that risk. Consider taking the next step in protecting your health and the health of others in your home by testing for radon.

For more information about radon test kits and mitigation, go to www.epa.gov/radon.

Dusty Donaldson is a lung cancer survivor and founder of the Dusty Joy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to lung cancer education and early detection and compassion for those touched lung cancer. For more information about the Dusty Joy Foundation, visit http://www.dustyjoy.org/.

Lung Cancer Awareness

2010-11-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

Published in the November 2010 issue of Forsyth Family magazine.
By Dusty Donaldson
Many Boomers entering the Golden Boomer era may soon reap fruit from long-forgotten youthful wild seeds. As decades passed, reckless behavior has been replaced with healthy lifestyles and preventative screenings. Women know to have a mammogram beginning at age 40. Men and women know to get a colonoscopy at age 50.

But few realize they may be at risk for the number one cancer killer. Lung cancer kills more people than all the other major cancers combined. Yet, the majority of those diagnosed do not realize they are at risk.

More than 30 years ago, at the age of 25, I smoked my last cigarette. Image my surprise when a swollen gland in my neck eventually led to a lung cancer diagnosis. I don’t know who was more shocked—my doctor or me.

Since then, I have learned that most people diagnosed with lung cancer did not realize they were at risk. This year, approximately 110,000 former smokers will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Most of them quit more than a decade ago.

Also, many are uninformed about lung cancer symptoms. And because there are no widely accepted screening protocols, the majority of lung cancer cases are not diagnosed until an advanced stage. Common symptoms include the following:

• Cough that does not go away
• Chest pain with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
• Hoarseness
• Weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling tired
• Recurring infections such as bronchitis
• Wheezing

Also, marijuana smokers may be surprised to learn that one joint carries the carcinogens of a full pack of cigarettes because pot smokers tend to inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in their lungs longer.

People who never smoked can get lung cancer, also. In fact, 33,000 Americans—who never smoked—will be diagnosed this year. The number one cause of lung cancer in never smokers is radon, an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas released through the naturally-occurring decomposition of soil and bedrock. Outdoors, radon is not a problem. But it sneaks into homes, such as through foundation cracks, and gets trapped there. As we breathe, radioactive particles embed themselves into our lungs, causing lung cancer.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 21,000 Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer this year. To put that in perspective, more Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer than from AIDS, drunk driving, drowning or home fires.

And for former and current smokers, radon exposure is like pouring gasoline on fire. The risk for lung cancer skyrockets.

Historically, homes in counties west of Guilford—including Forsyth—have higher radon levels than homes in counties east. But the only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is to conduct a test. Radon test kits can be purchased at hardware stores for under $15. If the test indicates potentially dangerous radon levels, mitigating your home usually costs between $800 and $1,200.

So, Boomers, get your cancer screening tests…but get another test, as well. Get a cancer screening test for your home. It’s easy, painless and cheap. It may save your life and the lives of others in your home.

About the author: Dusty Donaldson, of High Point, is a lung cancer survivor and advocate. In 2010, she founded the Dusty Joy Foundation to improve the lives of those touched by lung cancer through targeted programs promoting early detection, education and compassion. For more information, visit www.DustyJoy.org.

Events Celebrating Lung Cancer Awareness Month:

• On November 4, 2010 Shine a Light on Lung Cancer, a candlelight vigil, will take place at Cancer Services, 3175 Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The event is free and open to the public. Go to www.lungcanceralliance.org/shinealightonlungcancer to register.

• The 2nd annual Hope Lung Cancer 5K will be held at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons on November 6, 2010. All proceeds benefits lung cancer education, research and patient at Cancer Services, Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center at Forsyth Medical and Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. To register, donate or volunteer, go to www.HopeLungCancer5K.org.

Lung Cancer: It Doesn't Just Happen to Smokers

2010-11-13T16:09:00.002-05:00

Published in the November 2010 issue of Natural Triad magazine.
By Dusty Donaldson

This month we celebrate coming together and sharing good food with thankfulness. It’s also time to recognize something that makes many uncomfortable: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Why does lung cancer make us uncomfortable? Breast cancer doesn’t…at least not anymore. It seems silly now, but not long ago, the words “breast cancer” were whispered and not spoken in mixed company. Now, breast cancer is promoted by major corporations hawking pink products and pledging support for breast cancer research. The country has united to fight this devastating disease.

But when it comes to lung cancer, America has dropped the ball.

One reason lung cancer makes people uncomfortable is because many—perhaps subconsciously—believe lung cancer is a self-inflicted disease. That assumption is demonstrated by a lack of compassion to patients and their loved ones. When people newly diagnosed with lung cancer share the awful news, instead of a warm embrace or compassionate response, they are often asked: Do you smoke?

Smoking is, as we all know, the number one risk factor for developing lung cancer. But there is more to lung cancer than tobacco. This year, 220,000 Americans will be told they have lung cancer. The majority of them—143,000—either never smoked or already quit.

Approximately 33,000 Americans—who never smoked—will be understandably shocked by their lung cancer diagnosis this year. Fifteen percent of new diagnoses are in never smokers. Radon, the number one risk factor in people who never smoked, is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 21,000 Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer this year. To put that in perspective, more Americans will die from radon-induced lung cancer than from AIDS (14,500), drunken driving (13,470), drowning (3,582), or home fires (2,580). We take precautions against these other risks. Yet, few take the simple steps necessary to protect their families against radon gas.

In North Carolina, the counties west and north of Guilford, including Rockingham and Forsyth, have an increased risk of elevated radon levels in the home. However, radon does not recognize the county line. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels of radon is to conduct an inexpensive and easy test. (See upcoming article on radon in the January 2011 issue of Natural Triad.)

Like never smokers, those who gave up cigarettes decades ago are usually caught by surprise with a lung cancer diagnosis. Yet, half of new lung cancer diagnoses are in former smokers, the majority of whom quit more than a decade ago. Former and never smokers comprise 65 percent of new lung cancer diagnoses. Most do not realize they may be at risk. Then there’s the population segment we expect to be diagnosed with lung cancer—smokers.

Seventy-seven thousand smoking Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. Are these, then, the ones who deserve to be condemned to death? Sadly, the majority of those diagnosed with lung cancer have indeed been given a death sentence—whether or not they smoked. The 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is a paltry 15 percent. To put that in perspective, survival rates for colon, breast and prostate cancers are approximately 65 percent, 88 percent and 99 percent, respectively.

Lung cancer is the number 1 cancer killer. It kills nearly twice as many women as breast cancer. In fact, it claims more lives than all the other major cancers combined. Yet, because of its stigma, lung cancer is the least funded of all major cancers. (See Cancer Deaths/Funding Chart)

In America’s effort to kick the habit, we’ve kicked the smoker.

Remember the early days of AIDS? That disease also made us uncomfortable. When the public first became aware of AIDS, it was a virtual death sentence. Americans treated AIDS patients with fear and contempt. Then advocates began to rally for compassion and research funding. As Americans began to learn about the injustices that many AIDS patients suffered, they responded compassionately. As compassion increased, so did research funding, saving thousands of lives.

The pivotal point of change followed the story about Ryan White, a young hemophiliac who became infected through contaminated blood. Ryan’s plight moved the nation to compassion. It was America’s first step in the right direction in dealing with HIV-AIDS. Soon, everyone was wearing red ribbons and conducting fundraisers for AIDS. Congress generously allotted funding for desperately needed research and education.

Through our experience with AIDS, America learned a valuable lesson. We learned that people fighting for their lives deserve compassion, not judgment. First, we learned compassion for those labeled innocent victims. Then, it was just a small step to extend that compassion to those who participated in risky behavior.

Like the early days of AIDS, few survive a lung cancer diagnosis. This year, approximately 14,500 Americans will die from AIDS. Nearly twice as many Americans—who never smoked—will die from lung cancer. First, let’s extend compassion to them. Then, it should not be a far stretch to extend that compassion to former and current smokers.

Now is the time for Americans—one by one—to respond compassionately to those suffering from the number one cancer killer. As we speak out for compassion, research money will follow. Lives will be saved. Perhaps one day, lung cancer will be embraced as a worthy cause that corporations seek to align themselves with. Until then, we can each do our small part.

Below are several ways to make a difference.

• Participate in Shine a Light on Lung Cancer. The event will be held at 6 pm, November 4, 2010, at Cancer Services, 3175 Maplewood Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The vigil is a time of honoring loved ones, raising awareness and providing hope, compassion and support for all those touched by lung cancer. There is no fee to attend. Registration is not required, but suggested. To register, visit http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

• To support a local initiative to raise money for lung cancer research, patient support and education, go to http://www.hopelungcancer5k.org/. All proceeds from the event remain in the Triad and will be shared among Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Cancer Center, Cancer Services and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. You can support this initiative by registering, volunteering or donating.

• To become a lung cancer volunteer in your community, visit http://www.dustyjoy.org/.

About the author: Dusty Donaldson, a lung cancer survivor and advocate, lives in High Point, NC. In 2010, she founded the Dusty Joy Foundation to improve the lives of those touched by lung cancer through targeted programs promoting early detection, education and compassion. For more information, visit http://www.dustyjoy.org/.

Lung cancer goes to the dogs

2010-07-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a link to a great article about dogs using their keen sense of smell to detect lung cancer.
http://www.parade.com/health/2010/06/20-dogs-sniff-out-disease.html

Be sure to view the video below:

Advocates stress radon awareness, safety

2010-01-17T18:40:00.001-05:00

Stephanie Stilwell of News 14 came to my home this morning to do a story about radon. Here is the link to the online story. http://news14.com/triad-news-94-content/top_stories/620706/advocates-stress-radon-awareness--safety The reporter said the story will be aired across the state of North Carolina today and tomorrow. Then it will remain on the News 14 website.

Every little bit helps...

Testing home for radon might help save your life

2010-01-11T09:59:00.002-05:00

(Here is a letter I wrote to the News & Record editor. It was published today, 1.11.10.)

Exposure to radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the country each year, claiming more lives than does AIDS.

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas released from rock, soil and water through the natural decay of uranium. No area is free from risk. However, radon does not need to be a serious problem in your home. Radon test kits are available free of charge in January, which is Radon Action Month. North Carolina residents may order free test kits from www.ncradon.org.

Few survive a lung cancer diagnosis. I was diagnosed four years ago.

For your health and the health of your loved ones, test your home. Some people may fear that if radon is detected, the home will lose value.

However, according to the EPA, if an elevated level of radon is detected in your home, the cost of rectifying the situation is “about the same cost as having a new hot water heater installed.” For more information about radon, go to www.epa.gov/radon.

Dusty Donaldson
High Point

http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/01/08/article/testing_home_for_radon_might_help_save_your_life

Share the Health Fair

2010-01-09T19:38:00.003-05:00

January 9, 2010

Today was a good day. I participated in the “Share the Health” fair in Winston-Salem. January is Radon Action Month, so I used the opportunity to educate folks about radon and encourage them to test their homes for radon levels.

Radon is the No. 2 cause of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 21,000 Americans will die as a result of lung cancer caused by radon exposure. In recognition of Radon Action Month, the North Carolina Radon Program is providing free radon test kits to any resident of the state requesting one. So I printed several copies of the form from the website and took them with me to the health fair. I gathered information from the Environmental Protection Agency about radon and made a chart showing the number of deaths attributed to radon, contrasted to deaths from drunk driving, drowning, home falls and home fires (see below). I brought many materials about lung cancer, as well. (video) (photo above by Dottie Powers)

To help attract people to my booth, I bought a tub of Double Bubble gum, Life Savers (individually wrapped) and a helium tank to fill balloons for the little ones. Everything was a huge hit! I was thrilled to have so many opportunities to talk about radon and lung cancer. Kids and adults scarfed up the Life Savers and bubble gum. Oh, I also had clear lung cancer pins which went like crazy! I got up at 5 this morning to get everything ready. I am so pleased with how it all went. Now I have a stack of forms that I will send to the NC Radon Program. When I returned home, I received a stack of cards from the NC Radon Program in the mail. I had requested them a few days ago. The radon test kits are free this month. Usually they cost about $15 or so. But the NC Radon Program is proving me with these cards for free kits to give to people as I talk to them about lung cancer awareness. The NC Radon Program also provided cards for test kits during the Hope Lung Cancer 5K. When I send the stack of radon test kit request forms, I’ll write them a nice letter thanking them for all their doing.

In addition to educating folks about lung cancer, two other opportunities presented themselves at the health fair. First, I met a wonderful woman who works with the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. Montez Lane is the Assistant Director for Community Outreach. I shared with her about the disparity among black men with lung cancer. You see, black men have a significantly higher incidence rate of lung cancer and mortality rate from the disease compared with white men with similar smoking histories. I was greatly encouraged after talking with Montez. I told her that in 2008, I applied for a grant from state tobacco settlement funds to develop a program educating black men about lung cancer and the disparity and need to be particularly diligent for early detection. She suggested we talk about partnering in the future. Also, she is a researcher and works with a team of researchers. So there may be an opportunity to collaborate with them on a lung cancer research project. I have follow-up to do here.

The other opportunity I mentioned was a media opportunity. I ran into a gentleman from News 14. He was cute because he asked to see my ring finger then said he didn’t mind having single women approaching him. I laughed then told him that in fact I am married but that I had taken my rings off. (In the wintertime, I have to put so much lotion on my hands that I sometimes leave my rings off.) At any rate, I have more follow up to do here, as well. I suggested News 14 do a story on Radon Action Month, especially since the state is proving free radon kits to NC residents. I now need to contact Rob Russ of the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. (Rob came to the Hope Lung Cancer 5K and provided information about radon.) I think they want to interview him for broadcast.

I did not expect to see so many Hispanics at the health fair. Communicating with them about radon and lung cancer was challenging and somewhat frustrating. Had I realized, I would have provided materials from the EPA website. But I learned. Next time, I’ll be better prepared. I will try to find someone who can help provide appropriate materials in Spanish.

But tomorrow is another day…today was good.

* Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The numbers of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001 National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

Early detection practices apply to lung cancer, too

2009-12-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

Op-ed published Sunday, December 13, 2009 in the News & Record.

By DUSTY DONALDSON

The controversy over when to begin breast cancer early detection captured my attention. On the heels of Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- when the world was awash in pink as a reminder to conduct monthly breast self-examinations and have annual mammograms -- women were advised to postpone mammograms for a decade.

Oh, and don't bother yourself with those pesky monthly self-examinations, either. After all, nobody should worry needlessly about a potential false-positive result.

Specifically, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended "against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years." The task force also could not determine if there were any benefits (or harm) in breast self-examinations. So, it recommended "against clinicians teaching women how to perform breast self-examination." One of the primary reasons given was the potentially harmful "inconvenience due to false-positive screening results."

As a survivor of the No. 1 cancer killer of women, the inconvenience of a false-positive report is way down my list of concerns. My greater concern is for the thousands of women oblivious to cancer cells growing beneath the surface of their breasts. Without screening, many of these women are walking time bombs.

The panel's recommendation flies in the face of everything we've experienced and been told. No panel of experts will convince survivors that early detection of their cancer was a mistake. If there is one thing we've learned about cancer since President Nixon declared war on the disease in 1971, it's this: Early detection saves lives. So I was encouraged to see the world dismiss the new recommendations outright.

I hope the same rationale is applied to another screening controversy brewing.

You see, the No. 1 cancer killer of women is also the No. 1 cancer killer of men. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver and kidney cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. One reason lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer is that, although early lung cancer diagnosis and management protocols exist, they have not been embraced as the standard of care. Nor will they until Americans demand it, as they did for breast cancer screening.

Amazingly, the majority of people at risk for developing lung cancer think they are safe. There is more to lung cancer than smoking cessation. Of the 219,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, between 65 percent and 70 percent do not smoke. Half are former smokers, like me. I quit smoking more than 30 years ago at the age of 24. And between 15 percent and 20 percent -- more than 35,000 -- never smoked. More Americans who never smoked will die from lung cancer this year than will die from AIDS, leukemia or ovarian cancer, according to the Cancer Society. In North Carolina, more than 6,670 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 and 5,670 will die from the disease, according to the ACS.

The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15 percent, compared to breast and prostate survival rates of 85 percent and 99 percent, respectively. Perhaps the low survival rate is because only 16 percent of lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective, according to National Cancer Institute SEER.

Meanwhile, for the past 13 years, the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program has accrued more than 50,000 CT scans from 30,000 high-risk people (smokers or former smokers over age 50) in observational trials carried out in 40 sites in the U.S. and around the world. Through success in analyzing suspicious nodules and the protocol developed for the management of early disease, the I-ELCAP program has produced 10-year survival rates of 85 percent -- turning the death-survivor rate upside down.

Yes, early detection saves lives. This truth applies to lung cancer and breast cancer alike.

For more information about lung cancer screening, go to www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Dusty Donaldson lives in High Point.

Courageous Celebrities

2009-12-15T07:50:00.001-05:00

I would like to recognize those celebrities who have spoken out about having lung cancer. I want to encourage them and others who are battling this disease. Thank you! Thank you for your courage. Thank you for sharing your personal story. You help put a face on lung cancer and increase compassion--which sadly is lacking for this No. 1 cancer killer.

Thank you for taking a stand for what is right—increased research funding, more compassion and less judgment. Kathryn Joosten, Bryant Gumbel--to name a couple-- you are heroes.

Doug Clark: Young cancer survivor touches senator

2009-12-02T11:44:00.001-05:00

Here is an article about Taylor Bell and our meeting with Senator Hagan. It was written by Doug Clark and published December 2, 2009 in the Greensboro News & Record.

Doug Clark: Young cancer survivor touches senator

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

By Doug Clark
Staff Writer

Taylor Bell wants to become a professional lobbyist after she graduates from East Carolina University with a political science degree in May. Why not? She's doing pretty well as an amateur.

Two weeks ago, she walked into Sen. Kay Hagan's Washington office and left with the Greensboro Democrat's promise to co-sponsor the bill that Bell was promoting.

Before you associate Bell with negative stereotypes about lobbyists, listen: She's a 23-year-old former star soccer player ... and lung-cancer survivor.

S 332, the bill Hagan promptly signed on to at Bell's request, is called the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009. Among other provisions, it would expand research and prevention programs with the goal of cutting very high mortality rates by 50 percent by 2016.

Research and prevention? Doesn't everyone know what causes lung cancer?

Not in every case. Bell never smoked, but she developed a tumor in her lung that wasn't properly diagnosed when she was first examined.

"I was a big, big, big-time soccer player," the Wilmington native said in a phone interview last week. "It was my life."

As a high-schooler, she made an Olympic development team of the state's top 20 players. As a freshman at East Carolina in the fall of 2005, she competed on the varsity soccer squad.

"I wasn't starting, but I was getting playing time," she said. "Everything was going fine."

Then she began to experience tingling and numbness in her toes. Her stamina lagged. For the first time, she couldn't complete a fitness test of 10 120-yard runs in less than 18 seconds each. By Christmas, she was in too much pain to play anymore, but MRIs of her head and back didn't find anything.

The next year, she came down with pneumonia. "I thought I'd gotten hit in the ribs," she said. At student health services, she had a chest X-ray. A physician's assistant told her she had a spot on her lung but attributed it to the pneumonia. He gave her an antibiotic. Bell continued to feel sluggish but "thought it was college kid stuff."

Until October 2007, when she was struck with pain so severe she thought she had appendicitis or a cracked rib. A CT scan showed her left lung was collapsed and found a 3-4 centimeter tumor there. It was later diagnosed as a carcinoid -- lung cancer.

After surgery to remove a portion of her lung, Bell says she's cancer-free: "I'm good to go. There's an 85 percent chance it won't return."

She resumed her studies, works out and pushes for lung-cancer awareness.

People don't expect someone with lung cancer to look like Bell. "I'm cute, I'm skinny, I'm athletic, I'm a survivor," she said. "No one deserves to go through what I've gone through."

That message hit home with Hagan.

"It was an awesome experience," Bell said of her meeting with the senator, which was arranged by the Lung Cancer Alliance.

"Sen. Hagan immediately recognized me" because Bell and Hagan's daughter, Carrie, had played soccer against each other on traveling teams as teenagers.

Dusty Donaldson of High Point, also a lung-cancer survivor, attended the meeting.

When Bell told her story, Donaldson said, Hagan "was moved by compassion. You could see a mother's heart in Sen. Hagan, like 'This could be my daughter.' "

When Bell asked Hagan to co-sponsor the bill, Donaldson added, the senator said, " 'Well, of course I will.' It was really sweet. We all just hugged and thanked her."

Hagan recalled it as an emotional meeting. "I made sure I had a box of tissues out," she said Tuesday.

Later, Bell secured the support of her congressman, Rep. Mike McIntyre, for the House version of the legislation. And, at Donaldson's personal urging, Rep. Howard Coble also has become a co-sponsor.

Donaldson says the merits of the legislation are obvious, but the right messenger is important. Bell puts a sympathetic face on a disease that too often is shoved aside as a penalty for smoking.

"Taylor Bell was the perfect face for this senator," Donaldson said of the meeting with Hagan.

"Taylor is an incredible spokesperson for lung-cancer survivors," Hagan affirmed. "She can really articulate the need for research."

The former soccer player already is covering a lot of ground for her cause. Last week, she attended a cancer-related event in San Francisco. Much more of that is in her future.

"This is her calling in life," Donaldson said.

Great news!

2009-12-01T20:42:00.002-05:00

Senator Kay Hagan has become a cosponsor of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009!

Taylor Bell and I went to Washington during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The good folks at Lung Cancer Alliance made arrangements for us to meet with our Congressmen and Senators.
Taylor simply stole Senator Hagan's heart!

She agreed on the spot to cosponsor the bill. Her name was officially listed as a cosponsor within 24 hours. You see, Senator Hagan has a daughter the same age as Taylor, 22. And both young women played soccer in high school. (Taylor earned a soccer scholarship before she was diagnosed with lung cancer.)

Senator Hagan was moved by compassion with Taylor's powerful story.

Also, when we were in DC, we were honored to attend the filming of Kaleidescope which featured Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, Olivia Newton-John and many others.

It was a beautiful and amazing trip.
Many great things are happening. I will write more soon.

Dusty

Send a note, make a call for lung cancer research

2009-10-17T16:41:00.002-04:00

Lung Cancer Awareness Month is quickly approaching and I’d like to bring something to you attention that you can do to really make a difference. For a few minutes of your time and the price of a stamp, you can send a message to your Senator and Congressman asking them to co sponsor the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Bill of 2009.

I was thrilled that my Congressman Howard Coble agreed to co sponsor the bill—but not until I asked him! So please, ask your Congressman or Congresswoman to be a co sponsor of the bill. In the House, it is HR 2112. The companion measure on the Senate side is S 332.

For more information about the bill, go to these links:

House: HR 2112
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2112

Senate: S 332
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-332

Not sure who your Congressman is or who your Senators are? Not to worry...Lung Cancer Alliance makes it easy for us. Here is a link to locate your legislators: http://capwiz.com/lungcanceralliance/dbq/officials/

Dusty goes to Washington

2009-09-26T16:44:00.015-04:00

I returned home last night from a week of cancer advocacy in Washington, DC. The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network asked me to represent my Congressional District and I was honored to have the opportunity. Following my work with ACS, I worked alongside Lung Cancer Alliance President Laurie Fenton in further lung cancer advocacy. I also had lunch yesterday with Shannon Bell from the NCI’s office of advocacy.

(PHOTOS: Top Right Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and me following a press conference.

Below Right: Senator Kay Hagan met with cancer advocates and survivors from North Carolina. Lower: Congressman Howard Coble gave his endorsement of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009.)

Laurie and I had face-to-face discussions with staff members of North Carolina's U.S. Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan about the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009. This is the first piece of legislation introduced that makes Lung Cancer research a national priority. We also met with staff members of several North Carolina Congressmen, including my Congressman Howard Coble (R-6th).

I was delighted to learn that, following our discussions, Congressman Coble signed on as a cosponsor of the bill later that same day. (H.R. 2112 is the companion measure in the House.)

