Of Breath, Air and Lungs

Paul Kalanithi 

When Breath Becomes Air is the title of the new memoir written by Paul Kalanithi, who died in 2014 at age 37 of lung cancer.

May we all reflect on our lives as much as this young man did.

When discovered, his lung cancer was advanced.  

Why weren't there any earlier signs?

This disease is so silent.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/books/review-in-when-breath-becomes-air-dr-paul-kalanithi-confronts-an-early-death.html?_r=0

He had postponed fun in order to go to medical school and become a surgeon.  

By the time he was ready to live, he had to prepare to die.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the US.

Since 1987, it has killed more women than breast cancer per year.

http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/learn-about-lung-cancer/lung-cancer-fact-sheet.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

My friend Kathy McTaggart was one of those killed.  

Like Paul Kalanithi's cancer, her cancer was not discovered until it had spread to other organs.

If we have a persistent cough or flagging energy, check it out.  In some cases it's a sign of lung cancer.