Thyroid Cancer and Me – A Year Later

This past Thanksgiving marked one-year since my Total Thyroidectomy and February 2010 marked one-year since having Radioactive Iodine treatment. Now part two of my adventures with Thyroid cancer – the one-year follow up. As part of the follow up I need to see both my surgeon and endocrinologist. The surgeon literally looks at my neck for 5 seconds, admires his own work (and how little my scar is visible) and sends me on my way. The endocrinologist does blood work, feels my neck and explains the one-year follow up scans.

As I was approaching my one-year check ups, I became scared upon feeling some little lumps and bumps in my neck (they turn out to be completely normal). So the timing of my check ups was perfect. On a side note, I cannot emphasize how important it is to have an endocrinologist that you like and get a long with. I say this because, in all my worried states, my over thinking and jumping to conclusions, my endocrinologist put up with me. He laughed with me and my silly worrying, which is exactly what I needed. He would reassure me that with the surgery and radioactive iodine that the reoccurrence of the cancer was rare. My blood work comes back 100% normal – relief is a nice feeling.

Now…the one-year follow up scans…this is a totally different experience than the blood work and quick trip to the surgeon.

This is the most inconvenient, pain in the butt part of the follow up process. It takes place over the course of a week – starting with two shots, a teeny tiny dose of radioactive iodine and ending with two scans. It’s a lot to do in one week and a lot of running around and scheduling with work. But, if you’ve had thyroid cancer, it’s very VERY necessary. The process starts on a Monday. Now, I have to set the scene, so please bear with me. I live in an area that does not get a lot of snow, but on this particular Monday in February, we receive about 5 inches. My office closes due to the weather, which is a good thing (less running around to do), but I have not heard anything from the Doctor’s office and whether or not it is closed. I brave the icy roads to the doctor’s office, which is opening late – I find this out because I drive to the office and no one is there. Two hours later I come back to get my shot and this time the nurse takes down my phone number in case the office will be opening late on Tuesday (I need to come back on Tuesday for shot #2). These shots – Thyrogen injections are used so that the patient doesn’t have to come off their Synthroid - are injected into your rear end, just an FYI. I personally did not experience any side effects from the injections and after having been off my Synthroid before for the Radioactive Iodine treatment, I’m glad this is an alternative. Being off Synthroid is not fun. Back to the story – the nurse calls me later that day to say the office was opening late the next day. Great! Now I have to go to work early, leave for a 5 second shot and come back. Sheesh. But it works out. Now Wednesday I have to go the hospital for the radioactive iodine. And this is the worst day!

Understandably, I have to take a pregnancy test before taking the RAI. This is the blood work kind of pregnancy test. It takes the lab an hour and half to tell me what I already know – that I am no where close to being pregnant. An hour and half to figure this out! I tell the radiation tech that we could have gotten faster results if I had peed on a stick! She did not laugh – I think everyone was fed up with my disgruntled attitude at that point in time (side note – I feel really bad for copping an attitude and apologize to the tech when I come back for my scans). When this is all finally done, I head back to work. No isolation this time because it’s such a tiny dose.

The scans – man, don’t you just love that thyroid scan and how close it comes to your face for 45 minutes?! I’m being sarcastic, but they really are quite boring – although a wonderful technology that I am grateful for. The first scan occurs on Friday at 10 am and the second is at 7 am on Saturday. Fortunately, there are no more snow delays.

Waiting for results and not knowing are the worst parts of this process (with the exception of the low-iodine diet). It’s the nurse (which is a good sign) at my endocrinologist’s office who calls me with the results and she says, in a surprisingly, overly upbeat tone, that she is thrilled to be able to give me good news – that no sign of the cancer showed up in my scans – woohoo! I’m stoked!

Hope everyone is happy and healthy and kicking thyroid cancer’s butt! Let me know your experiences throughout the process – I love to hear ‘em! Read more!

