Category: surviving cancer

“This is my fight song

Joanne Dragun, M.D.6 Comments

Take back my life song” (Rachel Platten,2015) . What a moving uplifting and powerfully energetic anthem when over 100 women hit the stage to sing out “I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion“. Yes they can and did in front of over 800 people in Cherry Hill N.J. last weekend. Everyone on stage was a survivor of cancer- most breast and ovarian for the million dollar fund raiser for Pink Roses Teal Magnolias brunch to benefit MD Anderson, Cooper Hospital Foundation.

My family and friends were present to witness this phenomenal event as our son, Anthony the Chair of Radiation Oncology was honored with the a “Hero’s Award”. Yes we are the parents bursting with pride. The day was magical on many levels.

Participants in the audience became joyful and overwhelmed. The survival stories were heartfelt and fearless, delivered by these inspiring women, expressing the drama of their own personal journeys, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. There were tears and cheers and memorials as well.

The 10th anniversary celebration was lead by the former Mayor with her own ovarian cancer diagnosis who shared her mother’s journey as well. Her teal boots a physical sign that she will stomp out cancer with passion and funk. Of course our hearts burst as they honored our son- for his work at the hospital and also his research on the national protocols designed for the treatment of breast cancer. He has even cared for my own friends in this our former home town.

While everyone cheered the heroes, they also found encouragement, wisdom, love, compassion and a bond with the hundreds affected. They are NOT victims- not a one. They are champions and proud of their own work toward wellness. When they joined on stage, the energy was infectious. As they sang out: “Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me” I doubt there was a dry eye.

Congratulations Pink and Teal committee- the monies raised stay at the hospital to help cancer patients – always the best way to donate to a cause. The devoted committee members now have oxytocin to spare and their strength built a wall of protection. Thank you for an amazing experience. Anthony said he is blessed to work with outstanding physicians and staff, while caring for wonderful patients and brave survivors. God Bless you all for your inspiration and Congratulations Anthony!

No Time for Losers

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

‘Cause we are the champions… of the world! (Queen ’77). Stanley Cup, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, March Madness, World Cup, US Open, now World Series… Everyone loves championships! If your favorite person or team is involved, even better. People enjoy the distraction sports provides.

Mr. Martin discussed his time in D.C. when the team was the Washington Senators and moved to Arlington Texas in 1972. Without a team for 33 years, Washington finds themselves this week in the World series (with Huston Astros) for the first time since 1933! “Doc, worse than having a losing team was having no team at all. We were abandoned. I loved taking my kids to the game on family day. To see a team in my lifetime make it to the series is a gift from God!” His eyes sparkle, he puffs out his chest and 700 miles away in Jacksonville, he is rooting for a home team winner.

Mr. Martin didn’t expect to see this day because he has stage four lung cancer and has lived well for three years. Immunotherapy, found to be effective for his type, is keeping it under control and he is thrilled. Mr. Martin believes he was meant to live for these games. He ties his own wellness to their success.

There is only one issue that matters in this story: Mr. Martin has found an event that captures his imagination. This fills him with joy, lifts his spirits, boosts the immune system fighting his lung cancer. It doesn’t take an IV, hours in the chemo chair, beams of radiation, recovery from side effects or cost of healthcare. It is a shot in his arm of pure goodness and life that doctors do not prescribe.

I understand that not everyone will feel this engaged with the Series, but Mr. Martin demonstrates how easy it is to find a happy engagement in life and is available to us all. It may be a grandchild’s graduation, a son’s wedding, a spouse’s good news, the birth of a new baby, so many events in our own life that help us to celebrate with the champions.

Life didn’t throw you a curve ball so that you can strike out. Difficulties happen that give us opportunities to overcome and bring elation into the heart. There really is no time for losers, we can cheer the champions or become one ourselves. Each one of us must have awareness for the brave and proud unfolding of our lives and raise a toast to our spirits.

Power Packs

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Cell phones, remote controls, drones, even vacuums all battery powered. People use the phrase “energizer bunny” to describe high energy and endurance, but we are going nowhere without batteries. Some day they will be passe but until then we need to charge.

Could you imagine if we had to have a battery pack for each bodily function? We are living miracles and while we can marvel we can also be disappointed. Bodies are not machines. We are not designed for perfection. Diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, cancer, joint pain so many ways we wish we could reboot.

You hope the more you are disciplined, work out, eat right, that sickness will stay away. “Doc, I gave up smoking thirty years ago! Can’t believe they found this lung cancer when I had a pacemaker!” Jesse says. He is right it doesn’t seem fair.

Amos says, “Doc this cancer plus dialysis treatment is a full time job!.” At 82 he isn’t frightened or disappointed. He is happy to have today. “Hey, well at least I’m still standin’.” I peer over my glasses and we both chuckle. “Oh yeah, except for my wheelchair!” Now that sense of humor will get him through and recharge him.

Martha drags her oxygen tank down the hallway. She is 100 lbs but the emphysema takes the energy she needs to eat a decent meal. “Doc, I can’t breath and eat at the same time so go ahead and stick the feeding tube in, I’ve still got things to do”.

Everyone talks about embracing the natural but look around. We cannot live without being plugged in and there are many reasons patients accept the burden of medical devices. I am reminded that a life worth living and a future worth anticipating is the real power.

Jesse, Amos and Martha aren’t working hard for themselves. The real power player in our lives is hope for the future. Jesse to see a new granddaughter, Amos to attend his grandson’s police academy graduation, Martha to care for her two little dogs. Your mind and body have the real power- don’t abdicate it to any disease.

Think about what gives you power and when you do, I am certain you will appreciate that it is a life with many joys and expectations. Staying fully charged will provide for your best life.

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!

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.