Choosing When There Are No Good Options I sat in my oncologist’s office with my wife beside me. He walked through the choices. Surgery that would change my face. Chemotherapy that might buy time but offered no promise. A clinical trial with many unknowns. Standard treatment that we already knew could fall short. Every path…
Read moreTag: Uncertainty
Making decisions after a cancer diagnosis
The words land first. “You have cancer.” The room still looks the same, but nothing feels the same. You may hear the doctor talking, see lips moving, yet inside, everything goes quiet. Then the questions rush in at once. What now? What do I choose? How do I stay standing? In that moment, cancer diagnosis…
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Living With Cancer: Finding Courage In Every Ordinary Day
I picture you at your kitchen table, maybe with a mug cooling beside your hand. The house is quiet, but your mind is not. When you hear the words you have cancer, life splits into a “before” and an “after”. The shock, the fear, the questions about work, kids, money, your future, they all crowd…
Read moreA Healer’s Heart: Compassion and Comfort in the Cancer Journey
The road that a person with cancer travels is undeniably tough, both physically and emotionally. As a surgeon who has seen firsthand the impact of cancer on patients, I recognize the role that kindness and solace play in the healing process. Let’s dive into these elements and discuss how they can positively affect the journey…
Read moreEncourage Self-Reflection
Experiencing a range of emotions, challenges, and uncertainties is common when dealing with cancer. While feeling overwhelmed is normal, remember that you have the strength to face this journey bravely and resiliently. Reflecting on moments of resilience and vitality can help keep you motivated. Consider what triggered those feelings, whether it was overcoming a hurdle…
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