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DecisionFreak
DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
edited January 2016 in Bonded by Breast Cancer

This post is especially for artists, writers, and intellectuals at every stage of breast cancer treatment. Please join us for great conversation about topics that amuse, stimulate, or engage the body, mind, and senses. Since the cancer journey involves the whole person, Salon also encourages the expression of feelings or thoughts about your condition. Nobody will be turned away, ridiculed, or subjected to criticism in Salon.

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

    -- Gandhi

    I realized this morning that I know very little about Gandhi. I think I saw at least a segment of the epic movie about his life. Gandhi was a proponent of non- violent resistance in his native country of India. In a world where real or imagined micro-aggression may get someone killed, I think we are in dire need of wisdom in the non-violent management of rage, spite, and aggression. The rage of others may have roots in real social conditions such as poverty, violence, and neglect. How we respond is a measure of our society.

    In the spirit of Ghadhi's words above, I am going to read books by and about Gandhi's this year. I have spent too much time thinking about my breast cancer diagnosis and too little time acquiring knowledge.There are some great sites online that sell used books. Just do a Google search.


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  • Hernie
    Hernie Member Posts: 1,016
    edited January 2016

    I am so thankful that we live at a time in which we can benefit from the advances in science over the last century. One of the basic concepts in medicine is the double helix structure of DNA. Watson and Crick made the famous model of DNA in 1953. Their discovery was based on X-ray crystallography images made by their colleague, Rosalind Franklin.

    Sadly, Franklin died of ovarian cancer in 1958. It is suspected that her exposure to X-rays at a time when the risks were not known contributed to her illness. The Nobel prize for discovery of the structure of DNA was awarded to Watson, Crick and Wilkins in 1962. Franklin was not honored because Nobel prizes are not awarded posthumously.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalind_Franklin

    http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/rosalind-franklin-legacy.html

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Split-bean, what an interesting story about Rosalind Franklin. Most written history is telescopic. You have a very active and inquiring mind. I am so glad to have met you.. I am glad to see you have found comfortable places on BCO that provide so many good things. You bring way more to the party than you take. You are challenging me beyond my own knowledge base to grow and to enjoy life!

    Welcome to Salon.

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  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited January 2016

    For those who enjoy biography, there is "Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA", by Brenda Maddox.

    BarredOwl

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    BarredOwl! Wecome to Salon. It is great to hear from you. Thank you for the book recommendation. I was wondering what had been written about Rosalind Franklin.. It will be on my book list to order right away.

    Please do drop by again.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2016

    I'm a member of 11 other threads and now only public post occasionally on the threads.

    I love to lurk. ;o)

    Husband and I found the following a good read.

    image

    The Antarctic winter, with temperatures 100 degrees below zero, shuts supply lines down completely; conditions are too treacherous for planes and boats and the only connection with the rest of the world is satellite hook-up. During the long winter of 1999, Dr. Nielsen, the only physician on a staff of forty-one people, discovered a lump in her breast. Consulting via satellite e-mail with doctors in the U.S., she was forced to perform a biopsy and in June began to treat herself with chemotherapy, in order to insure that she could survive until conditions permitted her rescue in October. A daring rescue by the Air National Guard ensued, who landed, dropped off a replacement physician, and in less than five minutes took off with Dr. Nielsen. Set in one of the most remote and desolate yet strikingly beautiful landscapes on earth, Jerri Nielsen's narrative of her transforming experiences is a thrilling adventure of researchers and scientists embattled by a hostile environment, a chronicle of marvels - and limits - of modern medical technology, and a penetrating exploration of the dynamics of an isolated, intensely connected community faced with adversity. But at its core this is a powerfully moving drama of one woman's voyage of self-discovery and courage and the fierce dedication of scores of colleagues - both known and unknown to her - whose aid proved to be her salvation.

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Welcome to Salon, Teka! Come and visit whenever you wish. Your participation is most appreciated.This story sounds familiar. I think it was discussed in the news media.

    What a fascinating topic for a book. It is relevant to BCO members and also very compelling. I am so excited to be exposed to new information and ideas. I will definitely add this book to my growing list of book and movie suggestions.

    When I started this thread, I didn't have any idea if BCO members would join me in wide ranging discussions. The Moderators mentioned seeing the thread, and I said even if a few people convened here, I would be satisfied.

    Going along with the theme from the Gandhi quote, I am a big supporter of lifetime learning. I love delving into the fine arts, natural and behavioral sciences, biography, religion, even theories about the forces that may hold the Universe together.

