Sometimes we need to be reminded that life is not universally as we experience it. We found out today that one of my work colleagues, and someone who has become a good work buddy of mine, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I work for a palliative care service, so the people we see with cancer are a pretty skewed representation of those with the disease. We're trying to remind ourselves that many people survive cancer. 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive in 5 years (not sure of the stats beyond that).
There are times in life when we need to look beyond that which we know.
Thinking of you K!
8 comments:
Hi Campbell,
I’m very sad for your friend “K” to have discovered that she has breast cancer. It must be exceedingly difficult for her with a job that has her dealing with people who are ravaged with the horrible disease on a daily basis. Hopefully the cancer was caught in time and the chemotherapy (or whatever treatment she and her doctors opt for) will be able to eradicate it quickly and permanently.
She’s going to need a lot of emotional support, which it sounds like you and your colleagues will be providing her with.
Thanks Miss Litzi. K will most likely be having surgery followed by chemo. She came into work on Monday which was between her routine mammogram at which she was told there was a 'highly suspicious' lump and getting the results. She thought it would be good to have a distraction and work would provide that. She only lasted the morning however as she soon realised this sort of work was the wrong type of distraction!
Hi Campbell,
The type of work “K” does is definitely not the kind of distraction she needs at the present time. I was rather “removed” from cancer and the horrendous toll it takes on a person’s body before eventually succumbing to it. Three years ago my Dad was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer and given 3 to 6 months to live; 7 weeks later he was dead, which was a blessing for his sake. The pain and depression he endured for that short period of time was heart wrenching to observe. I sincerely hope that “K” is able to beat this horrible disease….no one should have to endure such a fate.
sad news ... but I am sure you will help K be positive.
Thankfully it is 2007 with the marvellous medical knowleddge and equipment available rather than even just 30 years ago.
Focus on the positive.. as you say 85% survive... she will need you guys along with her friends and family to keep her sane and look at the positive... Anyway.. a x from me.
we all need a bit more hope and faith!
Thanks for your thoughts everyone. It's going to be a long road ahead for K., but hopefully one that will see her around in many years time.
Hi Campbell,
A friend of mine was diagnosed last year at the age of 40 with breast cancer. She's been through the surgery and chemo (and all the other shit that comes with it), but she's here and she's healthier and we're catching up this week. It's awful when a friend goes through this. I hope she has lots of support
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