Some thoughts on Cancer.

[Raven]

A friend and co-worker (and DU poster) has been battling breast cancer. It is a battle and I have watched it. She's been through the awful diagnosis, the surgery and she's now doing chemo. She's being treated at Dana Farber in Boston and, when she's there, she see folks who are at every stage of the process. She had some very interesting observations today and I thought I would pass them on.

She doesn't like the use of the term "my cancer" because it seems to mean that one has accepted it or succumbed to it. She likes the term "the cancer" because, rather than personalizing it, she objectifies it and can fight it more effectively.

She hates the pink bows because pink is a baby color, a passive color, not a fighting color.

She hates the term "cancer survivor" bacause, to her, it means that someone else saved you. She likes the term "cancer veteran" because, to her, it means that you fought and came home from that war.

She thinks that the Docs at Dana Farber walk on water but she asserts that they can do only so much and that she must do the rest.

To say that she's an inspiration to me is an understatement.

[latebloomer]

1. as a survivor myself, I like her points!

In particular, I agree that at times you need to research and consult yourself in order to decide whether a treatment is right for you.

At LEAST half the healing comes through you, the rest is the doctors and medicine.

[seemunkee]

2. Good attitude

I was a victim, but now a survivor. I don't mind the term, but I understand her reasoning.

[XemaSab]

3. Sorry she's going through that

Her take on the color pink is very similar to Barbara Ehrenreich's.

Welcome to Cancerland:

http://bcaction.org/index.php?page=welcome-to-cancerlan...

[Midlodemocrat]

4. I have several friends battling cancer right now, including a five year old.

To me, whatever gets you through it, gets you through it. It's a horrible disease.

Best wishes to your friend.

[Lavender Brown]

5. She sounds like a wise and strong woman...

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, but just recently ended her radiation therapy and all seems to be going well. It's amazing how much worry and struggling some people can take on and still stay strong. Best wishes to your friend.