Did you also chuckle as Rich Strike was led into the starting gate last Saturday? At first odds of 99 to 1 then “improved” to 80 to 1, we had to assume he was un-yoked and dragged off the farm that morning. I said, “Oh, that’s so sad, he will be humiliated, poor baby”. Hilariously, he proved us wrong, perhaps because he didn’t know any better. He wasn’t intimidated, or shy or even outpaced. He just showed up and ran his little heart out. When the Kentucky Derby gate sprung open I checked to see if he even knew which way to go. In the back of the field, I could just hear his thinking, “Oh, we are running? Where are we going? Oh, this is a race? I love races. Wait let me get around them! What, its over? I was just getting started!!” The drone footage is remarkable as this pony is seen maneuvering past while the others are in a stride, he obviously didn’t now his place. He just ran. Afterward, his exuberance was barely containable since the escort rider had to punch him in the nose to stop his excited biting- a way for him to express his joy.
Rich Strike striking a Derby win is a perfect example of what can happen if no expectations are set. No one told him he was out of his league. He didn’t know his statistics; he just ran his race. This young exuberant three year old is the teacher today.
In the clinic, patients will ask, “What are my chances, my odds of beating this; what’s the prognosis?” You can explore your own disease stats on line…. what they won’t tell you is that each cancer is completely different for each body, every immune system, all confluence of strength and adaptation in every person, and every year there are exciting new developments for treatment. My own pattern of practice is to treat as if everyone can survive everything long term.
And so, when I evaluate the patient I look for all the signs that they too can be a winner. They may be faced with the biggest obstacle, but if we tap into their strengths, manage them for success, they may also surprise us. Long term experience has taught me just how very unique each person is. So I tell patients, “Someone in every trial and study is a winner. Even if it is a small percentage who survive long term, for every single disease someone does. Let’s treat you to be the outlier. You dig into the battle, your team of doctors will provide every possible known therapy and only then we will know if you are in that small percentage of those who thrive. Why would we dare treat you for anything less than full blown success?” We will help guide, but you will make decisions. I will promise you, if your treatment is not going well, I will always be honest. If hospice is appropriate, I will advise.” However, while we all appreciate honesty, optimism can impact outcome.
When you are in the race, keep the blinders on and push for power. You will also feel the excitement of a battle if not won, then at least fought. Don’t let anyone convince you that 20,30,50 or even 70% is good enough for you. Somebody is going to come from behind and against the odds have their disease controlled, if not cured, why not you?
Let’s let this lucky, spunky pony inspire us today. He just didn’t know any better than to expect success. His surprising acceleration may encourage and propel each of us to achieve against the odds.
Note: I mentioned this once in a thousand year phenomenon a few weeks ago..the planets’ alignment continues so check out Venus, Jupiter red Mars and Saturn before dawn this week and take a breath of fresh renewed spirit.