2009 NCCC Chicago conference – Relationships Matter

Chicago IL – Wow! That’s my comment.

I had such a wonderful time attending my first ever NCCC conference this past weekend in Chicago – it was very emotional – tears – joy – laughter – new friendships – good food – lots of interesting speakers – everyone sharing stories – ideas – with one common factor : HPV and cervical cancer.

The event was overwhelming. So many people gathered in one location with one goal – to promote cervical cancer and HPV awareness, prevention and education.

My first day in Chicago began with checking into the hotel - meeting Rachel – finding my room – changing my clothes and heading over to be interviewed. Upon my entering the filming room – I met the film crew – along with a very nice fellow Canadian by the name of Cynthia who works with Zayas Henrick Mediaworks – who have put together several video pieces for NCCC.

Then I attended a meeting for NCCC chapter leaders and attendees who were interested in starting their own chapter.

After – was a quick break and then the cocktail event where singer songwriter and cervical cancer survivor Christine Baze performed.

The next morning it was rise and shine – as a full day awaited me.

Shobha Krishnam, MD and author of the book “The HPV Vaccine Controversy: Sex, Cancer, God and Politics” was a fantastic speaker and explained that there are over 100 types of HPV; with 15 of these types that are cancer causing. She went on to explain that 99% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.

The causes are variable; can be biological, weakened immune system, stress, poor diet, erratic sleep patterns, excessive alcohol, cigarette smoking, long-term birth control (the pill) – and it is important to stress that one can get HPV from a monogamous relationship.

She stresses that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer detected among women and that prevention is better than detection. How can you prevent you ask – vaccination at an early age before being exposed to the virus. There are two vaccines available now in the USA: Gardasil produced by Merck and the newly approved Cevarix by GSK.

Gardasil as we know it protects against 4 types of HPV: 6-11-16-18 while Cevarix protects against 16 and 18 types of HPV.

In both – it is a series of 3 injections – suggested age group: between ages 11-12 and 9-26. Why 11-12 age group? Because the antibody levels are high – and no contact has yet been made with the HPV virus. The vaccines work as a shield.

The side effects that have been reported are: Pain, redness and swelling at the point of administration. While the adverse side effects are more commonly recognized as fainting, blood clots, and progressive muscular weakness.

Dr. Shobha Krishnam is also promoting HPV and cervical cancer awareness in 10 villages in India.

The conference continued with a presentation by Dr. Juan C. Felix, who also mentioned that there are 100 types of HPV, however he stated that there are between 17-20 types that cause cervical cancer; and explained that with the sexual route, even using a condom can only reduce the risk, but cannot fully protect against HPV. And the non-sexual route, mother to newborn causes a vertical transmission of HPV as does undergarments, surgical gloves, and biopsy forceps.

One in 200 babies born will receive an HPV – types 6 and 11.

In the USA; studies show that 30% of girls entering high school have already had vaginal sex – this according to the 2003 US Youth Risk Behavior Survey; and by grade 12, 60% of girls have had at least one sexual encounter.

As Dr. Felix mentions, we need responsible education. Someone asked the question about where does HPV come from… he explained that it is known to have been around back in the days of the Egyptians – as he had personally located HPV in a mummy at Cornell University.

Dr. Laura Dean of Stillwater, MN spoke of HPV Typing and said that 80% of both men and women will get HPV in their lifetime. We all carry HPV, however some people have stronger immune systems and can fight the HPV naturally without every having any symptoms – others have weakened or lower immune systems and cancer develops.

ThinPrep according to Dr. Dean is much more effective than the conventional PAP smear testing. Over 90% of all gynecologists in the USA use the ThinPrep Pap test for their patients now as it is more effective at detecting precancerous cervical cells.

Dr. Dean spoke in depth about Genotyping and went on to say that the HPV vaccine is a positive advancement in preventing cervical cancer. Dr. Dean can be reached by email at: ldean@lakeview.org

“Sex after Cancer” was the presentation by Dr. Hilda Hutcherson – she spoke of a healthy sexuality; the effect of cancer on female sexuality, emotions and treatments.

She was such an interesting speaker – even had us laughing at her slideshow presentation at times. She also spoke about different products available to better help the enjoyment of sex after having cervical cancer and mentioned an online store where items could be purchased.

She spoke about the desire factor, sexual self-esteem, scheduling intimate time with your partner – and in her words “Just do it.” She also said that one must most likely change the sexual script after having cervical cancer as our bodies change dramatically; she explains, decrease emphasis on intercourse, be creative, be adventurous, be bold, use your imagination, and reclaim your sexual birthright.

Laura Mosiello is from cancercare.org – she spoke about what CancerCare is all about – cancer pain and physical, practical and emotional implications as well as ways to affect change for a better quality of life.

