New Drug Could Transform Cancer Treatment

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31512315/from/ET/http://

Nickel and Dime calories

I am very aware of my daily intake of calories (but not always the levels of nutrition of those calories). Anyway, I have been taking an even closer look at the amount of calories that are "nickel and dime-ing" my diet to death.

I am a big water and coffee drinker - at least about 40 ounces of coffee a day and about 100 ounces of water a day. Every once and awhile I splash a bit of cream in my coffee. Depending on the amount and if it is fat-free etc there goes 10-30 calories toward my daily count. And my weekly latte is made with sugar free syrup but that is still 5-10 calories there.

As the day wears on I get tired of plain water and might use one of those Crystal Light packets or drink a Diet energy drink. Well each Crystal Light packet has 5 calories per serving and 2 servings per packet. The energy drink has 10 calories per serving and 2 servings per can.

So even though those calories are listed on my daily journal of food intake I am still trying to account for up to 50 additional calories a day depending on how I flavor my drinks.

Also I have to consider the extras I might add to a sandwich. I hate "dry" sandwiches but I don't use mayo. So mustard is only 5-10 calories and a pickle isn't too bad either (except for the sodium) but if I have enough of those little things in a day I need to account for those calories too.

What little things are you using in your daily food intake that can slowly add up???

Back to Washington DC

Earlier this week I was again a consumer reviewer for the peer review panels of Department of Defense breast cancer research grants. It is always a wonderful but overwhelming experience. Our panel had 16 scientists and 4 consumer reviewers (survivors) who reviewed over 40 applications for possible funding. Although the science details can be difficult to decipher it is great to hear about what researchers are trying to develop to treat and prevent breast cancer.

I also meet many wonderful survivors from around the country over the three days. For me this is like being at "ground zero" for advocacy. Being part of this process is so rewarding for me to know that I am helping possible advancements in cancer research. The scientists know the details of what is reasonable to do but the survivors are there to help point out the potential impact if the research is successful and "humanize" the process. They talk about taking things from "bench to bedside". The scientists are the bench (labs) and we are the bedside (those impact by the research). All of us, probable over 1,000 people, coming together to try to conquer this beast.

Reilly: Alfred G. Rava takes A's to court

Reilly: Alfred G. Rava takes A's to court This guy is suing over pink hats at the game for women on Mother's Day and breast cancer awareness day.

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Climb to Conquer Cancer

Last Friday was the American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer. It was a great event with a 5k climb up the Orchard Greenbelt extension. I was asked to speak to the climbers before the official start. I decided to focus on how climbing the mountain of cancer treatment compares to climbing Mt. Everest. You need to do lots of research and prepare yourself before taking those first steps. You have to have a strong and supportive base camp, you have to have safety gear and be tied to at least one other person in case you slip. It is going to be a long trip up the mountain with some days more productive than others, there will be many challenges along the way that will require to you to dig deep and find a strength you never knew you had. Once you reach the top and look back on how far you have come you know you will never be the same again. You will forever have a different perspective on the world and most likely you will find yourself returning to base camp to help someone else on their journey climbing the mountain. There are many other comparsions that can be made between the two challenges.

Memorial Day weekend

Friday, May 22nd was our ten year wedding anniversary. We originally had planned on going to Cabo San Lucas but with the economy and Al’s Durango needing a new engine that just wasn’t possible. Of course the swine flu didn’t help either. So instead we decided to take a last minute road trip minus kids over Memorial Day weekend.

We headed to Seattle very early on Friday. We shopped in Bellevue and then headed downtown to the Pike’s Marketplace. Then we went to the Mariners game. They played San Francisco and Randy Johnson was pitching. It was great to see him pitch and to see Ken Griffey Jr, and, of course, Ichiro. The game went 12 innings and the Mariners won!

Next morning we had brunch with Alvin’s cousin that he hasn’t seen in over 15 years. Then we tried to head to Forks, Washington but the bridge off the sound was closed and so going around was a pain and traffic was awful. We finally just headed to Ocean Shores and checked into our hotel with an ocean view. It was about 4:30 so we hopped back in the car and took the two hour drive up the coast to Forks.

By the time we got there many things were closed but I had fun getting Twilight items for the kids, driving around and getting my picture taken with Bella’s truck. Al thinks I am a goof for wanting to go there but it was actually since idea since we were close by and he knows the kids and I are huge Twilight fans.

Sunday we spent in Ocean Shores. We walked along several different beaches and checked out the area shops. Al kicked my butt at mini-golf and air hockey. That night we dressed up and took the shuttle to the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. We had a romantic dinner while watching the sunset over the beach and ocean and then gambled for a bit.

It was a wonderful time with the love of my life!!!

Going going going!

Sorry I have been MIA. Things have been very busy with wrapping up soccer season, working at the YMCA at night, reviewing breast cancer grants for my trip to DC in a few weeks, and of course getting out of town over the long weekend!

Friday was our 10 year anniversary so hubby and I took off on a new adventure. We went to Seattle, Forks and Ocean Shores Washington. We had a great time. I will blog about the trip and post pictures soon.