beyond Sarcoma

"Each day is a gift." ~ Lisa Hartman

2010 Team Sarcoma Event

Just letting you know, I am participating in a SARCOMA Awareness & Fund Raising Event to be held, Saturday, October 16th here in MD. This is an “All Wheels Welcome” type of event, meaning bicycles, roller blades, scooters, skate boards and wheelchairs. In addition, runners & walkers are welcome. I’ll be a WALKER for now!

I would love to have some of you participate along side of me! Dr. Kristy Weber is one of the organizers. She is my Orthopedic Oncologist & the person who “saved” my leg. You can see her interviewed & learn more about Sarcomas at www.hopkinssarcoma.org. I have become actively involved in helping the JOHNS HOPKINS group heading up this effort. If you are interested in participating, I would be so THANKFUL & HAPPY. The registration deadline is October 1, although they will not turn people away on the day of the event.

If you are not able to participate but would like to contribute financially, I will accept checks payable to “Johns Hopkins Sarcoma Program”. In the memo of the check, please indicate in honor of Lisa Hartman. This will ensure the monies get to the Sarcoma Research area. I am trying to raise awareness & funds for the cause.

At our last meeting, there were about 6 sarcoma survivors. In that group, I am the OLDEST in terms of survival. It’s been 4 years & 5 months for me. Everyone else was less than 2 years out. I am truly grateful beyond words & hope to help the Dr’s & Hospital who helped me. For those who are not aware, there is no such thing as a Sarcoma survivor group. More people than not die from this type of cancer.

I hope this message finds you all in good health!
Love,
Lisa

Follow-up GOOD – May 2010

I spent yesterday at Johns Hopkins going thru my 6-month follow-up testing.  I had bloodwork, CT scan w/contrast of my chest, abdomen & pelvis and an ultrasound of my thigh.  I then met with Dr. Weber.  All is well!

Oncology GYN Appt – Dec 2009

My last appt for the year was with Dr. Guintoli in December.  All is well.  He wants me to see my regular GYN in 6 months & then come back to him 6 months after that.  This will go on for 5 years.  At first, I thought he was kidding me but I was wrong.

When he walked into my appt, his remarks were, “they are still talking about you in the halls. They have told me again to take good care of you.  They really like you, Lisa.”  I was embarrassed & said, “I know, they are protective of me.” (Referring to my Team of Sarcoma Dr’s)

Data Gathering/Genetic Testing DONE – Nov 2009

I met with the Genetic Doc’s to discuss the entire process/probabilities, etc for the Genetic Testing.  It was like listening to an Advanced Math Instructor & way over my head!  For me, the test was just a blood draw.  However, the harder part was gathering the family history.  With 10 siblings & loads of aunts, uncles & cousins, it was a challenge.  In addition, the “rainbow of cancer flavors” on my Dad’s side of the family is incredible.  (prostate, brain, lung, bladder, blood, skin & the list goes on)  Quite a document I have compiled for my family & the nice thing is it’s done, if needed for the future.  Unfortunately, the genetic testing showed/proved nothing in my case.

Released – Dr D Frassica – Nov 2009

Dr. Debra Frassica has been my Radiation Oncologist thru this entire process.  She is getting ready to “release” me from monitoring.  She feels that I am under enough SCRUTINY & TESTING by my Main Oncologist & the Orthopedic Oncologist.  It’s a good thing, however, she is the ONE DR who cares about me as a WHOLE PERSON – not just the area between my knee & hip.  She likes getting into MY Head to know what I am thinking to learn how my recovery is going.  As she reminded me today, I need more time to recover not only physically but mentally.  We reminisced about how sick I was & how far I have come.  She is the Doctor who got the ball rolling for me.  She saw how much pain I was in just trying to walk, move & sit.  She’s a GEM in my book!