Chemotherapy and You

Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment written by a team of writers working in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This booklet is written for patients who are recieving chemotherapy for cancer. It's intent is provide basic information about chemotherapy, how it may affect a patient, and basic guidelines for the patient to follow as they go through the process of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and You takes the ignorant reader through a knowledge building journey about chemotherapy and the individual. The first section of the booklet provides the reader with a basic understanding of chemotherapy. Then, the reader gains an understanding of what to expect during the chemotherapy treatment period. General side effects are reviewed as well as suggestions on how to deal with them. Eating well and seeking support from others (i.e. friends, family, other survivers, cancer organizations, etc..) were covered in some detail. There were a few pages that discussed therapies that were considered complementary to chemotherapy. Some of those therapies covered were, but not limited to: hypnosis, imagery, massage therapy, muscle tension and release, yoga, and physical exercise. Lastly, the booklet contains a glossary with all of the main context specific words (i.e. tier 3 words). This glossary was a handy reference as I read through this booklet.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH:
Chemotherapy and You is an informative book. It is filled with facts rather than light and airy information. This booklet is an easy read and recommended for anyone going through chemotherapy, knows someone who is going through chemotherapy, or wants to understand chemotherapy and what a person goes through when recieving it.

After reading this booklet I have a deeper respect for ANYONE who has, who is, and who will be batteling cancer through chemotherapy. Using chemicals within one's body to battle bad cancer cells is a battle inwhich there will be a lot of calateral damage (i.e. white and red blood cells). One's inner body becomes one big battle field. However, the body is a miracle machine and it is great to hear many of the successful battles that have been won. Cheers to all of you who are fighting the fight. May your battle be won and the years ahead be joyous, peaceful, and full of life.

If you are looking for additional information on cancer and/or chemotherapy I have listed below a few websites that may be of interest:

www.nci.nih.gov
www.cancertrials.nci.nih.gov
www.cancernet.nci.nih.gov
www.chid.nih.gov/ncichid

The Gas We Pass

The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts written by Shinta Cho.

I heard about the author Shinta Cho before and the variety of other children's literature that was written. So....when I saw this book on Amazon.com I knew what I had to do. I bought it immediately. A few days latter it arrived in the mail and my son and I tore open the package (it was not gift wrapped). The cover alone sent the two of us in hysterics. It took about five minutes before the water left our eyes so we could focus on the words on each page. A civilized individual could read this simple book in about three minutes. However, when you give a book about farts to a father and a son it will take a lot longer than three minutes. In fact, it took my son and I about 25 minutes to read this book. We laughed at, ogled over, gawked at, and mimicked each page several times before turning to the next. Talk about male bonding. My wife, my son's mother, was not pleased with our immature actions as well as my role model behavior. Hey, I was reading to my son and he was reading to me. Come to think about it, I don't ever recall reading being so fun!

Since the reading of this book, we have come across a number of others covering the same topic. However, my wife found one at the Thrift Store for fifty cents. The book is entitled, The Day My Butt Went Psycho. If my wife bought it for us to read, it must be good. Can't wait to read the book and then write about it. ")

No AR QUIZ.

The Moral Imperative of School Leadership

The Moral Imperative of School Leadership is written by Michael Fullan. He is the author of several other books dealing with systematic changes within the school system.

After learning that my school did not make it's projected A.P.I. score or the A.M.O. (annual measurable objectives) for 2006 the air was sucked out of my lungs and my heart proceeded to beat slower than a dead-man's. Even though we had show academic growth in our targeted areas, we did not meet the 24.4% proficient criteria in ELA for two of the four sub-groups: Hispanic and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged. This placed us in the arena of a 1st year program improvement school. Up until now, we have been extremely proactive.

When we received the notice that we had become a 1st year program improvement school under the No Child Left Behind act, I as well as every member of the staff were devastated. For three months, I sulked, walked the darkest streets, and experienced depression at new depths. We did everything we were told, everything research suggested, and implemented them with fidelity.

