stage4's Cancer Blog
October 15, 2008
No, I didn’t die. I am sure some of you may have been wondering since I haven’t posted in a long time.
I have just been working on getting my book in every store I can. On-line and reg. bookstores. It is now in Amazon – Worldwide well it was listed in about 12 countries so far anyway.
I have also been working on 8 different websites and traveling a lot.
My latest scans show more growth and more tumors but still growing slowly so I feel pretty lucky all in all.
The largest in my liver is 7.3CM with “several others” They didn’t even bother to count and size the rest so I had to take the films to the doctor at Moffitt so he could figure it out.
There are about 4 in my lungs measuring 4.9CM. Other than a little shortness of breath and some slight pain where my liver is I feel pretty good.
I am heading to my sister’s in Illinois again Friday to see my neice in her first play.
Then, I am off with my brother and sister to Playa Del Carmen Mexico. So listen for an end of October fluke hurricane in Mexico. It never seems to surprise me these storms pop up whenever I go anywhere. I plan on going to Senor Frogs for my birthday on the 25th.
I have had great reviews on the book, so that makes me feel pretty good about it. It is not selling as fast as I thought it would but everyone tells me it takes awhile for them to get in stores and Amazon takes forever to turn in their number of sales to the publisher so time will tell.
My most optimistic doctor (the surgeon) said I may not make it to my daughters wedding in October. They just celebrated their 1st anniversary. I just keep surprising them all.
Hope you are all feeling ok.
Donna
Thanks for your support - 
Dear Donna; I hopped over to your website to read it and then your two past posts. You have been receiving home hospice since July? Happy to hear that and how is it going? Take what you can since you deserve the best care possible. That is what we try to achieve up here in Canada and believe me, home hospice has been the saving grace for so many of my family and friends.
By the way, where are you going exactly in Playa del Carmen? My husband and I have been going to to the Mayan Riviera for the last 2 years and always spend a day at Playa. Wonderful community with all kinds of action. We stayed at Eldorado Royale (30 mins. from the town) and also Eldorado Maroma (15 mins.) We love the Mayan so much and don’t worry, no hurricanes for you my dear. Enjoy your trip and take in the smells and sights of a unique Mexican town.
If ever there was an inspiration you would be it. I plan to buy your book on the weekend, I am sure it is in Canada?
I used to work for a well known publisher – MacMIllan of Canada. My job was to organize the Spring and Fall conferences for the authors, introducing their upcoming books. It was a round table discussion of who was doing what and where the publicity would take place. This was the exciting time where author’s would read a page in their book just to give the staff an idea of what the book was about. Then we would have lunch and resume brainstorming. It was great fun.
There is always the worry that the book being published gets pushed aside due to so many titles. Have you sent a copy to Michael Moore yet? with a request for some publicity on your book. You know you need to be up front and centre. The other person I was thinking about is Sheryl Crowe, the singer. She is working tirelesly to get the word out about cancer. Somehow you have so many spokespeople in the U.S. that could help you sell the book. I would send a copy to Opraha’s book club, for consideration. I know what you are going to say, how will I do that since the book isn’t free. Do you not have a designated number of copies for yourself to do whatever with it? I was part of the publicity team and know from experience that the book itself needs fast and furious at the beginning months of its’ publication. Your story is so important and you are still alive to be interviewed. How about your local t.v. stations. Do they do t.v. interviews? And for those reading here the title is:
CANCER, CHEMO AND BEYOND, SURVIVORS AND THEIR UNIQUE JOURNEY.
Come on people, let’s help Donna. Anyone know an influentialperson that can get this book really moving? Jill, how about you? This is what we call NETWORKING. I will try something up here too.
Bless your strength and determination. You really have made your mark, proving that the Dr.’s are not clarvoyant and that anything is possible, not just the surviving but the journey of courage and exploration.
Thanks so much for your post. I am inspired.
Weezie
Donna; Here is a vehicle for you…. She just posted this www.thepamperedpatient.com). Read her post. I also sent her a note to read your post.
Weezie
Donna it is so good to hear from you glad your doing ok and keeping busy. I think of you often hang in there. Keep on trucken girl…
Cheryl
Hi Donna! So great to see you blogging again. I thought I was the only one who brought bad weather to exotic places? I fly into Florida and they have record temperature dips. The day I fly out, the sun is shining and everything is back to normal again. It never fails. I know what you’re talking about! I’m praying for good weather and lots of fun for you in Mexico! Take care and keep us all posted. Congratulations on publishing your book also!
Kelly