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.