MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'conversations'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:00:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975942&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F28%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-june-28-2011%2F Sometimes when I’m in need of a little inspiration, I head out for a short walk. Today, as I meandered through the tree lined path of my apartment complex, I found it. I kept ending up in the direction of a beautiful fountain. The sound of the water as it sprung up in the air like fireworks and then gently falling as it lapped softly against the rocks was soothing. I thought about what the water represented, that regardless of whether it was thrust up in the air or moved gracefully to the bottom, it was the same unchanged substance. I realized that no matter what you did to it, the water was still water flowing in a fountain. The same could be said about you. You may have emotions that carry you from the highest mountain peaks to the valley lows, but you are at the core that unchange... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975942 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:11:39 +0100 4975942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953279&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fshort-term-planning.html I kind of left you in suspense yesterday.I was sitting an exam room, waiting to see my oncologist to discuss whether I could continue my break from chemo. Here's what happened next:We waited.We played a little Lexulous.I knit. My hands shook a little. And then the door swung open and Dr. B. entered the room. Dr. B. is not my oncologist. The cancer centre has a title called GPO (which I assume means general practitioner - oncology) for doctors who work with the oncologists. I hadn't seen Dr. B. in more than a year and without hesitating, we hugged each other - something I've never done with any doctor. She's wonderful and she's the only doctor I trust as much as my oncologist.After a physical exam (liver is where it should be and the size it should be. Chest sounds fine) and looki... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953279 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4953279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934729&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fnot-so-jaded-after-all.html Yesterday, I had an appointment with my oncologist, the first since our decision that I should take a break from chemo and do Herceptin only for three months.I usually do my appointments over the phone but I decided to go into the cancer centre so that I could have a physical exam and meet with him face to face. Also, I wanted Tim to come with me, so that he would get the same info as I did first hand and have a chance to ask questions. One of the great things about doing appointments on the phone is that I can carry on with my life around the house as I wait for my call. I was reminded of this after waiting first in the waiting area and then in the exam room for nearly an hour.But it was worth it.The first person I met was the nurse who works with my oncologist. It was the first time we m... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934729 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:38:00 +0100 4934729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876484&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fin-translation.html The cancer centre has implemented something new. When patients check in for treatment, we're asked to fill out a questionnaire related to our well-being (it has some acronym but I can't remember it). We're given the option of filling it in on a central computer but I'm really squeamish about germy public terminals. I always ask to fill the thing in manually (furthering my feeling that I am more of a Luddite than some of my seniors).Filling out the form involves reading statements such as "I am in pain" and then circling a number between 1 (no pain) and 7 (excruciating pain - or something like that). Most of my numbers were very low except for the ones about my emotional well being and sleep habits. My answers resulted in the following conversation with the well-meaning nurse who checked me... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876484 Sat, 28 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4876484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872365&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fkitchen-conversation-hes-so-so-right.html My spouse (after listening to lengthy rant #342 yesterday): "Not to excuse that person's bad behaviour, but a lot of things piss you off these days."Me: "True."Spouse: "Oh! We forgot to put the compost out!"Me: (String of expletives, unprintable in a blog my children might read).Spouse (Meaningful silence)Then we both burst out laughing.I need to get some perspective.But at least I can still laugh at myself.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872365 Fri, 27 May 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4872365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872366&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fgeneration-gap.html On Tuesday, as I waited at the Heart Institute for my regular echocardiogram, I had the following brief conversation with the older gentleman sitting beside me.Me: Is that a Playbook?Him: I don't play! This is an ipad!Me: Oh. I was just curious about the Blackberry version of the tablet.Him  (scornfully): Do you have a Blackberry?Me: I do.I didn't bother explaining that I don't find touch screens to be intuitive and that I prefer an actual keyboard for sending emails and texting. Instead, I pulled out my knitting, thus eradicating all doubt that I was the Luddite in our conversation.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872366 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:47:00 +0100 4872366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862627&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F25%2F8-tips-for-writing-a-love-letter-to-your-spouse%2F In my post, “Getting the Love You Want … Over and Over Again,” I mention one of the most powerful intimacy tools in my marriage, which is writing a love letter. I write one every day to my husband. Now mind you, these are not lengthy missives. Some of them are just a few sentences. But I do think the brief expression of affection has made our connection much stronger. On some days, it is the only substantial communication between us, because our kids have an uncanny knack of interrupting all of our conversations. But how do you go about writing a love letter? I found these eight tips on the site, Song of Marriage. This following suggestions are part of a husband’s guide. But I think they work for a wife’s as well. Rule Number One: Make It Positively Personal Anything put into w... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862627 Wed, 25 May 2011 19:31:33 +0100 4862627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803441&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Falone-on-mothers-day.html When my spouse first mentioned that he was thinking of taking the boys to the Toronto Comic Arts Festival in Toronto, I protested, "But that's Mothers' Day week end!"Then I stopped to think."Would you be taking both boys?" "I think I'd have to."After a moment's thought (empty house! to myself! quiet writing and reading time!), I bravely said, "I think you should go. I don't want to deprive the boys of this chance."My spouse (clueing in) "Do you want your Mother's Day present to be a week end by yourself?"Me shaking my head and stammering and not quite keeping a straight face, "I'll miss you."So they went. And I have missed them. I've also slept more than 8 hours each night, done a considerable amount of cleaning, read a book, watched stuff on Netflix, had dinner with a friend and taken the... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803441 Sun, 08 May 2011 17:58:00 +0100 4803441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724182&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fbittersweet-moment.html Yesterday afternoon, my baby fell asleep on my chest. He's almost 8 now and it had been years since this happened. He had two late nights followed by two early mornings, and he'd been tired and cranky. I suggested we curl up in bed for some quiet time. He had a new book to crack open and he was keen. But after awhile he grew restless. We talked about putting on a movie. I told him I felt tired and lazy. He said he did, too. After a few moments of lying quietly, his breath began to slow. Suddenly, he sat up, “Mama, could you stop feeling so lazy. I thought we were going to watch a movie!” “We could do that,” I answered. “But I thought we were going to have a little snooze first.” To my surprise, he said, “OK. I'll have a little snooze.” He put his head on my chest, and withi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724182 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:45:00 +0100 4724182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720046&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fi-can-relate-to-this.html ...and so can, I would wager, anyone who has been harassed by  condescended to infantilized by dealt with an insurance company on health related matters. Especially if you have been on long-term disability for any length of time, you can expect regular correspondence. Blogger Katherine describes this experience:"But as sure as the swallows return to Capistrano, every March CIGNA sends me information on its Cancer Support program. Last year’s began “Good health is a gift.” This year’s reads like a grade school report:Dear KATHERINE O’BRIEN:The American Cancer Society estimates that two men and one in three women will face cancer in their lifetime. Although these are scary statistics, CIGNA HealthCare wants you to know we’re here to help…"Most of us just sigh, groan, maybe... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720046 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4720046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575059&cid=t_103684_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-e-patients-find-answers-and-each-other-online%2F2011.03.11 [Recently] NPR’s popular program “Talk of the Nation” covered something we discuss often: How e-patients find information and find each other online. Featured guests were Pat Furlong, mother of two boys with a rare disease who started an online community, and Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet and American Life Project, a frequent contributor here. The audio is here. It’s a good combination: Pat speaks from the heart about her own experience and her passion for community, and Susannah, as usual, speaks as an “internet geologist” — as she once put it, “A geologist doesn’t have opinions about the rocks, she just observes and describes them.” Susannah spoke about her newly-released report “Peer-To-Peer Healthcare,” about which she recently wrote here. L... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575059 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:52 +0100 4575059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570714&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fmixed-but-good-i-think.html And I'm not talking about the weather, which while it has been mixed, has been pretty consistently bad for the last twenty four hours. We had a big dump of snow (the photo above was taken from my front door), followed by freezing rain, which will be followed by ordinary rain.Good thing I just bought rain boots.My GP called me last week to let me know the results of my endoscopy (I won't get in to see the gastroenterologist until March 21st). All my results were negative - no celiac, no bacterial infection, no cancer. It's all good.Then I talked to my oncologist on Friday. We discussed my scope results and my digestive symptoms (diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain). He expressed surprised that I was still feeling lousy on Friday after a Tuesday treatment. I told him that my recovery time ha... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570714 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:07:00 +0100 4570714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495248&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F18%2F10-tips-to-mend-a-broken-heart%2F Bess Myerson once wrote that “to fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall out of love is simply awful.” Especially if you are the one who wanted the relationship to last. Mending a broken heart is never easy. There is no quick way to stop your heart from hurting so much. To stop loving isn’t an option. Author Henri Nouwen writes, “When those you love deeply reject you, leave you, or die, your heart will be broken. But that should not hold you back from loving deeply. The pain that comes from deep love makes your love ever more fruitful.” But how do we get beyond the pain? Here are 10 tips I’ve gathered from experts and from conversations with friends on how they patched up their heart and tried, ever so gradually, to move on. 1. Go through it, not ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495248 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:56:05 +0100 4495248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460140&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fdog-ate-it.html My 12 year old has been asking for a Blu-Ray player. We've informed him, many times, that given our current need for fiscal restraint, this kind of luxury is not in the cards, for the time being. This morning, he and I were cuddling with the dog and talking about how much we love her. S. asked about her ongoing skin issues and when she's going to start her latest hypoallergenic diet. Me: "When the new food arrives at the vet."S.: "Poor Lucy."Me (sensing a "teachable moment"): "We had another big vet bill this week. Enough to pay for several Blu-Ray players."S.: "Really?"Me: "Yup. She's not the reason that finances are tight but she's one of our priorities. We love her and we have a responsibility to take care of her. The food, medicine and tests - it all adds up."S. (grinning aff... