Saturday, September 12, 2009

WOW what a week

Mom was in the hosital, sis and I ost our jobd and brother was on vacation. Need I say more? My eyes have been bloodshot for day cause every thought make me cry. I can't imagine loosing mom. Stats say it is coming closer, but she has beat amazing odds so I don't focus on thta even when friends tell me it.

We are rocling for our next fund raiser Over 38 tickets sold so far! Can't wait to meet you all in person! Lets find an end to Lung Cancer! Enjoy a CONCERT FOR $15 (in advance) http://www.lmlcf.org We only have 300 tickets and they are going fast! Here's some pics from... our first annual http://www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org/fundraiser.html
Thats I have right now

With LOve Dan Hsrt.www.lmlcf.org
and www.danhart.info if you wanna make $


God BLess

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Today was WonderFul

So today I want to cut my blog short.I plan to post more blogs that are shorter. Mom made me breakfast and lunch (don't tell her but i didn't eat lunch) See I am in San Diego this week for moms 54th bday. We took family pics on Saturday and went to Sea World San Diego, it was a blast. Mom is looking good but she is swollen. I am grateful she has made it to today. You can tell the cancer (or drugs) have taken a toll on her but she still has an AMAZING spirit to fight. She is working so hard for her kids and grand kids. I know she will beat this battle. In just a few days she will be 54 years old, I am 36yo do the math and KNOW she raised a great family.

I hate seeing that mom can barely make it up the stairs, or she forgets what she just told you (chemo brain). However I love to make her laugh and I enjoy watching her shows, Rachel Ray and the barefoot-contessa. I am so grateful to spend these days with her in person.

Love Always,

Dan

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Liz Calling in 7/27

Liz Calling in after they found a mass on her neck.






Press the heart to play

http://www.lmlcf.org stop by and sign the guestbook

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mom Calling in 6/30/09





WOO HOO! Her Tumors have Shrunk. I can't wait to see her this weekend!!!!

WOW WOW WOW

So today my mom, a stage IV lung cancer survivor, went to see her DR, Dr. Bazhenova, to get the result of her recent CT scan, the news has me floating in the clouds. The tumors in mom’s lungs, once the size of lemons are now the size of a pea. Dr Bazhenova said if mom were admitted to the ER right now a typical chest x-ray would not show signs of cancer.

The cancer in her colon is undetectable and the cancer that spread to her breast is also the size of a pea. The cancer that has spread to her liver has grown by about 20% however Dr Bazhenova does not see reason for concern. Surgery is possible but Dr Bazhenova wants to try another drug rather than cutting mom up.

I am so happy and grateful to have my mom for the last year. I know cancer takes people fast, as we have scene with Farrah, however it was what you get each day from the person living with cancer that keeps you going.

To MOMS SUCESSS and ALL OF THOSE DEALING WITH ANY TYPE OF CANCER!!!

Dan Hart

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

So today is no Different than recent days

So today is simply Tuesday. While it might not mean a lot to many as they think they still have 3 days of work, it means a lot to me!

You see my mom has lung cancer, and she just passed the 1 year mark. If you have read anything about stage IV lung cancer, you know the one year mark is HUGE, it’s a CELEBATATION, given current terms it’s a blessing. The statistics say I should have buried my mom by now, yet my mom has fought hard to be here today. I know that fight has not been easy, yet nothing worthwhile is.

My mom is amazing! She has fought this fight so hard. I live in Phoenix and she lives in San Diego so I don’t see her daily. For the most part I only get to know of her fight via her voice. While I have visited mom every month this year, you know you can’t get everything from a voice.

Lung Cancer is a horrible disease. 80-85 percent of it brought on by smoking. Yet kids still smoke. Why? I is a horrible addiction to lose, some experts say harder than heroin. I wish my mom, and I knew what smoking would do to us years ago. The warnings on the pack of cigarettes say “smoking may cause lung cancer”. WTF? Until you are faced with lung cancer you honestly have no idea what it does to a person.

Ok so enough about the bad and on to some good. We HAVE to change the smoking laws to make more and more smokers QUIT and QUIT FOR GOOD. Why are we, as a country bailing out GM, yet so few are fighting for lung cancer, or it’s prevention?
I close this with how PROUD I AM OF MY MOM and everyone fighting lung cancer. Lung cancer, as all cancers SUCK!!!!!!!!!
With Many Blessings,
Dan
http://www.lmlcf.org

Saturday, May 30, 2009

I am so PROUD of MY MOM


I am so grateful and proud that my mom was able to go to sea world with my twin nephews and my sister (their mom) Yes my sister has twins on her bday. They turned 7 today. Honestly I am not sure when The Lung Cancer clock started but it was just over a year ago when mom's DR's told her she had lung cancer it was July 22,08 when we found out it was stage IV. Mom is an AMAZING FIGHTER, keep that in mind if you were recently DX with LC. One Year is a HUGE milestone, and mom has bunches more!

If you read my last post you will know her lung tumors shrunk my 70%. Surround yourself with positive people and positive things happen.

Mom's DR never told her how long she had to live, She (mom's DR) said that was up to her. I hear so often that DR's say you have 6 months to a year to live. When did a med degree make you god?