CancerCare services assisted more than 100,000 people in the 2007-2008 year. Some of the emotional implications that Cancer Pain and Cervical Cancer bring are the following: shame, guilt, body image and changes in self perception, sexual changes and dysfunction, intimacy, fear of recurrence and the fear of dying.

Laura spoke of the “New Normal” – Re-interpret, re-examine, re-define, re-new, identify new self, accept new self and embrace new self; and accepting of the “New Normal” which identifies losses of old self, mourn the losses consciously, communicate your needs, instruct loved ones how best to help, integrate familiar aspects of old self, engage inherent challenges and re-invest in life.

For more information on CancerCare please visit their website at : www.cancercare.org

One of the NCCC quilts was circulated around during the conference for each of us to sign. These quilts travel the US and are on display at different events; hospitals, clinics, etc.

My entry onto the quilt square was the following:

Cervical Cancer

Forever altered

Forever a fighter

Why me?

Thank you NCCC

For making a difference in my life,

And the life of countless others.

To see some of these quilts and to get more information on the display of them – please visit www.nccc-online.org

The day went on with speaker David Romanelli – author of “Yeah Dave’s guide to Living the moment, getting to ecstasy through wine, chocolate and your ipod playlist.”

What a motivation – he is great. I had previously seen an interview he did with WGN morning news team in Chicago a few months ago – while I was recuperating from my radiation therapy. David was previously Shaquille O’Neal’s publicist.

He showed us film clips we could all relate to – he gave us a brief look at his life with his father – and also had us on our feet to do a couple of simple exercises and then broke out the chocolate – nothing but Chicago’s best: Vosges Chocolate available at www.vosgeschocolate.com. On Friday we tried the Soul Truffle and the Funk n Disco truffle and on Saturday during yoga, we tried the Rooster Truffle and the Naga Truffle. YUM! That’s all I have to say!!!

David spoke of the “Now Moment” – and wants each of us to incorporate three moments each day – and to check them off our checklist daily. They are: one funny moment, one beautiful moment and one delicious moment.

He also made these three suggestions: look people in the eye, avoid the cell phone when meeting someone, and to take interest in the other person.

Life is just a series of moments, if you miss the moment you miss your life – this is life according to David.

After this great day – we had free time in the evening to go visit the windy city or just chill with our new friends. I was asked to go out with a couple of groups; however I elected to hang out with Cynthia from ZHM.

We went walking in the brisk evening air in downtown along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile – amongst a few misty raindrops – we ducked into a few stores, visited MAC makeup boutiques, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Filenes Basement, NIKE, and many others – ending our evening at the Cheesecake Factory for a wonderful meal – then we headed back to the hotel – but we also ducked into a Walgreen’s along the way as I wanted to take a drink back to the hotel – and not have to pay the $6 for a small bottle of Fiji water back there.

We called it a night once back to the hotel –I enjoyed a good night’s sleep – and was up bright and early to give Rachel and Shaundra a hand at setting up the room and displays for the day.

We opened the morning with the great debate – should boys be vaccinated as well as girls against HPV. The debaters were Tom Cox, and Juan Felix. The answer at the end of the debate was yes – and Dr. Felix even said that all his children, 4 girls and 1 son have been vaccinated.

They also mentioned that to date there have been an estimated 23 million doses administered, and the FDA and CDC continue to find that Gardasil is a safe and effective vaccine. In Australia, both boys and girls have been receiving the vaccine for the past 3 years now.

Dr. Felix said that vaccinating both boys and girls will reduce the stigma about HPV and cervical cancer.

Tamika Felder – NCCC member, shared her personal story with the crowd. She was diagnosed in May of 2001 with advanced cervical cancer. She emphasised the importance of sharing your personal story with others. Also recollected the slides we had seen from the previous day about certain types of HPV infections and warned all of us to “stay away from tainted ding-a-lings,” this make us all chuckle.

We then had a Q&A period with Tom Cox, MD. Juan Felix, MD and Dijljeet K. Singh, MD – and this was followed by Jacqueline Whitmore who spoke of advocacy, awareness and social networking. She is also a cervical cancer survivor and shared her story with us.

My conference to an end after the hilarious and yet touching life story of Julia Sweeney, of Saturday Night Live Alumna and also a 1995 cervical cancer survivor. She is an amazing person, and was also celebrating her 50th birthday amongst us – and was presented with a birthday cake.

I had to leave as my flight was at 4 – have to be at airport 2 hours prior to take off with the TSA clearance and we were a few miles from the airport – the Chicago marathon was planned for Sunday and the traffic was busier than ever. I missed the closing remarks and I also missed receiving my certificate of participation – but I did take in lots of information, made new friends, brought back ideas, and I can’t wait for the next conference!

Thank you NCCC for a wonderful time – thank you to each and every one who attended and also thanks to those who spoke at the convention – you make life easier.

If I can help just one person – my goal has been obtained!

