An essay by an artist who lost her work in the flood caused by Hurricane Harvey offers lessons for Healthy Survivors.
Read moreWhat I Wish I Had Known
Dallas Morning News staffer Mary Dunklin offers 10 tips for patients in her article, What I Wish I Had Known Before My Cancer Diagnosis.
Read moreA Better Name for Survivors' Guilt
Bryan's comment on my Cancer, Love and Guilt post got me thinking again about the term, survivor's guilt. Its focus on guilt adds undeserved shame or regret to an already uncomfortable feeling.
What's a better name for the feeling that arises when you learn someone else died from a condition similar to one you survived? In my search, I examined the feeling. It's a mix of...
Read moreThe Best Decisions are Governed by Values
A man's decision to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger offers Healthy Survivors a provocative insight on decision-making.
Read moreHurricane Harvey and Healthy Survivorship
Fellow Texans are suffering from the wrath of Hurricane Harvey. A few thoughts for those impacted, drawn from my experiences as a cancer survivor:
Read moreRealistically Ever After
In Realistically Ever After, long-term survivor and new blogger Laura Ellington discusses healing humor.
Read moreStopping Elders' Cancer Screening
The risk-benefit ratio of cancer screening shifts over time. What's the best way to present to patients that they can stop screening because at their age the risks outweigh the benefits?The risk-benefit ratio of cancer screening shifts over time. What's the best way to present to patients that they can stop screening because at their age the risks outweigh the benefits?
Read moreCancer, love and guilt
Lately, my days have been filled with love, laughter and meaningful work. While sailing on unusually calm waters, I'm thinking of my loved ones who are negotiating rough seas. Instead of feeling guilty at my current good fortune, I feel increased gratitude. I must feel joyful to honor them.
Read moreWho Knows If McCain is a Healthy Survivor?
Who determines if John McCain is a Healthy Survivor? Whoever can determine if McCain is (1) getting good care and (2) living as fully as possible.
Read moreIs John McCain a Healthy Survivor?
McCain's diagnosis released a flood of articles about survivorship in the setting of a poor-prognosis cancer. Assuming McCain is fulfilling the first criterion of a Healthy Survivor by receiving excellent medical care, is he living fully, knowing the average life expectancy is 15 months?
Read moreHope's Role in Healing
How, exactly, does hope help patients' healing?
Read moreHealing Hope
Does a patient's hope matter? Yes, of course. A more interesting question is, "What should a patient hope for?"
Read moreRedefining Strength for the Trauma Sufferer
Samira Rajabi talks about what it means to be strong. As a survivor of many brain surgeries for cancer, she first asks, "What if strength lies in being honest, being vulnerable and being ourselves?" Then, she shares insights you might find useful in your pursuit of Healthy Survivorship.
Read moreAttending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity
A new book on mindful medicine may help you in your pursuit of Healthy Survivorship: Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness and Humanity.
Read moreA Healthy Survivor's Perspective on the News About Breast Implants
My last post drew attention to the media reports of breast implants putting people at increased risk of a rare lymphoma. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't feel anxious, especially if you are considering implants or have implants. Anxiety is natural. My point is to use your anxiety positively.
Read moreWhen Implants Cause Cancer
Journalists often use heartbreaking stories to make a point. Those stories thrill me when they educate and mobilize people to proper action. They worry me when they risk causing undue fear and leading people away from proper action.
Read moreDo Positive Thoughts Extend Life?
Health columnist Jane Brody purposely used the indefinite adjective—“may”—in her conclusion about the benefits of positive thoughts:
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