Category: Human Spirit

Labor of Love

Joanne Dragun, M.D.1 Comment

Labor Day (125th anniversary) started as a tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of America. May I suggest that this holiday gives each of us an opportunity to recognize our own as well as appreciate other’s efforts?

In the cancer center, the concept of labor is strong. I am so proud of my patients who work so very hard for their wellness, but most often they labor not for themselves but out of love for others.

Brandi who is just 48 made it clear to me this week, “Doc, I am not getting treatment for myself. I have children to raise and I have to fight for this.” For Marvin the tough battle may be metastatic lung cancer but his only focus is to be strong for his grandchild just diagnosed this summer with cancer. “Doc, this is such a tough blow. I have to help rescue her”.

These heroes have courage and focus and I marvel everyday at the strength. Labors of love are not always so dramatic, but still very enriching and life altering. Ben holds his wife’s hand and asks all the questions she is too weary to express. Harvey crams his therapy in between visits to the nursing home to help feed his mother after work. Nathan would have stopped treatment but he cares for his wife with Alzheimer’s disease. Patty walks into the lobby with one grandson tucked under her arm like a football and another clambering to get free of the stroller. Her treatment is the least of her issues.

When someone picks up the clothes, prepares a meal, makes the bed, gives a hug or holds a hand, recognize these gestures for what they really represent. Labor isn’t just a job. Fruits of our labors come in all forms. Everyone can love effort that lifts, inspires or brings joy.

Celebrate all the ways that you contributed to your own, your family’s or your country’s prosperity. But please take time this week to really appreciate the many ways that your life is blessed and gifted by labors of love. Then what a lovely environment it will be in which to live and labor.

PS: Stay safe fellow Floridians, Hurricanes never dampen our spirits!

Hopeful Stats

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

My good friend Chrissy just completed her therapy of chemo, surgery and radiation. Her squad of several friends including husbands arrived the last day to cheer her on to a renewed life. The excitement and love was evident even for others among them who battled the disease themselves.

It takes months to treat and for Chris and others, the strength for the work is necessary in mind, body and spirit. She remains true to her joyful, hopeful self and inspires my story today.

There is great news for her. She will join 3.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US as well as 17 million cancer survivors.* People are surviving well and in great numbers.

I recall even at a young age people whispering about cancer (“She has the big C”). The thought was that speaking the word would give it power. Well who has the power now? No doubt it takes therapy, fitness both mental and physical, a great support and medical team, but so much of the success resides within.

If I didn’t see first hand amazing cases as a radiation oncologist for over twenty five years it would be hard to hold out hope. Instead what I do experience is miraculous improvements in life, changes in therapies with outstanding results, patients living well with diseases, returning to employment, strengthening with physical therapy, improving nutrition, reconnecting with friends and family: a hope for success at every level.

Whatever the type of cancer or challenge you or a loved one faces, don’t give up. If it has become overwhelming or too much to bear, then believe there can be comfort. Find people who lift you up. If you cannot run a race, have someone take you to sit on the sideline, marvel at other’s fierce resolve and be inspired to be your best.

You are not alone. 65% of survivors are over 65 and almost 70% have survived over five years. (source:NCI) You are a blessed survival statistic. Refuse to identify with the disease. Be hopeful, not that you will conquer this or any other diseases but that you are still destined to live your best life. The statistics today for cancer are in your favor and getting better everyday.

Have faith in yourself and hope will follow.

*NCI division of cancer control and population sciences

Vision

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Recall the song, “I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky?” A moving inspirational anthem especially in school musicals, singing out life affirming words. I wish I had it piped into the sound system in the treatment room.

When I consult a patient and discuss therapy, I often see the eyes cloud over and a stare replaces engagement. Some patients or families take notes avidly, others really do not want all the information. Not everyone believes they can see it or believes they can do it. The ability to have faith in themselves doesn’t automatically happen when the diagnosis or some life drama appears.

Take Shannon, she gets the children to school, herself to work, stops midday for radiation then reverses her day. There is lots of drama, enough for a reality show in between her footsteps. Does it sound like your life without the lunch “break” ? With the life altering diagnosis that upends their world I am always relieved to see patients who accept and continue moving forward. I want you to know what reality stars these patients are to me. Shannon like others on this path are not intending to inspire others. They all just have a vision.

They want to be healed, a simple plan. They crave normalcy. They want to live an uneventful, uninspiring, quiet, peaceful, boring life. They didn’t sign up for the drama but they work at it everyday. There will be no awards but there will be rewards for their efforts.

Shannon’s simple vision is to be a working mom. She fulfills that everyday. Her goals are not in some distant future. Vision happens with each moment empowering the next.