Karen Eryou

NCCC Chapter Leader

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/qcnccc

Death of DJ AM

I can’t believe it – he survived a plane crash with drummer extraordinaire Travis Barker – yet he is found dead, apparently of an accidental drug overdose.

Wow, I am blown away – only last week I was on the truck with Chad, and as we were getting this trailer repaired at a TA truck stop – here comes a truck and trailer all lettered up with Travis Barker and Blink 182. It was carrying Travis’ red 1966 custom vintage Cadillac Coupe de Ville. I went over to the driver who did not want to roll down his window – when I motioned that I wanted to take a pic with the trailer – he gave me the thumbs up – Chad snapped a couple pics. The driver then saw we were harmless; and that I was a Travis Barker and Blink 182 fan – he came out of the truck and asked if I wanted to see the car.

Oh my God! I could not believe it – the driver opened up the side door of the hauler and let me look at it – it has a shine like you would not believe. The driver said that Travis actually drove the Cadillac on a regular basis. If my memory serves me correctly, I recall Travis actually driving this car on his television reality show. The Cadillac is estimated at 80,000$ US; and if can be yours – all you have to do is enter a contest, and State Farm is also throwing in concert tickets, and more.“As much as I enjoy giving [my car] to you, I’m really going to miss it.” -Travis BarkerThe contest is in honor of the Blink 182 reunion tour, and State Farm is one of the tour sponsors; which is why the car was being transported from venue to venue for display.

Now back to DJ AM’s death; whose real name was Adam Goldstein, 36, according to TMZ’s website – he was found dead in his NY City apartment on Friday, August 28.
Again, according to TMZ, law enforcement received a call at 5:24 pm on Friday – and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:00 pm by FDNY. TMZ sources said that DJ AM had developed a dependency to Xanax and benzodiazepines – as a direct result of the plane crash a year ago that he and Travis Barker had survived. He had apparently developed a tremendous anxiety over flying – and he had to fly frequently because of his job.

Photos TMZ website

This was DJ AM’s last public appearance was a week ago Sunday when he threw out the first pitch at the Mets game at Citi Field. And for those who followed him on Twitter – his last post August 25, 2009 at 2:57 pm: “New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems.”
These are the lyrics of the opening line of the Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five song “New York, New York.” RIP DJ AM you will be missed.

Riverside Speedway Clash of the Titans 150

Karen Eryou

Groveton, NH – On August 16th, PASS sanctioned Riverside Speedway played host to a great afternoon of oval track racing. There were several divisions of racing including dwarfs and modifieds.

The Mason Tractor & Equipment Sales sponsored, Clash of the Titans 150 afternoon began with heat races which were very enjoyable with lots of action and a few fender benders thrown in for more excitement.

On lap 21 of the 26-car LMS 150-lap feature, Pat Corbett went for a scary ride down over the embankment between turns one and two, rolling over several times, with his #5 automobile coming to rest on its wheels. It was reported that Corbett was shaken up, but was later released from medical care.

Groveton local and master at the wheel, Randy Potter was in contention for the checkers running in the top three for a good part of the event. However with only eight laps to go, it was fender to fender racing between Lee USA Speedway regular Wayne Helliwell Jr. and Quinney Welch. When the checkers flew, it was Helliwell Jr. who crossed the line first taking home the 5,000$ grand prize for the afternoon. Welch hung onto second, while Potter crossed the start/finish line third.

Helliwell Jr., had to be helped out of his car as he showed signs of heat exhaustion. He thanked everyone in his victory lane speech, including the fans and his racing opponents for putting on such a great show.

In the 50-lap cyclone feature event, it was the #41 automobile driven by Jeff Ainsworth who was victorious as the checkers flew, followed by the #29 of Anthony Mason and third was the #10 driven by Loren Vear. There were a couple red flags for minor accidents, and the #10x driven by Richie Veilleux went down over turn two on lap 32 but no caution was shown.

The modifieds, and dwarf divisions also put on a great show.

Check out Chad Burr’s action shots of this event at: http://tinyurl.com/lqv8ba

NCCC international chapter

I received word three weeks ago that I had been accepted by the National
Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) as an International Chapter for the
province of Quebec.

I was so thrilled - and I've noticed that if I keep busy and positive; this
helps me thru the day. This week I translated some of their documents into
French; as well as did some research for Canadian statistics related to
cervical cancer here in Canada.

More people need to understand that this silent cancer can be treated with
early detection - and education, detection, prevention and support are all
very important in the survival rate.

It only takes a simple, not pleasant, but brief visit to the doctor's office
for a regular PAP test - and these results are what can make a huge
difference in the detection and cure of cervical cancer.