My Freelance Writing Articles

Recently, I joined a website called Associated Content and have been writing articles for them on a freelance basis. Their writing assignments are great because the topics are common knowledge and interest, there are a wide range of topics and the required length is usually between 250-400 words. Also, unlike some other sites, you have more than one day to complete and submit the article.

Categorized below are the articles I’ve written so far. I will update this post every couple of weeks or so with the additional articles that become published. Let me know what cha’ think!

Work & Stuff
5 Tips for Promoting Employee and Office Health

Halloween Fun
Top 10 Halloween Movies and Scary Films

2009 Halloween Events in Virginia

Top 10 Halloween Songs – The Best Halloween Music

Outdoorsy Things to Do
Fall Hiking and Camping Ideas

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Book Review – Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Let me start my review by saying I L-O-V-E the Stephanie Plum Novels (and yes, there are 15 + of them)! They are great beach reads and are perfect if you want to sit back and relax with a funny and unique fiction novel. “Finger” is about stumbled-into-it, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum vs Barbecue Sauce vs Red Paint vs Headless Chefs and a lot more (as usual), but this time the main story revolves around Steph’s side kick Lula. She witnesses a terrible crime and the “head hunters” attempt to get rid of their only witness. “Finger” isn’t my favorite of the series, but don’t let that deter you from picking it up. It’s a little pokey in places, but fun, flirty and full of shenanigans.

Pros:
- As a Whole – This series as a whole is laugh out loud enjoyable. By the 15th book I’ve become quite attached to Stephanie, Lula, Grandma, Mom and of course Ranger and Joe, so another book with my favorite people instantly makes me smile. “Finger” encompasses some of the best traits of the series – cars blowing up, doughnuts, stupid criminals, viewings and the rest. Also, the main story is wrapped around Lula’s tight spandex, which makes “Finger” a refreshing addition to the Plum series.

- The Plot – I enjoy the fact that Ranger needs Stephanie this time around. Yes he bails her out of a couple of sticky situations (pun intended), but when his security company is in trouble he turns the resourceful and oh so cute Stephanie to help solve the mystery.

- “I’m a mess” – Stephanie confesses to Ranger, “I’m a mess.” I like this statement because, Stephanie, I know exactly how you feel – haha.

Cons:
- Lack Luster Love – One of my favorite aspects of this series is the love triangle between Stephanie and her two guys Morelli and Ranger but in “Finger” she swears off guys! This is disappointing. We only get a few exchanges with Ranger and they do technically end up in bed together but only for rotating sleeping shifts. I miss the usual sexual chemistry.

- Plot Twist – Not Really – spoiler alert - The story with Ranger’s security company being jeopardized by break-ins, which are suspected to be an inside job turns out to be … some random kids who stole Rangeman clothes – boooooring! I wish it were an inside job. That would spice things up emotionally for Ranger (whom we never get any emotion from!).

Summary:
Again, “Finger Lickin’ Fifteen” is not the greatest Plum novel, but not worthless either. It’s an easy read that will make you laugh out loud. I enjoyed the next episode in the Stephanie Plum series (and had me craving barbecue – just not Lula’s!).

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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Movie Review – Public Enemies

4 words – “Christian Bale” and “Johnny Depp” – two of the best actors today finally in one film together. Although they rarely have scenes together they both contribute greatly to this sexy, dangerous crime film. Director Michael Mann takes us back to the Depression when robbing banks was the money making scheme of choice in a pre-Madoff world and John Dillinger (Depp) is named Public Enemy #1 by the head of the FBI J. Edgar Hoover. Melvin Purvis (Bale) is the FBI agent in charge of bringing Dillinger down. Depp and Bale are joined by an extraordinary support cast who create a thrilling cat and mouse chase based on actual events. Whether you love a crime film or you’re in love with Johnny Depp (like me) – “Public Enemies” will unshackle you from summer sequel boredom.