I am so happy and grateful for every moment I get to see and or talk to my mom. I live in Phx, AZ, and mom lives in San Diego CA, however I make the trip every 3-4 weeks. Something I should have always done, but never had the time or money. Well when you something is important the time and money shows up, even when you are faced with forecloser.

My mom is beating amazing odds, and for that I am so proud. I have never been more proud to be HER son. She is finally living life and enjoying life (minus a few chemo set backs).

If you are newly DX or had some set backs ( my moms tumors grew after her second chemo treatment) don't give up the faith. As the one fighting Lung Cancer Focus on what YOU WANT, what do you want to do? What do you want to see? Even through the pain, know what you want, and you can beat is horrible cancer, we call the silent killer, (for now).
Stand up and make a voice share your story, whether you are dealing with cancer in your body, you are a husband or wife, daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson,friend, a co worker of someone dealing with it on any level. Grasping for your next breath is hard. I have seen first hand my mom do it. Hooked to machines.
But her attitude has changed it all. Maybe its the way it brought our family closer, and for that I am thankful mom has lung cancer. But more than that its the way mom has a new passion to live and give, and make the most of every day. For the first time in my 36 years, I see my mom living for her, and not her kids, or grandkids. Don't get me wrong she treats us like gold. But she treats herself like titanium.
She is not ready to give up the fight, however if she ever is, I will be the first to say how PROUD I am of her. She fought this hard, and her fight is still STRONG.

If you are recently DX with LC, fight with all you have, enjoy life, its ok to cry, its better to laugh, regardless you just need to live.

My mom does not have internet skills so I am pretty certain she will never read this. But I want to close with I am the PROUDEST SON ON THE PLANET!!!!

The road has been long and hard, but it was just over a year ago when she was told she needed a CT scan, they found something.

They Found ALOT, but the one thing they found, that no one was looking for was a WILL TO LIVE!!!

Mom I hope someday you read this!

I love you!

Dan
http://www.lmlcf.org

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

To realize (The origin of this letter is unknownP

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

Liz Calling In 5/19 Great News!



Saturday, May 16, 2009

Did you See Farrah's Story Tonight?

Hello Everyone and Thank you for your Support,

If you saw the Farrah special tonight you have an idea of what cancer does to a person. Cancer affects the patient as a person, I often wonder what must go through their mind as they lay their head on their pillow each night. For me personally the Farrah special gave me a new perspective on what those dealing with any kind of cancer must feel. I only know it from a sons perspective. Farrah shed new light for me, and for that I thank her for her courage.

You see I only know it as a son. My mom is fighting, and fighting hard, stage IV lung cancer. It has been almost a year since she has started on her courageous fight. Next week will make the "X-ray" saying she needed more testing. It was not until July when she found out her stage, stage IV, the second to the last stage of cancer.

I want to share something with you that you may already know. In honor of my mom we started a foundation to help those that get that "X-Ray" get the tests they need as fast as possible. We NEED your help. We recent;y became a 501c3, thus you donations are tax free. I understand how tight money is, However if everyone donated just $1 and forwarded this email to everyone they know will be able to help those dealing with this horrible disease
Join us with a dollar or two. http://LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Friday, May 15, 2009

Farrah special tonight

Hello Everyone and Thank you for your Support,

If you saw the Farrah special tonight you have an idea of what cancer does to a person. Cancer affects the patient as a person, I often wonder what must go through their mind as they lay their head on their pillow each night. For me personally the Farrah special gave me a new perspective on what those dealing with any kind of cancer must feel. I only know it from a sons perspective. Farrah shed new light for me, and for that I thank her for her courage.

You see I only know it as a son. My mom is fighting, and fighting hard, stage IV lung cancer. It has been almost a year since she has started on her courageous fight. Next week will make the "X-ray" saying she needed more testing. It was not until July when she found out her stage, stage IV, the second to the last stage of cancer.

I want to share something with you that you may already know. In honor of my mom we started a foundation to help those that get that "X-Ray" get the tests they need as fast as possible. We NEED your help. We recent;y became a 501c3, thus you donations are tax free. I understand how tight money is, However if everyone donated just $1 and forwarded this email to everyone they know will be able to help those dealing with this horrible disease
Join us with a dollar ot two. But please pass this email along.

Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation Announces Tax Exempt Status as Official 501 C3 Organization



Phoenix, AZ (PressExposure) April 22, 2009 -- We are pleased to announce that the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is now an approved 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity under US tax law. The IRS grants this coveted status upon organizations who meet specific legal requirements and operate under strict conditions with the goal of providing a public benefit. 501(c)3 status makes the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation exempt from paying federal taxes and allows any donations to be a tax deduction for the donor. This status is also a requirement by all foundations and government agencies when applying for grants. We started the process in July of 2008 when the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation was formally organized as a public charity non-profit corporation. After many forms and paperwork, legal fees, government fees, and a lot of effort we were able to surpass this milestone and be granted exempt status.