This book was recommended by my boss during one of our conversations. Before the conversation ended, she loaned me the book. Needless to say, I read the book within a week and it began to reshape my thinking as well as helped me gain a new perspective of the place I hold within this huge educational system. Each one of us can make a difference as individuals, we can make a difference as a school, we can make a difference at the district level, and we can make a difference regionally. It is more than we “can” make a difference; it is our moral imperative to make a difference!

Mr. Fullan has divided up this book into five simple chapters. He discusses the need to revamp the principal’s role in order to help change the context within which teachers and students learn. Michael Fullan then discusses many of the self-imposed barriers both the principal faces as well as the school system. The third chapter discusses in some detail the first of two levels of making a difference. Making a difference individually is level one and making a difference as a school is level 2. Chapter four covers the remaining two levels of making a difference. These last two levels go beyond the school. Level three is making a difference regionally and level four is making a difference in our society. In the last chapter, Michael Fullan provides global steps toward making a difference on all four levels.

MY THREE CENTS:
As I mentioned earlier, this book was introduced to me at a pivotal point in my professional career. All of the time and effort that our educational team put forth into the education of the children under our care was not measuring up to the goals set forth by the No Child Left Behind act. We were devastated. I was mystified.

A couple years ago I read a book entitled “Good To Great” by Jim Collins. Mr. Collins talked about leadership in a five-level hierarchy. I was fascinated by this concept but saddened because it was not directly related to education, my professional field. Then along came a spider the book “The Moral Imperative of School Leadership” and Michael Fullan borrowed from the familiar leadership hierarchy concept in Good to Great. However, instead of a five-level hierarchy Mr. Fullan talked about four. The concepts were the same: all people can make a difference at level one; however, the difference you will make will have the lowest impact. As you move up the hierarchy, the higher the influence you will make within the system.

I will never find the silver bullet that will change my API scores into the 800-900’s or my AMO’s at/or above 75% proficient in ELA and Math. However it is my moral obligation to do what ever I can to level the educational field for all the children I serve so that they, too, have every opportunity to attain success in our educational system as well as within our society.

This is a recommended read for those principals who have tried everything under the sun and have been unable to gain ground. This book will help clear your mind, gather your thoughts, and reaffirm many of the things you are already doing. Remember, numbers are only numbers but children are children who will some day grow up and run society. Children will remember the things taught by those individuals who where their champion on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. You can and you will make a difference as an academic leader, it is your moral obligation. Good luck on your professional and personal journey!

NO AR QUIZ :(

I Love Guinea Pigs

I Love Guinea Pigs was written by Dick King-Smith and was illustrated by Anita Jeram. This book was purchased for the Eisenhower Elementary School library in honor of one of their highly regarded staff members, Karen Pfrimmer. Mrs. Pfrimmer has dedicated her life to the betterment of each and every student that crosses her path. Thank you Mrs. Pfrimmer!

I Love Guinea Pigs is a book about…..you guessed it, guinea pigs. Although I am not too fond of guinea pigs or for that matter any type of rodent, I can understand why some people acquire a fondness for these animals. According to the author, a guinea pig is not a pig but a rodent – like mice, rats, and squirrels (of the four, I like squirrels best). These rodents come in all different colors and hair styles. Like most mammals (i.e. dogs, cats, pigs, horses, etc…), the guinea pig has many varieties. There are the Peruvian, sheltie, the crested, the smooth, and the Abyssinians.

The author mentions that a guinea pig is easy to keep and that is not fussy. Apparently they are hardy animals and don’t often get sick. A guinea pig lives to be about five to eight years when properly taken care of. The diet consists of carrots, cabbage, vegetable leaves, wild plants, and clover. Some of the annoying cute sounds a guinea pig makes are: putt, chut, tweet and drr. Sounds like some of the vocabulary words my son used when he was 7 – 12 months old.

