Blog Posts

This Thanksgiving, tune into FOX for a new holiday variety show, Kaleidoscope.  The show rounds up Olympic skating champions and GRAMMY Award-winning music artists, like Scott Hamilton, Dorothy Hamill, Olivia Newton-John and David Foster. Also performing are Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.

But the event isn't only about the entertainment.  Kaleidoscope was designed to recognize women and the key role they play in the battle against cancer - as patients, caregivers, and advocates.

In addition to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Kaleidoscope has teamed up with nine other cancer-related advocacy partners.  Together, this team of Cancer Advocacy Partners hopes to shed some light on how we're all touched by cancer and can all make a difference.

You can help!  Tune in to FOX on Thanksgiving (November 26th) at 4:00pm (EST), immediately following the Thanksgiving Day football telecast. The event will be pre-recorded on Monday, November 16th at 7:00pm at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. If you're in the area, tickets for taped performance are on sale now.

Find out more at www.womenandcancer.com, or read the press release.

Christen Reilert was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) when she was just 27-years-old. She took some time out to answer our questions on what it meant for her to be diagnosed with cancer as a young adult, as well as the fertility issues she faced.

LLS: How did you find out that you had NHL?

Christen: I found out I had NHL when I started having trouble taking deep breaths. Every time I took a deep breath it hurt which prompted me to go to my doctor. Twice I was misdiagnosed with walking pneumonia, given antibiotics and sent on my way. Two months later the symptoms returned and I ended up going to the hospital where they did a chest x-ray and found a large mass in my chest. That was the 4th of July in 2002 when I was diagnosed with NHL.

LLS: That sounds frustrating. Can you describe how you handled the diagnosis, as well as how it affected your day to day life?

Christen: The news was a total shock, being 27-years-old and a two-year newlywed with my husband, Josh. I was devastated. After the shock, I decided I was going to do whatever it took to survive. At the time, I didn't want to know anything about the cancer, I just wanted to fight it. Every day I went in for my chemo treatments I had a smile on my face and I knew at that moment, I was a survivor. I went through six chemo treatments over an 18-week period and 18 days of radiation. I lost all of my hair on my body, got severe thrush*, became extremely fatigued and was out of work for seven months. Since that dreadful day of diagnosis, I look at every day as a gift. Every day I wake up, I thank God for letting me enjoy another day of life. There is nothing in life that be that bad. In my life, there are no bad hair days, no feeling sorry for myself, just living everyday as it comes.

LLS: Do you mind sharing if and how your diagnosis affected your plans to have children?

Christen: Just two months prior to my diagnosis, we had just started trying to have a family. I had always dreamed of becoming a mother and when I was told I had cancer, my dreams were shattered and put on hold. There was no definite answer if I'd ever be able to have children. I sought out professional advice from an infertility specialist in Manhattan. Josh and I traveled there by car and she told me I could freeze embryos but I'd have to wait until my next cycle when I ovulated again. Unfortunately my tumor was so aggressive I couldn't postpone chemotherapy and I was not able to freeze any embryos to preserve my fertility. Needless to say, I cried all the way home.

LLS: Was there anything you could try at that point?

Christen: My chances of becoming a mother were slim. I took a chance and the doctor put me on a birth control pill to suppress my period for the duration of chemo (which was 18 weeks as well as 18 days of radiation) in hopes the chemo would bypass my reproductive system. The chemo I endured was very aggressive and harsh, and basically prayer and hope was all that was going to ensure any sort of fertility.

I was very ecstatic when I found out I was pregnant in April of 2008. When I took that pregnancy test, I literally did a double take. All the prior tests were always negative and to get a positive result was just shocking. When the doctor confirmed my pregnancy with a blood test I didn't waste any time breaking the news to family and friends!

LLS: Congratulations!

Christen: Yes, on December 23rd, 2008, our miracle baby born. Our son, Jaden was born! My motto which I've been saying since I found out I was pregnant has been "CANCER SURVIVOR'S HAVE MIRACLES TOO". We are so blessed to have him. What more could a cancer survivor ask for?

LLS: How is your health now?

Christen: I am currently in remission and have been cancer free for the last seven years now.