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460140 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:44:00 +0100 4460140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361250&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fcluck-cluck.html The following things have occurred in my recent past. My spouse has moved his office to our house and I have acquired a smart phone and the knowledge/ability to send text messages. Now that we are in the same house all day, it's possible that we actually speak less. He works in the attic and when I want to talk to him, instead of picking up the phone to call him, as I used to, I'm more apt to send a text (I'm late to the texting party, I know but I'm making up for lost time with a vengeance).The following conversation took place this morning, via text message (the blog post in question is the one directly below about last night's dream):Me: "Can you proof my blog?"T.: "Sure."Me: "Thanks!"T. (a few minutes later): "No typos, that I could see. Just weirdness."Me: "Do you want to have me... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361250 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:59:00 +0100 4361250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309818&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwhy-i-love-twitter.html People often ask what it is I love about Twitter. I tell them how useful it is to get advice and share information - about resources, local business, good things to read, etc. I also love the quick exchanges of ideas, the wit and the humour.Twitter is fun.And last week, I found a new reason to love Twitter. Trading. Check out the two exchanges below in which I gained a Canada Reads book from the author and the best quiche that I've ever eaten. Read each conversation from the bottom up (sorry it's so small and blurry - click on each image to make it larger and much easier to read).Postcript: When I couldn't figure out how to capture and embed Twitter conversations, I turned to Twitter for help. I got several great responses and, in the end a friend who I met via LibraryThing and got to know... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309818 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:41:00 +0100 4309818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294711&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F26%2F8-ways-to-pitch-perfectionism%2F Although it can lead to imperfect — or even damaging — consequences, many of us strive for perfection anyway. Procrastination, ironically enough, is one of those unfortunate consequences. “In our pursuit of unreachable standards, we endlessly spin our wheels rather than move forward. In some cases, we never even start. The quest for perfection can be so intimidating that our productivity screeches to a halt,” said Debbie Jordan Kravitz, professional organizer and author of Everything I Know About Perfectionism I Learned from My Breasts. For some people, perfectionism can become all-consuming, so “reaching perfection is all they can see, feel, want or even need,” she said. Fear of failure is part of perfectionism. It stops us from seeking adventure and exploring... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294711 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:57:21 +0100 4294711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203282&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fit-gets-better-and-it-can-get-better.html Chances are very good that you've already heard of the It Gets Better Project, which was started in response to a series of suicides. Young people (some as young as 13 years old) are choosing to kill themselves rather than continue to deal with being bullied or shamed.I love this powerful, touching and often funny series of videos aimed to give hope to young (and older) teens who are feeling depressed or alone because of their real or perceived sexual orientation.This one from Pixar is the favourite in my house.A day or two ago, The Maven shared this video on Facebook. These kids are saying that things need to get better now, not just in the future. It's brilliant and I am in awe.Reteaching Gender and Sexuality from PUT THIS ON THE MAP on Vimeo.If you are reading this post on a site other ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203282 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:45:00 +0100 4203282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183387&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FxdjGbm2HZuM%2Fpatricia-flatley-brennan-discusses-project-healthdesign-at-tedmed.html We had the good fortune of catching-up with Project HealthDesign Director Patricia Flatley Brennan while at TEDMED this year. In this video Q&A, Patti discusses how Project HealthDesign is redefining the way we fundamentally perceive Personal Health Records (PHRs), away from a repository for health information and towards a “platform for action.” This includes enabling patients to track their “Observations of Daily Living” (ODLs) to better understand the state of their health and create an impetus to action. Check out our interview with Patti and let us know your thoughts on ODLs and the work Project HealthDesign is doing.   (Source: Pioneering Ideas) Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183387 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4183387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001710&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F25%2F6-more-steps-to-better-communication%2F In a recent job interview, I was asked, “How would you get your client to see things your way?” I said, “By seeing things his way first.” The associate looked a little confused, so I continued. “You aren’t going to get anywhere if you don’t listen first, right? You can’t make him come around to your plan, if you don’t understand the purpose and intention behind his plan.” In their insightful book, We Need to Talk: Steps to Better Communication, Paul Donoghue, PhD and Mary Siegel, PhD discuss how a few tweaks in how we approach difficult conversations can save relationships. Whether it be confrontations between spouses, parents and children, work colleagues, or friends, knowing a few basic skills of expressing ourselves can lead t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001710 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:50:22 +0100 4001710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983430&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F20%2F8-ways-to-ruin-your-relationship%2F While most of the time we try and stay positive here on World of Psychology, every now and again reality sucker-punches us back to our senses (although not personally affecting me). The fact remains that despite our wise advice over the years, we haven’t budged the divorce rate in the U.S. (not that we thought we could!). Most relationships fail — there’s simply no way to argue with it. So maybe it would help some of our readers to catch sign of their failing relationship before it’s too late. Sure, we all would like to think that we could see the end of our relationship coming from a mile away. But truth is, many of us need a little help. To that end, here are 8 ways you can bet you’re ruining your relationship and heading to splitsville. 1. Take your partn... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983430 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:10:29 +0100 3983430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976531&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F16%2Fwhy-are-cell-phone-conversations-so-distracting%2F We’ve all been there — sitting in a public place, and feeling like that person over there, talking on their cell phone, is so annoying. Why are they so annoying? What makes a cell phone conversation that you overhear so distracting? Four researchers, led by Lauren Emberson (2010) from Cornell University, set to find out. Previous research has shown that we don’t seem to be as distracted when listening to a full dialogue between two people as when we are listening to a “halfalogue” — that is, just one side of a two-sided conversation. In two small studies conducted exclusively on 41 college undergraduates, the researchers devised tasks to measure how distracting mobile phone conversations are when we hear only one side of the conversation. Specifically, t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976531 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:44:51 +0100 3976531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872714&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fjust-another-conversation.html I've started to record bits of conversation that occur at our house. This one took place yesterday morning betweem my spouse and me.T.: "Can you send a Facebook message to someone who's not your Friend on Facebook?"Me: "You can. I get emails all the time from strange men saying they can't live without me."T.: "You do?"Me: "Yes, sometimes they say they saw my photo and that they can't stop thinking about me."T.: "Wow."Me: "I especially wonder about those because my profile photo is of the dog."(Conversation interrupted by laughter)Me: "I think they might be spam."T.: "In those cases, I hope they are, because the alternative is disturbing."If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872714 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:55:00 +0100 3872714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831439&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FU10BxWqGbYg%2Fa-conversation-with-sam-faus.html Last week we shared some of our experiences from this year’s O’Reilly Open Source Convention (OSCON). While we were there we got the chance to interview Sam Faus who spoke at the conference on Project HealthDesign’s Common Platform.  Check out the interview below and let us know what you think.             (Source: Pioneering Ideas) Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831439 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3831439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3812978&cid=t_103684_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-error-free-is-your-doctors-care%2F2010.08.02 According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, doctors make the wrong medical decisions surprisingly often. Using a “mystery patient” technique –- in which actors pretended to be patients –- researchers found that doctors made errors in complicated cases in 60 percent to 90 percent of cases. Sixty to ninety percent. In uncomplicated cases, they made errors in nearly 30 percent of cases. As one study participant put it, “I was shocked.” The study took place over three years, and included more than 100 doctors in six Chicago-area hospitals. The doctors had agreed to participate in a study on medical decision making, but had no idea that they might see a patient who was actually an actor. The actors recorded their conversations with the doctors. (more…) *This bl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3812978 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:00:06 +0100 3812978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3757922&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F15%2Fmel-gibson-bipolar-disorder-and-alcohol%2F As Mel Gibson’s voicemails to his ex-girlfriend continue to be leaked to the Internet this week, many media outlets are asking questions about Mel Gibson’s mental health. That’s no wonder — the voicemails are laced with profanity, racial epithets, and threats. In a 2008 documentary, Acting Class of 1977, he first talked about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. But are the rants to his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva related to a possible mental health diagnosis? Alcohol? Or something else? It’s not easy to answer this question, because nobody except Mel Gibson, 54, and his doctors know. All we can do is speculate, based upon observations of his reactions, tone and behavior as recorded in the voicemails that are publicly available. So let’s take a loo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3757922 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:30:22 +0100 3757922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702937&cid=t_103684_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwarfarin-for-early-cancer-detection%2F2010.06.27 In cancer treatment, detection of a tumor in an early stage markedly increases the chance of favorable outcomes.   Can the much-aligned blood thinner, warfarin, occasionally help in early detection of cancer? Few pharmacologic agents receive more bad press than warfarin.  Stories, which are too numerous to count, like “Did warfarin kill my father,” can be widely found on Internet forums, search engines, and are often quoted by reluctant patients — whose numerator of bad warfarin experiences is one. It is true that warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window — a small difference between an effective dose and dangerous dose. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702937 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3702937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691135&cid=t_103684_180_f&fid=38609&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDavidSeah-BetterLivingThroughNewMedia%2F%7E3%2F3az4QqBLbEQ%2F SUMMARY: For most of my life, I've assumed that commitment to a project meant pouring lots of hours into an unbroken block of time. However, making a commitment of that magnitude is mentally very taxing; I'll do it, but it feels like I'm laboring beneath a giant weight, and it takes a lot of support from other areas to keep my spirits up. What if, though, my assumption about the required size of the time block is wrong? I just had an insight about my attitude toward time when it comes to the creative act, and this may be a prime source of procrastination. It's this: I have the subconscious expectation that making things will take a long time. In my mind, I need to have at least 4 uninterrupted hours to just start to make something really cool. I know, through past time tracking, that... David Seah - Design, Development, Inspiration, Empowerment blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691135 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:51:05 +0100 3691135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671784&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F17%2Fput-down-your-iphone-while-driving%2F Not only is it dangerous to drive while talking on your mobile phone or iPhone or Blackberry, it’s also not good for your relationship either. So says a professor who thinks that if driving while distracted by your technological gadget is bad enough, imagine what trying to hold up your end of the conversation in your relationship might be. Relationships rely on good, clear communication. Driving relies on good, clear undivided attention and no distraction. The two don’t seem entirely compatible, so it seems to reason the good professor has a point. “In general, cell phone usage while driving might lead to missed relationship stop lights, slow reactions to dangerous relationship circumstances, loss of control of one’s part of the interaction, and interaction mistakes that co... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671784 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:28:19 +0100 3671784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632401&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fwell-hello-there.html Yikes!It's been a while, hasn't it?I seem to have lost my blogging mojo. I remember a while back when Average Jane wrote that her blogging had been derailed (my word, not hers) by Twitter and Facebook. I get that now. Whenever I have a quick observation or a link to share, I can gratify myself instantly with Twitter (I'm lauriek, by the way). And while each tweet does go to Facebook and the sidebar of Not Just About Cancer (on the right - see it there?), it hasn't done much for my blogging.I don't want to give up the blog though, so I'll try and re-commit to posting regularly (how's that for hedging my bets?).On the cancer front, there is a little news. I loved having a break in April. That month also brought another clean CT scan. My oncologist continues to be happy with how things are go... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632401 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:09:00 +0100 3632401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429403&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2F0-2-9-14.html Yesterday was a chemo day, so I don't have much in the way of original thought to offer up to you.It was more stressful and a longer day than most but made infinitely easier by the presence of my friend T. We had lots to talk about and she ably distracted me when I felt the stress levels rising (the guy beside me was, for much of the time, having a shouted conversation with the man across the "pod."). She even tucked me in very sweetly as I settled in for my post Demerol nap.Between bloodwork and chemo, T. and I went out to lunch at The Green Door. Over our veggies, we got to talking about food. I've been seeing a nutritionist, who has made some initial adjustments to my diet (minimal sugar, no dairy, more raw food, a high quality protein with every meal or snack). Since I told the nutrion... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429403 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0100 3429403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404093&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fnot-unrelated-to-my-last-post.html Last night I dreamed that I had a lump in the lymph nodes above my collar bone.I woke up terrified.The comments on my last post were among the most thoughtful, moving and provocative that I've ever read. I have much to think about. Go read the stories that and responses that women shared with me. I feel grateful to each one of them. Today, I am going to take the dogs for a walk and then ride my bike (unless I decide it's too cold) to Sassymonkey's house, where we will eat, drink, knit, watch a movie that has nothing at all to do with cancer.If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404093 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:23:00 +0100 3404093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395332&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fstepping-in-right-direction.html On the Saturday evening of the 10th Annual Conference For Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer, a group of participants went out for dinner.Many of us had not met before that evening. We came from Texas, California, Massachussetts and Georgia. I was the lone Canadian. It was a truly lovely evening. The food was great and the conversation flowed - from the trivial to subjects of greater import, from the general to the intensely personal.About half-way through dinner, the subject of health care reform was raised. I said that, as a Canadian, I couldn't understand why anyone would oppose universal health care, especially anyone who has had a life-threatening illness.Most around the table agreed with me, while one woman stated that she was resistant to any more government interference in peopl... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395332 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0100 3395332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287970&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Feye-witnessed.html Yesterday, the Globe and Mail ran this article about Joe Webber, a man from Aylmer, Ontario, who was falsely accused of forcible confinement and robbery. He was convicted and served nineteen months in jail, based solely on eye witness testimony Although, the perpetrators of the crime were masked, one of the victims of the home invasion identified Webber, claiming to recognize his "bright blue eyes."Webber's eyes are actually gray. Webber was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in jail but was later cleared when two other men confessed to the crime.Duane Hicks, who identified Webber, remains adamant that it was Webber and his blue (really gray) eyes that he saw behind the mask.It's a fascinating and tragic story but it's not the first time, in recent weeks, that I've had cause to think about the ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287970 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:14:00 +0100 3287970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254551&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FrPx5QQLwiEA%2Fgrantee-interview-series-diane-flannery-ucla-family-commons.html Last month we talked about the UCLA Family Commons, a Pioneer funded project that uses a retail-based model to deliver behavioral health prevention and early intervention services to families.  Last Thursday, UCLA Family Commons officially opened to the community.     We asked Diane Flannery, director and co-founder of The UCLA Family Commons and the Global Center for Children and Families, to discuss her work and motivation for launching the project.      Describe the work Pioneer is supporting you to do.   With the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Pioneer portfolio, we are launching our first family coaching clinic in Santa Monica, California. Called The UCLA Family Commons, it offers an inviting space, in a convenient ret... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254551 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3254551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220559&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F29%2Fdo-you-refer-to-yourselves-as-we-in-a-couple%2F If you do, congratulations! You’re likely better at conflict resolution with your partner than couples who don’t refer to themselves as “we.” How do we know? Well, conversations can tell us a lot about how couples view themselves, both individually and as a couple. By analyzing conversations between couples, you can learn a lot about their interactions: UC Berkeley researchers analyzed conversations between 154 middle-aged and older couples about points of disagreement in their marriages and found that those who used pronouns such as “we,” “our” and “us” behaved more positively toward one another and showed less physiological stress. In contrast, couples who emphasized their “separateness” by using pronouns such as “I,” “me” and “you” we... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220559 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:02:37 +0100 3220559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3164005&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fformspringme.html Formspring is a nifty new site that allows folks to ask each other questions. I'm still figuring it out but it seems like harmless fun.Go ahead, ask me anything: http://formspring.me/lauriekI don't promise to answer every question but I will answer the ones that intrigue me.Have you tried out Formspring? What do you think?(Oh, and in case you're wondering, this post was not prompted by any contact from Formspring. I just read about it a few times and my curiosity was peaked enough to try it out). (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3164005 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:57:00 +0100 3164005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079531&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwriting-your-way-through-breast-cancer.html It's been two days since chemo, so I feel lousy and have the attention span of a gnat.It works out well for me, therefore, that I have something I've been meaning to share with you all for a while now.I really like the Philadelphia based organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer. I've been fortunate enough to attend two of their own conferences (one called "News You Can Use" and one specifically for women living with metastasis) and the Annual Conference For Young Women Affected By Breast Cancer, which they co-sponsor (last year's was in Dallas and I'm applying for a grant, in the hopes of being able to attend in Atlanta this year. It will be the 10 year anniversary of the conference).A little while ago, LBBC contacted me to see if I would be willing to be interviewed for their Winter 2009/... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079531 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:34:00 +0100 3079531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075626&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FFOi6T6eo0no%2Fi-have-heard-david-eddy-present-a-half-dozen-times-and-each-time-come-away-with-a-richer-appreciation-of-the-door-to-the-fut.html I have heard David Eddy present a half-dozen times, and each time come away with a richer appreciation of the door to the future he is opening for us. He was at the Foundation talking to staff today, and presentation stood out as being special because he started with an historical perspective of how we have defined quality of medical care over time, moving from qualitative judgment to quantitative measurement as the data and tools for modeling have improved. And while he is somewhat modest, it is clear that David has figured prominently in that history, challenging the system to evolve as new data and methods have been developed. He gave us the concept of evidence-based medicine when we had none. He helped to create the HEDIS measures and gave us evidence-based guidelines of care for popu... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075626 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3075626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3067167&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FfyNYjsNefnQ%2Fhealthy-conversations-paul-tarini.html Andre Blackman's Pulse & Signal has an interview with Pioneer Portfolio Team Director Paul Tarini. Make sure to check out the original post here. (Source: Pioneering Ideas) Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3067167 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3067167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814649&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ftalking-not-done-yet.html I'm going to be on BlogTalk radio tomorrow!The show: Lovebabz Lovetalk.The time: 12:30-1:15 EST.The call-in number: (718) 766-4895The subject: Not Done Yet, Living Through Breast Cancer.Please call in, if you can. I am really looking forward to this on-air chat with my friend Babz. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814649 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:56:00 +0100 2814649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782140&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FGaTA1HdEkTg%2Fa-model-for-equity-in-specialty-care-part-iv.html The Pacific Vision Foundation, with support from the Pioneer portfolio, is piloting a new clinic in Northern California that will provide the same level of specialty care and other services to all patients regardless of ability to pay, while maintaining sustainable profit margins. Over the last week, David Green and David Roe, two of the project’s leaders, joined Pioneering Ideas to discuss the inspiration and behind their work and the challenges and implications. Below, find out why they believe the Pacific Vision Foundation might serve as a valuable model as the national health reform dialogue plays out.   What do you see as some potential long-term implications for health care? David Roe: One of our marching orders was make this work within the existing system, not ... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782140 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2782140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778540&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2FC_L-pqESICQ%2Fa-model-for-equity-in-specialty-care-part-iii.html Last week, in Part I and Part II of our series, David Green and David Roe discussed the business model for the Pacific Vision Foundation, a self-supporting eye care center in San Francisco that will provide equal service to paying and non-paying patients. Today, they join us to discuss some of the challenges they face let us know when they expect this operation to be up and running. What have been some of the major challenges in moving this forward? David Green: In India, there are many procedure-oriented specialties or subspecialties in medicine that have a self-financing model, where it’s basically the same procedure performed over and over again, where you have para-medicals trained to do just a few things rather than many, and that helps bring the cost down. So how do yo... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778540 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2778540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734231&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fhes-only-six-years-old.html Today's scheduled post is being pre-empted by a story I want to share with all of you.My younger son, D., had an appointment at the dentist's today. I decided to turn the day into a special outing and go out for lunch and then to the movies (G-Force. I still do not like rodents).When the movie was over, he announced that he had to go to the bathroom. As I wrapped up a phone call with my spouse and went to open the bathroom door, a man stepped towards me and said, "I think he's way too old to go in there with you. He looks like he's at least four years old."I thought he was kidding. I smiled and said, "He's six." "Six! You really shouldn't be going in there."He was serious. And outraged (I'll bust some stereotypes and tell you that he was young - no older than early 30s). As I stepped aroun... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734231 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:18:00 +0100 2734231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2724910&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F23%2Fsxsw-2010-from-freud-to-facebook%2F SXSW is a huge multi-week festival held annually in Austin, Texas, one that I’ve been attending and presenting at regularly over the past decade. The festival features three main components — SXSW Interactive, SXSW Film, and SXSW Music. The largest part is, by far, the music component, but the Interactive component has grown substantially as well, largely due to its popularity amongst young web designers, developers and social media enthusiasts. In the past, I’ve talked about topics covering e-health, social media, Health 2.0, and where mental health fits into all of this. For SXSW 2010, Dr. Keely Kolmes (twitter) and I have proposed a panel called “Psychology and the Internet: From Freud to Facebook:” With the popularity of online social networks and services... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2724910 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:34:49 +0100 2724910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657880&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffree-to-good-home-part-2.html A few weeks ago, I wrote that I had an almost new prosthesis that I was seeking to re-home. This is what happened next:Julia consulted other directors of Breast Cancer Action, who suggested that there might be a program to send prostheses to developing countries. She also called the social worker at the cancer centre who told her that Canadian Cancer Society takes donations (1745 Woodward Dr., Ottawa, ON K2C 0P9. 613-723-1744). I am so grateful to her for doing this.Throws Like A Girl , who is part of our group at Mothers With Cancer, suggested that we need "a prosthesis relocation program."Imstell jumped in with the following:"Maybe we [Mothers With Cancer] could just host a bulletin board where people could post their needs:FREE TO GOOD HOME Single 36C teardrop prosthesis. Likes to trave... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657880 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0100 2657880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639696&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fhaving-wonderful-time-wish-you-were.html I am having my best BlogHer ever.The biggest difference is that I am more comfortable in my own skin, more at ease with who I am and more willing to take risks when it comes to approaching people.I also know myself well and am making the choices that are the right ones for me. This has meant that I am not pressuring myself to "network" not doing the parties and welcoming opportunities for one on one time with interesting people. This has led to the creation of some lovely memories and the deepening of some friendships.Yesterday, I attended sessions on "The Transformational Power of Blogging," "Blogs and Body Image: What are we teaching our kids?" and "Patient Bloggers: You are not your disease - you just blog about it every day." Every one was excellent.I toyed with the idea of skipping th... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639696 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:30:00 +0100 2639696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2622005&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fnot-this-time.html We got back yesterday evening from my spouse's family cottage. It's a place I love and where I am always happy, even when the weather does not cooperate.So despite the fact that I couldn't bring myself to go swimming and I didn't sit around on the dock in my bathing suit, I still found time to read, enjoy the company of family and make art with D. ("Who would have thought that painting could be so much fun?" he said. "Using your imagination!"), knit, go for walks, eat and drink too much and just relax. My spouse taught S. how to play Backgammon and D. taught me how to tolerate playing PayDay.It was all quite lovely, even if we we did miss the sun. On the very last night, though, D. woke with a fever and could not get back to sleep. He threw up twice (and copiously) on our long drive home. ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2622005 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:37:00 +0100 2622005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512856&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmy-new-rack.html Warning: This post may contain too much information for some readers.I have not worn a prosthesis for more than two years. Lymphedema and then scarring from radiation made the experience of wearing it excruciating. The last time I tried to wear it, I was on a date with my spouse in Florida. After an hour, I was in tears, it hurt so much. Out it came and I haven't looked back.At least not much.I find that I'm pretty comfortable without a prosthesis. Sometimes I dress to camouflage and others I just don't care. And most of the time, I don't think about it at all.Lately, though, I've wanted the chance to blend in a little more, to not have to lead with my cancer when I meet people. And although I have some great tops that work with my asymmetrical body, (from Rhea Belle, of course) I do get t... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512856 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:25:00 +0100 2512856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512857&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fyou-cant-always-get-it-channelling.html Mixed results from my appointment with my oncologist yesterday. First of all, I was late. As I was riding to the hospital, I noticed that it was getting harder and harder to pedal. When it actually became impossible, I got off the bike and checked. My front brake was squeezing the front wheel. Hard. I think I had been riding like this for some time - and tightening every time I braked. I just thought I was tired and out of biking shape. I solved the problem by releasing the front brake entirely (I'm sure that's not the safest thing). This meant that when I hit the big hill before the hospital, I was already wiped out from pedalling with all that friction.I arrived at the cancer centre twenty minutes late and a hot, red, sweaty mess.When I finally saw my doc, he easily agreed to a break in ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512857 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:08:00 +0100 2512857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512858&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbrain-of-monkey.html First: My spouse and I had the following conversation this morning: T.: "I had a really hard time falling asleep last night."Me: "Did you have monkey brain?" T: "What? Like I couldn't stop thinking about bananas?" Second:I woke up feeling kind of bummed out this morning. After coffee, my mood changed dramatically. I actually tweeted, "I think I love coffee the most." Third: Speaking of Twitter, a bunch of folks have changed their time zone to Tehran, in order to confuse Iranian censors. I've done it, too, although I am not sure if this really works. And I love the fact Twitter and Facebook are playing a role in helping activists all over the world get the word out. Makes me feel virtuous and less like I am just wasting time (although, I know it's a stretch to describe playing a Scrabble kn... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512858 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:33:00 +0100 2512858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469609&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F09%2Ftwitter-is-the-new-blogging-with-a-twist%2F It’s always interesting to me to see technology data trends repeat themselves, even when the technologies themselves are seemingly completely different and designed for different purposes. Case in point: blogging versus Twitter. Although Twitter is often referred to as a micro-blogging service, some have also suggested it is better compared to a social network, like Facebook. But the data clearly show how Twitter is simply another form of blogging, on a much smaller scale. Last week, The New York Times’ Douglas Quenqua wrote a story examining all of the orphaned and abandoned blogs on the Internet: According to a 2008 survey by Technorati, which runs a search engine for blogs, only 7.4 million out of the 133 million blogs the company tracks had been updated in the past 120 day... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469609 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:27 +0100 2469609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453101&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ftaking-care-of-my-body-in-2009-part-6.html First of all, let's review the goals I set for myself last month:1-Walk VIGOROUSLY for an average of one hour, five times per week (300 minutes a week).This is a good place to start, since I did well, accomplishing this goal and exceeding it. Next month, I may think about doing something to ratchet up the intensity.For now, I am also riding my bike around town. As a result, I have a sore rear end. I am sure this will get better.2- Do either 10 minutes (at least) of strength training or yoga with the Wii Fit or abdominal exercises every day (chemo recovery days excluded).I did this only 4 times. I also hurt my back this month, pulling my suitcase down from a shelf on the train. I was in a hurry and not paying attention. It was a bit of a wake-up call about the need to improve my core streng... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453101 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:09:00 +0100 2453101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442417&cid=t_103684_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FiEm2He-VrZU%2Fdo-you-want-to-have-this-conversation.php I almost completely lost my temper at work today. It got so bad that I Twittered this phrase: is there diabetic immunity if you beat someone up for making a stupid diabetes comment? My work is sponsoring free ice cream once a week with rotating flavors. For as long as I can remember I have had a very specific favorite. I am so passionate about this combination that I included a picture... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442417 Thu, 28 May 2009 04:14:49 +0100 2442417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406029&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fcash-would-be-nice.html The last time I checked in for chemo, I accidentally handed the receptionist my Subway card, instead of my green hospital card.She thought this was so funny, that she showed everyone in the room. I pretended to be angry, trying to grab the card back. It felt good to laugh in that, sometimes sad, place.I told her though, that my subconscious had been at play. I gave her the Subway card because I feel that after so many rounds of chemo, I should get some sort of bonus prize. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406029 Wed, 13 May 2009 14:00:00 +0100 2406029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399148&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fapple-and-tree.html At about 8:30 last night, D. came downstairs.D.: "Papa, can I sleep in your bed?"My spouse: "Why can't you sleep in your own bed?"D.: "There are too many books in my bed."Tonight is my Ottawa book launch. My right eye has been twitching furiously all morning. Going to step away from the computer and take some deep breaths. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399148 Thu, 07 May 2009 14:52:00 +0100 2399148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2341849&cid=t_103684_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2Fvu60CcYn10w%2Fpfizer-has-highest-social-share-of.html Mark Walsh recently posted at MediaPost that Pfizer has been ranked the top pharma social brand according to the social advertising company ViTrue. ViTrue calculates their rankings by applying algorithms to conversations across social media platforms like blogs, social networks, video and photo sharing sites, forums, and Twitter.Other pharma companies were ranked in the top 100 were Johnson & Johnson and Novartis. Even though all three companies made the list, they are still light years away to more social brands like Disney and Coke. There is no question that the fear of social media in pharma is caused by the lack of explicit guidelines by the FDA. Once specific guidelines are set in stone, social media should erupt in pharma companies. (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2341849 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:04:00 +0100 2341849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258169&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F10%2Fsocial-networking-in-health-e-patients-data-privacy%2F Join Dr. John Grohol in a SXSW Core Conversation this Sunday in Austin, Texas. With the rise of social networking in health, the inevitable questions arise about patient’s data and privacy. But such networks also allow for aggregating data which can help people spot trends and changes in their own health. This discussion panel will discuss the pros and cons of such networking tools. This conversation couldn’t be more timely, with Google’s recent data leak just the latest in a long history of companies being unable to keep private data they promised they would. Questions to ask yourself — With Twitter and Facebook becoming so prevalent, does privacy even matter anymore? Should I be more or less concerned about the privacy of my health records? What about my mental he... