Mary Anne in TX
10-26-2007, 04:01 PM
Bunk.... I don't believe it! Everytime I've turned on my computer the last 4 days and MSN news (specifically cancer news) comes up, I have read the title of the article about research showing that emotional well-being not impacting cancer outcome. Are these guys totally nuts! Our emotional well-being gets us to fight or not fight, to go with the flow or trust our gut, to keep asking(demanding) for more options, and whatever else. I had read this all week long and just let it be until yesterday afternoon.
While my granddaughter was at a church thing, I ran into a clothing store to see if there was something she just couldn't do without. I didn't find much, but I did spend some "high quality waiting time at the register"! Trying to get checked out with a big stack of things was a couple (probably about my husband's and my age). They were being treated nicely, but their card just wasn't doing right. Finally the sales gal made a call to the head office and while they waited I asked rather meekly..."are you taking chemo"? (Her head was tied in a bandana, chemo style) She said, "I just finished. And I don't have much hair to amount to anything yet." I told her that mine had taken a while to take hold, but then it just took off and grew like crazy and filled in really well. She said she hoped she got curls. I told her they had been fun and was wondering how long I would get to keep them after so many years of my so straight hair.
I could just feel that more needed to be said; so I kept on a bit about her hair growing out and that it would be a great adventure, and then asked where she had had treatment. She told me (a great place) but that she was through with treatment (had just worn out with it) and was now in hospice care. She was buying clothes to travel to hawaii and other places to see her family. She would go in style. Her last treatment was 3 weeks ago and she was preparing for her trip. She said they couldn't do more for her and that she just didn't want anymore chemo. I gave her a big hug and watched as they left the store. I felt so many things! I felt honored to have met her. I recognized all the wonderful traits of a sister warrior. I felt the resolve of her decision. And I felt her pain. When she left, I could hardly move. My heart was breaking for her and so many others! I thanked God for CTRC where I go and the family of doctors and nurses that cares for me there. They make us feel so special.
And then I saw that stupid story again today! Emotional well-being not effecting the outcome for cancer patients. One of the first times that I asked for advice and help on this site, I was answered by Sandy! No mencing words from Sandy. I felt like I had been lectured and kicked in the pants....in a good way! I felt a bit pitiful for a small time and then realized the blessing of the strong-willed, determined, out-spoken women on this site. I remember the change in my "emotional well-being" after the kick in the pants by Sandy (God bless her precious soul) and the choices I made because of it!
I think they ought to gather up some warriors once a year and let them educate the professionals who are willing to listen and learn from those who live the battle day to day!
Well, I'll stop my tirad now. I probably put this in the wrong place. I worry about everything. Someone will fix it, if so.
I think you guys are great! Keep up those attitudes. They are the bestest medicine of all! mary anne
While my granddaughter was at a church thing, I ran into a clothing store to see if there was something she just couldn't do without. I didn't find much, but I did spend some "high quality waiting time at the register"! Trying to get checked out with a big stack of things was a couple (probably about my husband's and my age). They were being treated nicely, but their card just wasn't doing right. Finally the sales gal made a call to the head office and while they waited I asked rather meekly..."are you taking chemo"? (Her head was tied in a bandana, chemo style) She said, "I just finished. And I don't have much hair to amount to anything yet." I told her that mine had taken a while to take hold, but then it just took off and grew like crazy and filled in really well. She said she hoped she got curls. I told her they had been fun and was wondering how long I would get to keep them after so many years of my so straight hair.
I could just feel that more needed to be said; so I kept on a bit about her hair growing out and that it would be a great adventure, and then asked where she had had treatment. She told me (a great place) but that she was through with treatment (had just worn out with it) and was now in hospice care. She was buying clothes to travel to hawaii and other places to see her family. She would go in style. Her last treatment was 3 weeks ago and she was preparing for her trip. She said they couldn't do more for her and that she just didn't want anymore chemo. I gave her a big hug and watched as they left the store. I felt so many things! I felt honored to have met her. I recognized all the wonderful traits of a sister warrior. I felt the resolve of her decision. And I felt her pain. When she left, I could hardly move. My heart was breaking for her and so many others! I thanked God for CTRC where I go and the family of doctors and nurses that cares for me there. They make us feel so special.
And then I saw that stupid story again today! Emotional well-being not effecting the outcome for cancer patients. One of the first times that I asked for advice and help on this site, I was answered by Sandy! No mencing words from Sandy. I felt like I had been lectured and kicked in the pants....in a good way! I felt a bit pitiful for a small time and then realized the blessing of the strong-willed, determined, out-spoken women on this site. I remember the change in my "emotional well-being" after the kick in the pants by Sandy (God bless her precious soul) and the choices I made because of it!
I think they ought to gather up some warriors once a year and let them educate the professionals who are willing to listen and learn from those who live the battle day to day!
Well, I'll stop my tirad now. I probably put this in the wrong place. I worry about everything. Someone will fix it, if so.
I think you guys are great! Keep up those attitudes. They are the bestest medicine of all! mary anne