LLS: We hear that you’re actively involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Christen: After I completed radiation in early 2003, I ended up calling LLS to become involved in fundraising because felt like I owed the world a big fat thanks! For everyone who helped me beat this disease, I felt like I had to give something back. So in 2003 I started doing the Light The Night Walk and formed my own team, Christy's "Cure"ators. I have been the team captain for the last six years and an honored patient hero for the last five years. Everyone who walks with Light The Night Walk has been following my story. Last year at Citibank Park I was speaking (as I do every year) and was able to announce my pregnancy. I unveiled my seven month pregnant belly in front of hundreds of people with a zip of my jacket and the crowd roared for me. It was so exhilarating. This year, I get to introduce my son Jaden to everyone at Citibank Park, I can't wait.

In addition to being a team captain and honored patient hero I also volunteer my time anywhere I can. I am also a First Connection Volunteer for those who are diagnosed with similar diagnosis and who are around my age - I am like a mentor to them.

* ”Some people may develop a white, shiny coating or white patches on their tongue, inside of the cheeks or on the floor of the mouth. This symptom may indicate a yeast infection, also called ‘thrush’ or ‘oral candidiasis.’” From the free booklet, Understanding Drug Therapy and Managing Side Effects.

If you’re a young adult who has been diagnosed with blood cancer, you can give our Information Resource Center a call at (800) 955-4572 and someone will be able to help you or point you in the right direction.

This is probably the last post before the big day.  I'm sitting in the San Diego airport waiting for my plane to San Francisco.  It's windy and raining there, which I'm hoping will go away by Sunday!  I did the three miles on Saturday at 1:3 intervals and it was totally ok.  But my coach suggested I stick with 1:4 at the event.  With the hills and everything, she thinks I will really suffer if I try the 1:3.  She also said I will move faster just because of all the adrenaline and such.  I think she overestimates my ability to walk faster.

My stomach has had butterflies since last night's "send off" party.  I don't really know why.  It's not like anyone is going to be watching me specifically in the throngs of people.  And I already know I will be well within the time cutoff to complete the race, so speed is not a scary factor.  I don't really know what's making me so nervous, but it's definitely there.  Fortunately I'll be in San Francisco for the next week at a conference so I'll have plenty of time to get adjusted to the city and the weather and (hopefully) lose some of these nerves!

last week i ran 12 miles...on a treadmill...at 445 am...wow, that was rough...when I finished my neck,knees,back, and feet hurt...

This weekend (tomorrow) I'm running 14 miles...at least i'll be running with others (which helps make it pass quicker/or misery loves company...not sure) but i'm definitely a little nervous!  The upside is it's longer than a half marathon so it's one more mental hurdle down for me.  Last weekend, i broke it into 3 mile increments in my mind and quarters..."okay Melody, you've done one quarter of this, only three quarters to go..."  It helped!

The proverbial "wall" people hit (where your tank is running low on fuel) hit me around the 7.5 to 8th mile...i took my "goo" and was fine after that!  I don't suggest eating a protein bar/or anything chewy because I'm not talented enough to chew, drink water, and run at same time...especially at the 11th mile or so...man, i was tired.

The great news is I'm almost at 74 % of my donation level and still have till Nov. 30th to get in donations!  That's 25% to go or $700 for you 'non math people' like me...I'm sorry for not posting more often but as the training increases/so does the recovery time as well as trying to raise a couple of boys, help hubby, keep up housework/laundry among church and other activities...thanks so much for checking in and I appreciate your comments,suggestions,etc...GOOOO Team In Training and LLS!!!!

Wow so I didn't realize I could start a blog here.  Yup you guessed it I'm starting one of those exciting, non-exciting blogs.  Only way to start is to jump into it and do it.  Kinda like a Team In Training event!

Currently it is Cyclocross season and its been pretty rad season.  Check out www.madcross.org the sean here in the Madison area is gone wild and the U.S. Gran Prix  of Cyclocross came here to Sun Prairie, WI a few weeks ago.  Yup you guessed it I wore my Team In Training jersey and the cheese wedge that I wore for Lake Tahoe Century.  It was a big hit!  The Gran Prix race will be bigger and better in 2010 you should plan on coming out for it.  I'll be racing my single speed cross bike.  As fall roles in this is a fun time for me.  But I do admit I look foward to Lake Tahoe again and getting a TEAM together for 2010.  I miss all of my past teams.  Here goes out to 2007 Cool Breeze Century Inland Empire TEAM out of Redlands, CA; 2008 and 2009 Lake Tahoe Century Wisconsin TEAM and looking foward to meeting you 2010 Lake Tahoe TEAM; you going to have a ride of your life!

Get on your bikes and ride!  Its a beautifull day for a bicycle ride!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is proud to offer telephone education programs for blood cancer patients and their caregivers. These programs, which require free registration, are both informative and interactive for those dealing with specific types of blood cancer or certain treatment topics.

