It comes in waves. All of sudden television and radio ads talking about cancer, all types of cancer.
Michael Douglas was just on Oprah talking about his battle with stage-4 throat cancer. His doctors have given him an optimistic diagnosis. Douglas says they’ve gotten all of it He also says the entire experience has changed his life. He talked about how his kids are his priority now. His career has slipped a few spots on the life ladder. That’s not surprising is it?
All of us who have been down the cancer road have gone through much the same transformation. Life takes on new meaning. What was our normal, is gone and we make a new normal. Priorities shift. Infact, we forget most of those old priorities as we try to settle into a different life.
I watched Michael Douglas as he spoke about his cancer. He looks different. He still resembles his famous Dad, Kirk, so much, but the change is in his eyes. It’s where cancer leaves its mark. There’s something to be said about the eyes being the window to the soul, because once cancer has knocked, the signs of a change is first reflected in our eyes.
The confidence, the self-esteem, all the things that come together to make us who we are, take a hit. Cancer attacks an organ, but it wounds the heart and damages the soul.
Victor or victim…it makes no difference.
May 01, 2011 @ 23:36:15
Saw the interview with Michael Douglas which was authentic & frank. All such cancer stories trigger recognition and a feeling of ‘kinship’ in me.
I agree: Cancer attacks an organ, but it wounds the heart and damages the soul. You could see that in Michele’s eyes and hear it in the stories detailing how his wife & son suffered.
Along with the physical pain scale we mark at each drs. appointment I think there should be an emotional scale with the accompanying frownie-smilie faces. It would tell a different story.
My body healed from surgery quickly but my heart aches missing the healthy, unscared, fearless me! That person is a ghost receding into the past. My heart aches yet again upon hearing of a new cancer diagnosis or reoccurence –friend or celebrity.
Today, thanks to JH, I’m a NED victor but until there’s a cure for cancer I’ll still feel like a victim of a chronic disease!
You’re a lovely writer. Well said!
jab
Apr 27, 2011 @ 19:01:29
I didn’t see his interview but I would agree with Laurie’s assessment..it is in the eyes and also in the demeanor. Arrogance, bravado, cliches….all go out the window. You are humbled perhaps for once in your life. You are not in control. No amount of spin makes it better than it really is. I hope that he is OK and that he will take this as a gift and try to do good in the world because of his fame. We all have a chance to do good in spite of our diagnosis or prognosis. There is so much that is needed if we only took just a small amount of time from our lives to help others. Cancer does take a toll but sometimes we can respond in a way totally unexpected and do good, reach out to others in need which will help us and think beyond ourselves….it works and does wonders for not only us but others who can’t quite muster the strength or courage to do for themselves. Good begats good!!! It may sound nuts in today’s world but I do believe it. St Francis of Assisi is credited with saying “Preach the gospel everyday and when necessary use words!” Amen