Pros:
- The Support Cast – Recreating an entire FBI department as well as an entire “gang” of bank robbers takes more than two leading men. The secondary characters of “Enemies” make the story more complete and in an understated way, fulfill the feel of the movie. They really are the atmosphere as much as the props, Bale and Depp. I was really impressed with the whole ensemble, which includes: David Wenham (“Australia”), Stephen Dorff, Channing Tatum (“Stop-Loss”), Rory Cochrane (“CSI: Miami”), Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”), Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard (Academy Award Winner for her role in “La Vie en Rose”), Giovanni Ribisi (“Perfect Stranger”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Wire”), Shawn Hatosy (“Southland”), and many, many other talented folks.

- The Cinematography – One of the most standout characteristics of “Enemies” is the way the cameras work. It’s shot in a documentary type style, which I really like because it brought me more into the story. As opposed to watching this bank robber’s life unfold the filming style has the audience living the height of Dillinger’s life with him. It’s also beneficial for Bale’s side of the story. When the cameras are on him, no matter how much you love Dillinger, you want Purvis to catch the man.

- The Visuals – Taking place around the Depression, Michael Mann and his creative team restore the distinctive 1930’s look by not recreating anything at all actually. Much of the film was shot at historical locations still standing that many of the Dillinger events took place such as the Little Bohemia Lodge where Dillinger and some of his gang were found by the FBI and engaged in a gun fight.


- The Soundtrack - Elliot Goldenthal has done notable scores for other films like “Across the Universe” and “Frida.” For “Enemies” he combines bad-boy, blue grass type tunes with music from the era as well as piano melodies that all help to paint the perfect picture.

- Christian Bale – Bale’s “Purvis” is serious. I don’t think he smiles once during the film (well maybe once in the beginning when he’s gunning down a famous gangster), but it works playing both to Bale's assets as an actor as well as the tone of the character.


- Johnny Depp – Oh how I love Depp, let me count the ways. Maybe I’ll save that for another post – I’ll stay focused for the sake of the review. Depp’s Dillinger is sexy with a sense of true danger. There’s a subtly that the man sometimes fears for his life and is deeply hurt at the loss of friends or their mistreatment. I feel like I got to know John Dillinger with all credit due to another phenomenal Depp performance. No wonder he’s my favorite!



Cons:
- Length – At over an hour and a half in length “Enemies” could have used a few more edits (just not cutting out any of Depp – hehe).

- How Much is True – Scenes such as Dillinger walking through the “Dillinger Division” of the FBI without any of the staff recognizing him and scenes like people waving at him like a celebrity while he’s being driven to prison then Dillinger not being recognized in a movie theater make me wonder how much of the movie represents actual events.

- Purvis Point of View - More of Purvis’ point of view or more of a glimpse into his personal life would have added a nice symmetry to the film.


Summary:
“Public Enemies” is a wonderful bio pic of two legendary Depression era men – one robs banks and the other hunts bank robbers - they both like their guns. The whole team behind “Enemies” should be quite proud. Although I don’t think it’ll be up for any major awards this season, it’s a must see. The talent is reflected in all aspects of the movie – everything from the camera angles, to the score, to the costumes and best of all – the ensemble cast (and Johnny of course - swoon).

What did you think of the 30’s era picture? Did you think the cast was right or that maybe Leonardo DiCaprio should have played the notorious Dillinger?

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra

So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.

http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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Film Review - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

I’m 60/40 about “Revenge” – I 40% liked it and 60% did not. I know it’s practically treason not like this movie, but, personally, I need more than CG and loud noises to enjoy an action flick. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like bits and pieces, but not enough to over rule the rest. The sequel to Michael Bay’s 2007 film, based on the toys by Hasbro, is louder, larger, geographically wider, and 6 minutes longer (it feels like 6 hours) than its predecessor. Some initial hype indicated there was more of a plot this time around, but, not surprisingly, there isn’t. The plot is just more complicated. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro come together again and Ramon Rodriguez is a great addition to the cast of a not-so-great movie.