I am a fighter - and I was lucky -I had a doctor who wanted to take me on as
a patient, and was so thorough and sent me for all kinds of tests, including
a mammogram which I had never had - blood work and the PAP test. Sherbrooke's
own, Dre Raymonde Vaillancourt's vigilance is the reason I am the person I
am today. She sent me to Dr. Bureau, who in turn referred me to Dr.
Bessette, who in turn sent me back to Dr. Bureau and then onto Dr. Nabid. My
three month post-radiation appointment is scheduled for next month where I
am expecting good news.

I have come out of this life experience richer in knowledge, and I want to
share this with other women who do not know about cervical cancer, the risks
and dangers, as well as the preventative measures that can be taken
including vaccination.

Please take the time to make that doctor's appointment and get tested for
HPV and have the PAP test - it can save your life.

For more information about the NCCC and to become a member; please visit:
www.nccc-online.org

Or you can email me at: keryou@ nccc-online.org

Or leave a message at 819.432.4522 and we'll call you back asap

A lifelong dream comes true

I've been a fan of Jackson Browne for many years - heck every since I was a
teenager and I have never been able to attend one of his few concert dates
as he was not a regular visitor to our neck of the woods.

As I am still recuperating from my bout with cervical cancer and the
radiation treatments, and taking it easy, I saw an advertisement on CITY
television out of Toronto that Ottawa was hosting a Blues Festival and
Jackson Browne was one of the performers. I quickly logged onto their
website to see when he would be there; as Ottawa is not that far away. well,
once online came disappointment - he had performed a week ago; another
missed opportunity.

I then went to his newly remodeled website - and saw that he is releasing a
new album in September and is on a kickoff tour. Looking at the dates, I
could not believe what I was reading - Shelburne Museum, on the outskirts of
Burlington, Vt. on that very night.

I began calling to see if tickets were still available - advised Chad who
was just returning from a quick trip to Ohio - and he advised me he was off
as his truck was going to be in the garage for a bit. Checking with his
dispatcher, he got the thumbs up that he was off until the next day. By now,
it was 14:00, and the concert gates opened at 6 and the concert itself began
at 7 with no opening act. Shelburne, Vt., is approximately 3 hours away;
depending on traffic. We had to decide quickly and get moving. Chad took
over the computer and ordered the tickets, grabbed sweaters, and an umbrella
as this was an open air concert. Out the door, into the car, and hit the
highways and byways to get there at 5:55 - presented ourselves to the
makeshift box office tent, picked up our tickets and headed thru the gates,
down across a field, to the front of the stage, and spread out our blanket
and got comfortable for the evening.



What a concert! Jackson Browne is as awesome today as he was so many years
ago - he can still hit the notes and has a great band and backup singers. It
was such a non planned event and enjoyable evening.

He closed the evening with The Pretender - and a curtain call had them back
on stage for Load Out / Stay.

This was, an evening I will never forget - nor will I forget the sacrifice
that Chad made to make this dream of mine come true - as he had to return to
work today - and we never got home until 4 am.

Goosebumps, amazement, I was speechless, the music just took me back in
time, and my problems seemed to be non-existent for that brief moment. Today
is back to reality; tiredness and all, but the memory of this very special
event will never be erased from my mind.

Thanks Chad for making this dream become reality!

Brachytherapy over – one more step accomplished – now to regain energy!

Brachytherapy over – one more step accomplished – now to regain energy!

Today is June 15th, 2009 and a couple weeks of recovery have gone by since my brachytherapy.

I was asked to arrive at the university hospital by 2 p.m. – which I did, and was re-directed from admission to the 6th floor; where the only room available for this treatment is situated.

Routine blood work is anything but routine, when it comes to me – and once again, my body did not want to cooperate with the poor struggling nurse who was trying to be gentle and yet get the vials of blood she needed. A few jabs, and black and blues later – she contented herself with 4 instead of 6 vials which was her initial goal.

Nervous for the next day’s events; I was told there was a sleeping pill prescribed for me. When I asked for it later in the evening – I was refused as the doctor who needed to see me prior to the sleeping pill was in the O.R. and could not be disturbed. So another sleepless night of worrying was my experience.

Tuesday, two hours away from my surgery and still did not see a doctor. Had a major headache – stress-related I assume; tossed and turned all night long. There was also the regular ritual of cleansing the body, both internally and externally.

I had also asked for the keys to lock-up my personal belongings before being wheeled down to the O.R. The sun was shinning brightly on the horizon – from what I could capture out the hospital room window.

Also had a slight springtime allergy; accompanied by a small cough, and sinus irritation – all this thanks to the blooming flowers and trees. The dandelions had already turned to seed, and had shed their coat of yellow to what appeared as almost gray-white fuzz that was floating in the air.

I was thinking about our cat Pacha – I was hoping that he was OK and did not miss me too much. Again, with my hospitalization, he found himself all alone.