President Dan Hart was excited about the organization getting the news. “We are pleased to say our dream is finally coming true now that we are tax exempt. We look forward to making a difference in the lives of those faced with lung cancer.” Many people find out that they may have lung cancer through a chest x-ray. Often a CT scan and biopsy are requested to confirm. “Our goal is to help those people without insurance get the tests and treatments they need as quickly as possible” says Hart. One only needs to search the phrase “lung cancer” on the internet to find hundreds of heart-wrenching articles and stories relating to the struggles of those faced with lung cancer and their families.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation had some bold goals in mind as they set to launch this foundation in July 2008. Lung cancer is the NUMBER ONE cancer killer in American men and women of all ethnicities. In 2008, more than 215,000 American men and women will be newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Tragically, approximately 162,000 people will lose their lives to the disease. Lung cancer kills more people in the United States every year than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. While lung cancer takes the lives of more people each year it is the most underfunded.

Since our beginning, we have witnessed, first hand, the hopeless need for support in living expenses, doctor referrals, and genuine love. We have devoted ourselves to addressing these issues and are dedicated to helping people living with lung cancer overcome these issues. “We want to help comfort people in the one of the most difficult situation anyone can be faced with” says Hart

Every 2 minutes, worldwide, someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. “We want to help those people and change the statistics” says Hart.

About Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the “system” while offering support, resources and compassion. For more information about the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation or to make a tax deductible donation please visit http://www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Press Release Source: http://PressExposure.com/PR/Liz_Martocci_Lung_Cancer_Foundation.html

--
Dan Hart
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org
Every 2 minutes someone is diagnosed with lung cancer
The content of this e-mail message and any attachments are confidential and may be legally privileged, intended solely for the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply email and destroy the message and its attachments.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Liz Calling in 5/14/09

Liz Calling in 5/14/09





Click the heart to play.

Donate if you can but please pass it along.

http:www.lmlcf.org

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Friday, May 1, 2009

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Radiation is Over, Chemo Starts Again

Liz Martocci 4/27/09







Click Heart to Play

Living with Lung Cancer, A Real Voice

Living with Lung Cancer, A Real Voice






Karen Peyser

Living with Lung Cancer through a Patients Eyes

Lately – late at night I awake – not startled by anything – just my mind going back to places that used to be safe and secure for me. Remembering how stress free my life had been (even though my job was very stressful) somehow I was able to turn it off when I got into bed and I would sleep like a baby. Those days are gone – forever.

I have a new life – it began on October 9th, 2007 when I received a call (which went into my voice mail) from my Primary Care Physician telling me that she “had left her afternoon open for me to come over and discuss the results of my CT scan” – which – by the way – I had to force them to approve. I was home by then – getting off the bus from a normal day at work. I knew – in that very second what the “discussion” would be. She was going to tell me I had Lung Cancer. Something I had known in my gut for a while – but had to really face in order to go and take that CT scan. I could have remained amongst the “worried well” – you know – people who know in their heart that something is wrong – or at least could be- and make a choice to ignore the nagging pull of their gut feeling. I tried that. It did not work. So I faced my worst fear – took the CT and had my worst nightmare realized in Technicolor. I was sitting on a bench across the street from my apartment building – a beautiful area in Bay Ridge Brooklyn – along the water with tree lined parks – a place where I have sat many times for hours alone, with a book, with my dog or a good friend But this day I was alone and I was sitting with my world spinning and crashing around me. My Dr. called me back - and I told her what I had – she said “yes” – she referred me to a Pulmonologist at NYU and the flood gates opened. So what do you do when you know you are sick – very sick – and could die? I called my sister – MY ROCK – and we cried together. She called my parents – I think- I don’t remember. I don’t really remember much of the first month once I was dx’d. Lots of tests, lots of blood work, lots of panic attacks and a lot of crying. I had more than my fair share of pity-party’s – but when the dust had settled somewhat, and I had a “plan” I went into auto-drive and did what I needed to do. When you have “things to do” you don’t have time to think – you just go thru the motions. I remember telling my sister that sometimes it felt like someone else was taking all these tests – sort of like an “outer-body” experience. But I knew It was me – of course I did. Lung Cancer – OMG – did I do this to myself? Who do I blame – who do I direct this massive anger I feel at? Myself? The tobacco company’s? God? No surely NOT GOD! Of that much I was clear. But the rest – well – it took a long time to come to terms with what I had done to myself – and to realize that I was not to blame.

Bad things happen to good people. So there I was – looking on-line – finding all the misinformation one could possibly find and having massive panic attacks – but I found a web site that saved my sanity – and helped me gain some sense of what I was dealing with – and most importantly that I WAS NOT ALONE! The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) web site was the first place to ground me – and I was – and remain – a loyal member of that community – but then one day – stumbling along the internet after I had completed my surgery and my chemo treatments (another long story of it’s own) I found the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation – a foundation that was fighting for Lung Cancer patients who could not pay their medical bills. The LMLCF is a place where we (LC patients) could turn to for help – and direction. While I am still fortunate to have my job and my health benefits – in a flash that could be gone – and with a “pre-existing condition” I could be in huge trouble. I know that if I ever needed help I have a place to go. Whew! But still the stigma of LC prevails – we need more – we need money for research and development of “markers” that can tell patients they are at risk for LC. We need people to discard the “stigma” that smokers inevitably have and help us help ourselves. Lung Cancer kills more people than all other cancers combined annually – 20% of which are never-or-non smokers. We need help. I need help to stay healthy. The more we educate the public the more we will be seen and no longer remain invisible and stigmatized into the shadows (or smoke). We all need to fight and be heard. I am just one person – but I am willing and ready to stand beside anyone who will fight with me.