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258169 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:00:36 +0100 2258169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232543&cid=t_103684_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F04%2Ffour-steps-to-better-personal-boundaries%2F I feel like such a hypocrite when I write about boundaries because, while I am trying desperately to erect some in my life, it seems as though the plow comes through every day to make sure none stay up for longer than 24 hours. But after reading spiritual author Henri Nouwen this morning, I think I understand why boundary-building is so difficult for me, and why I feel so rejected when someone in my life holds up their sign “Sorry, closed for business.” In “The Inner Voice of Love” (my Bible if you haven’t already noticed): The great task is to claim yourself for yourself, so that you can contain your needs within the boundaries of your self and hold them in the presence of those you love. True mutuality in love requires people who possess themselves and who ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232543 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:24:53 +0100 2232543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222656&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Frandom-travel-observations.html I decided when I was on my walk around the hotel grounds this morning that the complaining I did earlier made me sound very spoiled. The truth is that this venue seems pretty ideal for a conference and I am extremely lucky to be here (and I mean that in so many ways). It would be great if it didn't cost $3.25US for a coffee but it is what it is. And I am assuming there will be free coffee once the conference starts in earnest.Yesterday was a very long travel day. I miscalculated and finished my book way too early in the trip. As a result, my notebook is filled with random observations I made as I sought to fill the time:I always feel nervous and guilty when I go through security, immigration or customs. I feel like I am going to be "caught." This is ridiculous since I never lie in these si... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222656 Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:39:00 +0100 2222656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2141427&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsome-days-are-blue-some-days-are.html I have been feeling kind of blue these last few days. I'm always relieved after I get good scan results but a feeling of let-down seems to follow almost every time and I find myself, once again, channelling Peggy Lee and asking "Is that all there is?"I just finished the latest round of edits on my book (coming out this spring with Women's Press!) and I have been left wondering, 'so, what's next?'I haven't looked at the outline for my novel since I submitted it for my writing course on December 31st. The course is over and I am feeling kind of daunted. I've been asking myself, "Can I do this?" and "What purpose would it serve?"This morning, I had an appointment with my wonderful oncologist who confirmed my CT results. He also referred to my "normal" life.I told him that I have been feeling ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2141427 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:19:00 +0100 2141427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107882&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F513352014%2Fdebra-lieberman-on-health-games-researchs-new-call-for-proposals-1.html Today, Health Games Research released their second Call for Proposals: Health Games Research: Advancing Effectiveness of Interactive Games for Health. We will wrap up our week-long conversation with Debra Lieberman, Ph.D., director of Health Games Research, with a discussion about this new funding opportunity. Debra, can you tell us about the types of grants that will be available through this Call for Proposals? The focus of the Call for Proposals (CFP), both during the first round of funding and now, is on research that will discover principles of health game design. This year the funding limit is higher: $300,000.  The money must be used primarily for research and only a small percentage of the grant – no more than 25 percent of the funding – is permi... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107882 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2107882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104762&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F512334604%2Fmore-from-our-conversation-with-debra-lieberman.html Today, we continue our discussion with Debra Lieberman to learn more about the Health Games Research national program and the work of the program's twelve grantees. Debra, can you give us an update on the first round of grants? We selected 12 grantees in the first round of funding for Health Games Research last May. The 12 grantees, awarded up to $200,000 each, are leading one- to two-year studies of games that engage players – ranging in age from eight to 98 – in physical activity games or games that motivate them to improve their self-care.  For example, our grantees at the University of Southern California are testing the role of social support and coaching, delivered on line, in improving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They have developed a game th... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104762 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2104762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2101432&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F511304025%2Ftalking-with-debra-lieberman-building-the-research-on-how-games-improve-health.html Today, we continue our discussion with Debra Lieberman to learn more about how Health Games Research is working to advance the research and design of health games and is contributing to building the health games field. Debra, yesterday you introduced us to Health Games Research and its efforts to build the research for the health games field. Today, can you share any examples of games that highlight the potential for games to improve health? Two games, both that I helped design, come to mind.  The first is Packy & Marlon.  Made for the Super Nintendo platform in the mid-1990’s, Packy & Marlon is a diabetes self-management game that was designed to reduce the stigma of diabetes among children and teens, increase their diabetes knowledge and self-car... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2101432 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2101432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2098052&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F510244525%2Fconversation-with-pioneers-debra-lieberman.html This week, as part of our Conversations with Pioneers series, we talk with Debra Lieberman, Ph.D., Director of Pioneer’s Health Games Research national program.  Debra is a lecturer in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and also a researcher in the university’s Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research (ISBER).  Her research focuses on process es of learning with interactive media, especially in the areas of health communication, interactive games for learning, and children’s media. This Thursday, January 15, Health Games Research will release its 2009 Call for Proposals. The CFP will provide an opportunity for universities, government agencies, medical centers and nonprofit organizations to su... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2098052 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2098052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074398&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fjust-like-dr-doolittle.html Overheard:Son (to Father) - "Do you ever talk to our animals? Really talk to them? Mama has entire conversations with the dogs."Father - "Do they talk back?"In my own defense, I come by my craziness when it comes to love of animals honestly. My sister is every bit as bad as I am with her cat, Iggie, and my mother can talk to and play with just about any animal for hours.My mom came from a family of thirteen kids. When we were growing up, my sister and I loved hearing the stories of the animals that lived in and passed through her family home. We still beg to be told these stories and have begun to share them with my kids.There was George, the budgie, who used to perch on my Grandfather's head (and who died when he came in for a landing, missed and ended up on a hot element).There were many... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074398 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:57:00 +0100 2074398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053102&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F487738034%2Fwrapping-up-with-candice-kane.html Today, we wrap up our conversation with Candice Kane of CeaseFire with a look at how workers are responding to trainings in Second Life and some thoughts on the potential for virtual worlds to help advance the violence prevention field in addition to other community health interventions.   How has your staff responded to these new trainings in Second Life? The workers have responded very well. The beginning was a bit bumpy. We brought in a small group of workers that really didn’t know anything about computers and had no concept of virtual worlds. So the initial response was a little bit skeptical, I think they were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to do it, and we had a couple folks who struggled early on. By the end of the first training, they all said, “This is really co... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053102 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2053102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2047533&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F486949969%2Fmore-from-candice-kane-of-ceasefire.html Today we continue our discussion with Candice Kane of CeaseFire to learn more about how their organization is using Second Life to train outreach workers and violence interrupters as part of a national effort to prevent violence.   How did you make the connection between your training efforts and Second Life? A couple years ago, we were tossing around the idea of doing some type of CeaseFire game.  A couple of us had the opportunity to participate in a regional Games for Health meet-up in California where we learned a little bit more about how games were being used to promote health.  We talked with Ben Sawyer about our interest in using games to prevent violence; he was excited that we were thinking about games, but encouraged us to think more about what were goi... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2047533 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2047533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040362&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F485560357%2Fconversation-with-pioneers-an-interview-with-candice-kane.html This month we continue our Conversation with Pioneer Series with Candice Kane, the chief operating officer of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention and the organization’s CeaseFire initiative. CeaseFire, which is funded through the RWJF’s Vulnerable Populations Portfolio, works with community-based organizations and focuses on street-level outreach, conflict mediation, and the changing of community norms to reduce violence, particularly shootings. Launched in 2000, CeaseFire treats violence like a public health epidemic that can be prevented.  The program engages the community to work with people at high risk of being involved in violence to provide on-the-spot alternatives to shooting and change social norms about gun violence. A recent evaluation of the ... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040362 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2040362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996440&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fbeing-kids-together.html I want to thank everyone who took the time to leave advice or thoughts on my post about tantrums.As a direct result of your comments, I kept five year old D. home this morning, just to hang out and have fun together.We played Dog-Opoly (like Monopoly, except that instead of buying property, you buy dogs. It's a laugh a minute) for almost two hours. We danced to the soundtrack from the SpongeBob Squarepants Movie (D. insisted that we take turns dancing while the other watched. He's a real little showboat). We went out to lunch at Subway. As we were eating our sandwiches, I said, "I'm feeling happy.""Me too!" he said.He ran happily into the school when I dropped him off. Our morning went by in a heartbeat. I realized how quickly he's growing up. He can read and add up two numbers on dice (hi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996440 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:30:00 +0100 1996440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1943434&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fprocrastination-pays-off.html If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may remember this blanket. Some of you occasionally ask me about it. I have never sown it together. All 120 pieces still sit in a big basket in my bedroom. Sometimes, I refer to it as my 120 potholders. This blanket, however, has recently served to teach me a valuable lesson. Last week end, I was fortunate to spend some time with my friends Jacqueline and John in Philadelphia (they came all the way from New York to hang out with me). During our visit, we talked a bit about my book. I told them that I was feeling lukewarm about the cover design (we were considering stepping stones. I loved the idea we were trying to convey of an unfinished journey but was finding the image a bit new agey). Both of my friends gave it the thumbs down.I asked i... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1943434 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:51:00 +0100 1943434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924562&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fstranger-in-strange-land.html It's 2:30 in the afternoon and I am sitting in my hotel room, having just eating cold soggy french fries and what I am sure was a hopelessly inauthentic Philly cheese steak from room service (at $14.00 before taxes, surcharge and tip, it was the cheapest thing on the menu and came without the promised fried onions).The sound of my typing is being drowned out by yelling and the relentless cacophony of sirens on the street below, despite the fact that I am on one of the top floors of what was reportedly Philadelphia's first skyscraper.I am having a weird day.My departure for Philadelphia this morning was a bit fraught, the usual clutter and chaos being compounded by last minute additions to the Hallowe'en costumes (D. is going as Wolverine and S. went to school as a hippie and will be dressi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924562 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:28:00 +0100 1924562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918080&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fheartbreaking.html Beautiful Jen, from the Comfy Place, wrote a post that really got to me today. "Last night came thoughts about how dying of cancer is in some ways a kinder way to leave those you love behind. It gives those we love time to come to terms with our demise well before it happens. I have even had my Mum remark that she feels she has been grieving whilst I am still alive. One of my close friends has said the same thing, in a sense. She says she has grieved already, she knows it will continue in fits and starts and she is sure that when I do finally pass she will grieve again but I have noticed how people seem to come to terms with their loss whilst the person with the illness is still alive and with them. I believe this is because they can think about it, as horrid as it is to think about the wo... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918080 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:28:00 +0100 1918080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1853679&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fi-am-mass-of-contradictions.html I ran the Run for the Cure for the first time today. Given that its a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation I had some trepidations (check out all the pink crap on their site).But I have been running with my10 year old son for a few months now and we were ready for our first 5km run.And I liked that this event was non-competitive.And CBCN did provide a significant chunk of the funding for the National Conference for Young Women Living With Breast Cancer that I attended last year.So I signed up (but I didn't raise funds. I prefer to donate directly to my local cancer centre or to groups like Breast Cancer Action).And I loved it. It was a beautiful day. The atmosphere was one of tremendous goodwill. I felt good.And I have to admit, that I got a lump in my throat when I went to... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1853679 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:44:00 +0100 1853679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844837&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fshifting-prioirities.html I have a new post up at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com. It will also be my last for a while:I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had here at MyBreastCancerNetwork.Com to further extend my reach, to share my stories and reassure so many women that a diagnosis of metastasis is not without hope. For so many of us, metastatic breast cancer is treated like a chronic illness, one that must be managed but through which we can live active, healthy lives. However, as I have written before, when metastatic breast cancer is well managed, the stories one tells can start to be repetitive and even boring (Another clean scan! No new signs of cancer! Today, I felt like a normal person!). And while I vigorously embrace the lack of drama in this part of my life, I also find myself lacking in inspirati... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844837 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:45:00 +0100 1844837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815409&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fwell-thats-relief.html My ten year old son, to my spouse:"You guys did a good job of bringing me up." (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815409 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:52:00 +0100 1815409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1802917&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F394592809%2Fpatti-brennan-l.html Today, we wrap up our interview with Patti Brennan, Director of Project HealthDesign with a look towards the future. We thank Patti for her thoughtful responses and look forward to seeing the work of the Project HealthDesign grantees during tomorrow's event.The health care and technology industries will play a significant role in the future of PHRs, who else are you watching as possible pioneers in this field? I look to John Maeda, who sits on the Project HealthDesign advisory committee (and was inaugurated as the 16th President of the Rhode Island School of Design last week). John is amazing, absolutely amazing.  He is constantly think about how new technology enhances simplicity and enables people to live simply. I look at industries that have restructured their distribution model... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1802917 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1802917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1798489&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F393358458%2Fpatti-brennan-t.html Friday, we talked with Patti Brennan, Director of Project HealthDesign, about this week's Project HealthDesign event in Washington, D.C. Today, we are focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for personal health records. What are the barriers that need to be addressed now in order to advance this new vision of PHRs? I think there are two really significant issues we need to be paying attention to: privacy and incentives. Right now, our privacy policies tend to be organized around institutional responsibility for safeguarding data that’s generated during the business process of health care; that’s very important and that will never go away. I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t have that focus, but that focus is insufficient and, frankly, cannot be extended easily to... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1798489 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1798489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1790472&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F390972979%2Fphrs-where-are.html This month, as part of our Conversations with Pioneers, a series of interviews with Pioneer grantees, we talked with Patricia Flatley Brennan, R.N., Ph.D., the Director of Project HealthDesign, one of Pioneer’s national programs. Patti and the nine Project HealthDesign grantee teams are getting ready for the National Forum on the Next Generation of Personal Health Records, an event that will showcase the work of the program and foster a dialogue about lessons learned from user-centered design and policy directions to support continued growth and innovation in the personal health record arena.  New Frontiers in Personal Health Records: A Report-Out from Project HealthDesign and Forum on Next-Generation PHRs will take place on September 17, 2008 at the Westin Washington, D.C. Cente... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1790472 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1790472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1786037&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fmore-randomness.html 1. I forgot to mention that my new-found commitment to riding my bike (spent a couple of hours on it again, today, although some of that was getting lost) was inspired in part by Rebecca. She trained on her bike (and kick-boxed!) right through breast cancer treatment.2. It was also inspired by the fact that I dropped a whack of money (in violation of our current austerity measures) on a fancy lap-top bag that attaches to my bike rack. I have to ride instead of taking the bus or a taxi, in order to justify it. The first time I used the bag, it flew off while I was riding on a busy street (now lap top in it, thank goodness). I have since figured out how to secure it properly (don't you love instructions that read like they have been put through a universal translator?). I spent almost two ho... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1786037 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:09:00 +0100 1786037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1782738&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Frandom-kind-of-day.html I'm sitting on the couch with a coffee as both dogs snore beside me. I seem unable to focus on any one thing today so it seems like a good time for another "random" post.1. I pressed send on the latest round of changes to my book on Monday afternoon. That felt pretty good, I can tell you. And I have only had to send three different versions of the acknowledgments as I keep finding mistakes. 2. When I went to pull together the photos that I want to include in the book, I discovered that they are gone. Apparently, when we backed up "My Documents" to a hard drive before re-formatting my computer, it copied everything but the "My Pictures" folder. Many are on Flickr and the blog but the resolution is not so good. And, what's more, there were hundreds of photos that I have never posted anywhere... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782738 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:43:00 +0100 1782738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1770640&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fphilly-bound.html Thanks to all of you who contributed your thoughts as to whether I should attend Living Beyond Breast Cancer's annual conference in Philadelphia. Every comment and opinion was helpful. You gave me much to think about.Yesterday, though, I had the following conversation with my ten year old son.Me: So...I have been offered a scholarship to attend a breast cancer conference in Philadelphia.S. (lighting up): That's great!Me: But the thing is, it's on November 1st, which means I would have to leave on October 31st and miss Hallowe'en.S.: But this is a great opportunity! We can take lots of pictures. And there will be many other Hallowe'ens.Me: OK. If you're sure...S.: You should go!Me: Wow. It's almost like you're proud of your mom...S.: What do you mean 'almost'? I am proud.Me: [Too moved to s... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1770640 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:37:00 +0100 1770640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1764017&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fvery-definition-of-thankless-task.html An evening conversation in my kitchen:Father (opening lunch bag): "You didn't eat your peach!" Five year old Son: "I didn't see it was a peach."Father: "What did you think it was?"Son: "Something gross."And that is why I hate making school lunches. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1764017 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:24:00 +0100 1764017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720416&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fvindication.html One of my least favourite of household chores is the making of school and day camp lunches. It is an entirely thankless task, one in which I often see the results of my efforts returned at the end of the day. And, ten year old S., in particular, has told me on more than one occasion that the lunches I make are not nearly as good as those of his peers. I am not sure if this is because white bread, sugary drinks and most highly processed treats are off the menu, if his perception is distorted or if my lack of enthusiasm for the task is reflected in the end product.At any rate, I have not had to pack him a lunch in a while and I haven't missed it.However, S. has spent the last couple of weeks staying with his Grandma and attending a day camp at the Royal Ontario Museum (an animation camp. The... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720416 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:11:00 +0100 1720416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1692521&cid=t_103684_101_f&fid=36535&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbackboardsandbandaids.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fhey-ee.html says my probie.Me: "Yea, sup?"Probie: "Even seen someone's ICD go off?"Me: "Yea, it's kinda cool."Probie: "I wish I could see that."Our next call? A dude's ICD was going off.100 o' lido + a drip, anyone?Me: "Hey, probie."Probie: "Yea?"Me: "Don't be wishing for a childbirth, ok? Remember rule number 2..."Probie: "Yes ma'am, I won't wish for that!"I love my job sometimes. (Source: Backboards and Bandaids, Papers and Projects...) Backboards and Bandaids, Papers and Projects... