Tag: courage

9/11 Strength

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

Eighteen months ago there was an eerie silence. When the world shut down for covid, everyone sheltered in place as if under attack. I stepped outside and a terrible familiarity chilled me. The bright blue skies lost the criss- cross of exhaust and the peacefulness was anything but. There was fear. Twenty years ago today also offered a surreal silence as all planes were ordered to land immediately. There wasn’t peacefulness, just shock. Innocence was lost the day American came under direct attack. Every one of us recalls where we were that morning when reality of the sheer evil unfolded. Many at risk were ultimately found safe but too many faced hell that day. Terrorism became a new and terrible concept.

We changed and adapted and we ultimately moved on, accepting a new reality as innocence was lost. We didn’t defeat terrorism as witnessed these past weeks, but we learned to be resilient in the face of challenge. A world pandemic presented a new terror and once again we find the internal fortitude to manage.

When Nancy presented for treatment, she was a puddle of tears- basically fears. She needs this new cancer like a hole in the head. Recovering from abuse and even imprisonment for attacking her assaulter (how does this happen, dear lawyers?) at middle age she cannot continue her physical job due to fractures. I do not need a plane, a pandemic or refugees to look directly at tragedy.

There is however, strength and hope to tap into when we appreciate a country that recovered, a world which is joining forces and individuals being saved. No event, illness, or tragedy can crush the human spirit. When Nancy believes she is adrift and the sky is falling, there must be a thought that somewhere within, her unique spirit is in control. This is what patients feel so very often- confusion and fear in the circumstance. It is the rescuer running toward, the helping hand of compassion, the kindness of strangers, the support of family, friends or a team that will give us and her a renewed belief.

I need to treat Nancy’s cancer. I want to heal her life. If she sees that people care and have not abandoned her, she will come through and succeed. She doubts that she is brave enough to rise out of her ashes. For today I must hold the hand and give confidence that she does have the strength within for this battle, but when she does not believe, there are others who will rescue her and carry her through the danger, rubble and fear.

You can offer this encouragement and kindness to someone today. You are needed. The term “never forget” is a message for this day 9/11, but also never forget that our community of human strength and spirit is far greater than any threat. Lieutenant Tony was a brave NYFD rookie who survived rescuing others on that fated day. He reminds us in simple terms, “It’s about respect for human life”.

A Father’s Day

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

When men come into the cancer center for care, I am acutely aware that this disease is derailing their life’s work. They wear many hats: father, husband, coach, provider, friend, son and care giver. The cancer victim hat doesn’t belong on their crown. Usually they don’t accept it easily. They are looking for a way out of the drama.

I have been privileged to treat thousands of fathers over the years and I understand their need to protect is strong. Jeff bounces his one year old son on his knee while we detail therapy for a new diagnosis. Benny another patient, whispers even though we are alone because he wants to impress upon me his need to keep his diagnosis of stage IV prostate cancer from his daughters and grandchildren. Carl is a big tough guy brought to his knees with a head and neck cancer but he never takes time from work because he needs to provide for his large (seven children) family. What they have in common with the thousands of fathers is that they want to deflect attention from themselves and harness power within to make this a winning battle.

I watch as these men leave their visit with me and walk down the hallway, straightening their cap, standing taller and putting a smile on their face to the family in the waiting room. The wife and children may have fear in their eyes, but the father is in control of the message.

I admire the fortitude. As their cancer physician, I understand the chaos they are facing- there is no room for this insult in their lives. But I know these men having stood up to a role of father or father figure will be fierce and unafraid. Fatherhood takes strength, leadership, calm demeanor, respect of children and respect for their mother. There is no room for selfishness even or especially when their own world is tilted. It is a unique, quiet, profound role for life.

I pledge to do my best to care for these amazing fathers. God Bless the men in your life who have filled that role. A prayer to those who passed, a phone call to those still here, a hug for those close will touch their hearts. Appreciate the father figures who have paved your path, pushed you to be strong, encouraged bravery, helped you to fulfill a dream, had vision for you and lifted you up. Celebrate the person you are because someone strong once held your tiny hand and believed everything was possible for you. They still do.

Courage for Cancer

Joanne Dragun, M.D.

On the 75th Anniversary of “D Day” I am moved by the ceremonies and honors, but even more captivated by videos and photos of that day, June 6, 1944. I heard stories from my father who was there at a young age 20 then headed to the Battle of the Bulge and Germany with Patton. Bravery, heroism, valor are words anemic in reflecting the sacrifice on those beaches. At the cancer center, war veterans are a joy to care for as they have a unique perspective when diagnosed with cancer. For Dad, diagnosed at 73, he sailed through therapy with ample time until 91 to explore a life of courage. He lived his life with a sense of fearlessness and gratefulness. As with many from the greatest generation, a cancer diagnosis is brushed off as just inconvenient. We refer to fighting cancer as a battle but do we have any idea what that signifies? These men do. If men have power to survive this enormous assault, shouldn’t we derive inspiration that we too have the human spirit and strength ready for our own battles?

Paul was shell shocked by his new diagnosis. “Doc, I may not be brave enough to handle this”. Yet he surprised us all with growing courage through the process of chemo and radiation for lung cancer. Marilyn cried and trembled her first week, but as the days passed without incident, she succeeded not only to survive but thrive. Katie had her eggs frozen to spare fertility at age twenty. Eight years later she returned with adorable twin girls. Jason wears the electrodes treating a brain cancer and pops a knit hat over his head on his way to work. Chris wears a “fight like a girl” T shirt yet never put on boxing gloves in her life.

I have the privilege to treat people at a critical time in their lives and witness valor they doubted they possessed. You or someone you love has been in the struggle. As physicians our job is to assure you that you do possess the fearlessness necessary to succeed. Sometimes to get past the terror, I recommend baby steps. Take one procedure at a time. It can be overwhelming. If the men 75 years ago, packing their equipment knew what they were to face on those beaches, the world would not be saved from tyranny. You have turning points too. You will look back at the months of therapy amazed at your own daring.

When I care for patients in the fray of their own conflict, I never ever take their courage for granted. Your war will be over and profound bravery will bring you through. Trust in yourself. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is courage to continue that counts.”