After having been wheeled down to the O.R. – the routine questions come flying at you by the attending staff – then into the room… once in there, and all installed, and almost ready for the good ole sleeping medicine, they realized they forgot to install me on a special backboard they use for this type of surgery. There I was standing in the room, filled with attending staff, my butt hanging out of my gown… was a very uncomfortable feeling, and another bout of nervousness came upon me thinking if they forgot that – what else will they forget…

When I woke in the recovery unit; I felt nausea, and very uncomfortable. The applicators or rods that were surgically put into place for the therapy were not comfortable at all – and I could not move on my own – as I was told not to move my pelvic area. If I did, the rods would move, and the treatment area would also move.

At 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, I was back in the special lead-lined room – waiting for the chemist to arrive and begin the treatment process. By 11:45 all was connected, and the next 40 hours of hell were to begin.

I asked for painkillers as often as possible – I did sleep a bit in the afternoon – but again was nausea, and my headache was still there.

The nurses were all very nice – and seemed to understand the treatment situation and the discomfort related to it. At supper time they brought me in a dish of food – which I refused – asked for Jello and Social Tea cookies – as well as a big glass of ice.

Every time the nurses would come into the room; that would add more time onto my treatment as the machine shuts down when the door is opened for their security as not to come into contact with escaping radiation.

Did not sleep very well at all – very uncomfortable – cannot roll or turn over – must keep same position in the bed at all times – and have to ask nurses to move pillows and such in order to be a bit more comfortable – also, the mattress was covered in plastic as all hospital beds are – and this just made it too hot and uncomfortable to sleep.

This just went on and on, until Thursday – when I heard the machine shut down – I was so happy – all I wanted was to see a doctor and the chemist in order to remove the applicators – and get cleaned up and out of there – into the comfort our bed that was awaiting me at home.

The hospital provides a television in the room – and that was a good thing – as I could not even get comfortable enough to read a book.

As I heard the footsteps of my doctor getting closer to my room, I was so happy – then the chemist came in about 20 minutes later – hooray! I was so excited to be able to wash up, get dressed and get out of there. Boy! That first step out of bed was a dozy! I was a bit shaky and dizzy on my way to the bathroom.

I was anxious to see my mother who came and got me and brought me home – as Chad was working - all I wanted was to be home.

I had a bad lower back ache for about 2 weeks after this was all said and done.

Now, the recovery process and the waiting…. I have to see one doctor in 3 months and my radio-oncologist in 6 months – I hope good news awaits me at these visits.

For now – I am tired – and have a much lower energy level than I am used to having.

Curietherapy - Stephen Harper doesn't care about Cancer people.

Today is Sunday, May 17th, 2009 and I am preparing myself both physically and mentally for yet another hospitalization.
Monday I will be admitted at the hospital and will undergo yet another cancer-related surgery – then be positioned in bed for a 40-hour Curietherapy – which is the use of radium in radiation therapy – in my case this will be high dose radiation as opposed to the 6-week radiation therapy I completed a few weeks ago.

I’ve read many articles related to this, as well as had a meeting at the hospital – and I am still very nervous about receiving this type of treatment; however I have no other alternative – and this is my only option. I am trying to stay positive despite my nervousness.
On another subject – I was only able to collect Employment Insurance for 15-weeks. I tried to explain myself to EI (Employment Insurance) – however, they did not have a sympathetic ear. I then tried to contact members of parliament as well as the office of the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper; who also said that EI was only set up to help for 15-weeks. My concern in all this is that I have had to turn to my family on two occasions, as well as a Sherbrooke organization, La Rose des Vents, who so graciously paid for my last month’s rent – this helped tremendously – however they are limited to a one-time maximum amount quota for help; which I was lucky and qualified for.
Last week, I saw an interview on the French television station LCN and searched online to find a way to communicate with Marie-Helene Dube, a mother of two who is also in the same situation and has set up a petition to be sent to the House of Commons in September. I located an email address and took a chance – this morning. I have been in communication with her; have downloaded her petition, exchanged notes with her, and I will try to get this petition circulating in my area in order to make a difference for others who are going thru the same situations as we both are.
This is a request on my part – if you want a copy of this petition AND YOU ARE CANADIAN Please email me. PLEASE take a moment and help us make a difference for cancer patients who have nowhere else to turn to for financial help. Fighting cancer is difficult – stressful – and having a financial worry makes it that much more difficult to stay positive, focused and fighting the battle that it is.

I thank you for helping us in this governmental battle!

April Health Update

Back in January, I posted my last health update – waiting to see if I was a candidate for radiation therapy or if another operation was my only option.

A few months have passed, and I have just been way too tired and sick to repost anything about my situation.

Today, Thursday April 9^th, I seem to be a bit better than yesterday – which was not a very good day once again.

After a PET scan on February 25^th – I met with Dr. Nabid at the CHUS for a consultation and an answer about my candidacy to radiation therapy. Dr. Nabid said that he found all to be normal and that radiation was indeed an option. I said yes, and on March 17^th I began my five-week journey.