I admire Shannon and other patients who work for their wellness, taking steps to solidify their own vision into reality. I believe that with vision and belief in themselves, they can all fly.

Life on Hold

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Many aspects of living actually keep us from truly living. What has tapped you on the shoulder, stopping you in your tracks and caused distraction? Certainly a cancer diagnosis does that. “Wait; you cannot get on with life, you must stop and reconfigure your work, exercise, money and budget, caring for children and others.” No, you cannot put this aside until you are ready. Cancer won’t be ignored.

What a selfish being this cancer thing is. The dynamic is the same for many of life’s events and surprises: a death, sickness, drug addiction, accident, inability to use a limb, hospitalization, divorce, deployment, moving from friends and family. All of life’s stressors. The path you thought you were taking is detoured over very rough terrain and getting lost can happen. Even other joys don’t register when this overwhelming problem appears.

Patients frequently tell about being blindsided: the mother getting ready for her daughter’s wedding diagnosed with breast cancer. The grandmother headed to graduation out of state going to the hospital instead. The son going off to college, now on hold caring for his ailing father. The list is long and daunting. Life as we know and want it to be stops.

As much as I am a fan of pursuing dreams, activity, enjoying life even with cancer, the momentum is not in that direction any longer. May I suggest that this terrible interference can also provide us a moment to stop and take a breath? Yes, it may make you turn around but you can also look around.

How exciting can it be to now make new life-worthy decisions that you may have avoided when your trajectory was “set”? Many of our patients describe going back to school, having or adopting a child, becoming closer with estranged family, getting married, changing the drudgery of one job to something they love. Because this movement also can happen with a re-routed life. There is opportunity to engage in more meaningful ways. At the very minimum is a new-found appreciation for your life.

Do not despair. It may be intimidating when faced with the unknown, but now you can view everything in a different way. Life isn’t on hold, it is happening. It is forcing you to take control and burst out of your sameness. Be assured that you are up for the challenge. Embrace the new experiences, people, environments. You will be amazed at your strength and proud when you recognize new potential. Were you in a steady state that you took for granted?

Be open to letting this change be life affirming. Don’t settle for less out of fear. Open your mind and your body will follow. Above all: get ready for the greatness that is still within you!

Did you discover a new path after adversity? Please share.

You’ve Got This!

Joanne Dragun, M.D.2 Comments

Have you heard that today? If not let me say it directly to you. Whatever the drama: finishing a degree, living with grief, giving a presentation, moving on with your life after major changes, going on deployment, raising a challenged child, staying sober, healing a heartache, or managing a life with cancer. Maybe two or even three of the above apply. A carefree life doesn’t really exist if you are living, experimenting and growing.

You may think, “Doc, you don’t know how it is for me. You can’t understand all I am going through, there is so much pain and tragedy, fear and disappointment, I don’t feel as if I have this at all!”

Aah but you do! Let me offer to you a change in thought: Do not doubt yourself. Whatever you focus on grows; reliving a past drama over and over makes it the main focus of attention in your life. Its important to know where you are headed. You can persevere with positive anticipation if you trust yourself.

Think about when and where you have been strong or even fierce. Did you deliver and raise a child, move to another state, finish a degree, help to run a business or organization, succeed in a sport, hold a dying loved one’s hand, been a good and devoted friend when someone needed you, lived on meager means, overcome addiction, changed careers, or been physically or mentally stronger than you ever thought you could be? Sure you have.

Not to diminish how terrifying and life- altering a cancer diagnosis is, but you’ve met so much adversity in life already. Don’t believe for a minute this is too much for you. I see strength rise in the old, feeble, fearful, tearful, weak and overwhelmed everyday. What I also see is the rebound, relief, steel determination, balance, faith and hope, love and devotion, smiles, new direction, overcoming and miracles.

Believe in yourself. Today and everyday look in the mirror and tell yourself that you’ve got this. Say the words out loud and often, then trust me you can make it so.

Please share your own positive self-talk. Joanne

Party in the House!

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Connection is critical in cancer care. (alliteration!) Treatment is a big commitment and during the process people bond. The center becomes a second home for weeks. When patients return for follow up visits they are happy to see us even when filled with trepidation. These visits become a celebration of life.

This week was a parade of fun : Lucia speaks little English but her exuberance speaks volumes and she greets us all with a hug. She shyly reaches into her suitcase (handbag doesn’t adequately describe ) and surprises us with “chocolata” thrilled with the staff’s smiles.

Adda is out from her drama a year. She bring trinkets from a recent visit home to family in the Middle East and pretends to not understand my objection to gifts as she wraps me in her mother’s scarf with a hug. Robert is from my hometown Philadelphia and never arrives without his Phillies, Eagles or Flyers hat.

