Years ago, when my neighbor lost his hair from chemo, I considered shaving my own head as a sign of support.
I didn't have the guts to do it. So I joined the Pan Mass Challenge, rode my bike 190 miles, and raised a couple of thousand dollars for cancer research.
I've participated in the PMC every year since then, and am closing in on $100K in total fundraising.
I've also learned a lot about what people go through after they hear the dreaded "C" word from their doctor. Hair loss, chemo brain, the weekly trip for treatment, giving my father a kiss before surgery...these are the visible, easily understood symbols.
What is less understood is the constant battle the patient faces -- will my numbers be up, what does the radiologist see on my scan, can I keep imposing on my friends to help?
Or the life questions the patient faces -- is this quality of life worth the struggle, what else can the doctor do, what about that new clinical trial, how long do I have?
The battle focuses the patient on the immediate short term -- next appointment, next week, next scan, next treatment, fighting with the insurance company for coverage.
And it is indeed a battle, one that few patients are prepared for.
A few choose to battle on their own. Most need the human connection that keeps their spirit up.
I don't know what to say to a cancer patient, to my friends currently in the battle. I don't have the words to make it better.
So I just ask "how are you doing?" and "how can I help?"
And I keep riding my bike. Training for this year's PMC, the first weekend in August. And raising money for the cause.
Will you help?
Lee
100% of money raised goes to fund cancer research at the Dana Farber. To donate, please visit http://www2.pmc.org/profile/LL0033
