Tag Archives: Conditions and Diseases

Turn Your Head and Cough

19 Oct

I went for my annual checkup with my general physician today and it was the non-event that I expected it to be. Besides some persistent nasal congestion, I have had very little to complain about health-wise recently. The check-ups have been reduced to a series of rote exercises; take a deep breath, turn your head and cough etc. and as well as the usual questions, sunscreen?, seat belt?, smoking?, exercise?, which I usually give them the answers they want to hear.

While this may at times seem like a pointless activity, it is still important and I am fortunate enough to have insurance that covers this annual affair. In 2008 I was extremely lucky to have had a previously scheduled physical when my first and mysterious symptoms of my non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma began to surface. Unexplainable pains in my groin and back might have gone untreated for months if not for quick action by my doctor. He didn’t know what the hell they were either so he scheduled some CAT scans after I returned a couple weeks later with the same complaints. It seemed drastic at the time, but it helped detect my cancer very early, which I believe led to a speedy recovery.

I was lucky that he also took me seriously. This should be a lesson for all doctors, if a middle-aged guy is complaining about some health issue there is probably something to it. Most guys I know hate going to the doctor and hate spending money even more. So don’t forget to schedule your check-up this year. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do even if it involves turning your head and coughing.

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Pinch Hitter

31 Jan

Change in plans for Thursday’s “Evening with an Author Brian Kraft” at The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center
I have to unexpectedly be out of town for a funeral this week, but I am pleased that Nicole Kraft and Danny Kraft are filling in for me. I am more than confident that they will do a fantastic job. They will be sharing from “The Year My Dad Went Bald” and our experiences with cancer. The event will be February 2 6–8p.m at The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center 1145 Olentangy River Road
For more info call (614)293-6428 or visit cancer.osu.edu/go/support

Tags: , , , , , ,

Bear Essentials

31 Aug

Whenever I see a copy of “The Year My Dad Went Bald” go out to a cancer care center it is great to make a connection with the directors and staff of the facilities. I am amazed at all of the great work they do to help families facing cancer. Cancer care centers are using innovative techniques like art therapy and other family activities to help kids (and parents) best deal with a cancer diagnosis. I am proud that TYMDWB has become a tool to help educate and assist. Barbara Goldberg of the  Bear Essentials Support Group for Children at the Missouri Baptist Cancer Center in St. Louis was kind enough to write.

“The Year My Dad Went Bald” by Brian Kraft is a must read for families dealing with a diagnosis of cancer.  It is a universal story of hope,
courage and inspiration. Told through the perspective of a young boy, it gracefully guides children through a scary and sometimes unpredictable situation with with, sensitivity and truth.

As the coordinator of a support group for children who have a loved one battling cancer, I have found “The Year My Dad Went Bald” to be a wonderful resource.  I highly recommend this book to parents and professionals.”

Thanks to Barbara Goldberg and all those who strive to make life a little better for families in need.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Relay for Life

24 May

What a great weekend at Upper Arlington High School. Michelle Davis and the Relay for Life did an outstanding job organizing a first class event. I was honored to be invited to be a part of it and can’t wait for next year. Meeting other survivors, caregivers and some just general, all-around do-gooders was an uplifting experience.

This far out from treatment, I tend to forget what a hard and harrowing ordeal it was on my family and me. As we circled the track with luminaries lit in honor those who were not so fortunate as me, I was overcome with a confusing mixture of sadness and joy. Glad that I had recovered but felt almost a sense of guilt for my good fortune. I was reassured by the fact that all of these people were willing to spend a large chunk of their weekend (plus countless hours in preparation) to help fight cancer and provide comfort for those who lives it has touched. I can’t thank them enough.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Relay For Life

6 Apr

I was honored to be invited to be the opening speaker for this year’s Upper Arlington/Grandview Relay For Life. This year’s event takes place May 20, 6pm through noon the next day. I was also invited to lead the Survivors Lap around the track at Upper Arlington High School. Get a team together and help us fight cancer. I hope to see you out there. Check out their website for more details.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Creating a community

5 Apr

Among all the great work they do, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society plays a huge role in creating a community for those whose lives have been affected by these diseases. Many of the blogs features survivor stories as well as fundraising events. The Year My Went Bald is featured in a guest blog this week. Check out all the blogs for some great information and inspirational stories.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,