Is PHSD a valid diagnosis? Post hurricane stress disorder. When hurricane Debby hit West coast Florida this week, I was convinced I am a storm magnet.Fran, Irma, Ian in Daytona were no joke (nor was Sandy in our LBI home). Evacuations, with no power or cell for days, a high -water- lift off the beach front, all triggered anxiety last week while covering a practice on the Gulf coast. The 80 mph winds and fierce rain reminded how vulnerable we are. The deadly storm carved a deep and painful path this week up the East coast, and I hope that you are yours are safe.

A few times it was almost comical as all phones in the center went off simultaneously with alarms. Good that evacuations were not mandatory since 2 major bridges were covered with high waves and completely closed. Navigating took clever courage.

What delighted me was how 70 patients came into the center and shrugged off the drama. One chuckled how, when he opened his car doors, water poured out. Another took out his chainsaw and cut limbs blocking his road along the way. Again and again they laughed, told their stories and joked about escaping snowy winters and living in “sunny” Florida. Aged 57-92, this cast of characters demonstrated resilience, humor, fearlessness, even spunk. As I managed their treatments, truth be told, I leaned into their strength. I appreciate that so much in life we do not control, even when cancer visits our strong, healthy bodies. How we accept, move past and forge our future remains our greatest power. God Bless and stay safe as this wild season unfurls.