Catching Up

I haven't posted in a while. I supposed it's like donating blood, the cancer doesn't impact me on a daily basis, so my need to post is not as great. It might also be that I have integrated my experience more. I realize going to doctors on a regular basis is just part of my life. But it's still an important one and in writing this, I feel like I'm connecting with friends. It makes me feel good.

I have applied to participate in the patient panel at the cancer center. It's a volunteer panel that reviews and recommends processes to the center. My article on using the internet was published in Coping this month and I had another article accepted for publication in June. A friend is starting a non-profit to provide colon screening for people who can't afford it and I will be on the board. I'm also supporting the American Cancer Society again this year in lobbying for increased health coverage at the state level. I did not finish the Reclaiming class offered for cancer survivors. I found that there wasn't the time to go indepth on issues in a way I could really work on them.

My health is fine. Had my routine pap smear and yearly physical and all is normal.

Donating Blood

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_1_4x_Donation_by_Cancer_Survivors.asp?sitearea=ETO - is an American Cancer Society webpage that discusses the guidelines and risks of donating blood and organs. For blood, "the American Red Cross guidelines allow people who have had cancer to donate if the cancer were treated with surgery or radiation at least 5 years ago and there has been no recurrence." For organ donations, "under select circumstances there may be an acceptable risk in using organs from donors who have had certain types of cancer." This doesn't impact my daily life, but it sets me apart. It makes me realize I'm not like everyone else.