Donna Lee Lista

Being a Parent to Cancer

Posted June 10th, 2019

It’s interesting being a 13+ year lung cancer survivor. There are times during the day when I don’t think about having had cancer, but it’s the same as not thinking about how you’re a parent every second of the day. It is such an integral part of who you are that you never forget it; […]

Donna Lee Lista

Closely Monitored

Posted November 2nd, 2017

It’s been a long time. I have had so much going on in my life that cancer was put at the end of my list, which is not a bad thing. However the time comes when the thought of it starts creeping back up and that annual time is upon me. I should mention that […]

Donna Lee Lista

Beyond Cancer

Posted November 3rd, 2015

It’s been too long since I’ve checked in and shared some thoughts regarding life as a lung cancer survivor. As you and I know all too well, life goes on, and so does the whirlwind associated with it. The upside of being a cancer survivor is no matter what else happens in your life, you […]

Donna Lee Lista

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted May 1st, 2014

The other day while shopping, my 26 year old daughter asked me what I wanted for mother’s day. We were looking at purses at an outlet and I mentioned I liked a particular purse and she said, “Do you want this for mother’s day?” I thought for a moment and realized I really didn’t want […]

Donna Lee Lista

I’ve Come a Long Way Baby!

Posted February 26th, 2014

I haven’t sat down to compose in a while. Not because I have lost interest in the lung cancer world, but simply because I have been doing advocacy work and helping other people going through treatment.

Grain of Salt

Posted October 30th, 2012

Who does all the research about what foods you should and shouldn’t eat to avoid cancer? I’ve often questioned how accurate all this nonsense is.

Rearview Mirror

Posted October 23rd, 2012

When I see all that has transpired in the last few years regarding lung cancer research I can’t help but hope that maybe all the work the advocates are doing has something to do with it.

My Dilemma

Posted May 30th, 2012

I am doing whatever everyone else is doing and lucky to be doing so, and because of this I am constantly trying to spend a large portion of my life helping patients and all causes to further research and awareness about lung cancer.

An Extra Smile

Posted November 3rd, 2011

Donna-Lee Lista As I sit here on Halloween night realizing that this is the unofficial start of the holiday season, I reflect on all the firsts this holiday season will present. This is my first Halloween without a mother, and subsequently the first Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think back on how proud and excited my […]

Zip It

Posted September 16th, 2011

I often wonder why people feel the need to tell you how they think you should feel and act about having cancer. Of course, it is their opinion and they are entitled to think it, but it doesn’t mean they are entitled to share it. There are 3 topics that you shouldn’t offer an opinion […]