Mickey powers in like a force in full neon orange from earrings to 6″ heels fully expecting the high fives and laughter from staff. Macy embraces us all and at 89 she views her check up as an outing and loves the fuss over her. Janice delights in her many colorful and funky wigs while undergoing chemo and is always surprised and delighted by the giggles she inspires.

So many opportunities for delight far from the madding thoughts of sickness right here in the cancer center. Is it all frivolous fun? Nope! Connecting with people improves our immune systems. Caring, not just treating helps the cure. My new secretary hears the “party in the back” where the exams rooms are and says, “Dr.D, what goes on here?”

There are no delusions. We cannot rescue everyone- but we can provide a path to wellness in spirit. Connection does that. Just as I recall Sunday dinner at my parent’s house, patients should feel that we are waiting just for them- to greet them with respect, to treat them with expertise, to honor the life in them, bringing them not only into therapy but into our hearts.

The environment is as important for healing as the technology. There are so many ways to keep from taking ourselves too seriously. Make a conscious decision that illness or challenges do not have power over you. Lighten your hearts and bring others into your own party. When you are a connection to someone with cancer, you are changing their world and your own- all for the better.

Have you discovered ways to lighten your life? Please share and thank you.

Memorial Day

Joanne Dragun, M.D.1 Comment

Practicing medicine in a military town offers me a wonderful opportunity to care for many veterans and active duty, as well as their spouses. I am the daughter of a tank commander in Patton’s army and the wife of a Vietnam veteran, the honor is always mine. The men and women who present for cancer therapy from age 30’s to 90’s have stared down amazing challenges. Many have come from foreign countries and then serve in the American military. They are proud to do their part. With the new directive to provide care in the community for veterans, it is a privilege to use our state of the art therapy to aid them at this new critical time in their lives.

When a patient presented a few months ago for care, the history reveals him to be a veteran as well. “Where are you from?” I asked. He quietly says, “Vietnam”. I tell him how my husband is a Vietnam veteran Combat Engineer. He brightened and the cancer therapy was forgotten in his excitement. “I was a Captain in the South Vietnamese Army and fought with the Americans!” He was profoundly excited to tell his story and also saw a chance to send a message. He clutched his heart then asked through tears, “Doctor, will you please, please do me a favor? Please tell your husband from my heart how grateful we are. My children have a better life because of the Americans. We owe everything to them. They came so far to help us. I can never thank them enough”. He says this with such conviction and passion. I am very moved. He sits quietly on the exam table shaking his head, “I know how the American Vietnam soldiers were treated when they came home, I read about it over there and it saddened me. Please tell your husband we all knew that Communism is very very bad and we needed America to save us”. I am speechless. This is so much to share. Later that day I gave his heartfelt message from out of the blue to my husband and he was moved as well. I ask what to reply to the Captain. Softly he said, “Tell him it was an honor”. The men have never met yet the bond is sacred. It is the first time in fifty years anyone has thanked my husband for his service.

Every week the brave veterans of many wars bring their hope and strength to this cancer battle. I never take their trials, pain and sacrifice for granted. I sense the weight of those who lost their lives as very young men on foreign lands and families who prayed and waited for them. I learned as a young child that military men and women are a special gift to our nation. I always thank them for their service. Guiding these patients toward healing helps me to extend that appreciation to those we will never see.

Thank you. To all those who lost a loved one in the service of our country. To all those who serve now and to the families who sacrifice with them. Know that a grateful America will never take you for granted again.

The Comeback

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Even if you do not follow professional golf, you will be aware of Tiger Wood’s amazing comeback to win his fifth Master’s Tournament this month- his first major win in eleven years. A decade of surgeries, rehab, personal challenges, physical therapy, scandals, loss of sponsors, a truly challenging time when most would give up.

You can anticipate the parallels I see for us all. The victory by one stroke after days of competing, is being called a “miracle comeback”. As exciting as many are for this inspiring champion, even fellow golfers, Tiger’s win has implications for us. After all, patients treated for cancer are ever seeking their own comeback.

In the oncology clinic, Tuesday is a day for following up my patients treated over the past months and years. Everyone is so unique- not just the cancers or the stages, but how each of them has managed, thrived or succumbed to the disease. Some are capable of getting on with life, putting the impact of cancer behind them. Others are dealing with ongoing therapy (immune, chemo or radiation) and hopeful that the next scan gives them a break so they can regain some normalcy. Some have rehabilitated in new and exciting directions with changes in employment, education, having children and grandchildren. What every single one of them needs is hope and encouragement. Rooting for Tiger or not (generally I like an underdog whose life will change with a win and dedication rewarded), you cannot deny the profound message: “anything is possible”. He never lost faith in himself. He didn’t say that he was too old at 43 to push through the pain, he defied every naysayer.