There are many encouraging stories I hope to share, but it will have to be later. After being out of town for the past week, I am heading to New York in the morning. For now, I can tell you it was a productive, rewarding experience.

Thank you for your support and suggestions. Most of all, your prayers were so evident. Thank you for your prayers. Slowly...but certainly...we are making a difference.

Bittersweet

2009-04-27T21:10:00.004-04:00

I just returned from an amazing four-day experience in Dallas. I was honored to participate in the second annual National Lung Cancer Partnership Advocacy Summit. There were about 75 advocates from all over the country there. Some were alumni from last year's summit, some new to the cause.

There was a beautiful lady there on behalf of her young daughter who has two small children. The daughter could not attend this year because she was starting a new clinical trial. There was a gorgeous and sweet mother of 5-year-old Lucie. She learned last year that she had stage 4 lung cancer. She had fun going back and forth between wearing her wig and going with her stubby new hair growth after chemo. She left her little girl and husband at home to attend the summit. And she stole my heart. (NOTE: I was greatly saddened to learn that Lucie's precious mommy passed away July 31, 2010. As Melissa Peterson said, Kiss this, cancer! http://hopingforsomegrace.blogspot.com/2008/07/big-girl-pantieswise-words.html )

Then there were the men who were there on behalf of their wives who lost their battle with lung cancer. The husbands were taking up the cause for their beloved wives who had to leave the battle in their hands. Men who were powerful in word and actions by fighting this disease the only way they know how...through advocacy.

There was a woman who lost her sister to lung cancer. An actress who lost her mother to lung cancer six weeks after the diagnosis. Another actress who is a lung cancer survivor who came to show her support for the cause.

What amazing and beautiful people. I made new friends and strengthened previous friendships.

I miss them already. I am glad I got to know them but...at what cost.

Lord, help us do what we need to do this year. Help us make a difference.

Quick update

2009-03-08T07:29:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. There is so much happening, so I will just give a quick update. The Free to Breathe 5K was a great success. We exceeded our goals by 60 percent. Our participation goal was 500 and our financial goal was $50K. More than 800 people registered and we raised approximately $80K (before expenses).

We plan to do another run November 14, 2009. We had hoped to change the venue to Kernersville, but we have run into one snag after the next with that plan. It may be at the same location as last year. We’ll see.

I am less involved with this year’s planning, at least at this point. Here’s why. I started a new position as the director of donor relations at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. I work with a wonderful group of folks. Although my skills transfer nicely, there is so much to learn. I am very focused on doing a good job in my new position. After I get a few months under my belt, I will be able to spend more time supporting the Free to Breathe event. In the meantime, Sandy O, who headed up the Raleigh Free to Breathe last year, has assumed a leadership role in the Triad event. Actually, the plan is to have three or four FTBs throughout the state of North Carolina. Sandy’s role will be to oversee all of those events and ensure best practices, etc. I regret I have not been able to help more, especially because we’ve run into the venue snags. But Sandy is amazingly organized and easy to work with. She is a friend I treasure and if anyone can get it done, Sandy can. But she will need a lot of help, just as I did. So please, let me or Sandy know if you would like to help. We need committee support, as well as on race day.

Next, my daughter Amy is getting married in less than two months! (That’s another excuse for not blogging sooner.) Although she is doing most of the planning, there is still much for the mother-of-the-bride to do.

Also, I will be attending the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s Advocacy Summit next month and presenting with other in a workshop on working with the media.

By the way, in case you haven't been able to tell, I am doing very well. My last scan showed NED (no evidence of disease). I am glad to be working again but wish I had accomplished more while I was out!

Until later…probably after the wedding.
Dusty

Great media coverage about lung cancer

2008-11-12T16:50:00.004-05:00

The media coverage about lung cancer and this weekend's Free to Breathe event has been phenomenal!

Breaking news! smile Here is a link to news coverage during the event!

http://news14.com/content/top_stories/601517/run-raises-awareness--funds/Default.aspx

Here are the links to the High Point Enterprise newspaper series that ran Sunday and Monday. You can access it online, but you must register. So I also included the text of the articles below: This is the best written story about lung cancer that I've ever seen. All the people quoted in the story are my friends. http://hpe.southernheadlines.com/index.cfm?section=8&story=6070
(There was a sidebar to this article which was excellent. It was about a lung cancer PSA. But it is not posted on the web. I have asked them to post it and will send you that link if they do post it.)

Here is the link to the second article, which is my story:
http://hpe.southernheadlines.com/index.cfm?section=8&story=6184

Here's a link to the final piece about Taylor Bell, a 22-year-old athlete who is a lung cancer survivor and advocate. Taylor is joining us this weekend: http://hpe.southernheadlines.com/index.cfm?section=8&story=6185

And here is a radio piece about my personal experience with lung cancer's stigma. It aired Monday on the local NPR station WFDD. When it aired they promoted the Free to Breathe event, but that's not on the version posted online: http://wfdd.org/audio/people/081110Comment.mp3

Finally, we had incredible television exposure yesterday morning. WFMY News 2 did live reports from Moses Cone Cancer center every 30 minutes between 6-8. There were four segments, each segment was 2.5 minutes. Also, the news anchors promoted this weekend's event and lung cancer awareness. All of the folks from WFMY were awesome! One segment featured me talking about Free to Breathe and promoting the painting. The next one featured Dan Kennedy who lost his wife Julie to lung cancer this year. Julie was a young never smoker and mother of their three children. Dan was featured in "Smokescreen." Then, Dr Mohamed was featured. He talked about lung cancer facts. Finally, Amy Cipau, the head of the NC Lung Cancer Partnership talked about lung cancer facts and the organization. There are four video clips to the right of the page.

http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=113803

Thanks to all of you who helped make this happen! You are awesome!

Dusty
xoxoxo

Lung cancer often gets pushed to the back of the line by misconceptions

By Jimmy Tomlin
Nov 09, 2008

They call it "The Invisible Cancer."

It develops and grows quietly, stealthily - invisibly - typically causing no noticeable symptoms until it's way too late. Only about 15 percent of those who are diagnosed with the invisible cancer survive even five years.

Which begs the obvious question: How can a disease that kills more than 160,000 Americans a year - making it the deadliest of all cancers - still be invisible? Shouldn't it be visible by now?

Theoretically, yes, lung cancer - the invisible cancer - should be more than a mere blip on America's cancer radar. Other forms of the disease - breast cancer for women, prostate cancer for men, just to name a couple - tend to grab the headlines, the public sympathy and, not coincidentally, the bulk of research dollars.

Meanwhile, those who are diagnosed with lung cancer can scarcely organize a public awareness rally - much less actively campaign for research funding - because most of them don't live long enough. And for those who survive, it's tough to garner public support because they can't get past the stigma of lung cancer, which most Americans largely associate with cigarette smoking.

"When you have breast cancer or any other type, people swarm around you, they hug you, they say "Oh, I'm so sorry,'" says Charlotte Hummer, a 73-year-old lung cancer survivor who lives in the Davidson County town of Arcadia. "But when you've got lung cancer, it's like, "Oh, you're a smoker, so you deserve it,' and that's a bunch of bull crap."

Pardon the coarse language, but Hummer is exactly right about smokers.

"Anyone can get lung cancer - you don't have to be a smoker," says Dr. Jennifer Garst, a Durham lung cancer specialist who is the founding chairwoman of the N.C. Lung Cancer Partnership, a lung cancer advocacy organization. "Smoking is the leading risk factor - along with exposure to secondhand smoke - but about 15 percent of those who are diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked."

That's true of survivor Maria Teague, a 40-year-old High Point woman who was diagnosed two years ago with non-small cell adenocarcinoma, or Stage 3 lung cancer. It was also true of David Pardo, also of High Point, who died in January - at age 45 - after a two-year battle against lung cancer.

Yet for Teague and Pardo, almost everyone who learned of their lung cancer automatically assumed they were smokers.

"Up until the very end, the day before David died, doctors were asking, "How long has he smoked?'" recalls Pardo's widow, Anita. "Even the doctors were asking him that. So now, I try to tell everybody that lung cancer is not what you think it is."

* * * *
Lung cancer may not be what most people think it is, but one thing about the disease is certain - it kills.

In 1971, when then-President Richard Nixon declared his "War on Cancer" with the enactment of the National Cancer Act, lung cancer was the No. 1 cancer killer. Nearly four decades later, though many battles have been won in the war, lung cancer remains the deadliest cancer, accounting for one of every three cancer deaths, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance.

An average of 439 people die of lung cancer every day. The disease kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney and melanoma cancers combined. It kills more than three times as many men as prostate cancer and more than twice as many women as breast cancer.

The biggest problem, it seems - the reason for all those deaths - is the lack of early detection. Only 16 percent of lung cancer is being diagnosed at its earliest and most curable stage, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. In more than half of the patients diagnosed, the cancer has already metastasized - spread to other parts of the body - and many of those patients die within a year of diagnosis.

"We don't catch the disease early," Garst says. "We do not have an FDA-approved screening test for lung cancer, and with no screening test, about 70 percent of those with lung cancer are diagnosed with an incurable disease. That's one of the main reasons the survival rate is so low."

Would early detection really make that much of a difference?

For the answer to that, turn your eyes toward the N.C. House of Representatives, where the House majority leader - Rep. Hugh Holliman of Lexington - was just elected to his fifth term in office. Holliman is a two-time lung cancer survivor, having beaten the disease nearly a decade ago and again last year.

"Both of mine were caught very, very early, so I had surgery and didn't even need chemo or radiation," Holliman says. "Lung cancer is no different from any other cancer - if you catch it very early, you're going to be in much better shape."

Holliman has anecdotal evidence of that fact. His sister, Nancy Griffin - whose lung cancer was not detected early - died from the disease in 1999.

* * * *
It's the human faces of lung cancer that will make the disease more visible.

It's faces such as that of Charlotte Hummer, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer - the worst diagnosis possible - in both lungs. Diagnosed in April 2001, Hummer pressed her doctor to find out how much time she had left.

"He said, "You might make it until Christmas,'" she recalls. "Well, Christmas hasn't come yet. This will be my eighth year of celebrating Christmas since I was diagnosed. And the doctor who diagnosed me ... was killed in an automobile accident four years ago. He's gone, and I'm still here."

Hummer, of course, is one of the lucky ones. So is Maria Teague, the High Point wife and mother - and lifelong nonsmoker - who underwent surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiation treatments for her Stage 3 cancer. The aggressive treatments sapped her strength and claimed her hair, but they worked. Today, Teague is doing wonderfully - her most recent checkup a couple of weeks ago confirmed that - but she still thinks about the future.

"Not many days go by that I don't think about lung cancer and the possibility of it returning," Teague says. "But you have to come to terms with that, and I've done that now. I have a lot of faith in God - I'm on His plan."

* * * *
America needs more survivors such as Hummer and Teague.

Unfortunately, there are still too many David Pardo stories. Pardo, a husband and father of two - and another lifelong nonsmoker - battled lung cancer for two years before losing the fight on Jan. 19. Positive and upbeat to the very end, Pardo - a substance-abuse counselor - continued working until a week before his death.

Pardo had participated in a clinical trial, but it didn't help him much.

"We asked about more research studies," recalls his widow, Anita, "but they said there weren't any others because there's not enough funding for lung cancer."

And therein lies the reason that lung cancer remains the invisible cancer, according to advocates.

"Lung cancer has been deprived of research dollars," Garst says. "...We need an early detection test - that's where a lot of our research needs to be concentrated."

According to the Lung Cancer Alliance, the National Cancer Institute's budget for fiscal year 2007 was $4.8 billion, but lung cancer research received less than 5 percent of that total.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year earmarked $201 million for breast and cervical cancer initiatives, $13.9 million for prostate cancer and $14.4 million for colon cancer.

But for lung cancer initiatives? Nothing.

"I think it has a lot to do with the stigma, because people think only smokers get lung cancer and they bring it on themselves," says Amy Cipau, president of the N.C. Lung Cancer Partnership.

"That's why we call lung cancer the invisible cancer, because you just don't hear enough about it, and people don't know the truth about it. You hear so much about breast cancer and there's so much sympathy for breast cancer - and that's a good thing - but we just don't have that same awareness and compassion for lung cancer, and that's what we're trying to change."

© 2008 by The High Point Enterprise. All rights reserved.

Speaking out: Local lung cancer survivor passionately takes up the cause for others

By Jimmy Tomlin
jtomlin@hpe.com

Nov 10,2008

HIGH POINT - Dusty Donaldson, lung cancer survivor, refuses to forget those who did not survive.

They were part of her inner circle - "my lung cancer friends," she calls them - and they remain important to her.

"I still have their numbers on my cell phone, but I can't delete them," the 54-year-old High Point woman says. "They're dead and gone, but I can't delete their names. I don't want to."

Donaldson never imagined she could be as passionate about anything as she is about lung cancer awareness, but then again, she never imagined she would be diagnosed with the deadly disease, either.

She received the diagnosis in September 2005, when a suspected case of pneumonia turned out to be a carcinoma in her right lung. She underwent a partial lobectomy - the removal of part of the diseased lung - and followed that up with chemotherapy. She's currently classified as NED, which means "no evidence of disease."

Now, having been through that ordeal - no, having survived that ordeal - Donaldson feels compelled to speak for those who can't, because she knows lung cancer survivors are very few.

"Out of every 100 breast cancer patients," Donaldson says, "88 or 89 will survive and live to tell their story. Out of every 100 prostate cancer patients, 99 will survive and live to tell their story. Out of every 100 lung cancer patients, only 15 will survive and live to tell their story. And they're usually so impaired, so weakened, on oxygen, that oftentimes they're not able to tell their story."

Donaldson organized this weekend's Free To Breathe 5K Run, Walk & Rally in Greensboro, an event designed to raise lung cancer awareness and funds.

She also participated in a national lung cancer advocacy summit this past spring in Chicago, volunteers with the N.C. Lung Cancer Partnership, and helps coordinate a local lung cancer survivors' group.

"Dusty is one of our most passionate, dedicated volunteers, and we're very fortunate we found her," says Amy Cipau, president of the N.C. Lung Cancer Partnership, which is based in the Triangle. "She has the same passion and commitment that we have, and she has really helped us expand what we're doing beyond the Raleigh-Triangle area into the Triad. She just has an incredible passion."

One of Donaldson's primary soapbox issues is the misperception that lung cancer is a smokers' disease.

"The majority of people diagnosed with lung cancer are nonsmokers," she says. "About 50 percent of the people diagnosed are former smokers - and many of them, like myself, quit decades ago - and another 15 percent of people who are diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked a cigarette. We're talking about 25,000 people who never smoked. More people who never smoked are diagnosed with lung cancer and die from lung cancer than die from AIDS in this country."

Donaldson, who has gone to great lengths to educate herself about lung cancer, could spout statistics and numbers all day long if she wanted to. But for her, lung cancer is about more than numbers - it's about human lives.

It's about those names on her cell phone, the ones she refuses to delete.

"I just feel like I have to speak for those people who are not able to speak for themselves," Donaldson says through tears.

"I'm in good shape and I have a voice, and I need to use it. My husband says I'm obsessed, but I just feel like I have a God-given calling. I feel this sense of urgency to get the message out about lung cancer, and I have to do it while I still have the breath."

jtomlin@hpe.com

Soccer player has new goals now

By Jimmy Tomlin
jtomlin@hpe.com

Nov 10, 2008

When Taylor Bell was diagnosed with lung cancer, she embodied everything not associated with the deadly disease.

She was only 21. She was athletic, a lifelong soccer player who had gone to East Carolina University on a soccer scholarship. She had never smoked.

"A lot of people, when they hear "lung cancer,' they think of old, half-dead smokers who are not able to do anything," Bell says, "and I'm a living example of how that's not the case."

Bell was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer on Oct. 14, 2007. The 3-centimeter mass showed up in her left lung during a CT scan of her abdomen that was taken after she complained of severe abdominal cramping. She had the tumor - and part of her lung - removed a month later at Duke University Medical Center, and today doctors give her an 85-percent chance of no recurrence of the cancer.

"The type of tumor I had is very slow-growing and it usually doesn't spread, so basically a miracle is what I got," says Bell, of Wilmington. "I'm very healthy today."

Bell knows how lucky she is, in part, because of her family history. Her grandmother died of lung cancer within 40 days of her diagnosis. Her great-grandfather also died of lung cancer, and her great-uncle is fighting the disease now.

Bell, now 22 and a junior at ECU, no longer plays collegiate soccer, but she helps coach the women's club soccer team, and she's a dedicated runner who hopes to run a marathon someday.

She also has become one of the state's most active lung cancer advocates, sharing her inspiring story whenever and wherever she can. This weekend, she'll be a featured guest at the Triad's inaugural Free To Breathe 5K Run, Walk & Rally in Greensboro.

"The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 15 percent, so there really are not a lot of people to speak," Bell says. "I believe this is what I'm here for, because I'm a survivor. I'm here to speak for those who can't."

Countdown to Race Day!

2008-11-11T03:02:00.004-05:00

What a whirlwind! Race day is four days from now and we've already exceeded our goal of 500 registered participants! Yesterday I bumped up my tee-shirt order to 730, as advised by the National Lung Cancer Partnership.
We also exceeded our financial goal of $50,000; but that is before expenses. We’re not done yet. I hope to send $50,000 to the National Lung Cancer Partnership for lung cancer research after expenses.
It’s amazing to watch this event come together. There were times when it looked as if we would not reach our goals. Who could have predicted that we would be fundraising during the worst economic crisis in our country’s history? Even so, every hospital in the area supported this initiative and became financial sponsors. We had hoped for an automotive dealership to be our title sponsor, but that industry has been hit particularly hard by the crisis. Perhaps next year.
The planning committee has been working for months. We have an awesome team of volunteers. Tonight about 15 or so of us will be meeting for a goody bag stuffing party. That will be fun.
It’s rewarding to see the fruits of our labor. People from across the Triad and throughout the state have registered. We even have folks registered from across the state lines to the north and from the south.
It is particularly heartwarming for me to see lung cancer survivors register. Now that early registration has ended, the registration fee is $25. But the registration fee for cancer survivors remains at the discounted rate of $15. Even though we receive less money, I’d rather have 100 survivors registered than 100 who pay the full $25.
The lung cancer community here has really responded to this inaugural event. Like Kim who was diagnosed in August. She’s still going through treatment but is determined to participate in the event. Her family will push her in a wheelchair! Almost all of her family members will be there and those who are unable to make it, like a relative in Florida, will be walking in Kim’s honor in their home state!
People who have been touched by lung cancer are inspired and energized! Others have created fundraising pages on the Free to Breathe web site and have collected thousands of dollars for lung cancer research! It's as if they have been waiting for something like this to give them constructive action to take.
Three teams from my church are walking. One is walking in memory of their friend Lila, another team in walking in memory of David who passed away earlier this year. Another is walking in honor of a family member with lung cancer.
It’s also great to see the running community supporting this cause. I attended the Raleigh Free to Breathe event last Saturday. Even though they had torrential rain in the morning, nearly 1,000 came out to support the cause.
I am really excited to stuff the bags this evening. Harris Teeter donated the reusable green grocery bags for the event. I asked for 500 and that’s what they gave us. I have a request in for more. I’ll find out today. We have great stuff for the bags, too.
Plus, we’re going to have door prize drawings. We have got a lot of booty! We have restaurant gift certificates, overnight hotel stays and hoodies. It’s going to be wonderful! Oh! And our tee-shirts will be long sleeve, which is a nice touch in November. Smile
It’s all good. Thank you all who believed in the cause and supported our efforts! May God bless you! Let's hope and pray for sunshine on race day!

9 ways You Can Help

2008-10-05T13:56:00.021-04:00

Triad Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk & Rally
9 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2008
Grandover Parkway & ACC Lane
Greensboro, NC

9 ways You Can Make This Event a Success!

1. Sponsor: If you own a business, please sponsor the event. Sponsorship levels begin at $500. Or ask your employer to sponsor the event. Contact Dusty Donaldson at 336.885.5577 or dustydonaldson@aol.com

2. Donate: Think small. Every dollar helps. Donations are tax deductible. Go to www.freetobreathe.com/greensboro08

3. Take a chance: Buy a raffle ticket. Renowned artist Addison Palmer has created an original painting named “Along the Shore” to be raffled at the event. You do not need to be present to win. We will insure and ship the painting to you. Chances are $5 each. Go to www.firstgiving.com/addisonpalmer

4. Recruit: Be a team leader or a team player. A team can be family members, coworkers or in memory of a friend or loved one. A team can be as small as two. Go to www.freetobreathe.com/greensboro08

5. Register: Run or walk in the event. If you can’t complete a 5K (~3 miles) then register for the 1 mile family fun walk/run. Numbers count and during this inaugural event, we need your support. Registration is $20 until November 1, when it will be $25. Includes long-sleeve T-shirt. Go to www.freetobreathe.com/greensboro08

6. Volunteer: We need help with registration, parking, water distribution, kids activities and more. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Amy Hughes at (336) 718-8478 or via email at ahhughes@novanthealth.org.

7. Be Aware: Watch “Smokescreen,” a multimedia presentation featuring local folks who have been touched by lung cancer. Click here: “Smokescreen”

8. Know the Facts: Raising awareness about the No. 1 cancer killer is one of our primary goals. Take the Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz online (Hint: If you want to ace the quiz, first watch “Smokescreen.”) You may even win a prize. Click here: “Lung Cancer Quiz”

9. Show compassion to someone with lung cancer. It’s free, easy and your reward will be eternal.

August Update

2008-08-17T20:42:00.024-04:00

This year is one of the most exciting and fulfilling of my life. It’s been an amazing summer.
Yes, I am still unemployed. But I have been very active. Much of my time has been invested in planning the upcoming Free to Breathe 5K Race/Walk & Rally. Let me give you a brief overview of where the project stands to date.
First, we have an incredibly talented artist who agreed to donate an original painting to be raffled at the event. See image of the painting “Along the Shore” above.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 from raffle sales for the drawing. You can purchase chances for $5 each online. Here is a link to the artist’s fundraising website: http://www.firstgiving.com/addisonpalmer
Next, I am so proud of and pleased with my family and other loved ones who donated toward my personal fundraising goal. I set what I considered a very high goal of $2,500. With your help, we have nearly achieved that goal. My foster sister Sue, Wake Forest professors Sherry Jarrell and Aneil Mishra, two of my former bosses Patricia Divine and Paula Blanchat, my job search friends Gwen Ferguson and Debbie Z (who is also volunteering on the planning committee), friends Bob & Sandy Lewis, Womble Carlyle attorney Karen Carey, my mom, my sister Tina, my brother Ernie, my brothers-in-law Harry & Joe and my sisters-in-law Marilyn and Marjorie, my former colleagues Dianne Luce, Amy Farmer and Ginny Kerlin, fellow lung cancer survivor Charlotte Hummer (who has her own fundraising page), and Kimberley Lewis of Foster Friends who coordinated the Greensboro Marathon and allowed me to distribute save the date cards in runners’ goody bags. My daughter Kimberly. And of course my dear husband who gave a generous donation offline even though we’ve tightened our belts because I’m unemployed. And others.
Thank you! I hope your hearts as warmed as much as mine is by your selfless acts of giving.
My daughters Kimberly and Amy have also created fundraising sites for the Free to Breathe. I am so proud of them. Check out their sites: http://www.firstgiving.com/kimberlylester and http://www.firstgiving.com/amytindel. They each have a goal of $1,000. Together they have raised nearly $1,700 so far. (I expect my son Kirk also will be creating a fundraising site soon.)
Also, we started approaching potential corporate sponsors. Although we have not received a definite commitment yet, I am very encouraged by the responses, particularly from the area hospitals. Our strategy has been to involve all hospitals in the Triad with a cancer center. That includes Forsyth Medical, High Point Regional, Moses Cone and Wake Forest Baptist. I hope to have more information next week. But we believe it is essential to have these organizations on board for the project’s success. And who knows better the need for a lung cancer event than cancer centers? This is most likely the first time they have been asked to get behind a lung cancer community event. I will also be meeting with another potential sponsor next week. Then we hope to meet with a potential title sponsor the following week. Please keep these meetings in your prayers.
Speaking of prayers, I met with my pastor Bill Mugford last week. I showed him “Smokescreen” and asked for his support in our efforts. I wasn’t exactly sure what to ask for but I wanted him to understand the heart of our mission. I really sensed the Lord’s hand on our meeting. As we talked, he mentioned a friend of his from Madison, Wisconsin. He mentioned her name (Gayle Zinda) and coincidentally, I know Gayle who is another lung cancer survivor and advocate. I met her last November when Lung Cancer Alliance asked if I would help arrange a scheduled stop for Gayle and her bus which was wrapped in lung cancer awareness package. (See photo of Gayle and me taken at Duke Raleigh last November.) I also spent some time with Gayle at the Lung Cancer Advocacy Summit in Chicago this May.