During the first two weeks – the machine was shut down for maintenance for a day, and this week the department is closing for two days due to the Easter holiday – so I will be in radiation until April 23^rd to make up for the lost days.

I have had side effects – major fatigue – some days barely able to function after the two o’clock hour – needing daily naps. Have also been nauseas and of course the very frequent bouts of diarrhea which come along with the type of treatment being given.

I looked for documentation, information, help, in just about every area imaginable – then I came across the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website – what a great find that has come to be. The NCCC sent me a package of information via priority mail – which included a 60-page booklet entitled “Eating Hints for Cancer Patients – before, during and after treatment.” This book alone has become my "bible" per say and I use it daily for reference to the foods I should be eating depending on how my body is reacting on that particular day.

Enclosed in this package was also another booklet entitled “Radiation Therapy and You, a guide to self help during cancer treatment,” which has also been a great help in explaining what is happening to your body. I literally drag this package of information with me everywhere and have even spoke to hospital staff about the NCCC and how they have helped me.

After my daily external treatments are complete – I will be given a brief break to catch up on fatigue – and they be hospitalized for a few days for what is called brachytherapy. What this involves is quite scary to me; surgical steel tubes or genecologic applicators are placed in the tumor bed area in order to kill any remaining tumor cells. Cesium will then work its way from the treatment machine called Telegyn by wires that are attached to the applicators. This is a 24-hr a day treatment and can last 2 or 3 days depending on the doctor’s recommendation.

Oh yeah, the scary part is that I will not be allowed to move my lower body for the entire duration of this treatment – which means that I will be on my back the entire time. And at the CHUS visitors are not permitted when patients are undergoing this type of treatment. Sounds like an uncomfortable and lonely three days ahead.

More updates to follow…

Want a new car, but can’t afford one… check this out!

On Monday March 23, India’s Tata Motors rolled out the most inexpensive automobile, the Nano, presently available in Mumbai. The base model will sell for around 2,000$ US and the more expensive versions have the bells and whistles available.

 

The car is just 3.1 metres in length, with a width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, the Tata Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21% more spacious than the smallest car available today.

 

It is equipped with one windshield wiper, and a 623cc rear mounted engine that can move the car along to a top speed of 105 kilometers per hour or 65 mph if you prefer, and claims to sit four adults comfortably. The first deliveries of the Nano will begin to take place in early July.

 

Ratan N. Tata said "The present economic situation makes it somewhat... more attractive to the buying public."

 

The bare bones Nano comes equipped with a manual transmission, no air conditioning, or electric windows.  However the European model will be equipped with air bags and leather trim. Of course this will increase the price of the automobile. This model will be ready for distribution in 2011. For the US version, it is still on the drawing board, as it needs to meet US safety standards.

 

The Nano will be available in three versions:

Tata Nano Standard (BSII* and BSIII*): The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat; 

Tata Nano CX (BSII* and BSIII*): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest;

Tata Nano LX: (BSIII*) With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking,  front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.

 

Fuel efficiency of these little newcomers is 23.6 km/litre, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under mandated test conditions. And of course safety is always a key feature in automobile shopping, and this Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements - it passed the roll-over test the offset impact tests, both of which are not regulated in India. It has an all sheet-metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, besides mandatory seat belts and complies fully with existing Indian safety standards. Tubeless tires, and by the way the rear ones are wider endowing extra stability and enhance safety.

The warranty however is short lived at 18 months or 24,000 km, whichever is earlier.

 

Taking a look at Tata Motors, they are no underdog in the automotive industry; it purchased Jaguar and Land Rover last year for 2.3 billion dollars. Founded in 1868 as Tata Sons and established by Jamsetji Tata ; the Tata umbrella of businesses can be associated with information systems and communications, engineering, materials, services, energy, chemicals and consumer products and has a total of 350,000 employees in spread across 80 countries.

 

Here is a short list of just a few of the Tata products I located:

Tata Tea: The world's largest integrated tea company

TCS: Asia’s largest software exporter

Titan: The world's fifth largest watch manufacturer

Tata Steel: India’s largest private sector steel producer and the world’s 6th

Taj group: Largest 5-star chain of luxury hotels in India

Tata Chemicals: India’s largest, and world’s third largest manufacturer of soda ash

Tata Power: India’s largest private sector power utility

 

And some other accomplishments of this organization : Tata has pioneered India’s steel industry; Introduced labour welfare benefits long before they were enacted by law (provident fund, gratuity, maternity benefits); Started the first power plant in India; Pioneered civil aviation in India; Brought insurance to India; Started India’s first chain of luxury hotels; Led commercial vehicle production; Led India’s software development efforts; and manufactured India’s first indigenous passenger car, the Indica.

 

Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in theUK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain, besides India. And they have an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India.

 

With over 4 million Tata vehicles on the road in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asiaand South America.

