Thoughts on Cancer
The Five Stages of Grief
Denial. Anger. Depression.
I’m 19… How could this happen to me? Why? Why me? It’s not fair! That was my first reaction when I found out that I had cancer and a prognosis of less than a year to live. My life is ending when it’s supposed to be starting. Supposed to be. There was no hope.
These were the thoughts that came to my mind when I first imagined myself in James “Rhio” O’Connor’s position. Although imaginary for me, the circumstances were very real for Rhio. At sixty-one years old, Rhio was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer tightly linked to exposure to asbestos1. He had less than a year to live1. As the tumor was near his spine, surgery was out of the question1. Similarly, chemotherapy was thought to be unable to significantly improve his prognosis1. The doctors recommended a cruise for Rhio and his wife before the fatal effects of his cancer set in, indicating the direness of Rhio’s cancer1. However, unlike how others and I may have perceived the situation, Rhio did not find it hopeless. He was a fighter. Rhio took an active role in the treatment of his cancer. He researched on his own and worked with other professionals to choose the most appropriate treatment1. Rhio survived for seven and a half years1.
Bargaining.
Upon learning Rhio’s story, I had a change of heart. Rhio is right! Why should people accept the number of months or years that are predicted for them, especially without a fight? Re-imagining the scenario, if I was given the same dire cancer prognosis, I would first ask for a second opinion from another hospital. In fact, I would be a whole lot more inquisitive. All these questions started popping in my mind, replacing my initial sense of hopelessness. I would ask my oncologist whether he has experience diagnosing the specific type of cancer and whether or not he knows any patients with the same cancer to whom I can talk to. I would ask about the side effects of each type of treatment and inquire why and how each treatment is appropriate or inappropriate for my cancer. I would also search up medical papers related to my cancer and its treatments. All of these steps help make my informed decision of what treatments I want.
My informed decision makes all the difference in the world. As the world’s technology rapidly evolves and improves, we feel less significant in our medical decisions, simply because we do not understand the specific biological mechanisms or the jargon that professionals use. If we empower ourselves with research, not just plain old searching on Wikipedia and Google, but really digging into the information with the passion that Rhio had, then the battle against cancer is no longer solely the doctor’s responsibilities, but also ours.
But what happens when chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, all of the conventional cancer treatments, had little to offer? I would probably start panicking again, because these treatments are the majority of the corpus of texts on cancer therapies. No, Rhio would say, don’t give up just yet. Instead of focusing on the traditional methods that failed to solve or even ameliorate his problem, Rhio turned to alternative methods. He worked with professional clinicians and changed his diet, which included over 100 supplements a day and practiced mind-body medicine1. Rhio reminds us of how attached we are to traditional methods, forgetting that oftentimes they began as unconventional ones.
I would definitely look towards alternative therapies if conventional ones failed to improve my situation. For instance, from my biology class, I have learned that certain compounds like isothiocyanates and goitrin are found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. They are great because they are rich in fiber and vitamins and have cancer-fighting abilities. Yes, nutrition could be a possible way to extend my lifespan.
However, there is a caveat.
In desperate times, people often look for the silver bullet. Although I may be at my wits end, struggling with the constantly decreasing time I have on earth, I cannot simply try all of the alternative therapies out there. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, biofeedback, herbal therapy, labyrinth walking, massage therapy, meditation, music therapy, Tai Chi, yoga and the list goes on2. Even though alternative therapies can extend a prognosis, like in Rhio’s case, it can also shorten it if they are promoted by frauds. Moreover, different therapies are tailored to different types of illnesses. With alternative therapies, people must also make informed decisions, as oftentimes therapies are assumed to be safe and effective2. Rhio researched and found nearly one hundred medical articles that linked nutrition to improvement of cancer before he chose to undergo a diet and supplement based therapy1. Rhio shows us that we should make fact-based medical decisions even in stressful and desperate situations.
Acceptance.
Support and love from family and friends are equally important. In difficult times, they are the ones who can help me carry my burdens. I suppose love is also an alternative therapy, because it gives people the determination to find solutions to their problems, and in a way, encourages an informed decision. I would want to search for the best possibilities in order to prolong my time with the people I love, and of course, others would as well. Love gives people the drive to live and to push past obstacles.
It is this love of life and his family that Rhio clung onto as he researched for ways to expand his lifespan and to manage his mesothelioma1. Rhio taught people a very important lesson of understanding their illnesses and potential medical therapies and therefore, making effective use of all the opportunities out there. It is with this understanding that people can feel empowered in facing their disease and finally accept and prepare for their future.
Sources:
1. “James Rhio O’Connor.” Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Guide. Cancer Monthly,
<http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/rhiooconnor.cfm>.
2. “Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management.” American Cancer Society. <http://www.cancer.org>