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world...oh, I mean, churches. :-) Gayle was a member of my pastor’s former church in Madison, Wisconsin. (Pastor Bill came to North Carolina in December 2007. Coincidentally, his first day in that pulpit was my first day in that pew.)
As if that weren’t enough…come to find out, I started talking to him about the stigma associated with lung cancer and how that is one of the reasons there has not been enough research funding. I asked him how old he was to determine how old he was in the early days of HIV-AIDS. He told me the story about a member of his former church who had been infected with HIV via a transfusion. When the gentleman passed away, he left a sum of money and directives for the church to develop an HIV-AIDS ministry. I’m not sure what that entailed but Pastor Bill made the comment, “We were at ground zero with HIV-AIDS.” I find it encouraging that my pastor was involved in that movement, apparently when HIV-AIDS was treated as modern day leprosy. The leprosy analogy can be applied toward lung cancer today. I’m not saying that lung cancer victims are treated as lepers; however, they may as well be with the lack of research funding and apparent lack of concern for the No. 1 cancer killer.
Finally, Pastor Bill’s daughter Kristen, who lives in Tennessee, just wrote a manual on organizing a 5K fundraiser. Kristen and I have already exchanged a few emails. I am going to give her a call one evening next week to tap into her insight.
I asked for support from my church, but I was not specific, because I’m not sure exactly how the church can help. Several people from the church have been touched by lung cancer. David and Anita Pardo are featured in “Smokescreen.” (see video below) Anita tells the story about David who died earlier this year from lung cancer. (David played in our church praise band.) I mentioned to Pastor Bill that Anita and her small group are planning to put together a team for the event. And that my small group is also planning to put together a team. But I would like to see broader support throughout the church.
I trust the church will provide support. I did ask if we could use the church for meetings and to distribute goody bags prior to the race. He said he saw no problem with that. I also asked if the church had a multimedia projector I could borrow. Because I am unemployed, I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to use my savings to make such a purchase. (OK. Truth is, Tony would kill me if I spent $700-$800 on that while I’m unemployed. Otherwise, I probably would have done it.) But at any rate, I have several opportunities to show “Smokescreen” and speak to groups about lung cancer awareness. I really need access to a projector. At the time, he wasn’t sure if the church had one. But I have since learned that the church does have one. So hopefully, that will work out.
I am confident that the Lord’s hand is in all this.
Oh, let me back up a bit. Our overall goals for the Triad Free to Breathe 5K are 500 participants and $50,000 for lung cancer research. I know that’s a lot; but I must confess, if we don’t do significantly more than that, I will be disappointed.
On another topic, (well, still talking about lung cancer but not the 5K.) there is exciting news with regard to legislative advocacy. There is a bill under consideration, thanks to the efforts of Lung Cancer Alliance, that would appropriate $75 million toward lung cancer awareness and research for the fiscal year 2009. This is ground-breaking stuff. It’s called the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2008. And one of my senators, Richard Burr, of North Carolina, is on the committee considering it. Lung Cancer Alliance contacted me a week or so ago and asked if I would directly contact my senator. I requested a meeting with Senator Burr. I was told that could not be scheduled until late September, but that’s cool. I am hopeful we will be able to get his support.
Well, there is much more going on. I could write all night. But I’m going to take a break now.
Goodnight and Godspeed.
Love,
Dusty

Smokescreen

2008-07-25T16:54:00.002-04:00

The multimedia presentation "Smokescreen" is now available via the internet.

Here is the link:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2923620635540454901&hl=en

Please share it with others.

Thanks,
Dusty

Summer filled with advocacy work

2008-06-27T21:39:00.011-04:00

Good things are happening in the realm of lung cancer.

If you haven’t seen the latest public service announcements about lung cancer awareness, brace yourself. They are eye-catching, provocative and powerful. The print ads feature a sunbathing gorgeous brown-eyed brunette in an itsy-bitsy yellow bikini.

But it’s not the woman’s swimsuit that’s provocative. It’s her lungs.

Her breasts have been removed and placed to the side. In their place is an image of her lungs with the message: It’s Time We Obsessed More Over Women’s Lungs. Text at the bottom of the ad drives the point home further. “Look Deeper. Nearly twice as many woman die of lung cancer than breast cancer today. Lung cancer takes more women’s lives than breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. Know the signs and symptoms.
http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/”

I love it.

This organization, the National Lung Cancer Partnership, is doing amazing things. Last month the organization sponsored the first-ever Lung Cancer Advocacy Summit in Chicago. More than 50 participants from all of the lung cancer advocacy organizations, including Lung Cancer Alliance, Joan’s Legacy, Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation, the Beverly Fund, CancerCare, LUNGevity and others.

The summit was dynamic, intense and emotional. It was heart wrenching to hear stories of mothers who had lost young daughters. One mother lost a 24-year-old daughter to lung cancer. Another lost her 19-year-old daughter to the disease. Both were from my state, North Carolina. The testimonies were incredibly moving. The sessions were action-packed with one top-notch panel after the next.

Immediately following the summit was the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s annual conference. There was an amazing amount of information packed into a four-hour session. One of the speakers was Dr. John Niederhuber, director of the National Cancer Institute. He took a few questions. Once was from Lori Monroe, one of the summit attendees who gave a report on the summit. Lori, who is also a lung cancer survivor, chided Dr. Niederhuber for not funding lung cancer research. (Lung cancer is grossly underfunded in terms of federal research dollars. For example, per death, research dollars are $1,638 for lung cancer and $13,519 for breast cancer.) Dr. Niederhuber took a lot of heat but—to his credit—he stated that if he were presented with a high-quality lung cancer research model, he would fund it. He said he would find the funding for the research.

I will take the man at his word—unless he proves his word is not worthy of my trust. I sent a follow up email to him. I also discussed it with my oncologist and encouraged him to pursue lung cancer research funding.

Back to the summit. Here are the topics we covered:

Lung Cancer 101
Joining Lung Cancer Research as a Consumer Advocate
De-stigmatizing Lung Cancer
How to Engage the Media in Lung Cancer
How to Navigate the Healthcare System
The Future of Lung Cancer Research
Understanding and Influencing the Legislative Process
Raising Awareness of Lung Cancer in Your Community

Things are happening here in North Carolina, too.

Plans for the upcoming Triad Free to Breathe 5K Race/Walk and Rally are in full swing. We are preparing a brochure/registration form and hope to start recruiting in earnest very soon. For now, please take a look at my fundraising page (if you don’t have one of your own). www.firstgiving.com/dustydonaldson

I’ve been working on a multimedia presentation that captures the essence of the issues faced by those affected by lung cancer. I had the opportunity to show the presentation during an event at Duke University’s Nasher Museum. It was a cocktail reception fundraiser for lung cancer. At any rate, the presentation was a wonderful success. People seemed to be genuinely moved by the presentation. It was so gratifying for me because the project has been all consuming for me during the past few months—but worth every second. I hope to have the presentation—which I dubbed “Smokescreen”—posted on the internet soon. Right now the file is too large to distribute via email. Plus, the format requires the most current software. My daughter Kimberly is in the process of converting the files into a Flash file. Then we’ll break it up and post it on YouTube.

Here’s what is covered in the presentation. We start off doing a man on the street interview, asking kind of tricky questions: What is the No. 1 cancer killer of women? Then we asked about lung cancer screening. Dr. Jennifer Garst, a Duke lung cancer specialist and champion for the cause, was the voice of authority. She was awesome. To put a face on lung cancer, we were able to include the stories of people in my community. Anita Pardo, a member of my church, lost her husband this year. And Dan Kennedy lost his wife Julie to lung cancer about the same time. Both were never smokers and parents of small children. Their stories are powerfully moving. The presentation also includes a few lung cancer survivors and some images of a few who did not survive. Anne Wilson gave me a photo of her daughter Katherine who was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 24. Tammy shared her photo of her daughter Brittany who died last year at the age of 19. Finally, the presentation included a call to action, requesting support for the race.

One quick comment about the feedback from the Nasher viewing…Someone at the event runs the internal medicine resident's clinic at Duke. She was moved by the presentation and requested a copy to show residents. That makes me so happy. Hopefully, young doctors will be encouraged to pursue lung cancer research. Or if nothing else, they have been given a personal perspective of the issues important to those affected by lung cancer. I cannot thank Anita and Dan enough for sharing their stories. Trust me…that was not easy for them to do.

I was able to participate in the recent North Carolina Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Summit recently. The person organizing the event is active in the NC Lung Cancer Partnership Education & Awareness Committee, which I chair. She asked for my help in organizing the first lung cancer break-out session. Also, I participated in a Minority Health Disparities roundtable last week. Blacks are disproportionately affected by lung cancer—both in terms of incidence and mortality—even when evidence indicates their smoke exposure is less than that of whites. One study shows approximately 50 percent higher rate of incidence and a 36 percent higher mortality rate for blacks.

At any rate, there is so much is happening. And it’s all good.
More later…

Long awaited update

2008-05-08T16:08:00.004-04:00

All:

Yes, I am alive and well. I have not updated my blog for a couple of reasons. First, on a personal level, there was so much confusion from my doctors that, frankly, I didn’t know what to write. They all seem to be in agreement now that I am in excellent health.
And I have been so busy. But it’s all good. Enough excuses. Here’s what’s going on with me.
So much has happened since I last wrote. For starters, we’re putting together an event to raise lung cancer awareness. It is very exciting to be a part of this. Until we get a title sponsor we’re calling it Triad Free to Breathe 5K Race, Walk and Rally. It will take place November 15, 2008 (Lung Cancer Awareness Month) at Grandover Parkway, Greensboro, NC. The event will be inclusive of the entire Triad (Winston-Salem, High Point and Greensboro and surrounding communities such as Thomasville and Kernersville). It’s quite an undertaking but I trust everyone's efforts will be well worth it. I will post a separate blog just on the 5K soon.
But I’ve got to tell you about the video we’re putting together. Dave Higaldo, a friend from my small group at church, volunteered to produce a promotional video to use as a tool to raise awareness about lung cancer and about 5K. That has been consuming a lot of my time (and Dave’s). Tomorrow we’ll complete the final scene and will get right to editing. Hopefully, it will be finished a week from tomorrow. Once it’s complete, I’ll post a link to the video on my blog.
Other exciting news is that I’ll be participating in a Lung Cancer Advocacy Summit in Chicago in a couple of weeks. About 50 summit participants will learn how to be more effective lung cancer advocates.
For those who haven’t heard, April 18 was my last day at Wake Forest University. The university is undergoing major reorganization and several people were displaced, including me. My entire department (external relations) was eliminated. I worked with some really wonderful people. One dear friend, Sandra, had been at the university for nearly 20 years. She’s in her 60s and has health issues. Another, who has been employed there for 19 years, has a son entering college in the fall and a daughter who will be entering college in a couple of years. I hope she’s able to get another position at the university so she can use the tuition benefit (after all these years of waiting). Eric, my long-time friend and colleague, has two small children under age 5. We worked together at a daily newspaper about 13 years ago and kept in touch when we both left our positions there. Then for the past five-plus years, we worked together at the university. I trust they’ll all land on their feet. But I worry about them.
As for me, I’m confident that this will be an opportunity for me to reassess my career goals and objectives. Oftentimes, a cancer diagnosis causes you to reevaluate everything in your life. The things that seemed so important one day, become insignificant when you’re fighting for your life. After facing a life-threatening disease—and surviving the threat—priorities turn upside down.
I plan to pursue a meaningful position where I can apply my journalism experience and public relations expertise to further the cause of a nonprofit organization dedicated to lung cancer advocacy.
If not now, then when?
So that’s a brief update. As you can see, much has transpired since my last posting.
Warm wishes,
Dusty

Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz

2008-03-14T08:00:00.005-04:00

Test Your Knowledge
Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz
By Dusty Donaldson

Think you know the facts about lung cancer? Accept the challenge and test your knowledge.

1) Unlike mammogram for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, there is no screening for those at risk for lung cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

2) Most lifetime smokers develop lung cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

3) The majority of lung cancer victims are non-smokers.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

4) Big tobacco rakes in more than 50 percent profit (approximately $2.00) on every pack of cigarettes sold, while the government collects 6 percent (approximately 25 cents).

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

5) Lung cancer kills four times as many people as breast cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

ANSWERS
1) False. It’s no secret: Early detection saves lives. Colonoscopies, mammograms, PAP smears and PSA tests have all become routine screening procedures. But screening for the deadliest cancer was not even proposed—until now. A pivotal lung cancer screening project promises dramatic advancement in detecting lung cancer at an early stage. Evidence indicates that screening for those at risk may benefit from annual CT screening for lung cancer. The International Early Lung Cancer Action Project, or I-ELCAP, cites a worldwide collaborative project that concludes, “…annual spiral CT screening can detect lung cancer that is curable” (See cover story New England Journal of Medicine Oct. 26, 2006). Study participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who received treatment had an amazing 10-year survival rate of 92 percent. The current five-year lung cancer survival rate is barely 15 percent. The project represents hope for increased survival rates and improved quality of life for lung cancer victims. Consider yourself informed. If you are at risk, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening. For more information, visit http://www.ielcap.org/.

2) False. Don’t be deceived. Even tobacco companies acknowledge that smoking is harmful to your health. Yet, while it is true that the majority of lung cancers are associated with cigarette smoking, only 10 to 15 percent of lifetime smokers actually develop the disease. Researchers are investigating genetic factors. Lung cancer cases are known to cluster in families and there is evidence that female smokers are at higher risk than males. For more information, see American Lung Association: www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=368453

3) True. Here’s why. Approximately 60 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are non smokers—meaning they are either never smokers or former smokers. After decades of successful antismoking campaigns, there are now fewer smokers in the country than nonsmokers. So the significant component of those newly diagnosed with lung cancer includes those who used to smoke but no longer do so. Also, between 15 and 20 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked. The American Cancer Society expects 213,380 new lung cancer cases in 2007. Consequently, between 32,000 and 42,676 Americans who never smoked will face lung cancer this year. Christopher Reeve’s widow, Dana, is one familiar face among the tens of thousands of others. Dana—who never smoked—died less than a year after her diagnosis. Current smokers comprise between 35 and 40 percent of newly diagnosed lung cancer cases. (For more information, see http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/.)

4) False. Tobacco companies make 6 percent profit on a pack of smokes while big government collects more than 50 percent of the profit. In the state of North Carolina, the United States Government Accountability Office reported that the state allocated more than 40 percent ($60 million) of its share of the tobacco settlement to the general operating fund. North Carolina also spent 18 percent (about $27 million) on economic development, less than 10 percent was spent on youth tobacco use prevention and cessation and enforcement of tobacco laws. The state reported that it spent approximately 36 percent on health, but little, if any, was designated to health care issues related to smoking. Instead the state allocated the tobacco funds toward senior care prescription drug program, childhood obesity reduction and health disparities. There was no mention in the GAO’s report about allocations for North Carolina citizens suffering with health issues related to smoking. In FY 2008, North Carolina will collect $426 million in tobacco generated revenue (settlement plus taxes). To see how the state squanders tobacco money, see www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/state.php?StateID=NC.

5) True. According to the National Cancer Institute, Every year, approximately 213,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 160,000 will die. Approximately 214,640 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and 41,000 will die of the disease. So although slightly more people are diagnosed with breast cancer than lung cancer, four times as many people will die from lung cancer. Lung cancer not only surpasses breast cancer, it snuffs out more lives than breast, colon, prostate, liver and kidney cancers combined. During the past 50 years, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer improved from 60 to 90 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute. Colon cancer’s survival rate increased from 37 to 67 percent, and prostate cancer’s survival rate dramatically improved from 43 to 99 percent. Meanwhile, the past 50 years have shown lackluster improvement in lung cancer survival rates, currently hovering around 15 percent, up from 6 percent. For more information, see http://www.cancer.gov/.

HOW DID YOU SCORE?
5 points. Excellent! You are amazingly bright and well informed. You earn an A+ and are hereby dubbed an honorary Lung Cancer Awareness Ambassador. Share your knowledge with others.

4 points. Very good! You earn a B+. Earn one point extra credit by sharing this quiz with others.

3 points. Good. Earn an point extra credit by sharing this quiz with others.

2 points. Room for improvement. But look at the bright side; you are now significantly more aware than you were before taking the quiz. Good for you! Retake it to pull up your grade.

1 point. Don’t be discouraged. This quiz was written to increase your knowledge about lung cancer. If you already knew it all, what would be the point? You, too, can earn an extra point by sharing this quiz with others. Retake the quiz. Your high score will count.

***

About the author: Dusty Donaldson was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005, more than 25 years after she quit smoking. Her cancer was detected early, due to a CT scan. She lives in High Point, NC with her husband. To contact her, send an email to dustydonaldson@aol.com.

Step aside breast cancer. This is my month.

2007-11-13T11:43:00.001-05:00

I have been patient. Here we are in mid-November and I can’t take a flight, go shopping or use a public restroom without seeing pink ribbons and hearing about breasts.

When they served pink lemonade on my recent flight to raise money/awareness for breast cancer, I said nothing. When the ship I was on conducted a pink ribbon walk, again, I was silent, even though that event was in my month—November. My husband was apologetic that the atlas he purchased was covered in a huge pink ribbon to raise money/awareness for breast cancer. On the back of the stall in public restrooms, there are ribbons and the sisterhood message. Soup cans are promoting the breast cancer cause. You name it.

Nearly every corporation in America—and beyond—is on the breast cancer bandwagon.

But if they truly cared about women’s health, they’d focus on the real killer—lung cancer.

The amount of attention and money raised for breast cancer has become obscene. Meanwhile, the silent, invisible killer has nearly everyone fooled. Women—and men—are dropping like flies from lung cancer. This year, for every person who dies of breast cancer, four will die of lung cancer. (40,910 vs. 164,840 Source: American Cancer Society )

I just called my local cancer center to ask what—if anything—they were doing to recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The kind lady explained that they were still in the process of finishing up their breast cancer awareness packages and as far as she knew, there were no plans to do anything for lung cancer.

I have breasts. I had a lumpectomy a few years ago. It wasn’t cancer. But if I had to have one type of cancer, breast cancer is a much better one to have than lung cancer. Breast cancer’s 88 percent survival rate certainly beats lung cancer’s 15 percent.

For those who think smugly to themselves that whoever gets lung cancer deserves it: you are dead wrong.

Up to 20 percent of the people diagnosed with lung cancer never ever smoked. Moreover, more than 50 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are former smokers, many who quit decades ago. Lung cancer in those who never smoked is the number six cause of all cancer deaths. You’re probably aware of Dana Reeve—who never smoked. She died of lung cancer a few months after being diagnosed. There was also a local coach who passed away recently from lung cancer—again, he never smoked.

But let’s consider that blame factor.

Studies have shown that by breast feeding women reduce their chances of developing breast cancer. Would you say a woman who did not breast feed deserves breast cancer? God forbid. Would you point a finger at someone with colon cancer because they did not consume enough fiber? Of course not. What about people with diabetes, heart disease or AIDS? Do we judge or condemn them to death for having not taken the proper precautions to prevent these diseases? Let’s hope not.

Then let’s stop assuming that those with lung cancer deserve it. Nobody deserves lung cancer. It’s time to stop treating lung cancer patients as second class citizens. It’s time to direct funds and attention on this stealth killer. It’s time for the states to cough up the tobacco settlement money and use it to screen its citizens for early detection of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz

2007-11-09T20:23:00.000-05:00

The following article was published in the November 2007 issue of Natural Triad.

Test Your Knowledge
Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz

In observance of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, take this quick True or False Quiz to test your knowledge about lung cancer. Quick answers are below.

1) Lung cancer is the second deadliest cancer, next to breast cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

2) The majority of people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

3) Screening, such as mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopy for colon cancer, is not available for those at risk for lung cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

4) More research money is spent on lung cancer than on any other cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

5) Tobacco Settlement funds have significantly improved health care for those affected with diseases associated with smoking, such as lung cancer.

_____ TRUE _____ FALSE

ANSWER KEY
for
Lung Cancer Awareness Quiz

FATAL FACTS

1) Lung cancer not only surpasses breast cancer, it snuffs out more lives than breast, colon, prostate, liver and kidney cancers combined. During the past 50 years, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer climbed from 60 to 90 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute. Colon cancer’s survival rate increased from 37 to 67 percent, and prostate cancer’s survival rate dramatically improved from 43 to 99 percent. Meanwhile, the past 50 years have shown lackluster improvement in lung cancer survival rates, currently hovering around 15 percent, up from 6 percent. So, lung cancer is the number one cancer killer, and the correct answer to statement number one is False. If you got it right, give yourself a pat on the back. (For more information, see http://www.cancer.gov/.)

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

2) Approximately 60 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer are not smokers. After decades of successful antismoking campaigns, there are fewer smokers in the country today than nonsmokers. So the significant component of those newly diagnosed with lung cancer includes those who used to smoke but no longer do so. Also, amazingly, between 15 and 20 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked. The American Cancer Society expects 213,380 new lung cancer cases in 2007. Consequently, 42,676 Americans who never smoked will face lung cancer this year. Christopher Reeve’s widow, Dana, is one familiar face among the tens of thousands of others. Dana—who never smoked—died less than a year after her diagnosis. Current smokers comprise between 35 and 40 percent of newly diagnosed lung cancer cases. So the correct answer to statement number two is False. If you got that one correct, you’re really good. (For more information, see http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/.)

SMOKE SCREEN

3) It’s no secret: Cancer screening improves the chances of early detection, and early detection saves lives. Public awareness of the need for cancer screening has risen significantly in recent years. Colonoscopies, mammograms, PAP smears and PSA tests have all become routine screening procedures. But screening for the deadliest cancer has not been proposed—until now. A pivotal lung cancer screening project promises dramatic advancement in detecting lung cancer at an early stage. Evidence indicates that screening for those at risk—including those 40 years of age or older with a history of smoking, occupational exposure or exposure to secondhand smoke—may benefit from annual CT screening for lung cancer. The International Early Lung Cancer Action Project, or I-ELCAP, cites a worldwide collaborative project that concludes, “…annual spiral CT screening can detect lung cancer that is curable” (See cover story New England Journal of Medicine Oct. 26, 2006). Study participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who received treatment had an amazing 10-year survival rate of 92 percent. Remember: the current five-year lung cancer survival rate is barely 15 percent. What would you do with an extra five years of life? The project, I-ELCAP, is critical to the health of the hundreds of thousands who will be diagnosed in the next few years. It represents the hope for skyrocketing survival rates and improved quality of life for lung cancer victims. It’s pivotal for those who would otherwise have been handed a death sentence. The correct answer to statement number three is False. If you got that one right, you’re at the top of the class. More importantly, if you are at risk, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening. (For more information, visit http://www.ielcap.org/.)

FOLLOW THE $$$$

4) In 2005, the most current year for which data are available, the National Cancer Institute (funded by tax dollars) spent 212 percent more on breast cancer research than on lung cancer research—$261.9 million for lung cancer compared to $551.1 million for breast cancer. Remember, breast cancer’s death rate is 12 percent; lung cancer’s death rate is 85 percent. In fact, even prostate cancer—with a 1 percent death rate—receives 17 percent more research funding than lung cancer. To the NCI’s credit, demonstrating its commitment to breast and prostate cancer research inevitably resulted in bringing those death rates down significantly. Now is the time for the NCI to make lung cancer research a priority. The correct answer to statement four is False. (See http://www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org/.)