 

The Tata Nano, a small vehicle with lots of potential will make its North American debut in the near future.

Obama’s Chrysler 300C sold, not sold, sold, not sold - Barrett-Jackson, here it comes….

So just how much did that Obama Chrysler 300C sell for on eBay?  In January, Tim O’Boyle, an Illinois restaurant manager originally listed the car as a buy-it-now item with a price tag of one million dollars. Shortly after, he re-listed the car on eBay with a mention that all bidders had to be pre-approved thru a credit check.

 

One-hundred and thirty-one bids later, and O’Boyle sold the wheels or did he? Here is the twist to the story.

 

According to one report, the car was previously listed on eBay in December 2008.  There was a bidding war, and with about three days left, the top bid was a little above $ 125,000.  However, the owner cancelled the auction due to short term capital gain tax issues.

 

And O’Boyle’s tax adviser explained he should wait for the new year to sell the car (for tax purposes). So he cancelled the sale in December. O’Boyle said, “I cancelled because my accountant advised me to own the car for a year for income reasons. The auction was at $125,000 with 5 days to go.”

 

 Then came the second auction on eBay,

O’Boyle said “The second auction began January 10th because I wanted to have it end on Jan 20th right in the middle of the inauguration activities and everyone feeling great about our new President. The Associated Press got wind of this story and all of the media attention ruined this auction. I feel I had $1,000,000 real money with 5 days to go.”

 

In one day alone, the eBay auction page had been viewed by close to 150,000 people. But of course the media played a lot in this as it was reported on just about every newscast in the nation. And the only proof the buyer has that this was previously owned by the new US president is his name on the title.

 

“Jerks ran the auction up to $99,999,999 - ebay cancelled the auction, made us start over from zero!

 

The shortest auction available was 5 days which had it ending at 2:15 am eastern time, basically in the middle of the night. eBay advised me to do a pre-approved auction which means the potential bidder e-mails me, asks to be pre-approved. The way you pre-approve them is to check their eBay history of transactions—how many and the feedback of positive or negative. There’s no credit score or qualification of any kind,” said O’Boyle.

 

O’Boyle continued, “Because of the worldwide TV, radio and newspaper coverage eBay recommended that you interview potential bidders. They claim that if someone takes the time out they will probably be sincere. I had four zero eBay history bidders I interviewed and they all seemed legitimate.

 

The auction was going well at $273,000 with seven hours to go. In most auctions the last few minutes is when all the money is usually bid up. I had one zero history bidder who was biding only $100 higher in the auction when some of the other ebay bidders e-mailed me claiming the zero bidder was a shill and I was a crook and they were not bidding anymore.

 

I had over 277,000 hits in the final days of the auction, over 13,800 people watching this auction, and not one single bid during the final seven hours even though there were 40,000 hits the final hours and people were asking to be pre-approved until the final minute of the auction.”

 

Then bidders were contacting O’Boyle advising him of a potential virus on his eBay page and that they were not bidding anymore on the Obama car.

 

“Well, I contacted the zero bidder with seven hours left and informed him that I was cancelling his bid and blocking zero bidders from bidding.

 

The other bidders accused me of letting him remove his bid when in fact I had made him remove his bid. The auction ended with the winning bid of $271,000. The winning bidder backed out claiming all the shill crap. I was glad she backed out because I know the car is worth much more.”

 

Then came more headaches….

 

“She (the buyer) had the nerve to give me negative feedback - my only negative feedback ever - even though I gave her no pressure to buy the car. I re-listed it again, this time a “silent auction best offer” or “buy it now” for $1,000,000. I received an offer of $800,000 on Feb 10th, accepted it and thought it was sold.”

 

Copy of feedback:

Negative Feedback  -  Breach of ebay laws on Bid Retraction & potential shill bidding. $ not reliable – this was posted by potential buyer zasszz – posted on January 27.

 

The sellers reply: the bid retracted was that of a member with 0 feedback

 

The price for this transaction would have brought O’Boyle 271,300$ US.

 

Then this…

 “I sold it for $800,000 on Feb 10, 2009 to a bidder with almost 1,500 transactions and who had great feedback, the winning bidder basically claims identity theft, so I can’t go after his feedback score.”

 

“Winning bidder claims of unauthorized identity theft. I'm back to square one. It will probably end up at Barrett-Jackson's auction,” said O’Boyle. 

 

The car was listed as item number: 330307591732 and has been taken off the eBay auction site once again; and after going thu the bidding list of the entire 126 bids of this last listing  – every bid had been declined.

 

Kelly Blue Book listed this car to be valued at 14,000$ US.

 

Note to Tim O’Boyle - Greed is not always a good thing.

 

By the way, when Obama turned in the leased Chrysler 300C – it was replaced by a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid, an environmentally friendly sport-utility vehicle.