Pros:
- A Moment Here and There – There are a couple moments in “Revenge” that made me smile (or show some emotion other than disappointment). Any scene with Sam Witwicky’s parents is solid, relatable and genuine (with one exception). Scenes cover situations such as holding emotions back when your kid leaves for college, to fighting for their safety. The parent/kid relationship in this movie is very well written and plays authentically on screen (if you’re wondering what the “exception” is – it’s a scene where Sam’s mom eats pot brownies and runs around campus – it’s a stupid scene, but all others are great!). Another “Pros” moment takes place in the library. Particularly funny is when Sam gives Kaela a 10 second count down indicating when he will speak to her again. Anyone in a relationship will find the humor in this particular “must we do this now” type scenario.


- Ramon Rodriguez – I didn’t like the character of Sam’s college roommate…at first, but he grew on me. Turns out, Rodriguez (and his character) are pretty darn funny and is a refreshing addition to the robotic franchise.

Cons:
- Troublesome Characters - Man, what I wouldn’t give to have been a fly on the wall at the board meeting with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg when they decided on the two ridiculous characters - Skids and Mudflap. I mean really, MICHAEL BAY and STEVEN SPIELBERG sat down one day and consciously chose to have these characters in the movie. Consider my mind blown.

- Louder Does Not Equal Better – More noise, faster robot transformations, expanded destruction and chaos on speed does not combine to create the greatest movie ever made. Not even close. Side note – at one point in the beginning of the movie some sort of robot destroys a city and breaks through an overpass. There is a lot of loud metal noises, but no sound effect for the crushed concrete and rebar, which for me made the movie that much sloppier.


- Clichés, clichés, clichés – There are three writing credits for “Revenge” and two of the writers also wrote for this year’s “Star Trek” and currently write for the show “Fringe.” With that said, it is unacceptable to have such overly used, 100% UNorginial lines as “Revenge will be mine” screamed from one of the Decepticons! Where’s the creativity - even an ounce? It’s like the writers gave up knowing that the CG would steal the show.


Summary:
The only folks I’d recommend this film to are people who want to waste nearly 3 hours of their lives and who want to leave with a headache with only a slight smile remembering the few sparse funny moments during “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” If that sounds like you, then by all means, check out this ridiculous film.

What did you think of this movie? Is it a good sequel? What are your thoughts on Transformers 3?

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra

So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.

http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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Film Review - The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (the John Travolta/Denzel Washington Subway Movie)

Fate derails for a NYC transit worker Walter Garber when a former inmate hijacks subway train Pelham 1 2 3, taking hostages, demanding money and to only be in communication with Garber. A remake, Tony Scott’s “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” is action packed, and passionate. Both the native New York worker – Garber (Denzel Washington) to the “feeling wronged” ex inmate – Ryder (John Travolta) are fully energized throughout the movie. The cast also includes character actor Luis Guzmán, John Turturro (also in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” out now), James Gandolfini as NYC’s mayor, Alex Kaluzhsky (keep your eyes out for this guy – he also has one of my favorite lines in the movie), and Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Wire”). “Pelham” isn’t the greatest action movie ever made, but it’s nice to see these veteran actors, Washington and Travolta, do this kind of flick together.

Pros:
- Denzel Washington – Washington’s last two films, The Great Debaters and American Gangsters, had characters unlike the Walter Garber of “Pelham.” From being a dangerous crime boss to a larger than life, inspiring teacher – Washington’s “Garber” is more of an everyday man – but not perfect, which is what I really like about the character. And only Denzel, only he could give it the sincerity needed to not come off hammy. Would we expect anything else from the classy actor?

- John Travolta – I think the last time we saw Travolta this angry was in “Face/Off” (or was that Nicholas Cage?). Sporting some crazy tattoos, Travolta plays Ryder – the wisecracking, pissed off subway hijacker – to a tee. Glad to see Travolta gracing the movie screen again (and this time, not in a dress).

- The Pacing – It’s really well timed. It’s not too long or too short, the story progresses steadily and doesn’t get hung up in details. It gets to the point, and sticks to the point, and I like that in a film!