UP IN SMOKE

5) According to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, tobacco companies will pay a total of $246 billion to the states. Since 1998, the state of North Carolina has received approximately $1.1 billion from tobacco companies. Additionally, each year the state collects $285 million in taxes on tobacco products. Connecticut has received $862 million from tobacco companies, in addition to $320.4 million collected annually from tobacco taxes. States promised that this money would go towards healthcare for their citizens. Instead, most states have squandered billions; it has been used for horse breeding, golf courses, new prisons and state budget deficit reduction. It’s time for the states to pony up a fair portion of their profits from tobacco toward health care issues associated with it—specifically CT screening to detect early lung cancer. As with the others, the correct answer to statement five is False. (For more information about how states spend tobacco money and how you can make a difference, visit www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements.)

ARE YOU GAY?

The question above is inappropriate, but it illustrates the point. Someone diagnosed with lung cancer should not have to answer the accusatory question: Do you smoke? Most would not be so insensitive as to ask someone with HIV if they use illegal drugs, or practice unsafe sex. Like others facing grave health problems associated with risky behaviors (think diabetes and heart disease), lung cancer victims need compassion and understanding—not judgment. Just remember: Nobody deserves lung cancer.

YOUR SCORE

If you got all questions correct, bravo! You not only earn an A+, but due to your wealth of knowledge about lung cancer you are hereby designated an honorary Lung Cancer Awareness Ambassador. If you got between three or four answers correct, very good! You earn a B+ for four correct answers and a B for three correct answers. You can earn extra credit by sharing your knowledge with others. If you got only one or two correct—or even missed them all—don’t be discouraged. You are now significantly more aware than you were before taking the quiz. Good for you! Retake the quiz, if you like.

About the Author

I would have failed the quiz if I had taken it two years ago—before I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I am one of the few fortunate ones. My cancer was detected early. I smoked cigarettes as a young woman and quit at the age of 24. I was diagnosed with lung cancer 27 years later. I have been given a new lease on life; but not without conditions. I have a moral responsibility to speak out about the injustices and ignorance surrounding lung cancer, and hopefully bring about change for those who will be diagnosed after me. We learned decades ago that smoking may cause cancer. It’s time to move beyond that simple statement and offer screening options to those at risk, compassion to those diagnosed with lung cancer and solutions through research funding.

Get Involved: Resources

2007-09-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Do something.

Here are a few resources you may find useful:

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer and those at risk for the disease.
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/

Lung Cancer Screening:
http://www.ielcap.org/

Another site supported by Lung Cancer Alliance. This one provides information on screening for lung cancer:
http://www.screenforlungcancer.org/

National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/

Lung Cancer Support Community
http://lchelp.org/
Lung Cancer Support Community (LCSC) was created by Rick and Katie Brown. Its mission is to provide the best lung cancer center on the web to foster hope and give support to those affected by lung cancer. On their message boards you can meet people who are defying the odds, learn about treatments, successes and disappointments. Create your own web pages to blog your cancer journey and keep your family members and friends up to date. You can be a buddy or get assigned a phone buddy for one-on-one support. Join a card circle to offer or receive encouragement. Most importantly, find the support you deserve by connecting with people who truly understand.

LUNGevity
http://lungevity.org/
This organtization also supports Lung Cancer Support Group. LUNGevity is dedicated to funding lung cancer research and proving support to the lung cancer community.

Lungcanceronline.org is a comprehensive, annotated directory to Internet information and resources for patients and families. Lungcanceronline.org is cited as a leading website for lung cancer in medical journals, cancer support publications and the media.
http://lungcanceronline.org/

ACOR offers access to 159 mailing lists that provide support, information, and community to everyone affected by cancer and related disorders.
http://www.acor.org/support.html

OncTalk is an expert-mediated site featuring cancer-specific information, ranging from current best practices to emerging therapies to controversial areas of oncology practice. Importantly, registered users can add questions, comments, objections, and raise additional questions to suggest the topics that would be most helpful for you. If you don’t see what you need, just ask for it!
http://www.onctalk.com/

North Carolinians Against Lung Cancer
Find out more about the lung cancer survivors group, a network of advocates that is comprised of lung cancer survivors, relatives and friends.
http://www.lungnc.org/advocacy/canceradvoc.php

They also have the Lung Cancer Awareness License Plates, http://www.lungnc.org/advocacy/licenseplate.php

North Carolina Lung Action Network
The Lung Action Network is a statewide volunteer network that allows advocates to quickly and easily contact their legislators and other policy makers to advocate for better lung health in North Carolina.
http://lungaction.org/alanc/home.html

Triad Lung Cancer Awareness Walk
This is the first ever Lung Cancer Awareness Walk in the Triad. The event will take place Saturday morning, November 10 at Miller Park Recreation Center in Winston-Salem (off Knollwood near Moore Elementary School). Registration begins at 8:30 and the walk starts at 9:30. Contact Mary Hughes, Wellness Coordinator for Forsyth Regional Cancer Center, at 336.718.8478, for details.

The Lung Cancer Awareness Walk in Raleigh Free to Breathe Raleigh 5K Race and 1K Walk Raleigh NC Kenda Schwarz
608-233-7905 608-233-7893 http://www.freetobreathe.org/ kenda@nationallungcancerpartnership.org

A group of survivors, calling themselves "North Carolinians Against Lung Cancer," is organizing a Free to Breathe event in Raleigh. The event will consist of a 5K race, 1K walk, and community rally. By participating in this event, you will raise public awareness of lung cancer and fund research for more effective treatments, thus reducing death and suffering from the disease. For more information and registration, please visit the website:
http://www.freetobreathe.org/.

For more information about how states spend tobacco money: www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements.

Send additional resources for posting to dustydonaldson@aol.com

BIZlife Magazine article

2007-09-17T21:18:00.000-04:00

The following is a column I wrote for the August 2007 issue of BIZlife magazine. There's also a link below to additional resources.

to your health

by Dusty Donaldson

Do you know the No. 1 cancer killer?

Today is the day I’ve been waiting for. I will get the pathology report that will tell me if my cancer has returned.

What about lung cancer
There’s a great cancer-screening controversy raging in the medical industry. This debate will affect you, if not directly then indirectly through your loved ones. You should be part of the policy and decision-making process.

This cancer kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.

Lung cancer will kill 85 percent of the people diagnosed within five years of their diagnosis.

You quit smoking decades ago and probably think you’re not at risk, right? That’s what I thought. I smoked cigarettes as a young woman and quit 28 years ago at age 24. Two years ago, at age 51, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Approximately half of new lung cancer cases are diagnosed in former smokers.

Never smoked? Wonderful. Your chances for developing lung cancer are greatly diminished — but not eliminated.

Sadly, up to 20 percent of new lung cancer diagnoses are in never smokers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 213,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year—that’s more than 40,000 Americans who never smoked diagnosed with lung cancer. Another 100,000 former smokers will be diagnosed.

These are frightening facts. But I want to instill awareness — not fear. For the uninitiated, here’s an introduction to cancer statistics. Breast cancer’s five-year survival rate is 88 percent and prostate cancer’s is 99 percent. These encouraging statistics resulted from savvy awareness campaigns, increased research funding and model screening protocols.

Lung cancer will snuff out more than 160,000 Americans this year — more deaths than from breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney cancers and melanoma combined. AIDS killed about 17,000 Americans in 2005. In the U.S., lung cancer is nearly 10 times a killer as AIDS.

What about research
I wonder why lung cancer remains the No. 1 cancer killer. Because of its stigma? Because research funds have been withheld? Because the extra-ordinarily high death rate has left few survivors to serve as advocates and spokespeople? Because society believes those with lung cancer brought it upon themselves?

Increased awareness has taught us not to condemn victims of other diseases associated with risky behavior, such as AIDS and diabetes. Nobody deserves lung cancer – no, not even smokers.

We can learn a simple lesson from other cancer advocates: Early detection saves lives. Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage. Only 5 percent of those victims are alive five years from diagnosis, yet those diagnosed with early stage lung cancer have significantly better odds.

The deadliest cancer holds that ignoble title because there has been no screening – no annual X-ray, no annual CT scan. Amazingly, nothing was even recommended — until now.

What about screening
I recently attended the Controversies in Lung Cancer conference in Chicago. There was a lively panel discussion titled “CT Screening for Lung Cancer: What More Do We Need to Know?” Some say they need to know much more before they would support routine CT screenings for lung cancer. Screening opponents use the same predictable arguments used against breast and colon cancer screening: Costs, risks, emotional turmoil.

This is a relatively new and hotly debated issue because of a ground-breaking medical study published recently providing scientific evidence that CT screening detects early-stage lung cancer. (See cover story New England Journal of Medicine Oct. 26, 2006.) The article cites a major, worldwide collaborative project that concluded, “…annual spiral CT screening can detect lung cancer that is curable.” The research included results from 12-years of CT screenings of 31,567 asymptomatic persons at risk for lung cancer. The overall five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 15 percent. Yet study participants diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who received treatment had a 10-year survival rate of 92 percent.

In North Carolina, 5,710 people were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004 and the disease killed 5,270 residents, according to the American Cancer Society. Unlike other cancers, there has been virtually no improvement in lung cancer survival over the years.

Once in a blue moon a lung cancer victim survives five years. Blue moons come about every two years; most with lung cancer die within 18 months. Sure, there are exceptions, but they are included in the statistics.

I congratulate the example prostate and breast cancer advocates have set. Have your recommended mammogram, PAP smear, PSA test or colonoscopy. Not long ago, many in the medical community considered these techniques controversial. If you are at risk, get screened, and don’t wait for the government to pay for it. It may cost a few hundred dollars, but it may save your life.

Lung cancer kills four times as many people as breast cancer, six times as many as prostate cancer. Yet last year the National Cancer Institute spent more than twice as much on breast cancer research than on lung cancer research—$557.3 million versus $264.8 million, respectively—and $44 million more for prostate cancer research than for lung cancer research. Remember: 99 percent survive prostate cancer, while 15 percent survive lung cancer.

Demand change now
Since my diagnosis, I have become an advocate for lung cancer screening. This
issue is my destiny. It doesn’t change my treatment options or increase my odds.

But it definitely could improve yours.

You can become an advocate as well. Contact your state representative and request state-funded CT screenings for at-risk citizens or simply ask your doctor to schedule a CT scan during your next annual physical.

For more information,visit http://dustydonaldson.blogspot.com/2007/06/resources.html or http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/.

Minneosta

2007-09-10T22:15:00.000-04:00

I met with the doctors at the Mayo Clinic. This clinic is extremely efficient and the people in this part of the country are down to earth and friendly. Tony and I love this community. The weather has been incredible. Today it started out raining but then the sun came out. The humidity was low, sun warm and the air crisp.

The surgeon did not advise the open biopsy (mediastinoscopy). He explained that the area in question is inaccessible by that procedure. I was slightly disappointed because 1) I had hoped to have a definitive diagnosis and this seemed to be the best way to do that; 2) I had also been hopeful that if there were a problem in my left lung, as they said at last year at Memorial Sloan Kettering, they would be able to determine that during the procedure; and 3) We came all this way for what exactly?

But as I considered the other facts, I realized I actually dodged the bullet (or the knife, really). It may be that we can get a definitive diagnosis by the bronchoscopy, which is much less invasive than surgery, of course. Since the surgeon could not access the questionable area, his only other option would have been open surgery similar to the surgery I had two years ago. Even if he wanted to do it, which he didn’t, I would never have agreed to it.

I had two bronchoscopies about three or four months ago. Those results were inconclusive. The pulmonologist who performed those bronchs consulted with the surgeon who did my bilobectomy. That surgeon advised the pulmonologist that it would be too risky to attempt to stick a needle through my “stump” to try to get a sample of the tissue that is causing concern. So the pulmonologist did the best he could without actually reaching the targeted area.

Now, however, here at the Mayo Clinic, the bronchoscopy will target that area. It’s much less risky than a mediastinoscopy and certainly less risky than open surgery.

The doctor also said that if I have a recurrence, eventually it will make itself known. He said it wouldn’t make any difference if I start treatment now or six or eight months from now.

So here’s my schedule: I will have a PET/CT scan on Wednesday. They tried to schedule it for tomorrow, but they were booked solid. Then, I will have the bronchoscopy on Thursday. I’ll see the doctor Friday afternoon to get the results. Tony and I will leave Minnesota Saturday morning.

So we’re in good hands and enjoying ourselves. Plus, I will not be set back too much by this procedure. I hope they are able to give us a definitive diagnosis, though. If it’s not cancer, I hope they can determine what’s going on. Otherwise, it’s more wait and see…

Road Trip

2007-09-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

My doctors at Baptist scheduled an appointment for Monday morning at the Mayo Clinic. So Tony and I are heading to Rochester, Minnesota tomorrow morning.

It’s 1,125 miles each way. But I think it will be a fun road trip. We’re going to break up the trip and spend Saturday night near Chicago. We should arrive in Minnesota early Sunday afternoon. We don’t know how long we’ll need to be there but the clinic routinely advises new patients that it could be anywhere from 1-4 days. That’s the reason we need to drive, since we couldn’t very well schedule return flights.

For now we have more questions than answers, but I suspect they will want to do the mediastinoscopy. (see post below for more gross details.) I’ll post a blog following my appointment at the Mayo Clinic.

Take care,
Dusty

Mayo Clinic

2007-08-29T21:43:00.001-04:00

My “bow-tie oncologist” called me this afternoon. (I really like this guy.) He wanted to relate to me discussions he’d had with others concerning my case. He and my regular oncologist spoke with others, specifically, they spoke with thoracic surgery professionals.

Well, the doctor said that, other than he and my regular oncologist, “there was not a lot of enthusiasm” for operating on me. However, my oncologist and Dr. Bow Tie both disagree with that and feel strongly that I should seek medical treatment outside of the university hospital.

So he is going to set up an appointment for me at Mayo Clinic where he studied. The doctor said that oftentimes his patients will ask him what he would do if he were the one facing the medical decision. He said many times, he is uncertain of which course he would choose. “But in a situation like this, there is no doubt in my mind what I would do,” he said. He would have the surgery and there’s nobody he trusts more to do it than Dr. Mark Allen who heads up the thoracic surgery department at the Mayo Clinic.

The Mayo Clinic we’re going to is located in Rochester, Minnesota. I suspect they’ll try to get me in within the next several weeks, but we’ll see. We’re not sure what this will involve, but I suspect they may need to do a mediastinoscopy. The procedure is fairly routine and safe. Here is a link to a site that describes it in general terms: http://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/mediastinoscopy.htm Also, here’s a link to a PowerPoint presentation that includes (gross) images of the procedure. Warning: It is not for the faint of heart. http://www.downstatesurgery.org/files/cases/Mediastinoscopy.pdf

I’d mentioned previously that if I were to have an open biopsy, I would probably go to a different facility. I didn't even have to state my wishes to do so. :-) Now, Tony and I are thinking about traveling to Minnesota. I hope the appointment comes after our upcoming cruise, but if not, we’ve decided to postpone our cruise. Our cruise is scheduled for September 16-23 and we planned to spend a few days with Tony’s family in Tampa prior to departing for the cruise. We’ll see.

So that’s the news for now. I'll post as anything develops.

Conundrum

2007-08-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

I met with a new oncologist yesterday. His specialty is radiation treatment for cancer patients. When I saw my regular oncologist last week, he set up the appointment.

Tony and I waited more than two hours in the examining room before we saw the doctor. We decided we would not go back to this guy.

Then he walked in with his slick, shiny head and colorful bow tie. He smiled broadly, gave me a firm handshake, looked me straight in the eyes and said, “You’re a conundrum.”

He said he was not convinced that I had a recurrence and he began to explain why. He pulled my records and images up on the computer screen in the examining room. He showed me the PET and the CT scans from last week compared to the ones from May. The PET standardized uptake value was slightly less last week than it had been in May. He suggested if it were a recurrence, there should have been a higher SUV. Another factor is that the first PET scan I had prior to my surgery did not pick up the 5 cm tumor at all. This is more typical of the type of cancer I have, which is very slow growing and nonresponsive to the activity usually detected during PET scans. Also, there was virtually no change in the CT scan since last May. Again, his theory was that there should have been some growth if this were cancer.

At first, I told him all he was doing was adding to my confusion. But then he offered some options and advice that I appreciated very much.

Option one, of course, is radiation. But he said he would be reluctant to rush into radiation therapy. I agreed. He said sometimes, especially when targeting lymph nodes, radiation can do more harm than good. This acknowledgement was particularly refreshing, coming from a guy whose livelihood is radiating people.

Option two is to get another bronchoscopy. But, he said, I’ve already had two with inconclusive results. The doctor who did those is one of the best. If he can’t get conclusive evidence of a recurrence, it’s doubtful anyone could via bronchoscopy. Again, I agreed.

The third option is to watch and wait. That’s pretty much what I’ve been doing for the past two years now. I said I don’t mind waiting. (Sometimes, I really do mind waiting, but now I’m much more at peace with doing so.) He said I need to take care not to be cavalier about waiting. Few people have the opportunity to treat lung cancer with the possibility of a cure. I am one of those fortunate ones. If there is a recurrence, I could have a small window of opportunity to get rid of this cancer. In essence, I may get a second chance for a cure, which is quite rare indeed.

The fourth and final choice is what he said he would choose if he were me. Even though he's not convinced there is a recurrence, whenever a PET scan lights up in an area where cancer had previously been, we need to take it seriously. His advice was to have an open biopsy to see what the heck is going on in my lung. He didn’t have all the answers as far as what that would involve, but by having a surgeon actually go in and have a look and take a good biopsy we should be able to definitively determine if there actually is a recurrence and, if so, to what extent the cancer is back. These factors will determine my best treatment options.

It sounded good to me. I am going to give it some prayerful consideration.

Tony said it was worth the wait to see this doctor. I agreed. (smile)

Radiation therapy?

2007-08-15T14:24:00.000-04:00

I’ve been holding off posting a blog until I had more answers…but that may not happen for a while, so here’s what I know to date.
I had another PET/CT scan last week. It showed no significant change. On one hand, that sounds good. But I think my oncologist had been hopeful that the previous PET/CT scan, taken three months ago, showed positive uptake due to temporary inflammation. But the SUV (standardized uptake value) was high as it was last time giving credence to the notion that there is a recurrence.
Finally, someone other than me has said it. :-)
The doctor who read the PET scan said in his report that there was “concern for a recurrence.” There was similar terminology in the previous PET scan report.
The one who read the CT scan, went a step further in stating that there was “likely a recurrence.”
My oncologist is finally leaning toward that conclusion, as well. He made arrangements for me to see a radiologist, which I will do Friday, Aug. 17, 2007.
I don’t know too much about radiation, but I don’t have much faith in it. I will try to keep an open mind, though. I’ve been trying to find out more about it prior to my appointment but so far, I haven’t learned much.
Back to the PET scan…the uptake was in the hilar lymph node area and near the “stump” where they removed my upper right lobe. The fact that there wasn’t much change is encouraging in that this is a slow growing cancer. So hopefully, I will have plenty of time to continue enjoying my wonderful life…especially now that I have a temporary reprieve from the Grill-Ogre. :-)
More great news is that I feel wonderful. I had a cookout a couple of weeks ago; we called it a celebration of life. Several friends and neighbors joined us at our home for chicken, dogs and burgers. Here’s a link to some photos from the celebration:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Dustywater/SummerCookout2007
I have been very busy since taking time off from work. I plan to meet with some folks with the Georgia chapter of Lung Cancer Alliance to have them mentor me on lung cancer advocacy matters. I’ll try to get another post up soon after meeting with the radiologist. Until then…

Time out

2007-06-15T20:16:00.000-04:00

I met with my oncologist this morning, June 15, 2007, to discuss the two bronchoscopies and recent pathology reports.

After a long conversation, we decided it would be best for me to take some time off from work. After talking with the thoracic surgeon who did my bilobectomy, my pulmonologist said it would be too risky to puncture my “stump” to access the lymph node that lit up on the PET/CT scan a few weeks ago.

For now, we will keep a close eye on it and hope it doesn’t change too much. My next PET/CT scan is scheduled for August 6. Once we get results from that we’ll decide what to do next. If all looks about the same, we will remain in a “watch and wait” mode and continue to monitor the situation. If there is any growth in the lymph node that we’re watching, we will then discuss radiation treatment. But for now, we are trying to keep my stress level to a minimum.

I plan to be out of the office for six months. By then, we will know much better how to proceed and I trust I will be rejuvenated enough to return to work and be productive.

That’s about it for now. I will be writing a blog soon about the conference I attended in Chicago.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I expect to be home most days. 336.885.5577 or my cell at 336.302.7714. Or email at my private email address dustydonaldson@aol.com.

More later.
Dusty

Bronched again

2007-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I think my pulmonologist has a crush on me. No, really. He must. I think he likes to bronch me. He bronched me just last week and he's bronching me yet again. :-)

So I had my second bronchoscopy in as many weeks on Thursday (June 7, 2007). This time the pulmonologist gave me an extra dose of drugs to keep me quiet. Did I mention that when he did it last week I tried to tell him how to do his job? Well, I did. I actually spoke during the procedure. I was semi-conscious and heard him talking about pulling out of my left lung. I had been very interested in getting a good sample from my left lung, so when I heard this I tried to tell him that I was fine, go ahead and finish what he needs to do in the left lung.

You know how it feels when you’re dreaming sometimes and you try to speak (or scream if a bad person is trying to get you!)? Well, that’s how it felt at first. Then the doctor said something like, “No, Ms. Donaldson, you are not able to speak.” But all of a sudden I did speak. I said, “Just take your time.” The doctor said “Well, that was a first.” I don’t know if it was a first that I spoke during the procedure or that I told him to stay in there and take his time. :-) I thought it was funny, but somehow, the doctor didn’t seem to share my sense of humor. He told me he would ensure it didn’t happen this time.

It didn’t. I was out of it completely this time. Afterward, I went home and slept for an hour and a half. I ate some lunch then went back to bed at 3 in the afternoon. I didn’t wake up until 6:45 this morning!

Anyway, the procedure went just fine. I now will wait for the results. Hopefully, they won’t take as long this time. The doctor told me they probably lost them previously, “but they won’t admit it.” :-) Also, the doctor who will get the results, the pulmonologist who did the procedure, will be on vacation all next week. But my oncologist will have access to the results. But there may be a delay getting them.

The results are in...May I have the envelope, please?

2007-06-05T15:53:00.000-04:00

I just spoke to the doctor about the pathology report from last week’s bronchoscopy. The good news is that the sample from my left lung, which I was particularly concerned about, came back negative. Also, most of the tests for my right lung came back negative; but one came back as “suspicious.”

They took three different types of samples: a regular biopsy, what they call a “brushing,” which is kind of scraping the surface with a brush thingie and finally, a “washing.” The biopsy and the brushing showed up negative. It was the right lung washing that showed “suspicious” cells. I suspect they did not have a good enough concentration of any harmful matter (cancer cells) to make a definitive diagnosis. But I don’t know.

Yesterday morning I called the pulmonologist because I was having pain in my right lung and it increased sharply if I took a deep breath. I thought perhaps it was an infection from having the bronchoscopy several days earlier. I had the symptoms all weekend, but didn’t want to call about it because it didn’t seem like an emergency. But when the doctor called me back about 1 or so yesterday afternoon, he told me to immediately go to the emergency room. “This cannot wait until tomorrow,” he said. Worse case scenario was that I had developed a blood clot during my flight to/from Chicago. So I spent 5 hours in the ER yesterday while they did various tests. They did another CT scan and said although it ruled out a blood clot, the CT scan showed significant soft tissue changes that appeared to be a recurrence of the cancer. Tony and I thought they were crazy. They said they were going to admit me, but after speaking with an oncologist, the ER doctor advised me to call my oncologist in the morning. She said, “This may be a red herring” since the type of cancer I have doesn’t usually show a dramatic change in just three weeks.