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1692521 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:53:00 +0100 1692521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1660850&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fmore-than-my-cancer.html I really do have an amazing story to share with all of you and I meant to post it before now. Parenting, however, has proven an impediment. I will tell you my terrific story (how is that for a build up?) tomorrow but for today, here are some thoughts on the BlogHer conference: When I meet someone new, I don’t usually introduce myself by saying, “I’m Laurie and I have cancer.”In fact, there are many people I know only casually who have no idea that I have ever been through cancer treatment, let alone that I live with metastasis. People tell me all the time how healthy I look and I take pride (somewhat irrationally, I admit) in the fact that I don’t look like a typical “cancer patient.” Entire days often go by when the word “cancer” does not cross my lips (I would like to ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1660850 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:19:00 +0100 1660850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1618106&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fbreast-envy.html Originally posted at Mothers With Cancer. I find myself continuously inspired by the group of bloggers in our little community. Today's post was provoked into being by Jill Aldrich's post "The Road to OK" and imstell (Stella)'s response, "Acceptance." I have always felt ambivalent about my breasts. As a young woman (I was an early bloomer, it must be said) they brought me attention that was at times unwelcome and at times confusingly gratifying. They fed two children for a total of more than three years. Once large and round, they were irrevocably changed by motherhood, as my nipples moved southward and seemed to stretch ever more closely towards my toes. And then my right breast betrayed me, playing host to the tumour that would eventually spread to my lymph nodes and then to my liver. On... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1618106 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:18:00 +0100 1618106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575623&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F325789287%2Fmore-from-gary.html Yesterday's discussion with Gary Cohen introduced us to Health Care Without Harm and the recent achievements of the green hospital movement in the United States. Today, Cohen speaks about green health care internationally, outlines the challenges facing the green hospital movement, and offers his both short- and long-term predictions for the movement's future. Health Care Without Harm is part of a global movement; what lessons do you think the US health care system can learn from the international community?Right now we’re learning a lot from Europe. A typical Northern European hospital uses half as much energy as a typical US hospital. That’s a very significant issue, because as we are entering into a period of global climate crises and reducing reliance on fossil fuels for health ca... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575623 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1575623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1564153&cid=t_103684_114_f&fid=35708&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ftypepad%2Frwjfblogs%2Fpioneer%2F%7E3%2F324894907%2Fconversations-w.html Last month, we kicked off Conversations with Pioneers, a series of interviews with Pioneer grantees. The series continues this week with an interview with Gary Cohen (photo at left), executive director of Health Care Without Harm.Health Care Without Harm hosted its annual conference, Clean Med, last month and Susan Promislo and Theresa Kanter both posted updates from the conference. Working to drive environmental sustainability in health care, Health Care Without Harm has been on the forefront of efforts to accelerate the development, use, and diffusion of environmentally preferable products and practices in the health care system.Abbey Cofsky spoke with Cohen recently about the organization and its work:Health Care Without Harm’s mission is to transform the health care sector --why have... Pioneering Ideas blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1564153 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1564153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1420509&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwhen-bizarre-begins-to-be-normal.html I have had two scans over the last few of days.On Friday, I had a CT scan and was taken aback (but pleasantly so) when the technician informed me that she had checked and that there was no change from my previous scan and that there is still no evidence of cancer on my liver.The events leading up to this conversation were a little outside the norm of what one should expect in a professional hospital setting, so I thought I would share them with you (actually, my spouse, when I told him, kept repeating, "You have to blog about this!).I left for the hospital at around noon on Friday, still a bit woozy from the chemo and light-headed from fasting all day. I dodged construction in order to check in and seat myself in an unfamiliar waiting room. A few minutes later, I was handed two half liter ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1420509 Mon, 05 May 2008 18:11:00 +0100 1420509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1154055&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F217450697%2F Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 52, Kate Clark became the first person with Alzheimer’s Disease to be on the board of Alzheimer’s New Zealand. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1154055 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:39:01 +0100 1154055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1146525&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F215715065%2F Kate Mulgrew and her mother Joan Mulgrew talk about living with Alzheimer’s disease on Lifetime’s Women’s Health in 2002… Further interview with Kate… Part One Part Two Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1146525 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:25:04 +0100 1146525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119885&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F207499377%2F Got some time to sit and listen. Then check out these two interesting radio broadcasts. “Remembering Alzheimer’s: A Special Report” was broadcast on The Infinite Mind during Novemebr. Featuring American Public Media’s Brian Newhouse, it looks at effects of Alzheimer’s Disease on his father. The broadcast also includes conversations with Dr. Peter Reed, Senior Director of Programs for the National Alzheimer’s Association and leading researcher Dr. Marilyn Albert, Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Plus 47 year old James Smith, a former executive with American Express, who offers a first person account of living with Alzheimer’s Disease. The Vermont Public Radio offers a broadcast from commentator Madeleine Ku... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119885 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:48:31 +0100 1119885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1116716&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F206484448%2F Each year the Fisher Foundation sponsor the Mayoral Conference on Alzheimer’s disease - the largest conference on Alzheimer’s in the U.S. Held in New York, it is an opportunity for caregivers to find out the latest information on Alzheimer’s Disease. World renowned scientists, Nobel prize recipient Dr. Paul Greengard and Dr. Michael Kaplitt answered questions pertaining to Alzheimer’s Research at this years Mayoral Conference. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1116716 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:30:50 +0100 1116716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1112691&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F204560311%2F Two actresses protraying women with Alzheimer’s Disease have been nominated for Golden Globes this year. Julie Christie was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) for her role as woman who is disappearing into the vortex of Alzheimer’s disease in ‘Away From Her’. Sissy Spacek has been nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television with her performance as a foster mother beginning to show signs of Alzheimer’s Disease in “Pictures of Hollis Woods.” A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Pictures of Hollis Woods was aired on CBS earlier this month. You can see a preview and purchase the DVD at the Hallmark website. The Hallmark site also features information about the 10 warnin... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1112691 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:04:46 +0100 1112691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1080416&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F197005210%2F SeniorStore.com sells three great activity books that offer the opportunity to remember and reminisce about earlier decades. 1920s 1930s 1940s Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1080416 Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:06:03 +0100 1080416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1046732&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F189169753%2F One family’s story about dealing with Alzheimer’s which compelled them to create The Unforgettable Fund. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1046732 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:39:27 +0100 1046732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1036968&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fwhat-jacqueline-said-that-made-it.html Recently, someone who ought to know better, a professional to whom I had turned for tools to deal with fear and anxiety, said to me, "People who spend their lives saying that everything is a 'pain in the neck' often find that that is where they get cancer."My eyes widened. My tone sharpened. I asked, "Are you telling me that I got breast cancer because I had negative feelings about my body?""Well, I am not talking about blame here. But many people who grow up hearing negative things or thinking negatively about a particular body part, end up, years later, getting cancer in exactly that part of their body."Excuse me? What young woman doesn't grow up thinking at least somewhat negatively about her body, especially one who goes through puberty as young as I did? And yeah, I did hear lots of n... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1036968 Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:13:00 +0100 1036968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1032990&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fones-that-turn-day-around.html Today has been one of those days. I am re-covering from chemo and I have caught a cold (likely from one of the little parasites otherwise known as my children). My throat hurts and I am sore all over.The following two bits of conversation very likely saved my day:"Do you like hot toddys?"and"Mama, I love you as much as all the days."Both of those offerings warmed me from the inside out. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1032990 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:24:00 +0100 1032990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021332&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fstay-in-moment-damn-it.html To myself, in yoga class:"Should I force S. to do yoga?""I wonder what time it is.""How long will it take to get good at this?""I think I'll add a little turmeric to the tomato sauce.""Should I walk J-dog when I get in or clean up and make dinner, first?""Where does the day go?""I'm thirsty.""She's much better at this than I am.""I have to remember to send a cheque to school with D.s' picture order form.""I really need to wash this yoga mat.""I should blog about this." (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021332 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:24:00 +0100 1021332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015019&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fnot-waiting-for-other-shoe.html The night after my CT, I dreamed that my dog had been in a terrible accident. In the dream, I rushed to the hospital and waited, feeling anxious, terrified and grief-stricken, while he was in surgery. In the end, my dear dog survived the accident and was expected to recover. He was, however, really traumatized.It wasn't until I was re-counting this dream at the breakfast table that I realized that it hadn't been about the dog at all.Back in July, when I got the first good CT result, I was overjoyed at first but then angst-ridden. And the reality is that while I have now twice received the best news possible, my day-to-day life will not change very much.I will continue with chemo - two weeks on, two weeks off.I am still a cancer patient.But as I continue to defy the odds (the stats on survi... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015019 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:52:00 +0100 1015019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1013405&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fon-life-as-pincushion.html I am covered in some spectacular bruises today. To do the CT, they not only have to find a vein, they have to thread the needle through it in order to create an iv for radioactive dye.If this sounds painful, it's because it is. And, veins on someone who's had a lot of chemo are hard to come by. First, they tried on the inside of my elbow. Then they tried on the side of my forearm. Finally, they had to go for the inside of my wrist.The nurse informed me that she usually avoids this at all costs, because it is "torture" (she actually said this more than once).It hurt like hell.I think the nurse was astonished that I didn't yell or lose my temper. I did gasp, and rather loudly, as the murmers from those waiting on the other side of the curtain indicated. But I was good (as we first-born child... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1013405 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:54:00 +0100 1013405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=968404&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F173160186%2F Is Alzheimer’s a Form of Diabetes? (Time Magazine) Finding the Right Words (The Guardian Weekly) - a book with pictures to help those that are lost for words. Progress Cited in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis (New York Times) - scientists report progress in the development of a blood test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease. Doctors Discuss Theories on Aging Brains (Los Angeles Times) - a discussion on normal cognitive aging. Tooth Troubles Could Raise Dementia Risk (Washington Post) Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=968404 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:02:46 +0100 968404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=941887&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fetching-myself-in-their-memories.html "I'm starting to forget Emma."My nine year old son said this to me a couple of days ago.Our old dog died last summer. She was very nearly fourteen and had had a great life but her passing was a sad event for my little family."I can't really remember what she looked like or the things she liked to do," he went on."That's perfectly normal," I replied."Is it?""Yes, and that's why we tell stories about our loved ones who've died, to help each other remember them.""Like the time Emma almost drowned Grandpa?""That's right. And you have lots of pictures, too."That was pretty much the end of our conversation but it did put a lump in my throat.I'm in remission but I do know what the statistics are when it comes to Stage IV breast cancer. I try not to torture myself with these but I know that I will... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=941887 Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:55:00 +0100 941887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918068&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F163707813%2F Sometimes the best way to understand something is to get up close and personal. That’s what a school in New Brunswick did when they decided to educate a group of 6th Grade students about Alzheimer’s Disease. Instead of simply learning by the book, the students were all assigned a ‘pen pal’ - a person with Alzheimer’s disease living in a local long-term care facilitiy. The students wrote letter and sent photos to their pen pals, exchanged holiday cards, and visited them at the residential care facility. As you can tell from the writing and art works that the students created, it was a great learning experience for them. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918068 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:18:33 +0100 918068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=891659&cid=t_103684_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fongoing-or-neverending.html First conversation:Nurse, doing my pre-chemo blood-draw: "So are you almost done?"Me: "No."Nurse (chirping): "Yup!"Me: "I have metastatic cancer so treatment will continue for the forseable future."Nurse: "Yup!"Second conversation:Nurse setting up my chemo: "You must be almost done."Me: "No, actually. I have metastatic cancer and will be in treatment for some time."Nurse: "Well, they usually only give Herceptin for a year."Me (Too worn out to explain that this is not the case when Herceptin is being used to treat cancer that has spread or metastic): Hmmm.Am I wrong to hold health care providers to a higher standard? Don't get me wrong, the nurses are, generally speaking, wonderful. And busy. So I don't expect each one of them to have read my chart.But shouldn't oncology nurses know enough ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=891659 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:32:00 +0100 891659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=873780&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F156837820%2F Abe Hoffman and his wife Helen live on separate floors of an assisted living facility. Helen has Alzheimer’s disease. Every day at 4 pm they have a ‘date’. Abe tells her about their life together and they sing. This is their story… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=873780 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:33:23 +0100 873780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=861960&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F155036621%2F An NBC report on the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project (APP) by the NORAZ Poets group in Arizona. Using classical poems such as Longfellow’s The Arrow, the poetry readings are designed to stimulate brain activity. There are 19 facilities in Arizona participating in this project and the response has been positive. NORAZ Poets see the Arizona Poetry Project as ‘…not the type of poetry reading that takes place from a podium. The APP is about making contact with people who have very little physical contact in their lives. We recite the poems directly to the patients, often holding their hands. It is not unusual for visitors to be moved emotionally, when witnessing an APP reading session. The people we serve are often in the late stages of Alzheimer’s and may have a h... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=861960 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:28:55 +0100 861960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=822742&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F148346560%2F Jacqueline Marcell, author of Elder Rage, hosts the ‘Coping with Caregiving’ internet radio show for ws.Radio.com. She has been interviewing medical professionals, authors, and healthcare consultants for the show, looking at the issues and challenges of caregiving. Check out the archives for great interviews with people such as Wanda Smith, founder of CareTrain.com and Ann Hedreen, writer and producer of “Quick Brown Fox: An Alzheimer’s Story.” Look at the upcoming guest list and bookmark your calender… Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=822742 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 08:38:57 +0100 822742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=786794&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F141861247%2F A look into a couple of days in the life of a family dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease. Part I Part II A brief look at what caregivers go through when dealing with Alzheimer’s disease! Made by Ryan Pfleger at the Brooks Institute of Photography. The result of a student documentary project by Ryan Pfleger at the Brooks Institute of Photography. Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=786794 Wed, 08 Aug 2007 05:08:26 +0100 786794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=707400&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F129405642%2F Here’s a great educational video for anyone who wants to learn the basics of Alzheimer’s disease. Presented by Dr Gus Alva, Medical Director of ATP Clinical Research, the video covers topics such as what are the symptoms, identifying the stages, risk factors, and explanations of what happens to the brain of an Alzheimer’s sufferer. VideoJug: Alzheimer’s Disease Share This (Source: Alzheimer's Notes) Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=707400 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 05:45:18 +0100 707400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=694241&cid=t_103684_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F127710081%2F            As I researched buttons for a post on my Quilting and Patchwork blog, I recalled how buttons and other mementos entertained my mom and often brought back memories after she developed Alzheimer’s.  “Do you know, we had buttons on our shoes,” Mother informed me as she played with the buttons I was sewing on a blouse.  “And we used a button hook to fasten them.”  Then she began to tell me other stories about her childhood.  This occurred while she could still talk coherently and relate her memories.  Later, something like buttons, a piece of jewelry, as flower, a color would draw short comments like “Pretty buttons,” while she moved them around on a table.  Or “Pretty pin” or “Ma’s pin” of a b... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=694241 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:03:41 +0100 694241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651736&cid=t_103684_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fhow-ive-changed-part-2-love-and-faith.html Image: from Harvard Medical School's Countway library: a fifteenth century view of the Antichrist being born by C-section.* * *More in how my view of the world has changed since I started medical school, now that I’m graduating:Before medical school, I used to believe that people were inherently good and that their bad qualities were the product of bad events that happened later. Now I don’t believe that people are inherently anything. Now what I wonder about is whether it is still important to love them. I understand now that the willingness to try to love everyone in some way is not based on some factual insight about character, but on a large and partly irrational secular leap of faith. For example, when I am feeling nervous about a public speech, one of the things I try in order to... hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651736 Tue, 29 May 2007 14:55:00 +0100 651736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651741&cid=t_103684_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Ftestimony-alberto-gonzales-should-be_17.html Apropos of I'm not sure what, except to illustrate the general theme that Alberto Gonzales is an ethics-less toady, Senator Chuck Shumer (D-NY) drew the following story out of former deputy Attorney General James Comey, told below in an excerpt of the transcript from Wednesday May 16 2007. Let the other blogs chatter about how this hurts or doesn't hurt Gonzales' chance at keeping his job. Here are the questions from the Hemodynamics.blogspot point of view:Where was hospital security?And where were the doctors? and John Ashcroft's nurse?And if you were a resident that month in the ICU, and John Ashcroft were your guy, and you'd been having family meetings with Mrs. Ashcroft, and you knew that Mr. Ashcroft was not the acting attorney general at that moment, what would you do?Finally, if the... hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651741 Thu, 17 May 2007 04:24:00 +0100 651741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651744&cid=t_103684_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fms-hemodynamics-is-off-on-vacation-with.html YouTube, aka, HundredsofThousandsOfMoviesOfPeoplesCats.com, has this video which more or less illustrates the content of my conversations with the Hemodynamic Cat, except this guy has two.Ms Hemodynamics is off on vacation with her mom, so I am staying in the Hemodynamics HQ with the Hemodynamic Cat. The Hemodynamic Cat is a Siamese cat, and like many others who share her ancestry, she has a strong personality. She also seems to have strong opinions which she expresses quite forcefully with sometimes unstoppable loud meowing. The meow-screeds are sometimes especially unrelenting when Ms Hemodynamics is away. She was Ms Hemodynamics' cat before I came into the picture, and initially waged an incredibly stealthy and devastating terrorist campaign against me to try to stop me from dislodging ... hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651744 Fri, 11 May 2007 05:31:00 +0100 651744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651754&cid=t_103684_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fpatient-doctor-relationships-during.html I've kept a clip from The Host (Gwoemul) at the top of this blog (and I'll put it back into this post once this post is archived), because it's the best three-way battle of US-military-toxic-waste-created-river-monster vs. Centers for Disease Control vs. ramen-stand-owning-family-on-the-run that you'll see this year. Or any year. It's definitely not going to be even 50% as good on DVD, so go see it before it leaves the theater. Buy popcorn.And since the clip kept playing whether you wanted it to or not, I've removed it for now... you can get clips and previews at the movie's web site. (Source: hemodynamics) hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651754 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 05:13:00 +0100 651754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=651756&cid=t_103684_93_f&fid=35707&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhemodynamics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fwhats-doctor-when-in-doubt-return-to.html [Picture from the website of Theodore Gray, who had what looks like a great day with Oliver Sacks.]Is a doctor a consultant, giving her patients advice about how to select medical interventions (or avoid them) based on her understanding of her patient's values? Or is she something else--something more complicated, and emotional? I was thinking about this after part of a small discussion/debate with one of my favorite teachers, someone who makes it a big part of her job to be extremely thoughtful about the doctor-patient relationship. In my thesis (which I defended yesterday), I cited Robert Rimer, a person with AIDS who wrote a book called "HIV+: Working The System" in 1993, who describes a doctor as being a consultant to the patient; she was responding to this theme with both agreement an... hemodynamics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=651756 Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:56:00 +0100 651756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=481884&cid=t_103684_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F19%2Fdiabetes-and-relationships%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Research, Blogs, Products, Services, SupportThanks to dLife, a whole page of insightful advice is available to help decrypt the otherwise ambiguous code of making it work when it comes to diabetes and relationships. Combining diabetes with a romantic partnership can be a delicate balance. Living with it is one thing, but what about if you are the partner of a person with diabetes? It seems to take superhuman strength to survive the disease alone. Thanks to the good folks at dLife-- you can read more about diabetes and making it a healthy part of your relationship. Questions that plague couples faced with diabetes are intuitively answered by relationship experts. For example: How can a couple overcome the communication quagmi... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=481884 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 481884