Working In The Cancer World
I often talk with people while they’re receiving chemotherapy. Recently, one woman asked, “How long have you been doing this?” I knew that she was talking about my work at the center, so I replied that I’ve been visiting with cancer patients for more than ten years. She then asked, “How do you do it?” […]
Cancer With Grace
Grace is one of those qualities that we struggle to define, but recognize when we see it. People with grace always seem to do and say the right thing, and do so with honest kindness. Being graceful is never an act. It comes from the heart. I sat down with my colleague, Kerry Quinn, to […]
My Cancer Experience
I’ve been writing this column for nearly five years and I often make passing reference to my personal experience with cancer. Today, I wanted to share my story more fully. I first noticed a small lump under my left nipple when I was scratching my chest one summer night. I wasn’t especially concerned until a […]
Survivor’s Guilt
People going through cancer treatment at the same time often form their own peer group. They see each other in chemo, in radiation, and in various support groups. The fortunate ones do well, but they often feel guilty when others in their cohort succumb to the disease. Survivor’s guilt is a well-known phenomenon, but it’s […]
What To Say When Cancer Returns
I recently gave a talk at a conference of radiation therapists about how to support patients undergoing cancer treatment. One attendee said, “I know how to help patients when they come in for treatment for the first time. But I stumble over my words when a patient comes back for treatment because they’ve had a […]
Donating Blood and Organs
For many people the months following cancer treatment are more difficult than the treatment itself. During treatment, your “job” is to be in treatment. You’re busy with appointments and you see the same doctors and nurses almost every week. At the same time, friends bring you meals, family members take on extra duties, and you’re […]
Survivors Can Help the Newly Diagnosed
When friends I haven’t heard from for many years suddenly call me, I wait for them to say, “Bob, I just got diagnosed with cancer.” This is not unique to me. People who have had cancer are often asked for advice by those who are newly diagnosed. And quite a few of us feel compelled […]
Beginning To Talk About Hospice
I often talk with individuals who are receiving treatment for advanced cancer, but who are also wondering, at some level, if it’s time for hospice. Many tell me that they’ve made the mental shift to focus on the quality of life rather than the quantity of life, but then add that they haven’t contacted hospice […]
Cancer As A Chronic Disease
Until recently, people have undergone cancer treatment with the goal of ridding the body of cancer. Sometimes the treatment worked and the cancer went away, either temporarily (a remission) or permanently (a cure). If the treatment did not work, the cancer generally got worse and the person died. Success or failure. Today, a new category […]
Single With Cancer
For a day or two following chemotherapy, most people camp out on the couch and do nothing more strenuous than watch tv or flip through magazines. Loved ones bring glasses of water, cups of tea, and small snacks to lift the patient’s spirits and provide nourishment. If you’re single, going through cancer treatment can be […]