    One of my favorite past times is to go on e-Bay and look at original art, especially drawings and paintings by self- represented artists. I have bought some interesting artwork this way. Most of my money will be going to medical bills in the near-term, but I can still look and enjoy and discover artists doing original and unique work. I discovered the work of an outsider artist recently, a man that lives on the other side of the world. He has several hundred drawings and paintings on e-Bay. Not everybody will like this artist. He delves into some aspects of the human condition that are way outside the mainstream. However, he has some lovely figure studies, interesting urban landscapes, and surreal paintings in which color helps blend abstract and figural elements in a way that I like. I did buy one of this man's drawings, and it is on its way to the United States. Spending time on eBay to look at original artwork is an excellent way to build a wonderful collection without spending much money.

    On another subject, I was very sad to hear of David Bowie's death from what I think was liver cancer today. I wanted to write something about Bowie, but I have to think for a while about what I want to say.

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited January 2016

    I’m a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, so I guess I fall under the rubric of “artist” for salon purposes. David Bowie’s death hit me harder and was more shocking to me than any other natural-causes (i.e., neither substance-related, violent, vehicular/air crash nor accidental) rock death since a massive heart attack (his first & only) felled Robert Palmer at only 42. I was also disheartened by the cancer deaths of Warren Zevon and George Harrison, but their struggles with the disease were open and public.

    Is this an appropriate forum in which to mention our bodies of work, or ongoing artistic endeavors? Or is it strictly to discuss the arts (and works thereof) in general?

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    ChiSandy, Welcome to Salon! I am very happy that you dropped by to spend time with us. Before I read what you wrote about David Bowie, I am going to answer your question about this thread. It is absolutely a forum to discuss your body of work and ongoing artistic endeavors. Please share whatever you wish that relates to your work as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. My hope is that you and other highly creative members will also meet new people that will share your interests on this thread.

    Salon has no artificial limits. I started this thread hoping it would be a place of self expression and synergy for artists of all kinds and also a thread that would allow BCO members the chance to engage in a wide-ranging discussion on whatever topics are interesting to them. Salon members are free to set the agenda and help create a wonderful environment.

    I don't keep up with the news very much these days. I had no idea David Bowie had cancer. He was a consummate performer that fascinated me with his constantly changing personas. At the end of the day, Bowie created extravagant scenes and dramatic scenarios that supported his greatest talent as the singer who was always with the beat and who made me want to get up and DANCE. David Bowie shaped music in many ways, and he also had a role in shaping my outlook on life. I will miss him greatly.

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Even with my breast cancer, I am having a surge of creativity. I had a great idea last night for a movie script or novel about people who join an online community..and then I can't reveal the story line..but it is scary! My brother says there are already some movies along these lines, so I am going to look around. If there are several movies, that means it is a theme in which people are interested. For those of you that are creative artists of all kinds with breast cancer, I am wondering how you find the energy to do original work when dealing with treatment at all stages and with uncertainty.

    ChiSandy, I admire you so much for how engaged with life and with your work as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist you are. Can you provide some insights on how to keep going as an artist with bc?


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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2016

    DF, have you watched the new Showtime 2016 drama series Billions?

    Today, caught up on the 1st 2 episodes in the series. I'm now hooked.

    I feel that Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis give excellent performances!! :o)


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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Hi, Teka, welcome to Salon! I have not seen the Showtime drama billions but I will try to check it out soon. Thank you for suggesting the show.

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  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited January 2016

    Hi Decision:

    Looks like your surgery was scheduled for yesterday 1/26. Hope everything went well and you are resting comfortably, with a good read or a season of excellent drama ready at hand.

    BarredOwl

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Hi, BarredOwl, I was in surgery for 4.5 hours yesterday for a lumpectomy and Oncoplasty consisting of a bi-lateral breast reduction and btlift for cancer treatment and prevention. I have two drains. I went to see the plastic surgeon today for the unveiling, breast lift, for additional instructions on caring for the wounds, and for special supplies. I am prohibited from doing housework or lifting anything more than five pounds. I am in very little pain. I am tired, but the doctors said the surgery went perfectly, and the plastic surgeon is thrilled with my new breasts!

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  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited January 2016

    Hi Decision:

    Thanks for the update and good news. Stay rested and take it easy. Wishing you continued smooth and speedy recovery.

    BarredOwl

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2016

    DecisionFreak,

    image

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Hi, Teka! You are the only person that sent me flowers. Thank you for the kind thoughts.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited February 2016

    DF, slow and easy!! :o)

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  • DecisionFreak
    DecisionFreak Member Posts: 589
    edited January 2016

    Hi, Teka, that can be hard for me but I am following PS directions as closely as possible.

    Cheers and enjoy your weekend!

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