Free registration is now available for these upcoming October programs.

October 14, 2009 - Treating Uncommon Lymphomas: Dialogue with an Expert on T-Cell, Malt, and Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

October 29, 2009 – Managing Myeloma: An Expert’s Update

Check the National Education Programs page often to see what is available, or visit any of the archive pages to listen to past programs, download transcripts or to access highlights from many of the past programs (archive pages can be found in each disease education series section – for example, there is a link to the archived programs on the Myeloma Education Series page).

Need assistance? Call the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572 and someone will be able to answer your question or steer you in the right direction.

Yesterday was round 3 of chemo.  I received results of my c-scan and was told I was in Remission after 2 rounds of the R-VCP.  They were cutting me down to 4 rounds of chemo (instead of 6) and follow-ups every 3 months.  I can't believe how lucky I am.  I feel guilty after hearing how hard others have been fighting it.  I know I'll never be cured, but today I am on cloud nine.

My wife has been very sick with the flu for about 10 days running 100 to 104 temps.  I don't know how I dodged that bullet, but I didn't get sick.

Thanks again to everyone for your hugs, e-coffees, thoughts, and prayers.

Best wishes,

Ray

If you are hoping to participate in the near sold-out WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon Weekend, register with Team In Training (TNT). We have guaranteed spots for this world-class event, and we're offering them to valued members of the TNT family on a first-come, first-served basis!

The memorable weekend takes place from Thursday, January 7 to Sunday, January 10, 2010.  The Walt Disney World® Marathon and Half-Marathon are the most magical miles on Earth!  You'll tour through the Magic Kingdom, passing by Cinderella's castle, pass by the giant Epcot globe, experience the best of nature through Disney's Animal Kingdom, and watch the streets transform before you in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In addition to these main events, the weekend offers some incredible opportunities to get the whole family involved in fitness and fun.  Plus, you'll be a member of the exclusive Team In Training program.  Through Team In Training you'll get:

• Certified coaches provide exceptional training and teammates bring the fun, friendship and encouragement.
• Fundraising support. Your own Web page plus fundraising help from our staff and alumni mentors.
• Travel, lodging and entry fees are all part of the package. Plus, live bands at every mile, a post race concert and all in a setting unlike any other, New Orleans!
• Maybe the greatest benefit of all is knowing that you'll be raising funds to help cure blood cancers.

For the lastest on Team In Training news and events subscribe to this blog. On Facebook? become a fan of Team In Training. Follow us on Twitter @teamintraining.

I survived 10 miles!  I got my first real blisters and my feet still hurt - two days later.  But I did it.  I can honestly say that if this had been event day and I had to do another 3.1 miles I never would have been able to continue.  I finished my 10 miles, walked straight to my car and drove home.

They say a lot of distance running is a mental game and I never really believed "them".  But the more I do this the more I see it really is.  Physically, I can do 13.1 or 26.2 miles.  My feet will keep moving.  I will not fall over and die.  But my brain is a much stronger muscle.  And it is starting to get the better of me.

19 days to go.

We're in the home stretch! Last night was our group run and it was cold, wet and all around nasty.  We run at the zoo on Wednesdays.  Since half the place was underwater and the other half was slippery and dangerous, I didn't expect much from the evening.  Turns out, at that particular temperature with that amount of rain - I don't sweat, and I can breathe.  It was amazing!  When one of the coaches said this was nearly exactly the same conditions as San Francisco on event day I about jumped for joy.  When she told me they were going to "sneak" me into the early start since I'm such a slowpoke I DID jump for joy.  With my notification this morning that I reached my required minimum fundraising goal, everything I was freaking out about is officially resolved.  Here I come San Francisco!!

here is the link to baby Matheson's newspaper article on Sunday...

Well I managed only 5 miles in Denver.  But that lack of oxygen is a bugger!!!  We also went on a hike with some friends on Friday and I managed to get my run in yesterday before it started raining.  So, all things considered, I'm pretty proud of myself.  This week I need to push myself hard, and Saturday is our "big run".  10 Miles through downtown San Antonio! I never thought I'd be considering that kind of distance.  Then next week we push hard and then I get to REST (meaning, only doing 2-3 miles/day instead of the 4-5 I do now) until the big day.  Less than a month to go!

Sat. morning I got up around 5am (after hubby had worked all night and got home at 515am) and put on my anti-chaffing cream, running clothes, shoes, and got my bandana, Ipod, Goo gummy bears (to eat during run for energy), and watch to track my mileage...oh, and my COFFEE!

