August 24, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 4 Comments
I’ve been watching more TV than usual lately. It has always been an escape, a guilty pleasure, but sometimes it can be a source of inspiration
There was a program on TLC the other night about Joanne Fluke, who was born with tiny webbed legs that would never work or grow. Actually it appears as if she has no [...]
June 2, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 6 Comments
It’s common to have a case of the “what ifs” when you’ve had a cancer diagnosis, especially advanced cancer. Like yesterday when I was pulling out a storage bin from a closet, I asked myself, “What if this pain in my side means the cancer has spread to my rib?”
It’s excruciating, and I’m not talking [...]
May 13, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 5 Comments
I spent a good part of yesterday in hell. It was my choosing. On Monday, I had my PET scan redone because last month it showed a slight progression. It was so small, they thought it could have been a variance in the way it was read.
It only takes a day to get results back, but I [...]
April 23, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 3 Comments
First of all, I want to thank all of you who left wonderful comments the past couple of ays. I will draw names this weekend, so you still have time to comment and enter in the contest to win a signed copy of From Incurable to Incredible when it is released. I’m hoping that will happen [...]
April 19, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 7 Comments
As my post title says, I think I need to go back and read my own book. If you’ve visited recently, you know that I am getting close to releasing From Incurable to Incredible: Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds. If all goes well, it should be out by late next month.
But it’s been a [...]
April 9, 2010 - Posted by tamilb- 9 Comments
A couple of days ago, I received an exciting call. The editor of CURE magazine contacted me about a story for their Fall issue. She wants to interview me Monday, along with some survivors from my book.
I’ve been in PR long enough to know not to count my chickens before they’re hatched. Many a time I’ve [...]
November 8, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 1 Comment
Today was a gorgeous Indian summer day, so my husband, daughter and her friend piled in the car to a beautiful state park. Looking over the awesome gorge with sun speckling the water below, I thanked God for this day and the healing that nature brings.
Nature, purpose, connection with others … I am grateful for [...]
October 23, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 5 Comments
Spoiler alert: deep stuff ahead! I share my blog posts on Facebook and often get some interesting comments from them. My friend Terry, who goes to my church, sent me this yesterday:
I have really been enjoying reading your blog, even though I don’t have cancer issues. I am wondering about something and would like your [...]
October 14, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 5 Comments
Yesterday I heard a breast cancer survivor on NPR talking about her book, Bright-sided: When Happiness Doesn’t Help.
Let’s be blunt: the woman annoyed me – a lot. I kind of get her point. You can’t always be positive when faced with a cancer diagnosis. But she was actually saying there is no connection to healing [...]
October 8, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 1 Comment
One of the tools I’ve picked up from my cancer experience is the phrase, “Hey, it’s not cancer.” I can’t remember who I heard it from, but it’s helped me when I’m anxious about things that really aren’t that important in the scheme of life.
A problem at work? An argument with my mom? My daughter [...]
October 6, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 2 Comments
I had my second chemo session yesterday and had a chance to ask questions about my scans and treatments. Last week, Mike and I were in total shock and unprepared. I feel better now that I have more information and am hopeful about new developments in breast cancer treatment that I’ve researched.
OK, so you’re wondering [...]
September 30, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 0 Comments
I was proud and happy to see that Nancy Hamm, one of the incredible survivors I have interviewed, was on the popular TV show The Doctors today. They were talking about a cutting-edge radiation therapy that erradicated her liver cancer after doctors told her she had little more than seven months to live. You can [...]
September 24, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 3 Comments
I’m having a bone scan today as part of my routine scans. I get a radioactive dye shot in my veins and three hours later come back to get the scan.
I’ve had a few of these, but this is the first time I received a form that gives me security clearance in case I go [...]
September 23, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 0 Comments
For about a year now I have been attending Healthy Steps at The Wellness Community. It’s an exercise class focused on getting the lymphatic system moving for those of us who have had breast surgery.
I have always enjoyed my instructor Sally, who is also a survivor, because of her positive, upbeat attitude. Yet I have never [...]
September 12, 2009 - Posted by tamilb- 0 Comments
First of all, thanks to everyone for the sweet comments, e-mails and tweets. It makes me feel good to know that you’re out there supporting this and passing it along to others.
One fellow survivor who was recently diagnosed posted a very good question: “How do you deal with the fear of the cancer coming back?” [...]