I want you to resist your own fearful, scared voice. Tell yourself that you are a champion. Separate the cure from living- you can! Cancer isn’t who you are. It should not define you. See yourself as whole and hearty. The stronger you think the stronger you will be. Get up. Get out. Envision those muscles flowing with healing blood. Imagine the white light of strength surrounding and protecting you.

Just do it isn’t only a shoe company slogan. Its something you do everyday. You can do it isn’t just a hardware store advertisement. Get it done doesn’t belong solely to another retailer. It is something you can access everyday for yourself. Be a champion, have faith in yourself and your own comeback will be fierce.

Congratulations Tiger and thank you for the inspiration.

The Buddy System

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Summer afternoons in Florida bring torrential downpours, lightening, electrical disruptions, flooding and accidents. It’s a mess, but thank goodness they generally last only a few minutes to an hour. I never heard anyone use the term “drizzle” like we did up North and I quickly learned my first year  here to respect when they say “rain”. Monsoons are more like it.

When Chuck* came in to discuss his new diagnosis of multiple myeloma and radiation for pain, he arrived with his service dog, Buddy*. What followed is a chaotic visit punctuated by the booming lightning strikes seen through the window overlooking the pond and preserve (usually a tranquil view). As always we start with the history. Chuck is a veteran. Following several deployments, he has PTSD and thought his fatigue and pain were related, no idea of this new cancer as the culprit. He adopted Buddy after he was trained for emotional support. We all need a Buddy  on this day. The large yellow Labrador Retriever lies at Chuck’s feet as we review the x-rays and discuss care. The  storm ramped up and I found my sentences punctuated with “crash-crash” as if we are all in a horror movie.

Poor Buddy needed our support more than Chuck. He wears the vest but it doesn’t protect him from the startle response to the lightning strikes. Finally, Chuck sits on the floor and cradles a trembling Buddy in his lap, rocking back and forth. It is all just too much for everyone. Having a front row seat to the interaction reinforces how healing  the bond is for both.

When the drama subsides after about 45 minutes we finally get on with helping Chuck and Buddy heads out to the waiting room, looking back several times to be sure Chuck is okay. What sweetness and concern passes between them. Chuck says, “You’ll be alright, Buddy” as he pats his head. Buddy knows that Chuck is in trouble and that his job of support just logarithmically increased. His presence will be a big factor in Chuck’s wellbeing and recovery.

Buddy gives Chuck someone to live for, pushing him toward treatment he may otherwise have avoided. They will both do well for a time and I am grateful for the magical loving bond that was created from nothing but now means the world.

What support systems have you found helpful during your journey? Feel free to share. Joanne

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

Shared Experience

Joanne Dragun, M.D.1 Comment

Cancer is ubiquitous. I does not discriminate. It is not bigoted, elitist, misogynistic,feminist, political, agnostic, religious, tall, thin, fat or skinny. It is not wealthy or poor, successful or challenged, happy or sad, working or retired, busy or quiet, educated or not. It chooses its victims with supreme equality. To appreciate this, come into the waiting room.

Larry lives intermittently on the street. He is dirty, disheveled with stitches holes in his clothes. I don’t know how long he has been down on his luck, but I suspect it is a lifestyle now. His shoes are duct taped, he drinks his coffee here with lots of cream and sugar probably the only calories for several  hours. I am at the front desk when I witness the interaction.

Millie is 89 years old, with a walker, but in her finery. It is an outing from a very upscale assisted living home. They are scheduled back to back for treatments with radiation and Larry comes early on a city bus. As Millie is called for treatment, Larry stands and assists her with the walker and door. My staff would easily help, but this tender, gentlemanly attention is too sweet to interrupt. Millie smiles into Larry’s eyes and he nods his head. The deference  and courteousness  is almost breathtaking to witness. It is a dance of sorts, going on for weeks while each is under treatment. They are bonded by the cancer diagnosis and these mornings at the center.

It is then I remember that cancer cannot steal kindness, love, gentleness, honor, respect, encouragement, spirit, joy, happiness, tenderness, pride or even a smile. Perhaps Larry comes early not just for the coffee, but also for this interaction. Perhaps he sees his mother in Millie even as they are different races. Perhaps Millie feels like a girl having a man’s attention and deference. Perhaps she realizes this helps Larry’s self-esteem. Perhaps there is more healing in the lobby than I suspect. There is a cancer bond. It is deep, unspoken and very human. it is ubiquitous as well.

When you think about your own path, in what ways have you found support or comfort? Please feel free to share or comment. Joanne