Karen Peyser

15 Months Cancer Free and counting!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Think Lung Cancer Can’t Affect You? Think Again

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping those affected and dealing with lung cancer.

Phoenix, AZ—If you are one of the millions of Americans that thinks Lung Cancer is a smokers disease, think again. 60% of new cases are diagnosed in former smokers and those who have NEVER touched a cigarette in their lives and this number is on the rise. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. The age for lung cancer survivors is dropping. Take Haley Dyal for instance, a perfectly healthy 15 year old diagnosed with stage IV lung Cancer. Please visit her site and offer her support http://www.haleydyal.com

Having had a disease that caused scarring in the lungs may be a risk factor for a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma of the lung. Tuberculosis (TB) can make scar tissue form in the lungs. A recent study in China showed that in people who have had tuberculosis the risk of lung cancer is increased.

“Lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. About 2 out of 3 people diagnosed with lung cancer are older than 65; fewer than 3% of all cases are found in people under the age of 45. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 71.” Says the American Cancer Society.

Roughly four out of five people diagnosed with stage four lung cancer die within five years. More than half die within a year of diagnosis, and 75 percent die within two years.
Lung cancer is the cancer that is still whispered in elevators or crowded rooms. It is the cancer that immediately elicits the question, "How long did you smoke?" “In the end, it doesn't really matter.” says Hart

Blame is a wasted effort, and we're all in this together, aren't we? As a society, we should be vigorously seeking all potential cures for all cancers.
The signs and symptoms of lung cancer may take years to appear and are often confused with symptoms of less serious conditions.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the “system” while offering support, resources and compassion. For more information about the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation or to make a tax deductible donation please visit http://www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation Announces Tax Exempt Status as Official 501 C3 Organization

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping those affected and dealing with lung cancer.

Phoenix, AZ— We are pleased to announce that the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is now an approved 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity under US tax law. The IRS grants this coveted status upon organizations who meet specific legal requirements and operate under strict conditions with the goal of providing a public benefit. 501(c)3 status makes the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation exempt from paying federal taxes and allows any donations to be a tax deduction for the donor. This status is also a requirement by all foundations and government agencies when applying for grants. We started the process in July of 2008 when the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation was formally organized as a public charity non-profit corporation. After many forms and paperwork, legal fees, government fees, and a lot of effort we were able to surpass this milestone and be granted exempt status.

President Dan Hart was excited about the organization getting the news. “We are pleased to say our dream is finally coming true now that we are tax exempt. We look forward to making a difference in the lives of those faced with lung cancer.” Many people find out that they may have lung cancer through a chest x-ray. Often a CT scan and biopsy are requested to confirm. “Our goal is to help those people without insurance get the tests and treatments they need as quickly as possible” says Hart. One only needs to search the phrase “lung cancer” on the internet to find hundreds of heart-wrenching articles and stories relating to the struggles of those faced with lung cancer and their families.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation had some bold goals in mind as they set to launch this foundation in July 2008. Lung cancer is the NUMBER ONE cancer killer in American men and women of all ethnicities. In 2008, more than 215,000 American men and women will be newly diagnosed with lung cancer. Tragically, approximately 162,000 people will lose their lives to the disease. Lung cancer kills more people in the United States every year than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. While lung cancer takes the lives of more people each year it is the most underfunded.

Since our beginning, we have witnessed, first hand, the hopeless need for support in living expenses, doctor referrals, and genuine love. We have devoted ourselves to addressing these issues and are dedicated to helping people living with lung cancer overcome these issues. “We want to help comfort people in the one of the most difficult situation anyone can be faced with” says Hart

Every 2 minutes, worldwide, someone is diagnosed with lung cancer. “We want to help those people and change the statistics” says Hart.

The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the “system” while offering support, resources and compassion. For more information about the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation or to make a tax deductible donation please visit http://www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

Friday, February 20, 2009

Liz Martocci Calling in 2/2209

Click the Heart to listen






Read more about Liz at

http://www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org/about.html

Join us March 8th, 2009 for the San Diego Lung Cancer walk


http://events.lungevity.org/goto/lmlcf

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"Emotions"

Today I sit here at my computer a little lost for words. I feel all the emotions inside. Earlier today I had a conversation with my brother Dan. He told me we need to start thinking about what's going to happen to dad when mom goes. I must be honest and tell you that this is a thought I don't want to ponder. The reality is that mom is going sooner or later. We really should be thinking about what's going to happen to everyone when that time comes. I don't want to think about that. I don't fear much of anything, I mean even death. I have conversations with a girlfriend of mine who says she fears death. I don't think I do really. I do fear losing my mom. How can I continue on without her? Who will I call on the way to work for 15 minutes and talk to every morning. Who will be the first person I call on Saturday & Sunday mornings? I know that statiscally mom's time is short. I can only hope & pray that she will beat the odds. But the reality once again is that mom's body is getting tired. Though emotionally she wants/needs to fight to keep going, how much longer can her weak, frail body continue this fight? I spent Valentines day with my mom & it was great. She actually ate all of her lunch. I was so proud of her! It took a lot out of her though to go to the store & lunch. I am patient with her & tell her to take her time & get what she needs. Well I can't continue much longer the tears are flowing. Until next time, take care all my love, Laura

Sunday, February 15, 2009

What To Do!!!!

