LIFE'S VICTORIES

During the month of October, my attention was drawn to a series of personal stories written by survivors of Breast Cancer in celebration of “Breast Cancer Month” in the local newspaper, 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.

On this occasion however, these stories have impacted me more intensely since, in the last year or two, 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 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 and one which, despite my many years of clinical experience, has taught me a great deal about my own inner humanity.

As I read the stories, basically simple comments made from the heart by the survivors, I was struck by the strength and character of these people, who had resolutely endured the pain, suffering and uncertainty of their journey and came through stronger and more resilient. To me they clearly spoke 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 a brief quote from a selected few of their many stories published under the banner of “Life’s Victories”. (link attached)*

“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, 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

“Some people might say I was lucky because I found my tumor early. But I didn't find my tumor because of luck. I found it because of knowledge and awareness. I knew that I should perform breast self-exams and I was aware of what my body was supposed to feel like”. …..Debbie

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 related to the competence and professionalism of her treating physicians 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 and 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”.




http://www.orlandosentinel2.com/data/breastcancer/individual.php?view=0*