Should People with Alzheimer’s be Treated for Cancer?
A woman recently told me that she had a friend with Alzheimer’s disease who was being treated for cancer. She asked me if that was the right thing to do. […]
The Most Aggressive Treatment is Not Always the Best
There’s a bit of cowboy in many of us when we’re diagnosed with cancer. Often our first response is to want the cancer removed right away with the most aggressive […]
Cancer and Alternative Therapies
I’ve written that people with cancer often benefit from complementary or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy and yoga. In addition to treating symptoms and reducing stress, pursuing these […]
Waiting and Watching
Most cancer diagnoses lead to treatment within a few weeks. For some cancers, however, the recommended course of action is to delay treatment until if and when the cancer becomes […]
Too Little and Too Much Treatment
Although I firmly believe that everyone should be in control of their own treatment decisions, I have observed that some people seem to seek too little treatment when they are […]
The Look People Give You
A woman recently diagnosed with cancer said to me, “I wish you would tell people not to give me that look.” “What look?” I asked. “The pity puss.” (At first […]
Cancer Sucks Button
I often wear a button that says, “Cancer sucks.” In addition to pretty well summing up the cancer experience, it’s a great conversation starter. Just last month, a man tapped […]
Don’t Ask About My Battle
We seem to struggle with language when the topic is cancer. We don’t think twice when cancer is discussed in military terms. In 1971, Richard Nixon declared “war” on cancer […]
I Have Cancer, What’s New With You?
Two days after being diagnosed with cancer, I received a call from the Red Cross asking if I’d give blood in an upcoming blood drive. I was a regular blood […]
Telling the Parents
I’ve seen many resources that provide advice on how to tell your children that you have cancer. But what about the other generation – your parents? Family relationships are sometimes […]