So I have not typed a blog in a while. Basically because it has been hard. I live 350 miles away and basically mom will not even pick up the phone to talk to me. She simply “texts” me back. With messages as “ Feeling Fine , pooped 3 times today hurts a lot,, finished lunch little sausage and some homemade macaroni and chesses. As you and I know text messages do not show emotions.

I miss my mom my mom A LOT. It has been about a month since I have seen her. I never know what to expect when I do visit. My brother and sister say the worth, but each time I go I do not see the worth. I know mom is hurting, I know the chemo and radiation take a toll. I expect that right know.

I know my (our mom) will pull out of this. I speak with people every day that have lost their loved one in months. I just read about one that was DX on Nov 26 and lost her battle on Monday. She was only 39. I do not know if she smoked but does that matter?

I know I am still fighting the cause I hope everyone ready this dose he same .

God Bless,
Dan Hart

Monday, February 9, 2009

Liz Martocci Calling in 2/9/09

Liz Martocci Calling in 2/9/09





Click the purple heart to listen


Join us for the San Diego Lung Cancer Walk March 8th http://events.lungevity.org/goto/lmlcf

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Dreams…. How Do You Make Them Reality?

I have never asked for much, ask the people that know me. Most of my adult life I have been on top of the world. I have traveled to places most only imagine. Yet those trips were to work. I must admit an amazing week in Cancun overlooking the Caribbean, a cruise to the Caribbean on an amazing cruise ship were not all that bad.
However what does
Dan Hart really dream about? I must admit my dreams have changed immensely over the last few years. However my dreams are simple. I want those faced with cancer to live a happy life. I know first hand the family members do not. One day is good, the next not so good and the next maybe even scary. Just the other night I asked my brother if I should come to San Diego, it was via a long string of text messages. Gotta love text messages. Your emotions don’t show (as much). I want to support mom in the way I used to be able, however those trips to San Diego from Phoenix reek havoc on a budget that was not there for it.
Mom having Lung Cancer has had a huge impact on me, financially, mentally and spiritually. Yet for the most part I still chug forward. I promote the San Diego Lung Cancer Walk daily. I promote the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation daily.
There are days when I feel like a failure. I used to have money in the bank. I used to be able to buy what I wanted when I wanted. I used to be able to help my family if they needed anything. Today I can not say that, at least with dollars.
Every time I go back to San Diego for 5-6 hours on the road I wonder what mom may look like. Every time I see her its like layers of her are now gone. I really wanted to do a video diary of mom beating lung cancer. I didn’t do it each time I visited simply because the pain of seeing her in such agony kills me, and I do not want to ever remember her like that.
My mom, Liz Martocci, is an incredible woman. While statistics say she has less the 4.5 years I often wonder if she is not going to just bounce back and say “I was just testing you kids”. I hope the later is true.
I have not told mom to “fight” in a while. Her pain overwhelms me, my pain overwhelms me. I have cried more this year ( today is 2/5/09 than I did in the last 10 years combined)
In closing I want to say my dreams are big. I live them RIGHT now, personally. If we took mom’s lung cancer out of the equation, all of my family would be ok. Cancer takes such a toll, not only on your heart, but on your finances, missed work, extra gas, wear and tear on your car, but it chips away at you inside. Would I rather give up the time I get to spend with mom, when I do? Bill Gates doesn’t have the money for that. Do I wish I could spend more time with her YES!

Typing through tears is tough.
God Bless,

Dan Hart

www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org

Dealing with Cancer

Hello

I am new to this blogging but need to talk, my sister Liz Martocci was diagnosed
with lung cancer about seven months ago and her kids have created a foundation to help her and others dealing with this disease.www.lizmartoccilungcancerfoundation.org

I have watched the site and spoken with the children and see the pain they are going through as I have lived it before you see this is the second sister to be hit by this decease.

We lost our sister Sheryl to Rectal Cancer in 1976, I was 14 at the time and watched this 21 year old woman deteriorate in front of my eyes. She lost her battle after only 6 months, we also lost Sheryl's daughter Kelly to Brain Cancer in 1985.

It has been 23 years since we dealt with this last dealt with this but the fear of losing another has been weighing on my mind. I don't get to see Liz much anymore as we have families of our own that takes up a great deal of our time, there was a time when we were young that we were best friends and I miss that.

I pray that Liz will beat this disease but I know the realty is that she will not.

I need her to know that she is Loved, not only by her children but by her brothers and mother as well.

In closing I ask that anyone who may see this to visit the site and help in anyway you can.


