A Journey Through Cancer
The analogy of cancer as a trek or a journey has been used before with good reason. It is a journey that is some ways parallels life. Prior to diagnosis, we are like innocent children. At the moment of diagnosis, we lose our innocence. We then become educated about cancer before going through a period of difficult decisions about treatment options. This is much like adolescence. During treatment we become accustomed to the idea of our disease as a part of our lives and deal with it as adults. For most cancer patients, the end of treatment is similar to retirement – eagerly anticipated as well as dreaded. Survivorship is like the twilight years – fulfilling, yet market by anxiety. Recurrence or terminal illness brings on the need to discuss end-of-life issues, which all of us will face someday.
Although part of this book is retelling of my personal story, I have used myself as a jumping off point to help patients and their families in their own struggle with cancer. I hope this small book is helpful in the journey.
