Riffs on Cancer

 and other taboo subjects

Those who have cancer don’t need words of sympathy. They need empathy, hugs, and presence.

When we have cancer, we no longer rush about in our daily lives trying to maximize the work we get done, to get from Point A to Point Z as quickly as possible. We linger with others, ponder, sit, reflect with a second cup of coffee. Ponder some more. The destination no longer seems as important as what we are experiencing on the journey, and our journey now includes cancer. Our goal is to be present to this moment and take care of others who are suffering the best we can. 

Children and Cancer

Carmen Monge’s picture book, Can-Can & the Adventure of Ming Island shows adults how to explain what is going on to a young child who gets cancer. It shares ideas with families for helping their children navigate through treatments, and it nurtures empathy and hope.

We know that children get cancer. It’s in the news often enough. Every time we hear of another child with cancer, it troubles our hearts and makes us question the goodness of the universe. I know, goodness isn’t a concern of the universe; nor is fairness, but it’s still how I react. When I was undergoing radiation, the therapists put cutouts of different animals on the cherry tree painted on the ceiling to give kids something to discover as they go through treatments.

Cancer Patients Are Not Cars

 The Gift of Narrative Medicine 

Courses on narrative medicine are offered in some premed programs and medical schools. They are an important addition to the scientific coursework because they remind future doctors and nurses that they, and their patients, are human beings who have emotions that need to be tended to. The courses train medical people how to listen and interpret what patients say, as well as notice when patients are reluctant to share something. These courses aren’t offered at every medical school, and generally there is only one course. But it creates an awareness of the gift of listening that strengthens as the years go on.