Tim

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Meaning of Strong

When you have posted the blogs of your siblings, writing one seems hard.. Getting a text message saying “This is the worst I have ever seen, it reminds me of the video you showed me” “Her face is swollen and she has spots on her arms”. How are you supposed to feel? My brother sent that to me via text. Then my sister in Law Jazmine calls crying telling me how much paid mom is in.
Both my brother and sister have asked what is “strong”. Trust me I ask myself that all the time. Well www.m-w.com says
1: having or marked by great physical power
2: having moral or intellectual power
3: having great resources (as of wealth or talent)
4: of a specified number
5 a: striking or superior of its kind, a strong resemblance, b: effective or efficient especially in a specified direction -strong on watching other people work — A. Alvarez

The only way I know to deal with my own pain is to point out my brother, sister and I, WE all have all of these.
1: having or marked by great physical power, We have god and the Universe Working for us.
2: having moral or intellectual power, We have intellectual power, together we are all smarter
3: having great resources (as of wealth or talent) We have amazing resources, we showed that when the foundation started.
4: of a specified number We have an amazing network of friends, online and off.
5 a: striking or superior of its kind (a strong resemblance) b: effective or efficient especially in a specified direction strong on watching other people work — A. Alvarez

We are working as hard as we know how to, to help those living with lung cancer. www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org

The last 48 hours have been painful. I sit waiting by the phone. This morning I talked to my mom. I was caught off guard, as mom sounded good. I could tell she was tired but she never let on to the pain. I often wonder if she does it for me, or because she actually feels ok. Then I hang up the phone and wonder if her physical pain is similar or worse to the emotional paid I am feeling. I am a member of inspire.com and I know there are people dealing with lung cancer sometimes say things to make those “not diagnosed” feel better, but the road works both ways. Just Friday I was talking to my mom when I had to pause to compose myself. As much I try to be “strong” in this example maybe #1 works. Its fricken HARD.
It’s hard for so many reasons. Because I am not there for my mom, because I am not there for my family. How does pops feel? This must be crushing him inside. I can only imagine the pressure on his chest is similar to the pressure on my mom’s colon.
In ending this blog, I am going to close with the fact I slept maybe 3 hours last night. Somehow I think my mind will only allow me to do the same tonight. Cancer takes a toll on everyone involved. My roommates feel it, co-workers, my friends (outside of my amazing roommates) my dog, the guy at Fresh and Easy feels it. Cancer is something that once it has touched you in a personal way affects your being. You can do one of two things, let it affect you, or affect it! Kick Cancer in the Rear!!!!!

It's 9:43 Cali time and I text my mom to see if she was up, she said "No have a little pain tried trying to get a little shut i". I text her back and told her "I loved her and sweet dreams."

God Bless,
Dan Hart
Join us March 8th for the First San Diego Lung Cancer Walk

Inspirations

Lately I haven't been I able to find the words to blog. I often read my brothers' blogs to find the inspiration to continue my day. Lately I'm struggling emotionally. Mom's in the hospital again. Last night was the worst I have ever seen her. It gets harder for me everytime. Sometimes it's hard for me to get up in the morning, I just want to sleep, I guess I think that if I sleep all day I won't have to think about it. Every down moment I had today was thoughts of my mom lying in the hospital bed sleeping, with her face swollen and moaning because of the pain she is in. I just can't get that picture out of my mind. I want so badly to make her pain go away. I wish I could comfort her. I can't find the words to tell her it's ok. I look at my children and know that I must continue every day because they need me. My boyfriend told me today to be strong. How?? Really how do I be strong? I know that my children need me to be. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if my mom wasn't strong for me. But the thought of losing her is killing me inside slowly. I wonder if my mom feels like she is slowly dying. Please forgive me anyone if my thoughts are offensive to anyone but this is what I'm feeling. The thoughts I am thinking. I am fighting so hard to get through my days. I'm angry, sad, confused. All I want is to have my mom back. The woman who held my hand and wiped away my tears. Mom I will hold your hand and wipe away your tears. It's funny how things work now. Our parents take care of us and then we take care of them. In closing I will say find your inspirations to go on. You can get through it.
With love until next time
Laura

Monday, February 2, 2009

That Call

Well here we go again mom was supposed to have radiation today but instead I got THAT CALL. saying “mom has to go to the emergency room because of severe stomach pain”. So I told Jaz to keep me posted and that when I got off work, I would come by the hospital and see how things are going. When I got there it was a little bit more than I have seen in the past this time was probably the worst. It kind of reminded me of a video that my brother has shown me in the past. That video was a scary real life experience that somebody else was going thru, and I see that video in my mom right now. Boy I don’t want to see that video come to real life for mom and her family but now I think that it really is coming and I just don’t know how to really deal with that. All the pain I saw her suffering from her face looking like the guy from pure luck (remember when he gets stung by a bee). Wow this is some real shit sometimes I wonder when that one phone call comes that nobody wants is going to come. Will it be tomorrow or will it be 5 years from now. Who knows only 2 people, the man upstairs and my very lovely mother. Maybe the pain that she is suffering is from the toxins build up from her not doing number 2 for a week, maybe it’s just the cancer taking over who knows. I just wish this will all go away and mom back to the way she was when we were little kids. As we get older things are going to come into our lives that we have no control over. That's what’s messed up about life. in closing I would like to say nobody wants that phone call but what are u going to do when it comes I guess deal with it like all the other calls that have been made.
with love
Jeffrey J Hart

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Live Long, Live Happy, and Smile More!!!!!!

I am not sure how to start this blog. I am a hard working man; I have been working since I was 12 years old. I used to buy candy for a nickel and resell it for a dime; I used to sell newspaper subscriptions door to door. That was the 80’s; no parent in their right mind would allow their child to hop in a van smoking from the tail pipe, filed with carpet inside these days. Yet I think my mom was proud!

