During the month of October each
year, my attention is drawn to a series of personal stories in the local
newspaper, written by survivors of Breast Cancer in celebration of “Breast Cancer Month,” under the heading Life’s Victories. As a practicing
Physician for more than 50 years I have treated and cared for many hundreds of
cancer patients and have shared a variety of sad and painful, and hopeful and
happy moments with my patients and their family, all of which I cherish and
thank God for granting me the opportunity to do so.
These stories have however impacted me more
than I expected probably because several years ago I found myself a concerned
participant in such a battle. Ever since my wife was diagnosed with cancer of
the breast I found that despite all the years of carefully cultivating the
cloak of the “all knowing, unflappable,
supportive physician always ready with the right advice or the right answer”, I
was as vulnerable and as reactive as anyone else and that I needed the same
kind of support as I had offered to others. I found myself for the first time
in a paradoxical “no-man’s land.” On the one hand as the physician, I was
expected to know all and make all the right decisions and give all the correct
advice, and as a husband and life partner, to be caring, supporting,
encouraging and sharing with my wife as she navigated through the stormy seas
of Surgeons and Oncologists and Mammograms and CT Scans and Pet Scans and
Hospitals and Radiation and Chemotherapy. It was, and indeed is, a most
humbling experience. It is also one which, despite my many years of clinical
experience, has taught me a great deal about my own inner humanity.
As I read these stories in the local
newspaper, which were basically simple comments made from the heart by each of
the survivors, I was struck by the strength and character of these people. They had resolutely endured the pain and the sacrifices of the journey and
came through stronger and more resilient. This clearly speaks volumes to the
resilience of the human character and the ability to rise above the onslaught
of adversity. I can do no better to honor these people than to provide brief
quotes from a selected few of their many stories published under the banner of “Life’s Victories:”
-“To
never give up hope, that breast cancer is not a death sentence, and to be sure
to surround yourself around supportive, loving people”. ……Cindy
-“My
battle with cancer was an opportunity for me to learn so much about how my
lifestyle choices can contribute to, or detract from, the health of my body,
mind, and spirit”. …..
Genienne
-“Don't
assume someone else's experience will be yours. I can't say how many
UNNECESSARY sleepless nights I had worried I was going to have side effects or
pains that others talked about in forums that never came”. ….. Marsha
-“In
some ways breast cancer has been a positive experience for me. Having breast
cancer has empowered me. I have strength & courage I never thought I had. I
have gained so much knowledge regarding what is going on inside of my body
& my appreciation for life is sky high. I have made the most wonderful
friends. These are bonds that will never be broken”. ….. Abbe
-“My
advise to someone just diagnosed is to stay calm, it will be all right. This is
just another chapter in your life. You will get through this with the help of
your family and friends and loved ones. . …. Virginia
-“To
anyone who is going through this experience, I recommend take one day at a
time, and be positive. And remember: this too shall pass.” ….. Marie
-“One
of the best lessons I've learned is how beautiful people can be and that a
positive attitude is one of the best drugs you can take”.
…. Sandra
-“My
advice is to find happiness in your life's purpose. Don't be afraid to be
yourself. Make up your mind that you will survive. Be strong, proactive, collect
information and make educated decisions”.
…… Dawn
-“Through
this journey I heard so many inspiring cancer survival stories that my outlook
on life has changed. I want to enjoy life to the fullest and make myself as
happy as possible because I am alive and well”.
….. Kathleen
-“Cancer
is real. It is a life game-changer, and so I have less time for superficiality,
judgmental or critical behavior. Generosity, compassion and love are what
really matters.”
…..Dori
As for my wife, I continue to marvel at the calm and
courageous demeanor that she has brought to bear as she continues on her
journey to “the cure.” I have no
doubt that a great deal of this is a reflection of the caring competence and
professionalism of her treating physicians and their staff, and to the strong
and unwavering support of her children, her family and her many loyal friends.
But above all this, there is her unbending and overwhelming faith in her God,
her destiny, and her belief that her God will never abandon her. Her favorite
quotation, to which she
holds firmly and with conviction, is from Book
of Isaiah 43:2:
“When you
go through the sea, I am with you.
When you go through rivers, they will not
sweep you away.
When you walk through fire, you will not be
burned, and the flames will not harm you.”
-Indeed, all these courageous ladies
have shown, and continue to show, each in her own special way, the strength and
confidence that can only come from a deep faith in their God, and in
themselves!
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