Ah… something has got me really curious… in PT school, my student research project was on the effects of moderate intensity exercise (walking program) on women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. hmmmm… we looked specifically at white blood cell counts and determined that they were not negatively affected. Other blood tests and quality of life tests were addressed in other studies. Granted, it was a small sample size, but it does mean that potentially the white blood cell counts for women undergoing radiation therapy are not negatively affected and may safely reap the benefits of moderate intensity exercise. I’m just now getting caught up in the exercise and cancer literature. I am realizing that everyone is looking for conclusive evidence-based data to create protocols for any actions or positions on specific issues. The reality is that in brain tumor or cancer research, much of data is conflicting, have holes in the project structure, or it simply does not exist. There are many smaller pilot studies, but it is very rare to find larger studies (randomized controlled studies) where definitive positions can be concluded. Sadly, part of me thinks that there is no real incentive to fund research because many organizations or individuals have too much to lose if, God-Forbid, a “Cure” is found! Because of this, I am pessimistically optimistic about finding a “Cure” anytime soon. The science/resources are there, but the funding isn’t. It seems like we have our feet on both the gas pedal (science) and the brakes (lack of funding) limiting progress in the war on tumors/cancer. I’d like to see larger studies not funded by big companies that have a stake in the results. The problem is… where to turn to for research funding? When looking at research, I always try to find out who is funding it to see if there is any bias to the results. Research is the KEY to progress in the war on tumors/cancer. However, I think a different strategy needs to be implemented. We should promote a more comprehensive strategy not just chasing the “Cure”. I think there needs to be a more focused approach to attacking tumors and cancer, “the K.U.R.” (Knowledge, Unity, Research). To combat these horrible diseases we need to: promote knowledge (preventative education and patient education); promote unity (build up support for fight against tumors and cancer); and finally support research that leads to: more efficient diagnosis, efficient treatment, improved mortality rates, improved quality of life for patients, and diagnosis-specific symptom management. We should not lose sight of “the Cure”. “The Cure” is thrown around so nonchalantly. For years we were chasing a vague and complicated goal. It is now time to fine tune the focus of “research” where we will be able to see measurable results.
Fatigue is the one of the biggest impairments I’ve had to deal with since my surgery. I still don’t quite understand post treatment fatigue, but I have my theories. I had surgery to remove a golfball sized brain tumor four years ago. I had radiation therapy after surgery, but afterward I was left with severe coordination and balance impairments. I did not have chemo or any drugs for treatment of the tumor. My post surgical impairments are ALL PHYSICAL: 
Well, I’ve spent nearly two weeks by myself. I can cook meals, clean up, and manage to “work” from home. Still the biggest issue for me is transportation. I have some friends that I can rely on to take me places if I really need to go somewhere. Of course, I would prefer to go somewhere myself! Independence with activities of daily living is not as big of an issue for me for me anymore. I think efficiency is the real issue now. Walking, cooking, and cleaning take twice as long as it used to. Fatigue is an issue that I am still trying to figure out. At least I know that I can function on my own at home, but I still need to figure somethings out.
For the next two weeks I am flying solo! I hope I don’t do anything crazy! My mom is heading back to Michigan for a month. My dad can’t come out till mid February. I guess I get the whole place to myself for almost three weeks! I treasure these times because I rarely get any alone time. I really appreciate all the help my parents have given me, but there comes a time when you have to let go. At times I feel like I am in high school again. NO JOKE! Can’t drive, “Eric clean your room”, “Where are you going,” “Who are you going with”, etc… I’m still not used to having so many reigns on me. I moved out to San Diego 6 years ago because I wanted to start my own life. My life plan took a dramatic detour, but I’m moving forward. I just have a little more “baggage”. I will admit it, I got a little lost trying to find the right path. But I think I have a map now. I told someone once, that my life took a detour and it would have been nice to have a doctor/GPS to get me back on track, but I guess I’m just exploring and enjoying the sites. I lost a few things on the way, but I’ve also gained a lot. That BRAIN TUMOR took away all hobbies, my job, some of my friends, BUT IT WILL NEVER TAKE AWAY 
I feel like I am working much harder than I was as a physical therapist. I have to deal with: my own physical rehab, learning correct operational procedures in the corporate environment, re-learning to driving with physical impairments, writing, organizing my 
The holidays were different this year. For the first time I actually flew back to Michigan on Christmas Eve. I would get to experience
2009 was a great year. Got to attend so many great events and meet some amazing people!