The 90’s allowed me thousands of blessed moments. I met Charlie, Scott, Sherry and Shirley to name a few. I met Frank who helped me over come many of the things I am not going to blog about tonight. If anyone ever talks bad about 90’s style, well they can, just don’t bad mouth the friends I made, sorry to my 90’s friends but you are stuck with me for life.

As I child anyway knew I would be something, as an adult I am not sure what “something” means. However “thanks Patty P” I someway some how god blessed me with Patty. She was going through her “times” and I was chugging forward. Through her toughest times I somehow became the Dan “man “ I was supposed to be.

Times are tough again for everyone, gas, food, and even lights seem like a luxury to many. (me included) When times get tough the tough get working. Work harder than you ever have. Sometimes that means parking elsewhere so the repo man doesn’t know where you car is. ( trust me I know) So often when you are giving your heart and soul looking for work, it is right in front of you.

I want to close this blog with only one this (a record for me!) Enjoy today because tomorrow is not here and yesterday is gone. Smile, laugh and love more. However most of all, Forgive the past, cause if you don’t it will bother you forever!
Live Long, Live Happy, and Smile More!!!!!!
Dan hart

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Emotions

Today I sit here at my computer lost for words to blog. In my heart & mind I have some many things to say. You see emotions are crazy. I know what I want to say but I can't find the words. Lately I have had so many things going on in my mind. I love my mom more than I can find the words to say. Everyday that goes by I see her weaker than the last time I saw her. Truth is she can barely walk on her own sometimes. Inside I feel like I'm dying sometimes. I find myself reminiscing about the times that we have shared. The moments that she held my hand. The laughs we shared. Why am I feeling all of these emotions? Truth is I am afraid of losing her. I can't imagine life without her. I am having trouble writing this blog right now, it's very hard to talk about it. I know this is short but please remember it is heartfelt. I will blog again soon. Until next time don't be afraid of emotions. Laura Hart

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Lung Cancer, The Silent Killer

When 44-year-old Dana Reeve sang Madison Square Garden she showed no sign she was battling lung cancer. Two months later she died. Lung Cancer acts quickly, one of the reasons it is called the silent killer.

Dana's death becomes a dramatic reminder that lung cancer strikes even non-smokers.

In an emotional broadcast in April 2005, longtime ABC News anchor Peter Jennings revealed that he was ill. Four months later Jennings died at home. His passing put a temporary spotlight on the country's most stigmatized and lethal cancer.

Even in Washington, where the number of smokers has dropped and cigarettes are banned from public places, lung cancer is the number-one cancer killer. Often overshadowed by pink ribbons and yellow wrist bands, the cancer has few advocates.

It is rare to hear about lung cancer in the news even though someone is diagnosed with lung cancer every two minutes. It is estimated that 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses will be in non-smokers - a combination of former smokers (many who quit 10, 20, even 30 years prior to the onset of lung cancer) and people who have never smoked. In 2008 it is projected lung cancer will kill three times as many men as prostate cancer and twice as many women as breast cancer.

Being the son of someone living with lung cancer one of the most common questions I get is “does your mother smoke?” In my case yes my mother did smoke. I also smoked until only two weeks ago. Many people feel that lung cancer is brought on by the patient themselves. Oddly when I met someone that has cervical cancer I don’t ask what kind of STD they had in the past. That is just something that does not happen.

In a world where as children we could buy candy cigarettes, you watched Tom and Jerry smoke on Saturday morning cartoons; I find it odd that lung cancer is still not talked about.

According to scenesmoking.org, tobacco use in films is back to levels not seen since the 1950's.

The Web site reports that 80 percent of movies rated PG-13 now have smoking and leading actors light up 60 percent of the time. Additional studies confirm it's one of the main reasons kids try their first cigarette.

Help us make a change. If you smoke put it out. Educate your children about the risks of smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but it is not the only cause. On March 8, 2009, I will be participating in Breath of Hope San Diego Lung Cancer Walk. Click here to sponsor our team. If you can give a dollar great, if you can give more even better. If you can’t give any money please be sure to tell your friends and family about this walk. We can no longer afford for lung cancer to be the silent killer.

Comforting Words

Sometimes I can't find the words to tell myself or my family members to help get through this. Tomorrow is mom's appointment with the radiologist. I must admit I am a bit nervous. What will radiation do to mom? I keep wondering how she will get through it? I know she will but how sick will she get before it's over? Chemo really did it's work on mom. There were days she didn't even look like my mom. That is very hard for me to see. I know that together as a family we can do this but I still can't find those comforting words. I wonder if I ever will. I say a prayer to the lord above every night. It's funny how things are. I have always believed in the lord but I never regularly said prayers. Now I say one every night before bed. I pray that he will watch over my mom & get her through this. I pray for my family. I know we will get through this. Someone told me today to remember it will have it's ups & downs. Boy you can say that again! Mom just got out of the hospital yesterday, after a 4 day stay. You see she was going to have this procedure to insert a tube into her lung so she could breath better, however they weren't able to do the procedure because her tumor is to large & hard. So the next day she told me she felt awful. Like she had been hit by a car. All I could think was dam what's happening to my mom now?? She told me she couldn't move her arms or legs. It turns out she had a bad reaction to the anesthesia. Mom is better now. Hopefully no more trips to the hospital anytime soon. Well I'm going to end this with Remember you might always not be able to find comforting words, that's ok just listen.