 

Just when I thought my problems were over…

Last Thursday, January 15^th, the CHUS calls and demands that I arrive at the hospital for 4pm as Dr. Bessette urgently needs to see me… I expect the worse; and I did the correct thing in doing so. He explains that they did not remove the entire cancer source when I had my hysterectomy operation in November – and that I now have yet another choice to make and another battle to fight.

 

After weighing both options; another operation or radiation – I opted for the latter – as I was informed that both offered the same result – and that if I chose the operation and they found other sites, I would be transferred to radiation anyway. The side effects seem to be less with the radiation than with another operation.

 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 21st I have a follow-up post-operation appointment with Dr. Bureau at his clinic and not at the hospital. I am in hopes that this goes well… not sure how much more bad news I can take right now. Sure seems like it’s been a long road, and I’m not out of the woods yet by any means.

 

Dr. Bessette said he would speak with the radiation specialist at the CHUS as he tries to get me in to see him within the next couple weeks – He dared tell me that it would probably be 5 weeks of daily radiation – Monday thru Friday. He also warned me of probable side effects; but I will know more in a few weeks when I have my appointment with the specialist.

 

All I can say is I’m anxious to be myself again – I get tired at nothing – takes all day just to regain energy from taking a shower, and I am told with the radiation I will be undergoing it will also make me tired. Oh boy! How can I get any more tired? 

I will keep you posted with more news as soon as I know the next steps on this journey of life.

A new style of caddy…

No, you are not dreaming – this is a Cadillac – but of a different breed!

This new concept will be the “Obama Mobile” and will be unveiled at his inauguration on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC confirmed by Ed Donovan, who is a Secret Service spokesman. The actual vehicle will be all black without the grey primer.

According to news reports the Presidential vehicle experts say, this new limo is so tough it's like a 'rolling tank with windows.'

What I have been able to find out by searching many websites is that the windows are at least 5 inches thick, it has a raised roof, equipped with 19.5-inch Goodyear RHS run-flat tires and some websites state that there may possibly be a safety mechanism of some sort that seals off the car like a bank vault in the event of an emergency. It is also equipped with electronic communications equipment.

The Secret Service however is keeping many of the “curiosity” details of the limo private.

In an interview with CNN, security expert Ken Lucci said rubber gaskets likely protect the car against chemical weapons and that the body will be made out of a tougher material than before. The most recent limo used by President Bush used some combination of a dual hardness steel, aluminium, titanium and even ceramics to break up possible projectiles. And there are usually steel overlaps that cover any gaps a door might leave.

And for the listening comfort of the new President, the limo is believed to also be equipped with a 10-CD changer for his musical pleasure.

This modified Caddy – nicknamed “Stagecoach” by some, is roadside bomb friendly and has been dubbed by many as a rolling tank with no gun barrel. But let’s not forget, with the high-standard Cadillac quality this version is also "pimping in Cadillac style inside right down to the hand cut and sewed interior.

According to a CNN report, three cars are believed to be in production so that two can serve as decoys – GM has confirmed that less than 25 were in production, but would not commit to a true number in production. Other specs, such as weight and engine size, remain classified information at the present time.

 

On, November 4, 2008 president-elect Obama was quoted as saying: “This victory alone is not the change we seek; it is only the chance for us to make that change.”

Now if you can’t be at the inauguration and would like to have a piece of Obama history – here is your chance…

On e-bay Motors, (Auction #330301140685) Tim O’Boyle from the suburbs of Chicago, also known on ebay as being seller stdrum5 is auctioning off what is believed to be the newly elected president’s old wheels. 

According to a telephone interview that appeared on a recent newscast, O’Boyle purchased the 2005 Chrysler 300C from a Chicago dealership. He only found out who the previous owner was as he was leaving the dealership. O’Boyle claims to have paid about 24,000$ for the car approximately a year ago; his ‘buy it now’ price is no less than one million dollars.

Specs: The car’s odometer reads 20,801 miles – engine is an 8 Cylinder 5.7 Liter; and its unique VIN number is 2C3AA63H55H174644; automatic; interior gray; exterior, blue.

Here is a note from the seller:

2005 Chrysler 300c HEMI - Loaded and Equipped with:
• Navigation
• Sunroof
• Leather
• Only 20,000 Certified Miles
• Still under Manufacturer's Extended Warranty (maxicare bumper to bumper) until the car is 7 years old or has 50,000 miles, which will be transferred to the new owner.

As stated in the title, this 300c was previously driven by Barack Obama from 2004 through 2007. Proof of authenticity will be provided at the closing of the auction before any money is exchanged.

According to the history report that I pulled on this vehicle, it was produced in Canada – and was a leased vehicle from August 2, 2004 to January 22, 2008 with a reported 19,373 miles when it was turned into a dealership in Forest Park, IL. It was then purchased by O’Boyle on March 5, 2008 and registered in Berkeley, IL.

What a chance to purchase a piece of history.