All-in-all, the author shares his passion for and knowledge of guinea pigs with the children of all ages. He definitely is an advocate for this rodent who apparently was brought over from a country in South America called Dutch Guiana. If one does not have the space or time for a dog, a guinea pig will be able to fill the need. Although they won’t be able to fetch a stick or a ball, a guinea pig will recognize you and come to you when you call. However, if you want let your guinea pig know your really care about it, don’t forget to say “purr”. This means “I love you” in guinea pig language.

AR QUIZ: 100%

Mrs. Katz and Tush

Mrs. Katz and Tush was written and illustrated by Particia Polacco. This is a precious book and one worth reading as an adult as well as reading aloud to a child. The runt of a litter becomes the gift that opens the door to the world of the Jewish people and a friendship that lasts beyond a lifetime.

Larnel is a young man who lives in the same neighborhood as Mrs. Katz. Since Mrs. Katz’s husband passed away, Larnel’s mother has visited Mrs. Katz on a regular basis. She was lonely. A litter of kits were born in the basement. When they were of age, all of the kittens were taken except for the runt of the litter. Larnel took the kitten and gave it to Mrs. Katz so she would not be lonely. Mrs. Katz named the kitten Tush.

As the days passed, Larnel continued to visit Mrs. Katz. He listened to her stories and began to learn about the Jewish culture. Larnel was intrigued. Their relationship grew and so did Larnel’s knowledge of the Jewish culture. One day, Larnel and Mrs. Tush went to the market to purchase supplies to make a special meal. The window was left open and Tush got out. Both Mrs. Katz and Larnel were sad. Eventually the cat was found huddled in a dark alley all wet and miserable.

In the end, Larnel learned a great deal about the Jewish culture from Mrs. Katz. The two grew close. Their friendship was birthed through a gift, was nurtured through knowledge, and strengthened through time.

AR QUIZ: 100%

... And Now Miguel

…And Now Miguel was written by Joseph Krumgold and illustrated by Jean Charlot. In 1954 …And Now Miguel was awarded the Newberry Award Medal. Joseph Krumgold is the first author to be awarded the Newberry Award Medal twice. His second Newberry Award Medal was earned in 1959 for the book Onion John.

Miguel Chavez is a twelve year old boy who has dreams of joining the men in his family on their annual trip with the sheep to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This has been the job of the Chavez family for many, many years.

It started when Miguel’s grandfather worked for another sheep farmer. Instead of getting paid money, Miguel’s grandfather asked to be paid in sheep. Grandfather Chavez was a man who saw into the future and sought out a way to raise a family and secure their future in New Mexico. Over the years, the Chavez sheep farm expanded to well over twelve hundred sheep. Instead of working for other farmers, the Chavez family now needed to hire people to work for them. Many of the farm hands on the Chavez farm were family members: Uncle Bonifacio, Uncle Eli, Old Blas (father), Young Blas (oldest brother), and Gabriel (second oldest brother). Miguel also has two older sisters, a younger brother, Pedro, and a younger sister, Faustina.

It was a yearly cycle. Every year the lambs would be born, the sheep needed to be sheared, and the flock driven up to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to feed off of the luscious green grass. Every year when the sheep began to produce lambs, Miguel would prepare his bag to go with the men up to the Sangre de Cristo. In his twelfth year, his actions were no different…except one.

On May fifteenth, the whole town of Los Cordovas celebrated San Ysidro Day. San Ysidro was the saint who was designated to watch over and answer the many prayers of people all over the world but especially those who lived in Los Cordovas. On this special day, Miguel asked San Ysidro to make it happen so that he could go with the men of his family to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

This simple prayer and immense belief that it will happen became a reality. Soon other men who have worked with the Chavez family began to notice Miguel’s focus and determination to work harder than ever before. In fact, he earned the name twister because he swept so fast and furious that a dust cloud followed him around like that Charlie Brown character who always had the dust cloud following him everywhere.

