CRF (Cancer Related Fatigue)

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I've been exhausted. I'm having a hard time getting up in the morning, and just after I eat my green drink I'm back into bed. Thankfully I have books around the bedroom to continue my cancer fight, even if I'm too tired to do much. One of the things I read, surprised me. Apparently, my exhaustion has an actual term. It's called cancer fatigue, cancer related fatigue, or CRF. My brain tumor is fighting for the nutrients I consume, and usually it's the tumor who wins, not my body (according to research). Apparently the brain tumor is similar to a fetus in the womb, it takes what it needs first (at least, that's what I've heard about fetuses).

The fatigue is something I can discuss with my new GP. The doctor at Seattle Healing Arts seemed to be the perfect fit. I have another appointment with her on Thursday to review all of my MRI scans, pathology, and radiology reports. She's a wonderful western style medical doctor and yet, alternative therapy minded. The perfect combo. It's important to have a combination of both. If I'm going to beat this brain tumor I have to straddle the line of traditional, alternative and some day, experimental. I will not look down on any treatment unless it causes more harm than good.

Anyway, I'm pooped. My eyes are droopy, my body is fatigued, and there is no amount of rest to knock me out of it. This thing always comes in waves, hopefully I'm on the crest.

Healing By A Village

I am such a goober. I was laying in bed last night talking to Danny, when I realized that I didn't come up with the idea of finding cancer survivors. In fact, it was from a book that was given to me by a fellow brain cancer fighter, Jude. In the book (The Story Of Two: Fighting Serious Illness with an Attitude and an Advocate) was a story of a man who went to great lengths to survive his metastasized malignant melanoma. When I read that book, I realized that I should find more success stories. Without Jude's gift, who knows how long it would have taken me to figure out I could learn endless tricks from other cancer survivors. That's another wonderful thing about this blog, it has connected me with so many people that I never would have known. With my new friends, they bring with them knowledge, support, ideas, books, videos, doctor recommendations, researchers, and insurmountable hope. I'm so grateful for you! All of you.

Growing up in Friday Harbor, I was raised by a village. Now, I'm being healed by a village. Great things happen when great minds come together with a common cause. I can't thank all of you enough for helping me fight this. If you ever come across doctors, books, stories, treatments, research, please continue to send it my direction. I can't promise I'll try every outlet, and sometimes things fall through the cracks and I forget to follow through, but I'm working as hard as I can to explore each avenue. Thank you for continuing to help me stay up to date, and energized. This is quite a big challenge to take on, but like I've said in the past, I'm up for this - I can do it.

On another note, I want to share the late, but still exciting news of our friends Matt and AJ. Matt is Mr Movember, you might remember him from previous blogs. Anyway, during this crazy hectic month, Matt and AJ not only took on fundraising for my medical bills, but at the same time, their family grew! They welcomed twins. Here are a few photos that I stole from their Facebook pages :) Congrats you guys! And, welcome to the crazy world, Hazel and Owen.