I got there a little early and chatted w/ my fellow TNT-ers about the run and found out most of them who were running Disney and Arizona Rock n Roll marathons later in season were running almost half the mileage I was...me and two other ladies had to run TEN...

During the ten miles, we chatted, stopped a second or  two for water, and looked at the beautiful scenery...we saw a fawn, crossed a bridge, and i thought of those who had passed away from cancer and was happy to be alive, and running.

After the run was over, I couldn't help feeling exhilirated...not from a 'runner's high' but from running 10 miles for 'practice' and getting to know a fellow teammate a little better!  Overall, it was a great day!

Today, I got a donation from my deceased english bulldog, Lady Chatterlee Gerae...I know that sounds crazy but my parents sent a donation for her (in memory of)...I had her for 13 yrs and she was the sweetest and slickest dog I had ever known...I know this has nothing to do w/ LLS but I swear that dog knew that we thought she was gonna have four or five puppies (and make us a lot of money when we sold pups) and purposely only had one baby...we ended up keeping him (Max)...as smart as she was...he was that dumb....ha ha.

Well, a new week has begun and I ran my three miles this morning and felt great!  I feel that now I'm at 51% of my goal for LLS and donations are still coming in, that I can DO IT!!!

Thanks so much to everyone for your support...I know a few of the Team In Training members have already raised $4200 or whatever their goal was,...but I amjust as proud of my family and friends support (and $1200) as they are of achieving their goal!!!!!

We are where you are.  Be honest.  How many hours a day do you spend tweeting or updating your Facebook status?  Embrace it.  We have.

You may have noticed the recent addition to the community homepage - the "Follow Us" box, which links to many of our social networking pages. 

LLS has a major presence on the social networking sites you use regularly.  We're always connected.  Not a day goes by when we're not blogging on this community, chatting with cancer patients and survivors in our discussion boards, tweeting updates to our Twitter followers, or keeping our fans informed on Facebook.  We've cultivated some of our closest relationships online.

September is Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month.  In honor of this important time of year, LLS is vowing to be even more connected with our supporters.  We're extremely interested in what our volunteers, supporters and participants across the country - and across the globe - have to say.  Staying connected helps us better understand what we can do for you.

Meet Christine Brantley.  Her son, Jake, is a survivor of childhood leukemia. Christine was kind enough to share her family's story with us.  Through our social network, we're able to share the Brantley's tale with hundreds of thousands of people world-wide.  The first step to finding cures for blood cancers is to build awareness about these diseases.

Christine and Jake know the importance of funding blood cancer research. As Christine shared in our interview, "I know with research there's a brighter future for everyone with blood cancer."

Join our network and then consider what you can do to help support our research and LLS help patients like Jake.

We recently sat down with Kristen Blair, a Team In Training Alumni, who participated in the 2008 ING New York City marathon. We wanted to video Kristen on her Team In Training experience

to get her story in her own words.

We've excerpted some of the questions below.  Or, view the full version here:

Why did you join Team In Training?

I have always dreamed of doing a marathon...started running a few years ago...(but) after I ran a half marathon, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to complete a full marathon.

Then I saw the 2006 New York city marathon. After that, I started telling people I was going to run in the New York City marathon in 2008. Once I started telling people, it kind of had to become a reality  - and Team In Training made it a realty.

Tell us about the coaches and your training experience.

Team In Training helps people of all levels..from someone like me who has running experience to someone who's never run...(the coaches) are able to work with all levels...everyone I know who
participated in Team In Training really had a great experience all the way through.

Would you participate in Team In Training again?

Absolutely - without a doubt. I don't think I could do it on my own. Even now after having the training - I kept up the running. I still  don't think I can do it on my own - so it's something I would definitely consider doing again.

What would you say to someone who was considering Team In Training?

I would say sign up. I've told everyone I know - including friends who came to watch me run who aren't athletic. I'd say, Just sign up Just sign up! - You can do it, you can absolutely do it! You just have to commit to it but anyone can do it through Team In Training.

What was your inspiration?

Every practice was an inspiration..before every practice someone from the group would get up and say why they were running. It could be that their mom had just past away -- or a friend of a friend of a friend ...There are just so many people who have been effected by these diseases...the few dollars that you're raising..in the end, there's proof that the money that you're raising...there's proof that it helps people every day.

Thank you for sharing your Team In Training Story, Kristen -- you're an inspiration and a VIP to us!