About the new soft tissue yesterday’s scan showed, today my pulmonologist told me that it was directly behind my trachea. I had previously reported difficulty swallowing (a few months ago). They had me go through a series of scans but nothing showed up then.

But in the CT scan they did yesterday, they spotted new growth there. The pulmonologist said if it were only suspicious cells or only the new growth, he wouldn’t be so concerned. But the combination makes him want to bronch me again. So I will go see the pulmonologist tomorrow and then have another bronchoscopy done either Thursday or Friday.

That’s about it. I’ll keep you posted.

PET scan results

2007-05-21T17:01:00.001-04:00

PHOTO: This is a lovely little spot I discovered on a dead-end street. Sometimes I'll sit in my car and eat my lunch here. by dusty

I had my regular three-month checkup last week. Only this one was different in that I also had a PET scan. For those unfamiliar with a PET scan, here’s how it works. While you are fasting, a technician injects you with a radioactive glucose dye. Since cancer cells feed on sugar, the radioactive uptake or “feeding” of the cancer is detected by the scan. It shows up as a concentration of radioactive activity.

Ideally, any cancer cells show up on PET scans. However, as I discovered when I was first diagnosed, it doesn’t always work. The type of lung cancer that I have, bronchioloalveolar (or BAC), in particular, is often missed in PET scans. The reason for that is BAC is often dubbed “indolent” or slow growing. Great that it’s slow growing. Not so great that the test doesn’t always pick up cancer activity. So in September 2005, when I had a 5 centimeter tumor in my right lung, my PET scan was negative for cancer.

But this time I had my scan at a different facility (the first time I had it a trailer set up in the parking lot). Last time, I had the scan done very early in the morning, after fasting after midnight. This time, I was instructed to go on a low-carb diet two days prior to my scan, which of course I did. Then I fasted from midnight until my scan at 8:30 the following morning. Also, it was not done in a trailer. (I don’t know if that really makes a difference or not, but I felt like the PET scan wasn’t such a novelty at this facility as it had been at the previous facility.)

At any rate, for whatever reason, this time it seemed to work—or rather there was an uptake in the radioactive dye. Here is a link to an article written by a doctor who belongs to my listserv and who has special expertise with BAC: http://onctalk.com/2007/01/09/pet-scanning-intro/

Here’s a summary from Dr. West which explains how they measure the SUV (standardized uptake value) of PET scans.

“SUV numbers in the range of 0-2 are particularly vague, 2-4 are often ambiguous for inflammation or cancer, and as you go up from there, the likelihood that this uptake represents cancer is increased. There are some studies that show that outcomes are better with lower SUV tumors, and most of this literature is in the surgery literature (less likelihood of recurrence in patients with low SUV tumors). Although it's not of proven value in managing cancer while on treatment (it's really much better established in initial staging), I do often consider it a very good hint in someone with a low SUV tumor that the prognosis will be unusually favorable, no matter what treatment is chosen. So an SUV of less than 4 or 5 says that the natural history is highly likely to be indolent.”

My report stated that I have a “1 cm right suprahilar node near the right upper lobe stump has been present on exams dating back to 5/23/2006, but has an SUV of 5.4. A small right hilar lymph node measures approximately 4 mm short axis and has SUV of 3.2.”

So following my PET scan, I met with my oncologist. That was on Thursday, May 17, 2007. He suggested we try a bronchoscopy to determine if the area in question from the PET scan is in fact cancer or not. He set up an appointment for a consult with a pulmonologist at Wake Forest. (The pulmonologist who originally did the bronchoscopy that first determined I had cancer no longer practices.)

So I have an appointment Thursday to meet with a pulmonologist for a consult. I hope we will do the bronchoscopy soon afterwards. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, I am enjoying this spring more than I ever recall enjoying spring.

Spring is everywhere!

2007-05-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

Well, a lot has been happening or nothing has been happening…depending on how you look at it.

For the here and now, I am on a low-carb diet today and tomorrow (May 8-9, 2007) in preparation for a PET/CT scan. I am hopeful that if there is cancer in my lungs, it will be picked up by the PET this time. I’ve only had one PET scan before and that was the week after being diagnosed. I had the scan in High Point before being seen at Wake Forest’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. I did not go on a low-carb diet prior to that scan. And that scan was pretty much useless because even though I had a 5-cenimeter tumor in my right lung, it did not show up at all in the PET.

So, back to the here and now. Aside from cancer issues, spring is here and I don’t remember enjoying it as much as I have this year. Even when it’s chilly outside, I love the sunshine or the warmth or the flowers or the birds…or whatever it is that is telling me every day that spring is here, for sure. My garden is nearly planted. I’ve had to plant cukes, zukes and squash twice already and may need to plant yet again. Rascally rabbits.

And my son-in-law built an arbor on the side of my house. I love it! I planted all of my herbs in pots this year and placed them around the arbor…actually, it’s a pergola, which is a big arbor. The pergola is right outside my kitchen door so that will be convenient when I’m cooking and need to pick some herbs.

I haven’t seen a hummingbird yet this year, but I hope to soon. I placed feeders out a week or so ago. Ants didn’t waste any time drowning themselves in the feeders. I already need to clean them out.

Did I mention that I will be attending a conference in Chicago at the end of this month? I was very fortunate and received a travel grant to go there as an advocate. Tony is going with me. I’ll post a blog update following the conference.

Well, back to the cancer stuff. I have been lackadaisical about posting because I am in a "watch and wait" mode, which I hate. As you may recall, my doctors at Wake Forest did not agree with the doctors at Sloan Kettering who said they thought I had cancer in my left lung. So I decided rather than worry about it, I will just give it time. If it’s there, it will eventually show up. We’ll just wait and see.

Tony and I are going on another cruise in September. Plus, I am going to spend this Memorial Day in Fancy Gap, VA., at a lodge owned by Wake Forest. Hopefully, all of my children will be there. That should be fun.

I have been quite busy handling dad’s estate. Dad died January 26, 2007. I am honored to have been named his executor. (Actually, in Tennessee, they call it an “executrix” when a female is named. Yuk.) At any rate, that has been taking up a lot of my time but I enjoy it for the most part.

More later.

I'm on a mission against lung cancer

2006-11-13T11:09:00.000-05:00

The following is an Op Ed piece that I wrote to recognize Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It was published in the 11.12.2006 issue of the (Greensboro) News & Record.

I'm on a mission against lung cancer
By Dusty Donaldson

Last year, at the age of 51, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I smoked cigarettes as a young woman but quit nearly 30 years ago. Since my diagnosis, I've learned more than I ever wanted to about the staggering statistics, dismal prognosis and thoughtless stigma associated with lung cancer.

My cancer was caught early by a CT scan. I was given a rare 60 percent chance of surviving five years - significantly better odds than most lung cancer patients receive. Unfortunately, most victims of lung cancer die shortly after their diagnosis. That's why there has not been a well-known lung cancer advocate: Those who would be are dead.

Since my diagnosis, I have been on a personal mission to raise lung cancer awareness. With the help of the Lung Cancer Alliance, I recently wrote every North Carolina state legislator, asking them to support designating at least 1 percent of the tobacco settlement funds and tobacco taxes to the early detection, research and treatment of lung cancer.

Following are some facts about lung cancer that I've learned in the past year. They explain why the state should take action.

In 2006, an estimated 174,470 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 162,460 will die. In North Carolina, lung cancer will kill 5,100 people this year. Of those victims, 770 never smoked and up to 50 percent are people who - like me - quit decades ago. For perspective, consider that 1,534 people died on North Carolina highways last year.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and - finally - there is good news. The New England Journal of Medicine's Oct. 26 cover story fell just shy of announcing a cure for lung cancer. The study released by Weill Medical College of Cornell University provides proof that early detection saves lives.

The research is based on the simple - yet profound - concept embraced by our prostate, colon and breast cancer comrades: screening. Though not perfect, screening saves lives. The survival rate for breast cancer is 88 percent, thanks to mammograms. Prostate cancer's survival rate is 99 percent, thanks to PSA testing.

Lung cancer's five-year survival rate is less than 15 percent. More people die from lung cancer than from breast, colon and prostate cancers combined, making lung cancer the No. 1 cancer killer.

CT scans can detect lung cancer the size of a grain of rice. That same cancer would need to be golf-ball sized before a chest X-ray could detect it. Inexplicably, until now the medical community has not been able to agree upon any kind of lung cancer screening. So, no routine lung cancer screening has been done.

Now, this study confirms what common sense told us all along: Screening saves lives.

Every year North Carolina collects more than $202 million from tobacco taxes and settlement revenue. Little, if any, is dedicated to early detection, treatment and research. While settling with tobacco companies, states argued they would be stuck with skyrocketing health care costs as aging baby boomers with insufficient insurance developed lung cancer.

CT scans cost between $200 and $300, a fraction of late-stage diagnoses costs. Those at risk include those with smoking history, occupational exposure to cancer causing substances and exposure to secondhand smoke. Everyone at risk should get annual CT screenings.

The primary focus of lung cancer prevention has been on smoking cessation. While prevention is better than treatment, what about the millions of former smokers?

Plus, many who have lung cancer never smoked. But - whether they are smoker, former smokers or never smokers - everyone with lung cancer deserves to be treated with compassion rather than judgment. Think AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. Lung cancer has been stigmatized far too long. It's time for action. It's time for the state to put the tobacco settlement funds to their intended use.

The Lung Cancer Alliance is asking states to designate a minimum of 1 percent of tobacco revenues to lung cancer research, early detection and treatment.

Real lives - and real dollars - would be saved if every at-risk North Carolinian received a scan. This could be paid for from the money the state collects annually from tobacco taxes and settlements.

After all, why should the state profit from the misfortune of its citizens?

Fortunately, you don't have to have lung cancer to learn the facts. To increase your awareness, go to www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Dusty Donaldson lives in High Point.

Roller Coaster Ride

2006-10-23T17:15:00.000-04:00

It has been a roller-coaster ride for the past few months. First, I had suspicions and wanted to get a second opinion. That second opinion (Sloan-Kettering) basically confirmed my suspicions and the doctor advised surgery (wedge resection).

I shared the diagnosis with my original surgeon and my oncologist (Wake Forest) who both disagreed with the second opinion.

So, I went for yet a third opinion—or rather a biopsy—to hopefully settle the matter. I just got the results today. The cytology report stated the cells from the fine needle aspiration contained “rare benign respiratory and inflammatory cells. Negative for malignancy.”

Of course, we know there is a good possibility for a false negative, because of the nature of this cancer. But I have no plans at this point to have another biopsy.

My loved ones are very happy. And I’m happy for them…but I’m confused and doubtful.

The third doctor (Forsyth) I met with was very nice. He understands that we are basically back at square one. I have no answers as to why I am having these symptoms, which are not that bothersome physically, but are disconcerting because of the situation.

So Forsyth will contact Sloan-Kettering and discuss the matter, and review the previous diagnosis from Sloan-Kettering, the biopsy from Forsyth, the dissention at Wake Forest, etc.

So today I guess we’re back to “there is no definitive evidence of disease.”

Good news…bad news…no news. I just don’t know. I think, for now, I will try to forget about it all. :-)

Opportunity knocks

2006-10-06T17:15:00.000-04:00

I had another opportunity to speak out about lung cancer awareness. That makes me very happy. :-)

Plus, I got to include my family members and a coworker.

Here is the link to the clip. It's about two or three minutes:
http://www.wxii12.com/video/9955801/index.html

Later,
Dusty

Sloan-Kettering

2006-10-03T12:58:00.000-04:00

All,

The trip to New York to see a Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma specialist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center went very well. I’m so glad we made the trek.

I can't say it looks like the cancer is "back." It's more like, it was always there in my left lung and was missed. :-(

As background, after I was recently told that there is no definitive evidence of cancer, I wanted to get a second opinion for the following reasons:

1) I recently read the pathology from my bilobectomy in October 2005;
2) There was suspicious activity on my CT scan of August 2006;
3) I have developed symptoms.

My suspicious were confirmed by Dr. Rizvi. He said that the “scarring” in the upper left lung appeared to have changed since last October. He suggested that I now have three options.

1) Wait and see (which we know is not for me)
2) Have a biopsy done
3) Go ahead with surgery

He seemed to be leaning more toward having surgery for a couple of reasons, mainly because the biopsy could very easily give us a false negative, due to the nature of the way this type of cancer grows along the surface.

He also mentioned targeted therapy, including Tarceva. Many on my listserv take that. Of course, I had chemotherapy and we now see clearly that did not work.

Dr. Rizvi will be sending a report to my oncologist at Wake Forest, and also to my general practitioner. He said we could do the surgery in New York, if I want, or it could be done in North Carolina. I will meet with my oncologist later to discuss my options. At this point, I do not know what I will do.

At a minimum, I think I should receive an honorary medical degree.
:-)

On a more serious note, some of my family members are having difficulty dealing with this news. I appreciate your prayers that they would share in the perfect peace that is within me.

Later.

Dusty, M.D.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

2006-09-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

Well, Tony and I are heading to New York in the morning to see an oncologist who has expertise in bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. I’m excited about the visit to the new doctor and looking forward to a weekend in the city! :-)

Here’s the thing. As I mentioned previously, there is an area of concern on my last CT scan that the radiologist stated “could be bronchioloalveolar carcinoma” but since this type of cancer does not show up in a PET scan, the radiologist said that test would not be useful. Also, I have developed symptoms in my left lung. (Note: My lobectomy was on my right lung.)

More importantly, I recently read the pathology report from my lobectomy. I had not read it fully previously, just read as far as the statement that there was no lymph node involvement. I suspect most of my doctors didn’t read much further than that either because this is what it said. It stated that the cancer spread from the scarred area to the tumor. It also described an extensive area in my middle lobe that was fibrous and that contained several elastic threads. This area had no cancer. But the area of scarring is where the cancer was. Interestingly, prior to my surgery, all of my scans and x-rays stated that I have scarring in the upper lobes of BOTH lungs. Of course, with the right upper and middle lobes removed, that scarring was removed from my right lung.

As I’ve researched bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, I learned that the scarring is typical for this type of cancer. It’s kind of like the chicken and egg thing. They’re not sure if the scarring came first or the cancer, but it’s a typical characteristic of this type of cancer.

So, I’m beginning to suspect that this supposed “scarring” is actually cancer. And if so, then it was in both lungs since the original diagnosis. The doctors never checked my left lung, because they didn’t think they had a reason to do so. After all, there was a 5x4x3 cm tumor in the right lung and no evidence (except for the scarring which they did not suspect as cancer) in the left lung.

As my husband is quick to point out, I did not go to medical school nor have I treated hundreds of lung cancer patients. A mere technicality, I say. :-) If I am incorrect in my presumption, I will not seek another expert opinion. If I am correct, I will start practicing medicine. :-)

Seriously, the thing is this. If I do indeed have cancer, I want to know for a certainty. Uncertainty, to me, is the worst.

When I connect the dots, here are the facts:

I now have the following symptoms (which I did not have before my original diagnosis):

• Upper back pain (mild, for four or five months)
• Tickle in throat (has stopped but was persistent for about three months)
• Tightness in chest (left lung, especially upon waking)

Physical evidence

• CT scan shows 1 cm of soft tissue which is suspected to be cancer
• Pathology report cites cancer spreading from scarred area of right lung (identical area appears on left lung)

I love my onc, but I said, “What are we waiting for? We have more reason now to do a bronchoscopy than we did a year ago.” He explained that a bronch could not reach these areas of concern.

So, I’m hoping this new expert will be able to suggest a way to check out my left lung to see if cancer is there. We’ll see.

There's exciting news about my work with Lung Cancer Alliance. More on that later.

Dusty

Another three-month journey

2006-08-31T12:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I saw my oncologist today for my three-month check-up. I had my CT scan last week. The radiologist read the CT and reported there was “no new definite evidence for recurrent or metastatic disease.”

There is a “soft tissue” area about 1 cm in diameter that they want to keep an eye on. It’s near where they did the surgery. Since BAC often is not picked up in a PET scan, they just recommend regular CT scans. It looks as though I will not have to see my onc until November for my next three-month scan.

I have developed a very minor ache on the upper middle portion of my back. The doctor initially said that the radiologist did not mention evidence of anything seen there on the CT scan. However upon rechecking the scan, my onc identified an area that he said looked like previous scarring. He compared it to the scan from March 2006 and the one from May 2006 and said he could not see any difference in the scans. He wants to compare it to an earlier scan, though, from October 2005 to make certain there’s no change. He suspects it may be scarring from sometime when I had pneumonia and didn’t know it. He will review the older scan with a radiologist and let me know if they see a problem.

Otherwise, my next scan is scheduled for November 22, 2006 and my visit with my onc is scheduled for after Thanksgiving, November 30, 2006.

Until then!

dusty

Upcoming scan

2006-08-10T15:12:00.000-04:00

It's been nearly three months since my last scan. Can you believe it?

To me it seems as though it's been three years. ;-)

My next CT scan will be on Aug. 24, 2006. I don’t see my oncologist until the following week, though, on Aug. 31. I hope I remember how to read a CT scan. If not, I'll just relearn.

I will post the results when I know something.

In the meantime, I've been keeping very busy. I will start doing volunteer work at the hospital and also at Red Cross. And, of course, I'm still working. My garden is growing like wild and the hummingbirds and I are thoroughly enjoying my new deck.

One other thing I've been doing is getting involved with lung cancer advocacy. I will be meeting with a state senator and representative to discuss ways for the state to contribute one percent of the tobacco settlement funds toward lung cancer research/awareness/advocacy.

later,
dusty

All Clear

2006-05-26T11:46:00.000-04:00

Well, apparently I read my CT correctly. I told Tony going to the oncologist was a “mere formality” because I read my scan and it was clear. ;-)

Yesterday, the doctor explained that he bumped up the scan for two reasons: first there was an area of potential concern in the last CT scan and second because I developed a persistent cough (tickle in my throat). However, the area of concern is no longer a concern. Apparently, it was an area of soft tissue related to the surgery. And he said it’s not unusual for lung cancer patients to develop a cough. Again, it may be from the surgery, even though it has been so long after surgery.

But for now, all is clear and it looks like I’ll be around for my next CT scan in three months. ;-)

I don't expect to post anything new until and unless there is something new to tell. But I plan to keep the blog up because I have received emails from strangers who have been recently diagnosed (or their loves ones were diagnosed) and they said it helped them understand and deal with their situation.

Dusty, signing off

CT scan preliminary results (as read by doctor dusty)

2006-05-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I had my CT scan yesterday. You know me. I had to get a copy of the CT scan on CD. ;-)

Honestly, because of this constant tickle and a very active imagination, I expected it to show signs that the cancer had returned. I understand I am not a radiologist…well, I sort of understand. At any rate, the scan looked all clear to my untrained eyes. Tomorrow we’ll see if my oncologist, Dr. Miller, agrees with my preliminary diagnosis. :-)

CT scan bumped up

2006-05-11T15:05:00.000-04:00

Quick update.

Everything is OK, but my CT scan has been bumped up to May 23, with a follow-up doctor visit May 25. The reason is that I've developed a constant tickle in my throat, which results in a non-productive cough.

Plus, I'm very eager to see what's going on inside. ;-)

On another note, here is a link to the television interview I did on WFMY's 2 Your Health segment.

http://students.mba.wfu.edu/Miscellaneous/Amy_Tindel/DustyTV.wmv

I still need to complete my guest column for a local magazine...maybe in a week or so, when things settle down at work.

I'll post again after I see my onc.

Take care,
dusty

More good news!

2006-04-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

There have been so many wonderful things going on lately. First, Tony and I took that awesome cruise! We sailed out of Norfolk on the Maasdam (Holland America) and were gone for 11 days. We stopped at Half Moon Cay (private island in the Bahamas), Dominica, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados and San Juan. It was so incredible! We met a terrific couple who we dined with every evening. They're from Charlotte and we plan to get together soon. They have liberal leanings, so Tony really enjoyed talking politics with them.

As a matter of fact, one of the best parts of the trip had to do with Tony and Bob sparring over politics one morning at breakfast. I said, "You guys can have at it, I'm going to the casino." Well, guess what? I hit a royal flush on the video poker machine! I hit the jackpot which at that time was $4,359.75! Cool, huh?

Even if I hadn't hit the jackpot, we had a great trip! I'm so glad we went. I paid for the trip with the money I received from my cancer policy but the jackpot more than reimbursed me for it. ;-)

Then, another absolutely wonderful thing that happened took place this past Monday (April 17). My family and I served a fantastic breakfast to my colleagues at Wake Forest MBA school!

It was great, if I say so myself. My daughter Kimberly manned the omelet station with all the fixings. My son Kirk and his wife Beth manned the waffle station. My daughter Amy kept my two granddaughters out of trouble and my grandson Jake was the muscle and support behind it all. My husband Tony was there meeting and greeting everyone, as was I.

It was our way of thanking everyone for all the support and kindness they showed during my recovery.

I couldn't have asked for more.

Life is great!

dusty

Mission Accomplished

2006-03-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that today I received the results of my first CT scan since my treatment began.

My onc said. "We have accomplished everything we set out to accomplish."

Thanks to all for your prayers and support. I do not see my oncologist again until three months from now. (I'm going to miss him.)

I had my CT scan last Thursday. I got a CD of that scan, as well as the one from just prior to my surgery. I looked at it over the weekend to see if I could see any change. At first I couldn't determine my gall bladder from my spleen, but now I can identify all of my internal organs. Cool, huh? Unfortunately, I really couldn't even tell where they removed two lobes from my lung. So I guess we'll leave the CT reading to the experts. ;-)

Tony and I leave Saturday for our cruise. Yee ha! We're going to be on Holland America's Maasdam sailing from Norfolk. I can forget about losing those 20 pounds I packed on during chemo/steroids, at least for the 10 days I'll be at sea dining around the clock!

I suppose this closes the chapter on this story. I plan to become active in raising awareness and advocacy for lung cancer patients, though. My onc and I are actually going to be interviewed tomorrow by a local television station. Plus, I'm writing a guest column for a local magazine on lung cancer advocacy. As other opportunities become available, I will make myself available.

Take care,
dusty

The end of cancer treatment

2006-03-02T14:03:00.000-05:00

As of today, I have completed my cancer treatment. Yippee!! No more chemo!

Actually, I was supposed to have a round of chemo this morning, but since my blood count was too low, it was cancelled. The treatment scheduled for today was a kind of gemzar booster following last week’s gemzar/carboplatin treatment. Rather than reschedule the booster, if it cannot be administered the eighth day following previous treatment, it is cancelled.

I return to work Monday, March 6. I will continue to have my blood monitored, plus I have a CT scan scheduled for March 16, 2006 and a doctor’s visit March 21.

But, for now, my treatment is complete. Perhaps this will be the end of my blog. It’s been quite a roller coaster ride the past five months since I was diagnosed with lung cancer September 27, 2005 and had a bilobectomy and chemotherapy. I received the best care possible—both in the hospital and at home. My family has been terrific, but then, I always knew how great they were. My doctors at Wake Forest have been professional and caring. My colleagues at Wake Forest MBA really outdid themselves. For that, I can never show how deeply their thoughtfulness touched my heart. I will try my best to recycle all of the goodness that I received to others.

To all who sustained me through prayer and thoughtfulness, thank you and may the Lord bless you and your loved ones.

In Christ,
dusty

Postponed again

2006-02-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

Well, my round of chemo scheduled for yesterday (Feb. 16, 2006) was postponed yet again. This is the third time. Apparently, this new chemo agent (gemzar) is much harder on my bone marrow. Although, it feels like it’s much easier on me. Weird. I feel great.

After discussing it with my oncologist, we decided that I will have a round of chemo next Thursday (Feb. 23) and although I’m scheduled for a follow-up round a week following that session, we don’t think that will happen based on the previous reaction to my white blood count.

He doesn't want to give me those drugs you see advertised on TV that brings your blood count up because he says it should be used after a round of chemo, not as a way of artificially inflating your blood count so they can give you another round of chemo. He doesn't seem to worried about it, nor am I.

So, I plan to return to work on a full-time basis on March 6. I’m ready.