With love until next time Laura

Thursday, January 8, 2009

WHAT CANCER CAN NOT DO

WHAT CANCER CAN NOT DO
LUNG CANCER IS SO LIMITED…..
IT CAN NOT SILENCE COURAGE,
IT CAN NOT CORRODE FAITH,
IT CAN NOT STEAL ETERNAL LIFE,
IT CAN NOT DESTROY PEACE,
IT CAN NOT INVADE THE SOUL,
IT CAN NOT CRIPPLE LOVE
IT CAN NOT CORRODE EARTH
IT CAN NOT KILL FRIENDSHIPS
WHAT CANCER CAN DO…..
IT CAN NOT SILENCE COURAGE, IT ALLOWS YOU TO SPEAK WITH NEW VOICES
IT CAN NOT CORRODE FAITH, IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO GOD
IT CAN NOT DESTROY PEACE, IT ALLOWS YOU TO BRING MORE PEACE INTO YOUR LIFE
IT CAN NOT INVADE THE SOUL, IT ALLOWS YOU TO FIND YOUR SOUL AND REDEFINE IT
IT CAN NOT CRIPPLE LOVE, IT SHOWS YOU WHO REALLY LOVES YOU
IT CAN NOT CORRODE EARTH, IT ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES FOR THOSE YOU LOVE
IT CAN NOT KILL FRIENDSHIPS, IT ALLOWS FRIENDSHIPS TO GROW TO AMAZING LEVEL
AFTER EVERYTHING IS SAID AND DONE, CANCER IS A BLESSING, IT BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER, REUNITES FRIENDS AND GIVE A RENEWED APPRECIATION FOR LIFE.

I BORROWED THE TOP PORTION OF THIS, BUT THE BOTTOM COMES FROM HEART, SOUL AND MIND
DAN HART

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Dan can't type but audio works (its really 2009)



Strive to Live Longer

Well here goes another day with bad news. I knew mom had a doctor appointment today at about 730am or so my wife text me and says that Brittnee’s friend that had spend the night was crying and upset and wasn't feeling to well. I kinda of knew that she was more than likely faking the problem but who knows kids can be kids and Jazmine tells her this is a very important doctors visit like every other one that there has been. So at about 1030 I get a phone call from Jaz stating that moms tumors have grown by 40 percent from last visit and the chemo has stopped working> At that moment I dropped the phone and the tears started flowing as I was sitting at my desk at work its kinda of strange its always at work when I get these FUCKING phone calls. How do you stop your emotions from flowing? I finish the phone call with Jaz and the boss looks at me and asks me what’s wrong? Before I said anything he knew it was mom. Ii go and compose myself and come back and finish the day. Everyone I work with knows something is wrong and I have to explain it to 10 different people. They all know moms situation and know tears will come out a couple of them stated to go home. Why go home, I will just think about it more than I already do with staying at work it takes my mind off it somewhat. Then my sister calls and states mom calls and ask her how she is doing. I guess the best we all can be doing. Mom also tells sis have you thought about the day when she will be out of time and our we prepared for that day IE funeral arrangements and all I think it will ease moms mind knowing that will be taken care of. She knows she is dying she just doesn't know when her time is. I have said to my brother and sister that we should be prepared for that day as bad as I don't want to be i know it is coming. SHIT ISNT IT COMING FOR ALL OF US? The point I am trying to make is that who knows what goes through a cancer patients mind maybe knowing that little bit of information might make them strive to live longer. Mom has been a fighter and she will get through this. Now mom starts radiation on 1-13-09 and we will see how that works in closing I want to thank to all my family and friends that continue to support me in this journey of my life

With Much Love
Jeffrey J Hart

I can't find the words this time

Hello again everyone. Today was not a good day. Today was mom's follow up appointment. The news was not good. It seems moms tumors are getting bigger instead of smaller. I feel today like I felt the day Dr. Channick first told us mom had lung cancer. This is an awful disease. We really need to get the word out. Mom is now feeling like she is back at ground zero. Truly it seems like she is. She now has to go through it all over again except this time it's going to be more. Radiation & chemo. I know we will get through this again. It will be tough but we are a strong family & life is all about obstacles. I am going to close now, I know this is short but I am a little lost for words today. In closing remember to get the word out on lung cancer. We can do this.
With love,
Laura

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

An Audio from Liz







Listen to the complete audio diary here

A lot can change in 7 minutes

Today I was online cruising around checking out the job market, playing on facebook and myspace when I got an email from my sister. “Guess who I found on myspace brother” She had found a friend of her’s that was actually a friend of the family since the mid 80’s. Oddly I was on facebook just the other day looking for the older sisters, one of which was my roommate in the early 90’s.
Well 7 minutes after the email arrived my sister called me. I knew mom had a Doctor’s appointment today however it was only 10:30 am California time so I did not expect to hear anything that quick. My sister starts out in a somber voice, “hey brother, I wanted to call you before you got a text, mom’s tumors have grown and that’s why she is having trouble breathing and going to the bathroom”. Once again it’s a tough thing to hear when you are 350 miles away, yet less than perfect news is becoming something I am used to. It had only been 7 minutes between my sisters email saying she had found a friend from the past. It amazes me how fast a mood can change.
Dan Hart
www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org