Keep Calm and Carry On
We like the saying “Keep Calm and Carry On” – – it’s something they used to tell people to help them deal with the fear of being bombed in Britain during World War II. That is kind of how cancer feels. Like you are waiting for a bomb to drop. I like that saying because it is a reminder that we can’t let fear paralyze our lives. We need to go on. That is why I haven’t posted in a while. We are enjoying life and carrying on!
Ever since Mike’s diagnosis we have met so many truly amazing people who LIVE with melanoma. Our “mole mates” are inspirational. I was bursting with pride when our friend Christina McEvoy was featured in the NY Times. Christina has Stage 4 melanoma (in remission). Between treatments of Yervoy and caring for her young children, she started a group in Idaho for melanoma survivors (Sol Survivors). An amazing woman! Our other friend Sue Lescure had her eye removed due to her ocular melanoma. What torture she has endured – all with such grace and beauty! She is also amazing…and in remission! And I can’t forget my friend Shari. When they found melanoma in her brain and lungs she stayed very positive. This is a woman who, a day after brain surgery, came to see me in Palo Alto and brought ME a gift – a little porcelain bird that says “Be Brave” painted on it. I am happy to report that Shari is also in remission.
Sadly, I can’t forget the people whose lives ended due to melanoma over the past months. We lost a few good men. One was Mike Brockey. I admired the very honest journey he took with melanoma. Another was Andy Wileman. http://thewilemansjourney.blogspot.com/ Andy was a 40 year old police officer and father of young children who bravely fought Stage IV melanoma. He passed away in December. My heart goes out to Mike and Andy’s family. These two men left a mark on me that I won’t forget.
Mike’s sister and I are on the event committee for the Melanoma Research Foundation San Francisco Gala. If you can join us on May 17 – or donate auction items – we would be thrilled. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful people at this event – from the top local docs to the local celebs. But the main reason we love this event is because we get to connect with melanoma survivors. It is therapeutic and it helps us keep calm and carry on.
– Emily
Em and Michael's Blog 
Hey Emily, it’s been a few months. All of my most recent tests have come bam normal, ldh levels, chest X-ray, and physical checkups (still getting used to being naked in front of female residents my age haha) and I do another PET scan in 3 months. Looking forward to my 2 year mark. Thanks for sharing and caring. Keeping calm and having peace of mind is the hardest and most jarring part of this journey. Feel free to check out my blog of you haven’t yet.
March 24, 2012 at 5:11 am
Hi Benji – great news on the tests! I know those check-ups are kinda of embarrassing but so worth it! The reality is most patients find their own recurrence – versus their doctors – so keep checking your own body/nodes each day. I will subscribe to your blog! Take care – Emily
March 30, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Love this post and that saying, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. I might have to steal that for my blog (heehee)! 😉 I am so grateful we crossed paths and I know it was for a reason. I am excited about the Gala in May. We are hoping and working on getting sponsors and silent auction items! Let’s cross our fingers!
March 29, 2012 at 5:17 am
Hi dear – please feel free to use it!! I had a meeting with MRF gala folks on Wed and Darren had just come from your parents house. I cant wait for you to meet all of these great people! XOXO
March 30, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Ever since Mike’s diagnosis we have met so many truly amazing people who LIVE with melanoma. Our “mole mates” are inspirational. I was bursting with pride when our friend Christina McEvoy was featured in the NY Times . Christina has Stage 4 melanoma (in remission). Between treatments of Yervoy and caring for her young children, she started a group in Idaho for melanoma survivors (Sol Survivors). An amazing woman! Our other friend Sue Lescure had her eye removed due to her ocular melanoma. What torture she has endured – all with such grace and beauty! She is also amazing…and in remission! And I can’t forget my friend Shari. When they found melanoma in her brain and lungs she stayed very positive. This is a woman who, a day after brain surgery, came to see me in Palo Alto and brought ME a gift – a little porcelain bird that says “Be Brave” painted on it. I am happy to report that Shari is also in remission.
February 17, 2013 at 3:55 pm