For now, I am going with Amy to see my granddaughter Lucy in Atlanta this evening. She just turned 5 and is having a birthday party tomorrow.

More later.
dusty

Short update

2006-02-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Well, I have good news and bad…here’s the good news. My hair is growing back! It’s only stubble right now, very short, sparse and extremely gray. But it’s definitely growing back. Since the past two rounds of chemo were cancelled due to my low blood count, it’s actually been close to a month since I had a chemo session. I have one scheduled for Thursday (2/16/06) and the final one scheduled for next Friday. Yea! Plus, the new chemo I got last time is not quite as destructive to hair cells as the previous chemo was. So maybe it will not come out again. We'll see.

Now for the bad news…my hair is growing back and I’ll soon have to shave my legs. ;-)

I hope to be back at work soon. This is a very busy time at Wake Forest and my colleagues are doing too much on my behalf. Eric Whittington has been doing his job plus mine for the past three or four months. Plus he has a baby due in a couple of weeks. So I hope to be back in the office in early March. The delay in my chemo is making it a bit difficult to pinpoint a time, but it hopefully will be soon.

When I return to work, I will probably close down the blog because, I trust, the matter of my health situation can be put to rest.

More later.

dusty

More chemo

2006-01-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe it’s been a month since my last blog. What have I been doing? Virtually nothing. This chemotherapy just saps me of all energy.

Overall, I’m fine. I just spend most of my time lying around. I’ve had a few energetic days. They were great. I am so looking forward to being myself again.

We ran into some complications with one of the original chemotherapy drugs. So as of Thursday, Jan. 19, the doctor changed my chemotherapy regimen. He eliminated one of the two chemotherapy drugs I’ve been taking (Taxol) and added a different one (Gemzar), due to neurological side effects I had from the Taxol.

With the Gemzar, there will be two additional rounds, but they’ll be closer together. So now rather than having only one more round of chemo, I have three. But I think the Gemzar will have fewer side effects.

On Feb. 7, I will meet with my surgeon. I haven’t seen him since early November. I will also have a CT scan that day to make sure there is no more cancer.

I had to back off my pulmonary rehab because of the lack of energy, as well as my low blood count.

The worst problem I’ve had is—believe it or not—itching. It’s under control right now, with the use of steroids and benadryl. We’re still uncertain if this problem was caused by the chemotherapy or by another drug (neurontin) my oncologist prescribed for neuropathy resulting from the nerve damage during surgery. The itching was all over my body and so intense it was driving me out of my mind.

It’s been my goal to write thank-you notes but, like everything else, it’s not yet done.

This will all be over soon. I’m particularly looking forward to this spring. Flowers. Warm weather. Gardening. Energy. Joy.

The plan for returning to work is taking shape. I will be able to remain on short-term disability for the first week following a chemotherapy session. Then I plan to work part-time from home in between treatments. Working from home will help me avoid the germs common to an office environment. But I’ll go in the office from time-to-time to visit with professors and attend staff meetings. Hopefully, in early March I’ll be back to normal and can return to work full time.

more later.
dusty

Good report

2005-12-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on the bloodwork I had done yesterday. Everything looks good so I get to go to Atlanta! Yea!
Merry Christmas!!
love,
dusy

Hair, hats and happy holidays!

2005-12-20T10:18:00.000-05:00

Here’s a quick update. This morning my hair started falling out. I’ve heard others say that theirs fell out on day 14. Today is day 14 since I had my first round of chemo. Even though I had cut my hair very short, it was quite messy. So I had Tony buzz the rest off. It was amazing how much hair was still on my head. Now I’m bald. But I’m fine with that. They say it will take six to eight weeks after chemo stops before it starts to grow back. I have my wig and I have several hats. ;-)

Let me tell you what happened the other day. Saturday afternoon the mailman knocked on my door to deliver a package. It was a box from the Heavenly Hats Foundation. Inside it was filled with several different types of hats. I don’t know who is responsible for having it sent to me. There was only a business card inside from the founder of the organization, a teenager who founded Heavenly Hats when he was 10 years old. The card said I hope this brightens your day. On the web site it says their goal is to bring a smile to the face of people going through chemotherapy.

It made me cry (in a good way).

It just melted my heart to know there is even such an organization. I plan to make a donation and perhaps have hats sent to other people who are undergoing chemo.

Here’s the web address of Heavenly Hats: http://www.heavenlyhats.com

I get my blood tested today. If all goes well, I will go to Atlanta Friday for Christmas. (I think it will be fine, because I’m feeling pretty good.)

About the first round of chemo…I felt a bit under the weather the first three days or so. But I took the anti-nausea drugs even before any nausea symptoms were present, as advised by the doctor. I thought after day 3 or 4, the worst was behind me. But I woke up on day 5 very ill. :-( Tony nursed me back to health, but it was very unpleasant. I hope the next time it won’t be as bad.

I was able to go to the Babcock School yesterday to celebrate my friend, co-worker and mentor’s graduation from the Executive MBA program. Pat Peacock was such a godsend to me as I was going through the program. It was wonderful to be there and see everyone and share in the celebration.

I miss everyone at work so it was good to see them. I should be back at work about Jan. 20.

I would have thought that with all this time on my hands that I would have decorated for Christmas. But I haven’t done the first thing. If I’m able to go to Atlanta, then I won’t bother decorating here. But if I can’t go then I will decorate.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

love,
dusty

P.S. I received a spam posting on my blog earlier today, so I have selected the option to hide comments. Feel free to post one, I will receive it in an email. Or just send me an email, if you like. dusty.donaldson@mba.wfu.edu. ;-)

Round 1: All is well

2005-12-05T18:27:00.000-05:00

So far, my first round of chemo went about as smooth as could be expected. No problems or complications. I arrived at the Cancer Center about 7:30 a.m. and had lab work. (My blood looks good as a baseline.) Then I got premeds that included benadryl, steroid and antinausea drugs (different types for each of the two chemo drugs, I think.) They also gave me a flu shot since my immune system is now considered compromised.

At any rate, about two minutes after getting the benadryl IV, I was as weak as a wet kitten and so sleepy I couldn’t hold my eyes open. I immediately went to sleep, which is good because I did not sleep well last night. ;-)

Fortunately, I didn’t have any immediate reaction to the drugs. The doctor gave me a few prescriptions and they told me to take the anti nausea drugs before I start to feel sick. That should help nip it in the bud. Like pain, they said it’s easier to control nausea before it gets out of hand rather than waiting.

They also told me that losing my hair is inevitable with these drugs. There will be full body hair loss. It doesn’t matter. One of the benefits of this is that I won’t have to shave my legs or under my arms. ;-) (Secretly, I haven’t been doing that much anyway.)

My hair’s natural color has been disguised for about 15 years. My roots are now growing out and I normally would get it colored. But I refuse to spend 85 bucks on my color when the hair is just going to fall out. Besides, it’s too late now anyway. They advise I not color my hair until I’m done with chemo.

In a couple of days, I think I will get my hair cut really, really, really short—before the chemo has a chance to do it’s thing to my hair. Then it won’t be so messy or traumatic, or so I have heard form others. ;-)

I’m looking forward to my natural hair coming back. Hair coloring is a trap, just like getting your nails filled in. Once you start, you’re addicted, just like me being addicted to Judge Judy. (I’m really not watching her than much these days. Honestly.) ;-) I am going to try to keep my hair color natural after chemo stops. It is dark brown with quite a bit of gray. We’ll see. If I can’t stand it, I can always go back to coloring.

The doctor also gave me a prescription for a wig, which is covered by my insurance. Cool, huh? They have a shop at the cancer center but I don’t think I will get my wig there because you basically order it out of a book and then it arrives in 7 to 10 days. If you don’t like it once it arrives, you can send it back and order another, but this seems to me as if it could get messy. If you don’t like it you may have to walk around for another week before the second wig arrives. Once you walk out with the wig (at any of the stores), there’s no bringing it back (or so they say).

You just can’t tell how a wig will look on you until you try it on. When my sister and daughter were trying on wigs, one that looks perfect on the shelf may make you look like a freak when it’s on your own head.

I’m torn between getting something wild and different or as close to my hair is now as possible. I’ll likely take the safe route. Or maybe I’ll take a chance and try to get a wig that looks like what I think my natural hair will look like. We’ll see.

I was supposed to start Heart Strides at 2 p.m. today but I didn’t get home until well after 3 p.m. I called and rescheduled for Wednesday (Dec. 7, 2005). They were very understanding and I am under the influence of drugs and unable to drive. ;-)

So, all is well in the Donaldson household this evening. Tony just made me a salad and leftover beef stew sent by a friend at Wake Forest. I ate it all and then had a Butterfinger to top it off. Yum. If I do get sick, it will likely be from eating too much! ;-)

I know many of you were praying for me and I thank you. The next couple of days may be a little testy. I don’t know. But I sure would appreciate your prayers. That is the most powerful thing anyone can do.

My next session won’t be until after Christmas. Whew. I will have my blood monitored very closely every week. If my red or white count dips, we’ll take appropriate action. That could mean anything from prescribing another drug to admitting me to the hospital for IV drugs (to treat any bacterial infection I may get because of low white cells.) But, we trust there won’t be any problems.

I want to thank everyone again for your persistence and care. I really felt it this morning about 3 a.m. when I woke up having grave doubts about going through with the chemo. (Actually, I woke up about 1:30 but was feeling better by 3.) It’s funny, but I had more apprehension about the chemo than I did the surgery. But it all worked out fine. Thanks to your prayers and the Lord’s tender mercies and loving kindness.

Chemo begins Monday

2005-12-02T13:42:00.000-05:00

I just came home from my oncologist visit. I feel very good about talking with him. He spent about an hour and a half just explaining things to us and answering all our questions.

So the upshot of the discussion is that I start chemotherapy first thing Monday morning (Dec. 5, 2005). I went there with some reservations about chemo because I’d been doing a little research and it looked to me as if those who undergo chemo increase their survival rate by a paltry 4 percent. Plus, there was mention in the study that approximately 1 percent of the patients died from complications of the chemo. The study said this was ‘statistically insignificant,’ but I thought it was significant. ;-)

But after spending so much time with the doctor, I have a better understanding and think it would be foolish not to have the chemo. If the tumor had been smaller, there would be no need for chemo. But since it was greater than 3 cm, they believe I can benefit from chemo.

Here are a few reasons why:

· There is a 50/50 chance that the cancer will return. This type of cancer (BAC) has a tendency for little pieces to ‘flake off.’ Since the tumor was growing for several years, there’s a possibility that there is some microscopic piece floating around in my body right now.

· If the cancer does return, it will be considered incurable. (Of course, they can treat it, which would probably involve chemo and radiation.)

· If the cancer returns, the likelihood that it recurs in the lung is 40 percent. The chance that it returns to another part of my body is 60 percent. (Most likely place would be brain, bone or liver. Receiving chemo now helps nip that potential in the bud.)

Also, there is very little research on survival rates for lung cancer patients. What is available focuses more on the more advanced stages, with very bleak results. Two studies have come out recently in the New England Journal of Medicine that provide data gathered on a global scale. Although the research does state that lung cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy following surgery, increase survival rate by slightly less than 5 percent, the research includes patients who are stage 1, stage 2 and stage 3. Most people with lung cancer are well into their 60’s when diagnosed. They commonly have other health issues, such as heart problems. If their lung cancer is in remission but they die of an unrelated heart attack, the study doesn’t make that distinction.

At any rate, the point the doctor was making is that someone in my situation—who is relatively young ;-) and with no other health issue—has much better results from chemo. Rather than less than 5 percent, it may increase my survival rate by 10 percent to 15 percent.

I think all that sounds reasonable. Here’s how it will work. I will have four rounds of chemotherapy. It takes approximately four hours to receive a round of chemo. It will be given at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist.

For those who know about this stuff, here are the agents: paclitaxel and carboplatin. Each round will be spaced apart by three weeks, as long as my blood work looks good. My blood will be monitored every week. If my cell count is low, chemo will be delayed while I receive treatment to bring it up. If all goes as expected, I may finish my chemotherapy in early March.

Of course, there are many more things for me to learn about this process (side effects, etc). The doctor gave me literature that I will begin to read now. I will also do research on these drugs. But overall, that is the way I understand the situation, at this point.

I feel very positive about the treatment. The least of my concerns is hair loss. (Secretly, I’ve always thought that if I ever did get cancer, I’d enjoy getting a new hairstyle.) The worst of my concerns is neuropathy. The doctor explained that this is a risk with one of the chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel). If I begin to have neuropathy, then we will switch that drug for another (gemcitabine hydrochloride) that does not have that potential side affect but is also less proven.

With love,
dusty

Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T13:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting a blog. This recovery process is weird. I felt perfectly fine prior to my surgery. Although the surgery was done to ‘cure’ me, I didn’t feel sick until after surgery. Now that I’ve been ‘fixed,’ I’m not feeling that well. It’s strange that I felt better when I had a killer tumor growing in my lung.

Nevertheless, I am getting stronger every day. Actually, many days I feel exactly the same—no better, no worse. It’s difficult to be patient, especially because I did so well in the very beginning. But I know I am getting better every day.

Does it sound as though I’m whining? Sorry. This is the season to be thankful. And am I ever thankful! I am thankful for the magnificent people I work with. I am thankful that they are great cooks. I am thankful for the thoughtfulness of the students (and their cooking talents). I am thankful for gifted, God-fearing doctors. I am most thankful for your prayers, especially when I was unable to pray. I am thankful I have a great job. I am thankful for my husband, my children, my siblings, my parents, and all of my family members. I am thankful for your cards. I am thankful for your calls. I am thankful for excellent benefits provided by Wake Forest. I am thankful for cancer insurance (see previous blog: A Note on Cancer Insurance: http://dustydonaldson.blogspot.com/2005/10/note-on-cancer-insurance.html).

I am thankful for you. Yes, you, every soul who reads this blog…my relative, my neighbor, my coworker, my friend. Whoever you are. I am thankful that you care. Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I’ve been slack about blogging, but honestly, there hasn’t been much to say. Here are some of the things I’ve been up to lately.

Tuesday I met with the Heart Strides folks at High Point Hospital. They will help me with pulmonary rehabilitation, such as breathing retraining, education and exercises. This visit was sort of an initiation session. I met with a nurse who explained what to expect. Then my heart and lungs were monitored while I exercised on a treadmill. They put a plug on my nose and had me breathe through this plastic device and hooked up a bunch of wires to keep track of my heart activity. The workout became increasingly steeper and faster, but I could put a stop to it at any time. They were trying to find out my threshold so that when I’m done with the program, they will have quantifiable data that demonstrates how much I improved.

I tried to do my very best. When I did stop, I wondered if maybe I could have gone just a bit longer. As it turns out, maybe I should have stopped sooner because my right lung remnant was quite sore afterwards. But after a good night sleep, I was fine. No harm done.

The program is held three days a week (MWF) and each session is about two hours. It may be interrupted with chemotherapy treatment. I’ll talk to the oncologist at Wake Forest about the program when I see him on Friday, Dec. 2. I start the pulmonary rehab program in earnest the Monday following my oncologist appointment.

I’m looking forward to my oncologist visit. I expect to have a lot of questions answered. I expect to go through chemo, but I’m not sure what kind, how often, what to expect, etc.

My sister, Tina, who is from Baltimore, visited me over the weekend. We had a lot of fun. Folks I work with advised me to purchase a wig prior to losing my hair from chemo. So we went to a wig store at the mall. That was fun. I tried on so many wigs but only one really worked for me. I didn’t buy it because I want to look around a bit more before purchasing one.

Well, the crazy thing is that Tina bought a redheaded wig! My daughter Amy and I really put her up to it. We told her she looked great in it. Sometime people mistakenly think Tina and I are twins. She certainly looked much better than I did with it. We even took goofy photos at the booth in the mall. Whenever I look at them, I bust out laughing because that person in the photos looks nothing like my sister! It’s hilarious! She knew she made a mistake before we even left the mall. Oh well, no refunds. But she’s a good sport. She says she’ll still have fun with it.

This experience has taught me so much. I continue to learn every day. Apparently, many of you have already learned these things. But here are just a few things I have learned from the compassion of others:

1) Sending a card is a very thoughtful way to demonstrate your care. I know this isn’t rocket science, but honestly, I never realized how therapeutic a card could be. Some brought tears to my eyes while others brought a smile to my face. But each card I received touched my heart. Prior to receiving so many cards during my recovery, I was not good about sending cards. I hope to do better, now that I know firsthand how much they mean to the recipient.
2) Preparing a meal for someone going through a tough time will warm their soul as well as their belly. It allows loved ones to enjoy other’s favorite dishes and provides nourishment and comfort to all who consume the food. It also allows the recipient to spend more quality time with their caregivers and loved ones. I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful this was. It is such a treat. I felt as if I should stop it because it seemed as though it were too much trouble for folks. But after I was assured that people enjoyed doing this, I just enjoy the food. In the future, will try to do as my wonderful friends, neighbors, coworkers and Babcock students have done.
3) When a colleague or acquaintance receives a serious diagnosis, rather than taking a step back from the relationship, I will take a step forward (unless that person prefers I step back). In the past, my tendency has been to step back. Not because I didn’t want to be closer to the person, but because it seemed like I should make room for that person’s close relatives. It’s funny, but cancer has a way of making loved ones out of complete strangers. Sales clerks and people cutting my hair for the first time have said “I want to pray with you before you leave.” How precious is that? When someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, all the rules of etiquette are changed. Life, love and relationships are precious. Embrace them.

More to come later.

With love,
dusty

Kimberly signing off...

2005-11-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

This is Kimberly, and I'm back home in Virginia now, so I'll let mom take over updating the blog now. I just wanted to post a little bit to update everyone on how mom is doing. Obviously the healing process is a gradual one, so there haven't been too many changes to report every day like earlier, which is why we haven't been blogging every day.

Mom is still improving, slowly but surely. Each day she tries to push herself a little more, which is good, but also exhausting. She has been taking some short walks with Tony, and has been trying to get out of the house a little each day. Her incision looks great, it has really healed up nicely; most of her pain and discomfort now is internal, in her lung (or her "remnant", as she calls it :-))
While this is a slow process, we believe that her recovery is coming along very well, in answer to our prayers.

She is mostly off of her pain meds now, and trying to build up her lung capacity. She gets a litte short of breath even walking upstairs, so this will be a slow process. She had a follow up appointment with her surgeon this week, who seemed very pleased with her progress. He could not give her a definite answer about chemo, but indicated he thought that would be standard treatment, so it's likely she'll begin that in a few weeks, after she sees her oncologist.

She is still mostly in good spirits, thanks in great part to all of your phone calls, cards, gifts, visits, thoughts and prayers. These have, and continue to, sustain her. We all know what it's like to be sick, and it means so much to know that people care about you in times like this.

I also want to give a shout out to all the food people - you guys rock! Kim Sussman, I don't know who you are, or if I spelled your name right, but I MUST have the recipe for that sauce on the roast (I'm not kidding, please, please email it to me - novembrrr@aol.com ) Dan, thanks for bringing it out! Sherri, that lasagna was great! I don't have all the names in front of me, but the chicken chowder was unbelievable, and the chicken/rice casserole was so great and convenient, and Vicki's pasta sauce was exactly what Tony was waiting for.

Mostly, though, I want to thank you for the love you're giving my mom. I know it nourishes her soul. Bless you all.

Love,
Kimberly

Yum!

2005-11-04T21:04:00.000-05:00

The food deliveries sure have been nice! Annette brought us a delicious meal from Olive Garden (which actually lasted us for several meals) and Cindy Bailey sent us a great meal lovingly packaged, and Mrs. Miles, mom's neighbor, brought over a scrumptious cherry pie (Mom says Mrs. Miles makes the best cherry pie she's ever had)! It helps so much to not have to worry about cooking, and knowing that people took the time out of their busy schedules to prepare a meal for us - that takes a lot of love!

Mom is doing pretty good most of the time. Every day she is getting a little stronger, but of course she is still very sore, and still needs a lot of help, but she is improving daily. I know it helps to keep her spirits up with all of the love and support she's been receiving from everyone, and just knowing that people are keeping up with the blog and asking about her progress. She really appreciates it all.

The next big thing will be her Doctor's appointment next week; we should find out then if she will need chemotherapy or not. Chances are that she will, but we won't know for sure until the appointment. Please continue to pray for her full recovery, and for wisdom for the doctor's as they decide on the next steps for her treatment.

Also, we've been getting some reports that people have had trouble posting comments on the blog. Annette helped us make a change to it, which will hopefully fix that problem. Mom loves to hear from everyone, so if you have problems posting a comment, feel free to email her at dusty.donaldson@mba.wfu.edu or give her a call 336-885-5577 or 336-302-7714.

Love to all,
Kimberly

Dusty here

2005-11-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

Ow! I’ve had several operations in the past but none nearly as difficult as this one.

I got home from the hospital Sunday afternoon. I’m doing very well, so they say. I’m glad that part is over. I still have a difficult time, but it gets better every day.

I took a shower yesterday and another today. Unless you’ve gone for 10 days without a shower you can’t imagine how wonderful that hot water felt. Although to be quite honest, I could have cared less about a shower while I was in the hospital. Pain relief was my only concern then.

So I’m sure you heard by now that my lymph nodes are free of cancer. The earlier report we had from the PET scan was basically worthless, as it turns out. But the pathologist examined seven lymph nodes and all were negative. So we can be confident of those results. As it turns out my middle lobe was cancer free, but they couldn’t really determine that until it was removed. There was a mass there, too. Maybe it was pre-cancerous. I’m not sure.

I’m trying to wean myself off these powerful drugs, but I will continue to take them as long as needed. After all, that’s what they’re for.

Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done and continue to do. You will never know how much it means to me. I love the cards, notes, flowers, candy, gifts, calls, dinners and visits. I love them all! Thank you! Please post comments on my blog. I love to read those, too.

Although everything is progressing nicely, please continue to keep me and my loved ones in your prayers. As much as I appreciate the cards and everything else, your prayers are what matters most. We made it through the surgery—which is a huge battle—but the war on cancer continues.

Love to all,
dusty

Happy Halloween!

2005-10-31T17:42:00.000-05:00

Mom is doing great today. She still gets tired very easily, and takes several naps a day, but she is getting a little stronger each day. Today she was able to take a shower, and I think she feels a hundred times better because of that. It did really wear her down, and she's been resting since then.

We had a wonderful dinner tonight, chicken pot pie, thanks to Patricia Divine! Delicious! Thanks so much!

We've got a bowl full of candy, and waiting for some trick-or-treaters to come around...

Love to all, and don't think you can stop praying now ;-)

Kimberly

No Place Like Home

2005-10-30T17:57:00.000-05:00

Mom is home now, and very happy to be. They did some final X-rays this morning, and after looking at them they released her this afternoon. She is feeling ok, although she gets tired very easily. She is eating pretty good, but she does not have too much of an appetite. She is doing her breathing exercises faithfully, and walking every once in a while.

She had rented "To Kill a Mockingbird" and we just got finished watching that.

We're very glad to have her home =)

Saturday Update

2005-10-29T17:14:00.000-04:00

Well, things are looking all right :-)

Mom had her drain tube removed this morning, and that went pretty well, there was some pain and discomfort, but it should make her more comfortable now that it's gone. She (and all of us) told the doctors we didn't think she was quite ready to come home, and they had no problems keeping her for one more night to keep an eye on her.

We got to see her for a little while last night (my aunt Cyndi brought me down, and also Mom's stepsister and her husband popped in to see her) and then we saw her for a while today. She is taking several walks every day, and it will be easier now without having to drag the drainage thing around. She is looking forward very much to coming home (but not wanting to rush it either.) We've been getting stuff set up for her at home, Matt and Eric helped Amy get the bed to the house, and that should help a lot.

Tony has been wonderful through all of this. I know it's been hard for him, but he has scarcely left her side, and we all appreciate how great he has been.

Well, that's all for now, I'll update tomorrow after we get her settled in at home. It will probably take a day or two for her to get settled in, but I think after that she would not mind having visitors pop in.

