Chondrosarcoma patient: Dealing with pre-appointment anxiety and doubt
The thoughts start kicking in about a week before I leave for MD Anderson. Once I've finished all the practical preparations, I struggle to stay optimistic and hopeful about my chondrosarcoma treatment.
I push those thoughts to the back of my mind, but as my travel date gets closer, they become more insistent. During my drive to the airport, they squeeze in close, like fellow passengers on an overcrowded bus. What will my scans...
Chondrosarcoma patient: Thank you, cancer
Thank you, cancer. Yes, I'm serious when I say that. No, I haven't lost my mind. And I haven't discovered a strange, new side...
Changing clinical trials for cancer treatment: A cancer patient's perspective
By nature, clinical drug trials are something of a gamble. Since the drug itself is either brand new or being used in a brand new way, there's...
MD Anderson resources for cancer caregivers and family members
Early in my cancer journey, my wife Sarah made an interesting observation. "You know what it's like to be a cancer patient," she said. "But you don't know what it's like to have a family member who's a cancer patient."
She was absolutely right. I had an idea of what my family was feeling, but I didn't really know how they felt. I wasn't the one who had a family member with cancer.
I knew...
Support groups: A cancer patient's best friend and best weapon
I don't remember when I first heard of support groups, but I do remember the first time someone suggested I join one.
It was...