HOPE, OPTIMISM, CANCER and A NEW YEAR - 2007

On November 15, 2006 I wrote about hope. It is now New Year's Eve and many people are celebrating and also (maybe) making a list of resolutons. Many people would call me an optimist (someone with a tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation). In other words, despite bad situations I see my glass half full.

As I sreflect on the fact that we will be starting a new year - 2007 (Wow, where did 2006 go?), I am alo very aware of the many individuals and families and friends who are suffering from cancer or other chronic/debilitating diseases. No matter what stage of cancer survivorship you are in it is difficult to think about making "New Year's Resolutions". There is so much uncertainty that goes along with cancer.

Yes, I do strongly feel that each and everyone of you can have HOPE AND OPTIMISM. You can be hopeful for small things or large things and I truly do believe you can change your hopes during 2007. I also believe that you can be optimistic. Maybe your glass does not have to 1/2 full but maybe it could be 1/3 full to start with and increase as the year goes on.

And you might want to know what is on my list for 2007. I do not call them resolutions as I believe this list can change and grow, but some of my hopes include:
1) Decrease pain and suffering of 1 individual each day
2) Try to find more ways to help raise more money for cancer research and education. There are so many deserving organizations. I give time, money, energy to ones like: the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Oncology Nursing Foundation (this is part of the Oncology Nursing Society for cancer nurses. It raises money for scholarships and research money for cancer nurses), the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and local organizations like Cancer Services
3) Complete my 3rd edition of our book : Quality of Life: From Nursing & Patient Perspectives, Second Edition (Jones and Bartlett Series in Oncology) (Paperback) by Cynthia R. King (Editor), Pamela S. Hinds (Editor) (it is sold through Amazon.com and other bookstores).
4) To complete my new book with my father, Dr. John King, On 100 Tips on How to Communicate with Your Health Care Provider (physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant). If you have suggestions send them through the comment section of these blog and I will get them.
5) Help an oncology nursing colleague/friend put together a new book on Advances in Oncology Nursing Research. All of these books are designed to help nurses learn to take better care of patients.
6) Continue my work and research as a cancer nurse which I love
7) Spend as much time as possible with all my family and friends.

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Christmas, Holidays and Cancer

Whether you celebrate Christmas or another holiday at this time, I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers today 12/25/06. I have spent time relfecting on what Christmas and other faiths who celebrate holidays now really are celebrating. How can I explain it all in a few words when priests, ministers cannot necessarily explain in a 30-40 minute service.

What I believe this time of year should represent is hope for a brighter and better future. As I described in a previous posting in November on Hope, everyone has hope. It may be different for each individual. For some it may be hope that the cancer will go into remission, others may hope for cure. What I hope is that if I can decrease the suffering of one individual each day then I will feel I have not failed.

I hope for each and everyone of you that you can find something to hope for this holiday season as I truly believe that is why Jesus was born to us.

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Talking About Quality of Life with Survivors - Fertility

Today group of cancer survivors (young and old) joined me for a discussion about quality of life issues. They had so many wonderful suggestions on how to make the experience at a cancer center better and provided praise for things that are already done well. Yet, despite age, gender or ethnic background it was clear from this group that health care providers need to do a better job of discussing fertility/infertility, intimacy/sexual relations and other difficult topics.

It was clear that these are important topics for individuals who are healthy AND they are important topics for individuals with cancer. But, if your health care provider does NOT address these issues, please ask or have a family member or advocate ask for you. Ask what is infertility? Is pregnancy safe after cancer treatment? How will my treatment affect fertility? Is there a way for me to preserve my fertility?

Also ask about being intimate and having sexual relations. What is allowed during treatment? When is it safe to have sexual intercourse? If sexual intercourse is not safe, then what other methods for intimacy are safe and appropriate? Just because an individual may be too old to conceive children does not mean they stop wanting to be intimate or have sexual contact.

The American Cancer Society has some good information on these topics as do many other credible cancer websites.

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Coast to Coast: A Challenge

Connecticut high school teacher Christian McEvoy is almost halfway through a 6-month, 3,500-mile run across the United States aimed at raising awareness and much needed funds for cancer survivorship programs. He and his team have raised more than $140,000 of their $1 million goal. Christian's Coast to Coast: A Run for Survivorship kicked off in San Francisco on July 1 and will end December 14 in Narragansett, RI. Along the way, registered runners-- including survivors, students, and corporate teams -- will participate by running a portion of the trip to show support. For more information about the run, including a detailed itinerary, go to www.coasttocoastrun.org/

A film crew is accompanying Christian on his journey across the country. The documentary they produce will reinforce the mission of Coast to Coast by documenting the stories of persons with different cancers, of various ages, races, and regions.

A key part of Coast to Coast is the High School Challenge, which challenges teenagers from across the country to join the run as the team approaches their communities and to raise awareness of the issues facing cancer survivors. If you know of any high school students (or runners of any age) who may be interested in running with Christian when he comes through their communities, please contact Matt at matthew@coasttocoastrun.org

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Gifts That Help Cancer

With the holidays coming quickly and many people still looking for gifts and organizations stil needing donations to help fight cancer I wanted to mention a few ways to combine the 2.

In North Carolina (where I live) there is a wonderful company called Feel Good Frames, which was started in 2002 by Shelley Roupas, an incredible woman.The best part about the ornaments is portion of the proceeds from each one goes directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which you all know is an organization that raises money and awareness for blood-related cancers. This organization provides many types of support to patients and families. Shelley has been touched by cancer as have many of us. What better way to get in the spirit of giving than by making a donation to the Society and getting a very special gift for someone you love.

Another great website is the American Cancer Society where they also have many beautiful gifts and the money riased helps cancer research. I especiallyliked the card with the dove.

Think this season about giving a glorious gift that also will help save lives.

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Participation in Grand Rounds

Emily Devoto hosts Grand Rounds this week. She offered some of the best writing in the medical bloggosphere for all of us to read. She also highlighted my writing on the topic of cancer and spirituality.

Tags: Healthline, health, medical, doctor, grand rounds

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Cancer and Spirituality

Now that December has come and many people are preparing for Christmas and happy holidays with family and friends I find myself reflecting about the meaning of Christmas. But, I also find myself thinking about family and friends who currently have cancer at different stages plus all the patients and families I have cared for. It seems like an appropriate time to write about spirituality. This is different than religion (a system of beliefs and practices). As my patients, family and friends who have taught me – every human being is spiritual whether or not they are religious.

Spirituality refers that part of being human that seeks meaningfulness through intrapersonal, interpersonal and transpersonal connection. It is the unifying force of a person or an interconnectedness with self, others nature and God/Life. Some important elements include meaning (having purpose, making sense of life), value (having cherished beliefs and standards), transcendence (appreciating a dimension that is beyond self), connecting (relating to others) and becoming (which involves reflection, allowing life to unfold, and knowing who one is).

Research and clinical experience have shown that spirituality is a significant factor during the cancer experience for most individuals with cancer. Many individuals describe an increased awareness of spirituality during the cancer journey. Whether it increases or not spirituality appears to be associated with a fighting spirit, hope, inner peace, courage, meaningfulness, and satisfaction with life.

If you are family or friends of an individual with cancer how can you help nurture the spirit of your loved one? Some of the following are ways to help:
1) Be empathetic and respectful
2) Listen to your loved one tell stories of their life
3) Encourage self-expression (drawing, journal writing, poetry)
4) Support prayer, meditation, or guided imagery
5) Support healing rituals
6) Respect spiritual beliefs

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