About M.D. Anderson Cancer Center...

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has grown so much in the last 25 years since I was being treated there. I remember in 1982 I was completely overwhelmed by the antiseptic smell that slapped me in the face as soon as the automatic doors opened. It felt like such a cold and uninviting place, and it scared me to death!

I am happy to say that M.D. Anderson is absolutely amazing now! It is absolutely beautiful with it's remodeled main building, added new buildings, sculptures, fountains, fish tanks, and more. But I realize I am comparing it to 1982 when I was there. To a new patient it can be extremely overwhelming to find your way around the place! I still get lost myself from time to time.

There are many new buildings, and it's like being on a college campus. Well folks...you are on part of The University of Texas Medical Branch campus. There is the Main Building, The Ambulatory Care Building (ACB), The Cancer Prevention Building (CPB), The Rotary House, The Faculty Center, and so many different clinics it's enough to make your head spin!

So here is what I can offer you to help ease your mind about navigating M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and to make your time there less stressful.

First of all, when you are given a schedule of your daily procedures it tells you exactly which building and which clinic to go to for each one.

Second, there are automated machines all over the campus. They have touch screens and you just tell it where you need to go and it will tell you how to get there. You can print out a copy of the instructions as well.

Third, there are information desks in every building. Working at these desks you will usually find are wonderful M.D. Anderson Volunteers. They are there to help you! Always feel free to ask them for help. You never have to feel embarrassed, and they understand that it takes time to learn the lay of the land. The volunteers are there out of the goodness of their heart , and because they want to be there.

And just for good measure let me add that other patients and their families understand what it's like to be new to the hospital too. They will usually be more than happy to help you if you ask. Remember that at some point they were new patients too.

There is also a patient transportation system. If you are unable to walk all the way from one building to another simply go to the 3rd floor and take the patient shuttle on the sky bridge. They also offer the use of wheelchairs if you need it.

M.D. Anderson has transformed into a beautiful place that is much more patient friendly, and doesn't smell like too much alcohol and betadine anymore. Don't let the size of the place overwhelm you. Use the resources they offer patients, and you will find it's really not so scary after all.

To learn more about M.D. Anderson Cancer Center visit the link to the right on this page.

It's All About Attitude...

Let's face it...having a doctor look you in the eye and tell you that you have cancer feels like an Ali punch to your gut! I was only 11 years old and I remember Dr. Norman Jaffe saying the words...Osteosarcoma...cancer...chemotherapy, and I just lost it! Of course I went to pieces! I was devastated and scared! But shortly after that I knew I had a decision to make. Was I going to feel sorry for myself and wallow in self-pity, or was I going to stand up and fight it? This raises the question of prognosis. In 1982 the chances were a mere 20% for survival. But the way I looked at it was that 20% isn't 0...I had a shot and I was going for it! My maternal grandmother survived uterine cancer in the 1950's with nothing but surgery and radiation. She was a statistical anomaly...she wasn't expected to live...but she was a fighter! I told myself if she could do it then I could too! Statistics are just numbers that change everyday. Think about it. When the weatherman says there is a 20% chance of rain, and it doesn't rain...the percentage changes positively! If you are one more that survives cancer...the prognosis improves!

While a diagnosis of cancer will probably mean certain, and maybe even significant changes in your life, it doesn't mean your life is over! You have to make that choice in your mind and in your heart! Even if the type of cancer you have is terminal you have to chose how you will live the rest of your days. Have a listen to the song "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw. The refrain says, "I went sky diving, I went Rocky Mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying. And he said "Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying"."

So no matter what your diagnosis or your prognosis keep your chin up and live each day to the fullest! Here is a link about a lung cancer survivor who has the right attitude! She is amazing! Have a look!

Cancer survivor skis to North Pole

I leave you with this scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7. It is the scripture I have been quoting since the day I finished my treatments and walked out of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center alive. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".

My best to all of you out there in your own fight. You can do it...just believe...