A letter came in the mail for Gabriel, his most admired brother. The letter simply told him that he service to his country would begin in two weeks. This meant that Gabriel could not go with the men up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to help with the sheep. Miguel’s father then told Miguel that it was “time” for him to come. Simple, sweet, and to the point. Just the words, “it is time”.

MY THREE CENTS: Miguel was a lucky boy. In fact, Miguel was a fortunate young man who had a grandfather to converse with, a father to watch, and an older brother in whom he watch and talk with. He was a young man who thought deeply about many things in life. Miguel dreamed about the future but not an impossible future. He studied every aspect of sheep farming and mastered every part of it in his heart and mind.

I really liked the simplicity of the story as well as the Chavez family. They were a family that deeply cared about one another and were devoted to keeping the family alive. Life was hard but they found joy and happiness in one another. Life is a journey, like the ones the sheep take up and down the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and they travel it together. Everyone in the family plays an important part in this journey, even Miguel.

Although he got in trouble, my favorite part in the book was the time when Miguel scrapped school to look for the lost sheep and lambs. He walked for miles and miles until he found them. He gathered information (data), used his eyesight, used his ears, and used his understanding of sheep to locate them. Miguel, at twelve years old, was able to do what grown men were unable to. It was gratifying to me to read of a young man achieving a goal he set out to do. Best of all, this goal was to bring back home safely the number of sheep and lambs that were lost. Like a true pastor, he was going to find, retrieve, and bring home safely the lost sheep of his family’s fold. In a way, it reminds me of the Great pastor who ceaselessly searches for His lost sheep. When he finds them, He brings them home to experience the safety, security, and peace only he can provide.

AR QUIZ: 100%

Books For April and May of 2007

The books I plan to start, complete, and/or purchase in the months of April and May have been listed below. The books that I am in the process of reading, wanting to start, and plan to purchase for future reading have been rightly notated on the list below with corresponding italicized words. Additionally, I typically have four books in the hopper (in the process of reading). These four books always fall in one of the following four categories: children's literature, personal (self-helpish type books), religious, and Miss Alainius.

April and May's books are:

* The Moral Imperative of School Leadership by Michael Fullan (completed but just need to post)
* The Book of John (in progress)
* The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (completed several times but just need to post)
* A Day's Journey by Jon Courson (in progress-1 year)
* How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. (completed but just need to post)
* Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction by Isabel L. Beck, Margaret G. McKeown, and Linda (in progress)
* Alcoholism: The Facts (third addition) by Donald W. Goodwin (in progress)
* Why Grace Changes Everything by Chuck Smith
* Joy in the Journey by Guy Doud (would like to start)
* Teach with Your Heart by Erin Gruwell (would like to start)
* Leadership and the One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard (would like to start)
* What's Worth Fighting for in Your School? by Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves(would like to start)
* Murphy's Trail by Gary Paulsen and Brain Burks (would like to start)
* The Secret by Rhonda Byrne (in progress)
* The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman (would like to start)
* The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard (would like to start)
* 25 Ways to Win with People by John C. Maxwell (would like to start)
* ...And Now Miguel by Joseph Krumgold (in progress)

I look forward to see how these books will influence my thinking, actions, and discussions. Here's to the journey in April and May!

The Summer of the Swans

The Summer of the Swans was written by Betsy Byars, illustrated by Ted CoCenu(sp) and received the Newberry Award Medal in 1971.

The main character in this story is Sara, a fourteen year old girl who has a younger brother (Charlie) and an older sister (Wanda). The three children live with Aunt Willie and have done so for a number of years. Aunt Willie promised the children’s mother that she would take care of them. Sara’s mother had passed away. Sara’s father did not live with them but lived a days’ drive away. Wanda was the pretty and smart child, Sara was quick tempered and awkward, and Charlie did not speak and had a disability.

Every summer the swans flew into their area and spent some time in the lake near their home. Charlie loved feeding and watching the swans. This summer was no different. Sara was told by Aunt Willie to take Charlie to the lake to feed and watch the swans. Reluctantly, Sara took her brother to the lake. They feed the swans and watched them for some time. When Sara was ready to go back home, Charlie was not. He but up a fuss and went home kicking a screaming.

