As I have been blogging here for a bit now, I thought I would take a moment to introduce myself. I am a trained scientist, holding a bachelor's degree in chemistry and a master's degree in biochemistry. In addition to my science background, my interest in blogging for The Cancer Blog comes from a personal place.
In 1999, my father died of esophageal cancer after a short illness. His first symptom was difficulty swallowing and the diagnosis just took off from there. He was an otherwise-healthy man in his late 60s and had reached a very happy point in his life. He had just settled into retirement and was surrounded by a large family that adored him. The best years were yet to come.
I buried my grief for a few years. Since then, I have become a living testament to that old saying, "Time heals all wounds." Slowly but surely, I could look at pictures of him and enjoy them, I could talk about him and not burst into tears. I know my dad wanted me to be happy and I am.
I believe in the power of telling our stories and perhaps more importantly, the power of listening.
I am continually amazed by the resilience of the human spirit.
1. Patricia
You obviously have the background and personal experience to contribute a great deal to the blog. Cancer patients need informed opinion good, bad or indifferent. I believe in "measured" moral support and consider it important. However, the overkill sugarfest that is sometimes read is useless and sometimes dangerous.
You have channeled your energy in a direction that can help others. You do indeed give purpose and meaning to your life this way. The information you post is meant to empower others to ask some vitally important questions involving future treatment regiments for cancer patients. There is much incentive for distortion of facts and statistics in cancer research and treatment.
It is important that one studies and manages their own problems and the only way one can make sense of losing a close friend/relative is to turn the tragedy into anothers hope. It is a voice that lives on and challenges an establishment of medicine that is imperfect, but more importantly, refuses to be totally honest enough with our loved ones about the potential consequences.
I've said before on this blog, you don't go to blogs or discussion boards for information per se, but rather for new ideas. Simply reading the comments is an excellent learning process. They are a way of sharing information and stimulating ideas. A great way to get new perspectives and information.
Posted at 4:19PM on Jul 10th 2007 by Gregory D. Pawelski