- It’s An Action Movie Too – I like "Pelham" because it’s not all talk, it’s not all negotiations with the criminal to let the hostages go, it’s not all “what are they going to say next to make him stop.” They have that element covered, but also there are cars flipping, cop shoot outs, a standoff and it’s great!

- Favorite Moment – Ok, this isn't really a "Pro", but it gets a special shout out because I liked it so much. Remember when I mentioned actor Alex Kaluzhsky had my favorite line in the movie? Kaluzhsky’s “Geo” is on the hijacked subway with his laptop, video chatting with his girlfriend. Of course the connection is cut once underground but the hijackers install routers so Ryder can surf the net. The laptop is on the floor when the connection is restored and the girlfriend can see what’s going on. While Geo is face down on the floor his girlfriend starts talking. She’s sobbing, “I love you.” No response. “Don’t you love me? Why aren’t you saying it back?” Geo angrily crawls up to the computer screen and in a frustrated whisper says, “I’m sort of having a weird day!” This moment was just so relatable and really brought the movie closer to home for me. I loved it, it was really funny!

Cons:
- Secondary Characters – Roger Ebert makes a good point, “This version occupies a denatured action-movie landscape, with no time for local color and a transit system control room that humbles Mission Control. That also may explain the film’s lack of time to establish the supporting characters, even Travolta’s partners.” I agree because, of course I didn’t want anyone to die, but I just didn’t really care about anyone except Washington. However, I think putting more emphasis on the secondary characters may have hung up the pacing a little and if that’s the case then I’d pass on the secondary characters.



- A Little Over the Top – The cars flipping during collisions are a little dramatic, but dang it if it doesn’t make for a good action sequence!

Summary:
“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” is certainly entertaining. Now that it’s up against “Transformers 2” I don’t think it stands a chance, but make sure to catch it on DVD because you’ll really enjoy Washington and Travolta’s performances.

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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Film Review – Blindness

“Blindness” is not a happy movie, in fact, it’s kind of scary. Not only does the film depict an epidemic of a contagious illness rendering people blind, but it also depicts the worst of humanity and not in an outlandish way, it’s very, very realistic (which is the scary part). Danny Glover, Mark Ruffalo, Julianne Moore, Alice Braga, Gael García Bernal, Sandra Oh amongst others make up this ensemble piece about a group of afflicted individuals quarantined in an abandoned mental hospital where literally the blind lead the blind – except for one - a Doctor’s wife - who keeps her ability to still see a secret. After watching “Blindness” I just hope that something like this never actually happens, because it won’t be pretty.

Pros:
- Amazing Acting – I love it when actors make an audience hate them, love them, feel sympathy for them, because that’s a sign that they are really great! The actors of “Blindness” brought me into their … well ... situation I guess, so much so that I couldn’t just sit back and passively watch this movie - I was involved.

- Unique Story – There is definitely a portfolio of disease infecting society movies out there, but “Blindness” is different. No one actually dies from the illness that’s causing them white blindness. And it’s rare to have a movie of this genre continue as if there is hope to have a semi regular life after the disease (whether they are blind or not). In this movie, the illness doesn’t equal certain death or life as a zombie.



- The Pacing – The story progresses nicely – we learn about the illness and the reaction to it at the same time as the people and government in the movie learn about it. It’s paced so that the decline of society and the feeling of desperation is believable – we aren’t just thrown into chaos and expected to buy it.

Cons:
- Not Happy Times – There are about 15 minutes of this movie that are happy. I could have used a little more.

- It’s Scary! – I’m a little afraid that something like this could happen and seeing the way people changed and the awful things they did in the movie – I just wouldn’t want that to happen to anyone.



Summary:
“Blindness” is a good movie in the areas of acting and story, but you won’t be smiling when the credits start to roll. I think I just stared at the credits for a while and eventually I blindly turned off the TV.

"Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night - be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels.” – Frank Sinatra
So may the prayers, tranquilizers and JD be with you and see you next time.
http://moviesworketc.blogspot.com/

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