Charlie always had a tough time sleeping and this night was no different. He was startled by a sound and looked out his window. Was it one of the swans? Was the swan calling him to come out to it? Charlie left his room, went down the stairs, opened the screen door, walked out onto the yard, walked passed the gate, and walked into the forest. The void of loud cars, bright lights, and busy people gave him a sense of peace. The night sky was calming and not alarming. He walked on. It wasn't until he heard the dogs barking when he became frightened and began to panic. Lost and lonely. He began to cry.

In the morning, the family (Sara, Wanda, and Aunt Willie) realized Charlie was missing. He never has left their yard, thus he was never lost. Sara knew he went out to see the swans and began to feel guilty because she did not stay longer at the lake with Charlie the day before. An unlikely individual offered to help Sara look for Charlie. The boy’s name was Joey. Joey assisted Sara in her search for her brother. Joey found Charlie’s slipper and gave it to Sara. He lead her up on top of a hill that over looked the ravine. Sara called out several times before she heard his unmistakable whimper. Once located, Sara ran down the hill straight for his voice. When she got to him, she held him, kissed him and hugged him.

Charlie was found and Sara had a new friend (Joey).

MY TWO CENTS: I enjoyed this Newberry Award Medal book. The Summer of the Swans is a beautiful story of a young girl coming of age. Since the three children began their stay with Aunt Willie, Sara has taken care of Charlie. The relationship that Sara and Willie have is priceless. I love how she protects him, cares for him, and loves him. Wouldn’t it be touching if more siblings would give this type of attention to their younger siblings with or without a disability? I was also touched by Joey’s reaction toward Charlie as well as toward Sara. Here is a boy that was misunderstood, much like Charlie himself. Joey took it upon himself to retrieve Charlie’s watch as well as to help Sara find Charlie when he was lost. Throughout the second half of the book I was rooting for Joey and a little miffed with Sara. However, like Sara, I have prejudged others without all of the facts. This story is worth reading both for 12-16 year olds of both genders.


AR QUIZ: 100%

Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen: Real-Life Reader Biography was written by Ann Gaines. This biography is simple and appropriate for many of our young readers. This biography took the reader through Gary Paulsen's iditarod experiences in Alaska, his childhood, his early years on his own, some of his struggles, and lastly the fame. For a student who has just begun the journey of reading Gary Paulsen's material (i.e. Hatchet, Mr. Tucker, Night John, Winter Room, Soldier's Heart, etc...) and wants to get to know a little bit about the author, this biography will open the door to the world of Gary Paulsen. After one reads a biography or Mr. Paulsen's autobiography, you begin to see him in each of his stories.

Russell the Sheep

Russell the Sheep was written by Rob Scotton. It is a charming (teir 2 word) little book about a sheep who could not go to sleep. Throughout the story, Russell seeks out ways to help him go to sleep. He repositions himself, pulls his beanie over his eyes, takes off his coat, puts on his coat, lays in a trunk, uses a frog as a pillow and counts the stars....twice. Lastly, Russell counts sheep and when he gets to ten, Russell falls asleep.

MY THREE CENTS: If one can't fall asleep, you need to count sheep. The illustrations are worth each page turn.

AR QUIZ: 100%

Math Curse

Math Curse was written by Jon Scieszeka and Lane Smith. This book was given to me to read by our school library-aide. I enjoy children’s books about math especially if they make your mind stretch just a little bit further than it has been used to. Math Curse is about a young girl who learned that everything that happens to you is a math problem that can be solved. Everything she saw or heard or thought about was made into a math problem. She was trapped or cursed with math until she solved a math problem in her dream. This freed her from the math curse.

MY THREE CENTS: I loved this book. The idea of math as a part of our every day life intrigued me. This book shows the reader in a fun yet nonsubtle way that math permeates every aspect of our life.

AR QUIZ: 80%