Friday Update

2005-10-28T10:23:00.000-04:00

Mom is feeling ok this morning, but the Doctor was just in, and indicated he might be sending her home as early as tomorrow. Ok, I'm not a doctor, but I really think that's way too soon. The standard hospital stay for this operation is 10 days, and it's only been 7, and she's had several setbacks. Hopefully he'll come to his senses and at least wait through the weekend. Mom says she does not feel ready to go home yet, so hopefully they will listen to her.

Besides that, all is well. Amy has taken care of picking up the hospital bed for Mom, thanks to those who had offered to help, I'll be sure to let mom know who you are ;-)

I am heading down there this afternoon, and I'll be staying with her for several weeks (or until she gives me the boot and sends me home). I suspect that shortly after she comes home she'll be able to post an update to the blog herself and let everyone know how she's doing. I know that she is very grateful for the love and support she has recieved from all of you, and I'm sure she can't wait to thank each of you personally.

Thursday Update

2005-10-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

Mom is doing well today, she said she's feeling fine. She is also sounding more like her normal self for the past couple days. The surgeon just stopped by and talked with her a little bit, and it looks like today they will take out her epidural and the vacuum pump that is attached to her lung drainage tube. She will still have the tube, just without the suction. All of that stuff is, of course, a lot of baggage for her to be hauling around on walks, so now she will be less encumbered.

Also, she told me yesterday, and I forgot to blog it, that she loves the flowers she has gotten; she has gotten several beautiful arrangements, and some cards, and a few phone calls and visitors. I think she really appreciates the love and support she's been getting from everyone.

Thursday Evening
I talked to mom a little earlier, and she was doing just fine. They took her epidural and stuff out today, but she is getting other pain meds, and she says that even at its worst, the pain is much, much less than it was a few days ago. She also wanted me to let everyone know that she up for having visitors, if anyone wants to stop by for a short visit. She's in Reynold's Tower Room 509. I think visiting hours are 10am-8pm.

Wednesday Update

2005-10-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

8:15 a.m.
I just talked to mom, and she's doing fine. There was another incident last night with her drainage tube, this time evidently the phone cord was wrapped around it or something, and it was partially blocked. It was not as drastic as when it came out, she could still breathe, but she said she was starting to feel kind of sluggish by the time they discovered it. Overall, though, she says she is doing ok, and she said the nurses are taking very good care of her. She went for a long walk last night, and will take another one this morning. Her epidural comes out today, and she's ok with that.

11 a.m. - GREAT NEWS!

I just talked to mom and they got the pathology report back - it shows NO SIGN OF SPREAD TO THE LYMPH NODES!!! Woo-hoo!! They had taken and tested 7 lymph nodes, and they were all clear!

This is great news, and indicates it has probably not spread anywhere else. Of course, we knew that this type of cancer (BAC) typically hangs out in the lungs, but until now we weren’t even positive that this was BAC, the pathology report confirmed that it is (that's not great news, but it's nice just to have it confirmed).

The bad thing about BAC is a relatively high chance of recurrence in her lungs, so for the rest of her life she’ll have to closely monitor it, and have frequent CT scans. This is good news about the lymph nodes, though. They were swollen, and there was some concern it had spread.

Also, the pain doctor was just around, and he said they are going to let her keep her epidural one more day. She says she didn't even ask for it, but I'm sure she's not complaining, either =)

Thanks for all your prayers.

Close Call

2005-10-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

Approx. 3 pm Tuesday
Amy just called me a little while ago to tell me there was an incident while she was visiting mom. Mom was just getting ready to go for a walk, and while she was getting ready, something caught on the tube draining fluid from her lungs, and pulled it loose. She didn't realize she had pulled it loose, but immediately she could not breathe, not even enough to speak to tell anyone what was wrong with her. She pulled the cord for the nurse, and they immediately came to help her, but it took a couple of minutes before one nurse saw that the tube was loose, and re-inserted it, which instantly allowed her to breathe again. They then spent several minutes checking her over and checking/repositioning tubes, and having her cough to get rid of air bubbles/fluid. The whole incident lasted several minutes. Then they decided to send her down for an X-ray. At this point, she is back in her room (I was able to speak with her) and feeling better (the incident caused her some pain, but they gave her some more drugs), but very tired, and she was going to rest for a while. She said it was terrifying, and that she's not ready to have her plug pulled just yet =) They think that she may have an air leak now, because of the tube coming out, but we’ll hopefully know more a little bit later. Amy was with her when it happened, and I think Tony’s been there the whole time as well. Please continue to pray.

Will post more as I hear…

Tuesday Update

2005-10-25T08:29:00.000-04:00

8:30 a.m.
Mom called me this morning, and she seems to be doing very well. She took a total of 3 walks yesterday, which is great! She had a good night's sleep last night, also. They are planning on taking out her epidural today, and switching her completely to an oral painkiller. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition, although I'm sure there will be some discomfort and pain. Tony has been staying at the hospital with her every night and taking good care of her, from what I hear.

I'll update more as I hear...

9:15 a.m.
I just talked to mom, and they have decided to leave her epidural in for another day (yay!) because her lungs are still producing a lot of fluid, and so since they have to leave the lung tube in, they've decided to go ahead and leave the epidural in also. I didn't think she was ready for that to come out anyway ;-)

Monday Morning Update

2005-10-24T10:29:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to speak to mom, but I just talked to her nurse, and she said that mom is doing o.k., and actually she was able to get up and do just a little bit of walking around yesterday evening, and they plan to do some more today. That is great news; the sooner a patient can get up and walk around the better, because a lot of complications can develop from just lying there. Probably she would have already been up a little if not for the couple of setbacks she's had with her blood pressure and her pain meds. Hopefully I'll have some more details a little later in the day, and I'll update then.

Noon Update:
I just talked to Tony, he said she's been up walking around, and she is feeling great. They are getting ready to take another walk, this time down to the cafeteria to get her some soup! Very exciting, I wish I was there :-)

We'll certainly keep praying, but with thankful hearts for her excellent progress so far.

Baby steps...

2005-10-23T18:14:00.000-04:00

Well, last night was pretty rough, and there's no other way to say it. Mom was without her pain meds for about 4 hours. Evidently the pharmacy dropped the ball, or somebody didn't come through; whatever the probem was, it was inexcusable, and caused mom a great deal of pain. Around 11 pm the meds started to kick in, and she was able to get a good night's sleep, which we are thankful for. Tony stayed at the hospital with her all night, and we're very glad that he was there to help advocate for her and try to help her get her meds, but we're heartbroken she had to suffer for so long.

Mom is doing pretty well today, but I believe last night's episode took its toll on her. She was awake and alert today, but her color was not quite as good as yesterday, and she seemed more drained today. Of course, she is still in good spirits, and just glad to have her pain meds working again. Probably the best news today is that she was able to be moved from her bed into a chair, and sat up for several hours. That may not sound like much, but it was a big deal, and it definitely wore her out, but that was very good for her.

She is eating well; Tony went and got some of her favorite soup from Panera (creamy chicken and wild rice) and she was scarfing that down when I left. The last I heard, Amy was busy loading up a bunch of music onto an ipod for her to listen to.

Me (kimberly), my grandmother, and my aunt Tina had all made the trip to NC for her surgery, but we left today and headed home. Of course, Tony and Amy are still there to take care of her, and I'll be headed back down this week, and Tina will be coming down again soon, as will other relatives.

In spite of the setback, I think she is probably doing better than many patients who have this type of surgery, and we are grateful for that. Of course, with the success of the surgery, and encouragement concerning her daily progress, it can be easy to forget that really this fight is only beginning, and we still are anxiously awaiting more biopsy information about the cancer, and whether or not she will be going through chemotherapy. Please continue with your prayers, we don't know what lies ahead, but we are sure there are many challenges to come.

Thanks, and love to all,
Kimberly

PS - I still have mom's cell phone (1-336-302-7714) and have been giving updates as I get them to anyone who calls, so don't feel like you're bothering me if you call =) Also, we talked to mom, and she said might feel like having visitors a little later in the week, but probably not for the next few days, although I'm sure she would appreciate cards or flowers if you think of it.

2005-10-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

Update: We just talked to the nurse and she has finally gotten her pain medicine. She has been without it for several hours and has been in an extreme amount pain. Hopefully she'll get some relief soon. Please pray.

Long Day

2005-10-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

Mom got moved from ICU today.

We went to see her first thing this morning, and she looked really great. Evidently there was a problem with her blood pressure last night, it was very low, but they made some adjustments and it was better this morning. They were hoping to have her sit up this morning, but with the blood pressure problems, it was too much, so they will do it tomorrow.

Early this afternoon they moved her into a private room. (See note below for room number information) We went and saw her this afternoon and she was doing very good, alert, and doing her breathing exercises like a champ. Toward the end of our visit, she got very tired, and so we split.

I just talked to Tony a little while ago, and unfortunately, he said there's a problem with her epidural again, and she was in a lot of pain; they were calling in somebody to fix it, but that's really not a good situation. The way that these painkillers work is that they are better at preventing pain than getting rid of it, so it's bad that it keeps having problems, because it will put her in a lot of pain for a while until it gets worked out. Please keep her in your prayers, I'm waiting for an update from Tony now, and will post again as soon as I know something.

Love to all,
Kimberly

NOTE: Anyone who wants to visit or send flowers (she is allowed to have flowers) she is in ROOM 509 - REYNOLDS TOWER at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Tired, but ok

2005-10-21T21:18:00.000-04:00

Just saw mom for a little while, she was pretty tired, but said she slept a bit earlier. She said she was fairly comfortable, and just resting up. She had some orange juice tonight, but they said she may be able to eat something in the morning. We'll see her in the morning, hope she'll be moving to a regular room sometime during the day. Also, hopefully they will get her up to walk a little tomorrow, it's very important for her to get up and about to reduce risk of infection, fluid buildup, and also to build lung capacity. Of course, she's a trooper, so she's doing great under the circumstances. Please keep the prayers coming!
Love to all...

Friday Night Update - Looking Good

2005-10-21T18:58:00.000-04:00

Hi folks, sorry it took so long to post an update, I know many of you are anxious to hear how my mom is doing. They didn’t have a wireless connection at the hospital, so this is the first real chance we’ve had to post.

Mom got to the hospital at 6 am this morning, and we were able to spend a few minutes with her before she went back to be prepped for surgery. With relatives from Maryland and Georgia here, she had a pretty good support team! The chaplain from Wake Forest (Tim) was there to talk to us, pray with us, and offer encouragement. We really appreciated him being there, especially so early in the morning.

Tony was able to go back with mom while she was being prepped, so that was good. She went into surgery on time, at 7 am, and the waiting began for us. The hospital is really great, we are so pleased with the care she has received so far, and they even made a point of contacting us several times through the morning to let us know how she was doing in surgery.

Around 12:15 they paged Tony and told us that she was out of surgery, and doing fine. They took two lobes (we were kind of hoping it would only be one, but expected two, so that was ok). They did not have to break any of her ribs, which is very good, because we understand that is a very painful healing process. They felt good about the surgery, the surgeon said it was a little hard getting a hold of the tumor, this particular type of cancer being sneaky and diffuse one, rather than a solid mass. He did note several swollen lymph nodes, and removed some for biopsy. We won’t have the full results of that biopsy until next week, but they did a very rough preliminary biopsy which was clear, but we’ll still hold our breath for a while on that…

After surgery she was in recovery for a while before they could move her to the ICU. We had been at the hospital all morning, and were starving, so we slipped out for a little lunch while she was waking up. After we got back there was a still a bit of waiting around, there was some kind of delay getting her room ready in ICU, and we weren’t allowed in to see her in Recovery. Tony threw some weight around after waiting for a few hours, so they let him pop in to see her for a few minutes in Recovery.

She didn’t get into ICU until just before 5 pm, but they let us all go in to see her then for a few minutes, and we all agreed she looked much, much better than any of us expected. She was awake, and relatively alert (slightly groggy) her face had very good color, and she was in good spirits. She told us that when she woke up there was something wrong with her epidural, and she had been in an intense amount of pain; it took them a while to get it fixed, but they did. We weren’t at all happy to hear that, but by the time we saw her she was doing much better. She is having some pain, of course, when she coughs, but she has got a lot of pain meds being pumped into her, so that’s good. There was also a small problem with her IV infiltrating (also painful, but fairly common, I think) and so her arm was considerably swollen, but they said that should go back down to normal soon.

We were able to each spend a few minutes talking with her, and she was talking, laughing, asking us if we’re comfortable in our rooms at the hotel! As if that was on our minds!

Visiting hours in ICU are limited to a few hours interspersed throughout the day, but we will be able to see her one more time tonight. I asked her to make sure we weren’t wearing her out, but she said even if she was asleep, it made her happy to know we were there. Tomorrow sometime she should be moved to a semi-private room, with looser visiting hours. She still hasn’t eaten, but she was sipping on some ice water while we there, and she seemed to be enjoying that (she hadn’t had a thing since midnight last night).

Overall, we’re thrilled with how well she’s doing, and anxious to get more extensive details and results from the Doctor. We’ll be sure to keep posting, at least once a day.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you for all of your prayers during this time, you don’t know how much it is appreciated.

One final note – I am looking for some help from someone with a pickup truck. We would like to have a hospital bed at home for mom when she gets out of the hospital during her recovery period. The Cancer Services here in Winston (wonderful organization) has one for us to use for free, but we have to pick it up and get it to mom’s house. If we need to, we can rent a truck, and that may work out to be a better option, but just thought I’d put out a feeler to see if anyone might be available, say, Thursday or Friday next week. Email me at novembrrr@aol.com or call mom’s cell phone 336-302-7714 if you think you can help.

Love to all, and thanks for your prayers, thoughts, and gifts. I’ll never forget any of the kindnesses being poured out on my mom during this time when she needs it most. Thank you.

So far, so good

2005-10-21T14:36:00.000-04:00

This is Annette and I'm one of Dusty's coworkers. I hope that Dusty won't mind, but since her daughters are probably at the hospital right now I thought I'd post a quick update since I know we are all anxious about her. We got word at about noon that the surgery went fine and that Dusty was heading for recovery. They didn't have to break any bones, the initial biopsies came back negative and they are doing more research on lymph nodes. I'll post more when I hear...

Today's the big day

2005-10-21T04:31:00.000-04:00

Well, this is the big day. I woke up a little early. I just wanted to thank you again for your prayers, since I will be unable to do so for a few days. Tony is nearly as calm as I am. Your prayers are being felt. My son, daughters, sister and mom drove in just to be nearby during surgery.

After my pre-op visit yesterday, I got a Swedish massage and a pedicure. We had Indian food for dinner, then turned in early. ;-)

My daughter Kimberly will have my cell phone for the next two weeks or so. Give her a call if you’d like to check on me. 336.302.7714. Amy and Kim will also be posting to this blog. I love it when people post comments to my blog. So blog on!

By the way, I talked to the National Cancer Institute yesterday. They sent me a couple of links to information about the kind of lung cancer I have and treatment options. Here are two links:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/healthprofessional/allpages

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/patient/allpages

I know I will be fine. Please continue to keep my loved ones in your prayers.

And thank you again, for doing so.

Love to all.

In Christ,
dusty

Surgery is on for Friday

2005-10-18T21:08:00.000-04:00

Plans for Friday’s surgery were firmed up today. I will be going to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center at 6 a.m. Friday morning (10.21.2005).

The CT scan that was done Thursday, showed no significant change in the tumor since the last CT scan done in August. It's still about 5 cm by 3 cm, as best as the doctor can tell, until he does surgery.

That was a huge relief.

One more piece of potentially good news. My doctor conferred with another doctor at the university who reviewed my records. The second doctor indicated that she believes the tumor is in the upper lobe, rather than in the middle lobe. Although my doctor believes it best to remove both top and middle lobes, he will save my middle lobe, if practical.

Surgery is scheduled for 7 a.m. The surgeon told Tony that he expects to complete the procedure by noon or 1 p.m., when he’ll go to the surgical family waiting area to give Tony a briefing on the surgery.

I expect to be pretty much out of it all day Friday, possibly into Saturday. I am not a ‘tough it out’ kind of person. I plan to make full use of the painkilling drugs. So it may even be Sunday before I start to come out of the fog. ;-)

Please feel free to call my cell phone to check on me. As I mentioned previously, my daughters will be keeping this blog up to date. I will be home around 11.1.2005.

I will take off from work on Thursday for morning and afternoon pre-op stuff and a few hours of pampering the evening before surgery.

Thank you for your prayers. I covet them.

Acts of Kindness

2005-10-16T20:18:00.000-04:00

Since the diagnosis, I have been overcome with love and kindness. Thank you to everyone for all you’ve done, offered to do and will be doing during my recovering.

Most of all, thank you for your prayers. They must be working because I have perfect peace.

I work with the best people in the world. My co-workers at Wake Forest MBA surprised me Friday by declaring it ‘Dusty Day.’ When I arrived at work, my office was decorated with paper hearts. In my office were Dunkin Donuts and 2 dozen brightly colored roses.

As if that weren’t enough to blow me away, a little later in the morning when I stepped away from my office, they left a gorgeous collector tin of Godiva chocolates in my chair. Then we went out to a very nice restaurant for lunch where they showered me with thoughtful gifts.

While I'm on the topic of expressions of love and kindness, there’s something I’d like to mention. First, please know that I am in need of nothing--other than your prayers. Believe me, your prayers are making this amazingly easy for me. I have no fear. My financial situation is sound. My family is very supportive. Those with whom I work are sharing my workload. I have no need of anything else.

When my husband and I were married, one of my co-workers gave me the book “The Five Love Languages.” If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. It describes various ways we give and receive love. Although the book speaks to couples, its principles are applicable to other relationships.

I am a giver. But during this trial of life, I am receiving acts of kindness. Again, it's important to me that you know that all of my needs are met. But my heart is fertile ground for your gifts of love and acts of kindness. I accept your kind words, beautiful cards, the gracious and awkward attempts of expressing your sadness at the news, encouraging stories of cancer survivors, phone calls and emails.

You’re speaking my love language. I receive it as if it came from the Lord. I trust it does.

Most importantly, thank you for the prayers you whisper under your breath...when you’re alone...or in a crowded mall...when you're waiting in line...or daydreaming for a moment and my name or the face of my loved one crosses your mind. Just mention my name...or the name of my children, Kimberly, Kirk, Amy or my husband Tony...or my co-workers...or whoever you know who is affected by this. There are many.

I understand difficult times lie ahead. If I fail to properly thank you then, let me do so now, while it’s on my heart. Thank you. Please continue to pray for my loved ones and me.

Waiting for Tuesday...then Friday

2005-10-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

We’re in a holding pattern right now. I had a CT scan of my chest and abdomen on Thursday, 10.13.2005. But I won’t know those results until I see the doctor on Tuesday. I’m fairly certain everything will be fine. If I have a nagging concern, it’s that the tumor has grown too much since my last chest CT scan (about seven weeks ago) and we have to do chemotherapy prior to surgery. I don’t like the thought of that at all.

While many people might have apprehension about having surgery, I have apprehension about not having surgery. Weird.

If all goes as I hope, I will have the surgery this Friday, 10.21.2005. From the time I go into the hospital until I am at least somewhat clearheaded, my daughters Kimberly and Amy will maintain my blog and keep it current with my status.

Feel free to call, if you like. It may be best if you call my cell phone so that way, if I’m resting I’ll have the ringer on silent mode and the call won’t disturb me. Here’s my cell phone number: 336.302.7714. My provider is Verizon, for those who are “in.”

Don’t be shy about calling. I look forward to hearing from you. Just leave a message and, if it’s not me, someone will call you back a little later.

For those of you who don’t know my family, my daughter, Kimberly, who lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, will be staying at my home helping Tony take care of me. My other daughter, Amy, who also works at Wake Forest MBA, lives right around the corner from me and will be around a lot, as well. My son Kirk lives in Atlanta. He will come up during the surgery, and then return home to his wife and two adorable little redheaded girls.

The next update will probably be Tuesday after my doctor's appointment at 2 p.m.

A Word to the Wise...

2005-10-12T15:30:00.000-04:00

I have something, besides lung cancer, that I’d like to get off my chest.

As a nation, we are more compassionate toward suicidal people than we are toward people with lung cancer. What’s the deal with that? Perhaps there’s an underlying sense that these people brought this disease upon themselves? Perhaps because it is not a woman thing, like breast cancer, or a man thing, like prostate cancer, or a gay thing, like AIDS. It’s a disease that affects men, women, heterosexuals, gays, whites, blacks and every other race under the sun.

Since the overall survival rate for people with lung cancer is less than 15 percent why is no one championing the cause for more research, public information and screening?

I get my annual mammograms, thanks to the breast cancer awareness campaign. Since my brother died at an early age of colon cancer, I’ve also had a colonoscopy more times than I care to remember.

The first indication there was a problem with my lung was discovered by a chest x-ray. This screening process is not foolproof, nothing is. But it’s a start. It’s cheap and it’s easy. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper and a heck of a lot easier than either a colonoscopy or a mammogram.

Thank goodness for breast cancer awareness. Thank goodness there is a greater awareness for prostate and colon cancer. God forbid anything should be taken away from that. But let's add to it. Let's help bring awareness and screening about lung cancer.

I’m more fortunate than most. The doctor said that the survival rate in my case is 60 percent. He also told me there is no correlation between smoking and this type of cancer that I have. But should that even matter?

Again, as a nation, we have learned to be compassionate towards people with AIDS, as well we should. But we need to open our eyes to the insensitive and accusatory manner we treat people with lung cancer.

What is your first response when you find out someone has breast cancer? Your heart probably melts with compassion. But what is the most likely response upon hearing someone has lung cancer?

“Do they smoke?”

That’s just wrong.

I want to add one note, nobody has been unkind in this way to me. I simply see the need for change here.

My daughter Kimberly put together the following information about lung cancer. Please take it to heart.

love,
dusty

“I want others who have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer to know that there is hope and life after a cancer diagnosis. I want the general public to know that lung cancer is killing more mothers, sisters and daughters than breast cancer. I want people to know that lung cancer affects non-smokers too. I want people to know that more research needs to happen to understand why so many non-smokers are being affected.”

- Kylie Johnston, Lung Cancer Survivor

Reading up and doing some research on my mom’s condition has been an eye-opening experience for our family. While most people know that smoking can cause lung cancer, many are not aware that 60 percent of newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer are in people who either have never smoked, or have already quit, some (like my mom) decades ago. And while most everyone knows that great progress has been made in the field of cancer research, and probably even knows someone who has survived breast cancer, colon cancer, etc., they may not be aware that each year lung cancer takes more lives than breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer COMBINED.

While Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns seem to have been pretty successful in getting the word out to women about this risk to their health, most women are probably unaware that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of women, and that the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is around 88 percent, compared to the overall 5-year survival rate of lung cancer – less than 15 percent. This means 85 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer will die within 5 years of their diagnosis.

Part of the reason for both the devastating numbers and the appalling lack of public awareness is due to a lack of funding. Part of the reason for the lack of funding is an incorrect assumption that the people who get lung cancer deserve it. Nobody deserves lung cancer, any more than they deserve breast cancer. Everyone is familiar with the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness; the ribbon for lung cancer awareness is clear, symbolizing the lack of attention this “invisible” killer receives.

Below are two links for petitions asking for increased funding and awareness of the NUMBER ONE CANCER KILLER IN THE U.S. Please consider the information on these web sites and sign the petitions.

Women Against Lung Cancer Petition

Lung Cancer Alliance Petition

Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support my mom and family.

Kimberly

Hotel Near Hospital

2005-10-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

Some of my family members mentioned that they wanted to be nearby during my surgery. Other than Tony and my youngest daughter, Amy, all of my family is out of state.

My surgery happens to fall on a date that is at the start of the High Point Furniture Market. If you have ever been in town during that time, you know there is not a hotel room to be had. There’s a clean, little hotel just around the corner from where we live that usually costs about $50 or so a night. The price for a room there during market is $189.

It’s crazy.

Fortunately, there’s a hotel, near the hospital, that is actually owned and operated by Wake Forest University Medical Center. They honor a special year-around discount rate for family members of people who are at the Medical Center, even during furniture market.

Isn’t that wonderful?

The rate is $59.95 for a single and an additional $5 for each person in the room.

Here’s the web site for the Hawthorn Inn and Conference Center:

http://www.hawthorneinn.com/index.html

Here is the toll free number: 877-777-3099

One other note about the hotel: it can be a bit difficult to find. Generally speaking, it's in the downtown area of Winston-Salem immediately off Business 40 on Exit 5C, if you are on eastbound on Business 40. Otherwise, due to the one-way streets near the downtown area, you may feel as if you're traveling around in circles. Directions are at the following website: http://www.hawthorneinn.com/directions.html You may want to take time now to print the directions.

First Visit to Cancer Center

2005-10-11T15:30:00.000-04:00

I had my first visit at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Medical Center. I feel very good about being in their care. I had a long list of questions to ask. The doctors answered most of my questions before I even asked, but I used my list to make certain I didn't forget anything. At this point, it looks like the surgery will be done a week from Friday, on 10.21.2005. Unfortunately, it looks as though they will have to remove both my upper and middle lobes. But, hey, whatever it takes to get it out of me. The surgery takes between 4-5 hours. I will probably be in the hospital for 10 days, the first 24 hours in critical care. It will take approximately three months to recover. I will be out of work for six to eight week.

Below are my questions and the doctors' answers.

Questions for doctors
10.11.2005
First visit to Wake Forest Medical Center

Cancer Type & Stage

 What stage is the cancer? What determines the stage? What is the size of the tumor?

This is probably Stage 1B. The size of the tumor is why it's classified as a B. The size is probably as we suspected from the radiologist's estimate of 3 cm by 5 cm.

 The pathology report was positive for cancer, but the PET scan was negative. Can you explain the apparent discrepancy?

This particular type of cancer is an unusual form. The tumor in my lung was not picked up on the PET scan. That's partly because, at first, this type of cancer does not act like other cancers in that it doesn't feed off sugar. So on the one hand, because it didn't pick up any other cancer doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't spread. However, on the other hand, one characteristic of this type of cancer is that it usually likes to hang out in the lungs. So it's still unlikely that it has spread. When surgery is done, lymph nodes will be removed to make a more positive determination.

 What type of lung cancer is this? The pathology report mentions ‘possible bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.’ How and when can it be determined if I have BAC?

It most likely is bronchioloalveolar carcinoma or BAC. There is no definitive pathology test to be certain until surgery is done and it can be determined just how the cancer is growing. From the CT scans and the pathology report, the doctor said it's very likely that this is the type of cancer I have. This type has a very distinct growth pattern. It tends to spread diffusely throughout the alveoli, unlike other lung cancers which tend to 'stick together.' (From 100 Questions and Answers About Lung Cancer). It represents about 5 percent of all lung cancers and is found most often among non smokers. It also affects women more than men. The incidence of BAC is rising, however.

 I brought pathology slides from the bronchoscopy done 9.22.2005. Will another pathology report be performed on the slides? If so, when will we know results?

Yes, another pathology report will be done. The results will probably be ready next week.

 Is it possible that I received a false positive result from the pathology report?

This is not very likely at all. Another pathology report will be done. The diagnosis agrees with the CT and the pathology report.

 If this is BAC how does treatment differ from treatment of other adenocarcinoma?

The stage and the type of cancer determine if you're a good candidate for surgery. The approach to fighting this type of cancer is similar to other types of adenocarcinomas. (BAC is a sub type of adenocarcinoma.) That means surgery first (most likely), then perhaps chemotherapy, but that will be determined after surgery.

 Are there any clinical trials you can suggest?

Yes, the nurse will explain them to me later, at the appropriate time. It may simply involve blood tests, etc.

 What is the survival rate for this type of lung cancer discovered at this stage?

60 percent.

Surgery

 How soon can surgery be scheduled?

Within the next week or two. He tentatively scheduled it for 10.21.2005, depending on the results of another CT scan to be done 10.14.2005.

 How long is the normal hospital stay for this type of surgery?

Ten days, the first 24 hours will be in intensive care.

 What are the risks associated with this type of surgery?

There are a couple of things to look for at first. I forget the term he used for this certain risk, but as he was trying to explain it, the image of a flat tire came to mind. Although I didn't ask, the surgeon also told us that the survival rate for the surgery is 95 percent. That is for patients of all ages and various levels of health.

 Is the tumor in the upper or mid lobe? Pathology report states upper, CT scans state mid-lung zone.

In some people the membrane separating the upper and middle lobe is not very substantial. So is the case with my upper and middle lobes. The two of them have come together to form one giant lobe. That being the case, we've got to take them both out, to reduce the chance that we're leaving cancer cells in my lung.

 How much and what part of my lung will be removed? Upper lobe only? What is the likelihood my entire lung must be removed?

(See above.) Both upper and middle will be removed. It is highly unlikely that the entire lung will be removed.

 Where and how long will the scar on my chest be?

The incision will begin just below and to the right of my right breast, almost directly under my armpit, and will wrap around to my back. It will be about 8-10 inches.

 After surgery in my right lung, what course of treatment is pursued if cancer appears in my left lung?

There is a possibility that the cancer will spread either to a different area of my right lung or to my left lung. One of the characteristics of this type of cancer is that, for the most part, it remains in the lung. For the rest of my life I must have my lungs monitored to see if the cancer has returned. If it appears in the left lung, they may possibly do a resection, where they remove only the portion of the lung contaminated with cancer. Then we could also consider chemotherapy and radiation, as needed.

Other

 Am I a candidate for chemotherapy and/or radiation following surgery?

Yes. But that will be determined after surgery.

 Are my children at risk for this type of cancer?

No. (whew!)

 How long is recovery expected to take? What type of limitations, if any, can I expect after surgery recovery? Will there be any permanent disability?

Three months to recover. I will get out of breath more quickly when I climb stairs or something like that. I will never recover my lung capacity. I may have to stop and rest while climbing stairs. I should not have any permanent disability.

 How long will I be out of work?

I will be out of work for approximately six to eight week.

 I have a mammogram scheduled 10.21.2005; however, I had a PET scan on 10.5.2005. Is a mammogram necessary now or shall I cancel the appointment because the PET scan is more definitive than a mammogram?

No, the mammogram is better than the PET scan. Keep the appointment. (Actually, since my mammogram was scheduled for the same date as surgery, I called and had the mammogram rescheduled to 10.13.2005.)

 Would you advise me to purchase an air purifier to use during recovery? If so, is there any particular type or feature you can recommend?

The doctor didn't think it would make a difference to have a purifier. I think I'll get one anyone, just to feel as if I'm doing something. ;-)

 Is there any advice you can offer?

Not really.

A Note on Cancer Insurance

2005-10-10T15:30:00.000-04:00

In the spirit of full disclosure, let me start by telling you that my husband sells cancer insurance, among other insurance policies, as an independent Aflac rep. When we first started seeing each other more than 10 years ago, he purchased a cancer insurance policy for me.

I'm sure glad he did.

Here’s how it works. If you are ever diagnosed with cancer, you receive a first occurrence benefit. The amount you receive depends upon the type of policy you have. In my case, my first occurrence benefit was $5,000. Plus, my policy has a wellness benefit and a building benefit. With the wellness benefit, once a year if you have any type of cancer screening test—for example, Pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy, chest x-ray, PSA test—you receive a check from Aflac. Again, the amount depends on the policy that you have. In my case, I received a $75 check every year, even though my medical insurance covered the cost of the mammogram, colonoscopy or whatever the test was.

It’s as simple as that. You see, it saves the insurance company money if cancer is detected early, so they provide that benefit as an incentive for policy holders to take good care of themselves.

The building benefit is kind of like an appreciation of the policy. From the time you purchase the policy and for every year you are cancer free, the value of your policy increases, in my case, by $500 per year. A week to the day after being diagnosed, I received a check from Aflac for the first occurrence, building benefits and diagnostic tests.

The benefits don’t stop after you receive your first check. You continue to receive benefits for such things as surgery, chemotherapy, etc. I have excellent medical insurance and will be receiving short-term disability (which is 60 percent of my salary) while I’m recovering from surgery. The money I received from Aflac will more than cover the shortfall from my reduced paycheck. It will also cover other incidental charges that I may incur. More importantly, it will pay for me and my husband to take a well-deserved trip after I recover.

I encouraged everyone to consider buying a cancer policy. When you find out you have cancer, the last thing you should have to worry about is your financial situation. Having this policy helps eliminate any such concern I may have otherwise had.

Appointment at Wake Forest Medical Center

2005-10-07T18:37:00.000-04:00

I was able to get an appointment at the cancer center at Wake Forest University Medical Center for 8 a.m. Tuesday (Oct. 11, 2005). Tony plans to go to the doctor with me. At that time, I will see three specialists: a radiologist, a surgeon and a medical oncologist. All three specialize in lung cancer. Tuesday afternoon, they will then meet with a larger team of doctors to discuss the new cases received that morning. The larger team consists of approximately 60 doctors. (Patients do not attend this meeting.)

I need to round up CT scans, x-rays, files and pathology slides on Monday because I have to take them with me Tuesday morning.

I expect once I see these physicians, things will begin to move very quickly. I'm hopeful that they will schedule lung surgery within the next two weeks.

I will keep you posted. ;-)

Great News!

2005-10-06T15:22:00.000-04:00

I just heard back from the doctor. He said my PET scan was negative. That means they could not find any cancer cells outside of the tumor in my lung. My nodes are clear!

"For someone with lung cancer, you're in great shape," he said. This should greatly help me reach full recovery.

Also, my breathing test was normal. How about that!

He doesn't have my CT scan yet, but I'm sure that is fine. ;-)

My pulmonologist has left a message with a pulmonary oncologist at Wake Forest Medical Center, where I want to be treated. I hope to have an appointment soon.

Woo hoo! Life is great!

Waiting for test results

2005-10-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had a series of tests, a PET scan, a CT scan and breathing tests. I'm anxious to hear the results of the PET scan, especially. The PET scan will help in the staging process. It will reveal if there is any other cancer elsewhere in my body, including the lymph nodes. It's really kind of cool how it works. While you're fasting (just don't eat after midnight. I had mine test done at 7 a.m. the next day.) They inject you with a radioactive dye. You don't even need to take your jeans or shoes off or put on a hospital gown. The machine picks up the cell activity in your body through your clothes. Since you're fasting, most of the cells are at rest with very little movement. However, malignant cells constantly feed off sugar. They are active and moving about when the other cells are not. The radioactive dye picks up on that activity and identifies potential cancer cells, even when the area is very small.

The bad thing about this test, if there is one, is that you must lie perfectly still for 45 to 50 minutes. It's maddening. You start imagining itches in private places and at some point you feel like jumping off the table and screaming, "I just can't stay here any more!" But I did stay perfectly still the entire time. I didn't even swallow. ;-) I think the machine covers about 2 millimeters of your body at a time, which is like .08 of an inch.

I asked for an extra copy of the scan to take home. The book I'm reading suggested you do that prior to having the test done. They gave me a copy of both the PET and CT scan. Cool. (Not that I know how to read it.)

The CT scan will identify if there is any cancer in my brain. It was done in about 10 minutes. No problem. I only had to be still for like a minute.

Then I had the breathing tests. Tony was in the room with me for that. He thinks I didn't do very well. I tried hard, but I think he's right. We'll see. After doing three tests, they gave me an inhaler of some sort and had me do one of the tests over again, to see if there was any improvement. There was an improvement.

The reason it's important to know now if there is any other cancer in my body is because that determines how we approach my treatment. If there is no other cancer and my lymph nodes are clear, I may not need chemotherapy.

I just called the doctor's office (pulmonologist) to ask for the results. We'll see.

After the diagnosis

2005-10-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

September 27, 2005. From receiving the news at the doctor's office, I headed to work and told my co-workers first. They were expecting to find out something after the worrisome phone call from the doctor that I received at work the evening before. I then talked with the director of the MBA program, who is the former nurse who helped me read the CT scans earlier. She advised me to withdraw from the program immediately to concentrate on getting well. "You will have a spot next year," she said. I called my class team members and explained to each one that I was withdrawing from the program and why. I then spoke with my professors to tell them. Though I tried not to, I cried just about every time I told the story. Even so, I felt responsible to talk to them myself, since they are a significant part of my life. I'd hope if the table were turned, they'd talk to me directly.

September 28, 2005. This day was much easier than the day before. I still had tears, but fewer. I sent the following email to my other classmates. They sent me the most responses.

From: Dusty Donaldson
Sent: Thu 9/29/2005 2:21 PM
To: Executive Fast Track 2006
Cc: Jon Babek; Larry Katz; Patrick Doran

Subject: Not so good news

Dear Classmates,

I have unfortunate news to share with you all. I was just diagnosed with lung cancer and must withdraw from the program while undergoing treatment.

Thankfully, it appears as if we found the cancer very early. I have virtually no symptoms and am in otherwise very good health. This type of cancer is most common among non-smokers, although I did quit smoking about 27 years ago. I need to have more tests to determine the best course of attack, but initially it looks as if I am an excellent candidate for lung surgery. This may have me out of commission for six weeks or so.

I plan to reenter the program next year. I’m sorry I will not be able to graduate with you all but please keep me and my loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you, as well.

On a brighter note, last night was the first night since I started the program that I did not have to study. That was nice. Now I have more than a year to prepare for Gary Shoesmith’s final exam. It may take me a year, but I plan to ace it. ;-)

I work on the second floor at Wake Forest MBA, so please drop by or keep in touch some other way! Good luck to you all.

dusty
-------------

October 1, 2005. Word spread pretty quickly around the office, but I could tell some folks had heard the news but were unsure what to say, if anything. I didn't want anyone feeling uncomfortable talking with me about the situation. I thought it might be a good idea to send an email to all the extended family at Wake Forest MBA school. I sent the following email:

From: Dusty Donaldson
Sent: Saturday, October 01, 2005 10:26 AM
To: Faculty; Staff
Cc: Kevin Cox
Subject:

Dear Wake Forest MBA family,

I have unfortunate news to share with you. I’ve spoken with some of you but others may not have heard. I was diagnosed Wednesday with lung cancer. Thankfully, it appears as if we found the cancer very early. I have virtually no symptoms and am in otherwise very good health. This type of cancer is most common among non-smokers, although I did quit smoking about 27 years ago. I need to have more tests to determine the best course of attack, but it looks as if I am an excellent candidate for lung surgery. If so, this will probably be done in mid-October and may have me out of commission for six weeks or so.

Please keep me, and especially my loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers. Please remember my teammates in your prayers, as well. If you want to talk with me about it, feel free to do so. If not, I understand. Either way, I know your thoughts are with me. I am blessed to be working at a place like this, surrounded by people like you. Thank you for your prayers and support.

dusty
----------------------
I received warm responses from so many people. One in particular turned out to be very valuable. One of our professors who had recently kicked cancer's butt told me about Cancer Services, a non profit organization that, among other services, helps newly diagnosed cancer patients navigate their new world. This was so very helpful! I met with the director of Cancer Services Monday afternoon. She lent me excellent books and provided sound advice.

How did they find it?

2005-10-05T21:09:00.000-04:00

One week ago, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. Since I virtually had no symptoms, the first question people ask is “How did they find it?” Below is a chronological sequence of events that explains.

February 25, 2005: While in Wal-Mart, I noticed a sign that said “Free Hearing Test.” After recently having taken the GMAT in preparation for entering the MBA program at Wake Forest, I was somewhat concerned about my hearing loss. I had noticed that certain sounds were not as distinct as they should be and I wondered if this would put me at a disadvantage when classes started in August. I had the test and the gentleman who administered it tried on a few hearing aids, just to demonstrate the difference. He explained that a hearing aid might not be able to help me due to the nature of the hearing loss. (It's not that noticeable. I was mostly concerned about hearing the professors in a large classroom setting. As it turns out, that was not a problem. ) As I walked to my car in the parking lot, I felt for the first time a slight “tug” of sorts under my right ear. The best way I can explain it is, it felt as though the weight of the hearing aid, which was no longer in my ear, made the muscles in that area kind of tired.

It seemed to come and go but I noticed what felt a little like mild swollen gland on my right side. It was not that uncomfortable, but because it persisted after a few weeks, I thought I’d mention it to my doctor at my upcoming annual physical. I had blood work done on March 23, 2005, prior to my scheduled physical appointment on April 27, 2005.

April 27, 2005. During my physical, my doctor didn’t seem to notice anything unusual when he felt my glands. Everything else seemed fine.

May 11, 2005. The tenderness in my gland persisted. I made an appointment with my doctor specifically for the problem. He suggested the problem was with my carotid artery and scheduled for me to have an ultrasound done the following day. If that shows nothing, he suggested perhaps we’d do a CT scan, if the problem doesn’t go away.

May 12, 2005. The test done on my carotid artery turned up no unusual findings.

July 10, 2005. I was visiting my son and his family in Atlanta and awoke with the swollen gland feeling a bit more prominent that previous. I decide the take the next step the doctor had suggested.

July 14, 2005. Had a CT scan of my neck area to try to determine the cause of the cause of the slight discomfort.

July 19, 2005. When I called the doctor’s office the next day or so for the results, I was told nothing unusual showed up, other than slight swelling of my submandibular glands. Perhaps “something is radiating up from the lungs” was what the nurse told me. Sounded silly to me, but she suggested I have a chest X-Ray.

July 28, 2005. Chest X-Ray taken. Results indicated something unusual. I was asked if I had a previous chest x-ray to compare it to. I did not. A CT scan for my chest was scheduled.

August 10, 2005. CT scan of chest was done. I think I called and received the results August 16. The nurse read the report that said the results of my CT scan showed that I had what was “suggestive of pneumonia.” (This caused me concern, perhaps because I was not sick, not as much as a sniffle. In fact, I’ve not even had a cold for nearly three years.)

August 17, 2005. Per my request, I met with my doctor to discuss results of CT scan. He explained that the results could have been a fluke. The scan could have been mixed up with another patient. It could possibly be fungi of some sort. He said we would wait three weeks and redo the CT scan to see if it’s cleared up. (I cancelled my appointment to give platelets until the matter was resolved.)

August 31, 2005. I had the second CT scan of my chest.

September 1, 2005. When I called the doctor’s office for results, the nurse said that the report showed there had been “no significant change” from the first CT scan. (In other words, it appeared on the scan as if I still had pneumonia.) The nurse scheduled an appointment for me to see a pulmonologist on September 13, 2005. I called the pulmonologist’s office (twice) requesting to be put on a call list in case the doctor had a cancellation. (Thanks for the good advice, Vickie!) When I called the second time, I told the assistant that I had picked up my CT scan records to brig to the appointment. It worked. The doctor’s office called me to let me know there had been a cancellation.

Below are emails sent on this date:
_____________________________________________
From: Dusty Donaldson
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 3:35 PM
To: Amy Tindel
Subject: RE: My lung

That's funny. I think it means to stick something down in my lung with a little camera or something on it so they can see what's going on down there. Or maybe get a sample of the gook in my lung so they can do a biopsy on it. I don't really know. I just want my lung to be working right. I hope they do whatever they need to so I can sleep peacefully without being creeped out about some uninvited presence being in my lung. ;-)

_____________________________________________
From: Amy Tindel
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 3:27 PM
To: Dusty Donaldson
Subject: RE: My lung

poke around? what the hell does that mean?

_____________________________________________
From: Dusty Donaldson
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 3:14 PM
To: 'Kimberly Lester'; Amy Tindel; oldtowsoninsurance@verizon.net
Subject: My lung

The CT scan I had yesterday showed "no significant change" from the one I had three weeks ago. In other words, I still have pneumonia (tee hee). I have an appointment Sept. 13 with a pulmonologist. He may want to poke around down there.

I'll keep you posted.
-------

September 6, 2005. Picked up CT scan records. When I read the reports, I kind of freaked out. I read the radiologist’s report which mentioned “There is an ill-defined opacity in the right mid-lung zone. While it is possible that this could represent an area of inflammation or scarring, the possibility of neoplasm is certainly a consideration…” I looked up the word “neoplasm” in the dictionary. A neoplasm is a new, soft fast-growing tumor. The director of the Wake Forest Fast-Track MBA program is a former nurse and a friend. I asked her to help me interpret the report and the CT scan. She expressed grave concern about the report and the scan. “This is nothing to fool around with,” she said. She advised me to try to see a doctor sooner rather than later. AS it turns out, I was able to see the pulmonologist soon after our discussion.

September 8, 2005. I met with the pulmonologist. He assured me that I did not have cancer. His office seemed like a place where very sick people came, even though there was no one else in the office. “I don’t feel like I belong here,” I told him. “Are you sick?” he asked. “I don’t know. I feel OK.” “I am very confident that you do not have cancer. I’ve seen this kind of thing many times, especially with women. Did you have pneumonia as a child?” “No.” “Perhaps you had pneumonia and thought you just had a bad cold. I suspect it’s scar tissue. We can go about this one of two ways, depending on how you feel about it. We can let it be and do another CT scan in a year or so, to make certain there has been no change. Or we can do a test to be 90 percent certain that there’s nothing bad growing in there.” I opted to do the test, a bronchoscopy, which was scheduled for September 22, 2005.

Below is an email sent on this date:
From: Dusty Donaldson
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 4:29 PM
To: Vickie Whapham; Annette Fowler; Eric Whittington; Jamie Barnes
Subject: My lung

Good news! I just came from the pulmonologist. He feels very confident that this density in my lung is scarring. We scheduled a bronchoscopy, but it's mainly so we can sleep easy knowing that there is nothing creepy crawling around in my lung. ;-)

Thanks for your concern!

dusty
---------
September 22, 2005. The bronchoscopy was performed at the hospital as an outpatient procedure. I was sedated. The test was successful in that samples were collected from the tumor for biopsy.

September 25, 2005. I called the doctor’s office asking about the biopsy results. I was told they did not yet have the results.

September 26, 2005. I called again. I received a message on my home vmail from the doctor just before 4 p.m. I called him back and left a message for him to call me at work, which he did a few minutes later. He said that he had some concern from the pathology report and had some questions he needed to ask the pathologist. The best case scenario is that you’re looking at more test,” he said. “Worst case scenario is that we’re looking at a malignant tumor and we need to have the facts so we know how to approach it. How soon can you be here in the morning?” I agreed to be at the doctor’s office at 8:30 the following morning. I then called my husband and told him what the doctor said. I called my first-born, second-born and third-born, respectively, and told them what the doctor said. I also told a close co-worker and asked him to tell the others that I would be in late tomorrow and why. I spoke to a couple of my sisters, as well. Then I went to a study session with some of my classmates.

September 27, 2005. After the discussion the evening before with the doctor, I was braced for the news. My husband was not. My youngest was at the doctor’s office with me. So the doctor explained that I did, in fact, have lung cancer. "No kind of cancer is good, but you have the non-small cell cancer," he explained. He answered all of questions and said I was probably an excellent candidate for surgery. I'm relatively young (51), a non-smoker in fairly good shape.

As it turns out, the pathology report suggests that the type of lung cancer I have may be a rare subtype of adenocarcinoma known as bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. According to the report of the second lung CT scan, the tumor at that time was approximately 3 cm by 5 cm, which is approximately 1 inch by 2 inches.

The non small cell cancer typically responds better to surgery than the small cell but maybe not quite as well to chemotherapy as does the small cell.

My pulmonologist asked me if I preferred to have surgery at Wake Forest Medical Center rather than in High Point, where I live. Initially, I thought High Point would make more sense because it is closer to home. I since changed my mind, after talking with one of my professors who was treated recently at Wake Forest, as well as receiving recommendations from several others. So my pulmonologist is now in the process of transferring my records to Wake Forest.

Purpose of blog

2005-10-05T20:18:00.000-04:00

The purpose of this blog is to share and keep the people who care about me informed concerning my condition. I hope you will feel free to post any messages or questions you may have.

Please keep me and my loved ones in your prayers.

love,
dusty