Friday, June 7, 2019

Cancer 'Survivors': What's in A Word?

Isn’t everyone a survivor from the time of diagnosis to the end? One reader thinks so.
 


PUBLISHED June 04, 2019

Jane has earned three advanced degrees and had several fulfilling careers as a librarian, rehabilitation counselor and college teacher. Presently she does freelance writing. Her articles include the subjects of hearing loss and deafness, service dogs and struggling with cancer. She has been a cancer survivor since 2010.

She has myelodysplastic syndrome, which is rare, and would love to communicate with others who have MDS.
I never believed the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me.” I have been terribly hurt by words and have unfortunately uttered phrases I wished I could take back as soon as I said them. Words and language are very important.
   
However, I am a little – no, a lot – puzzled about the bantering around in the cancer community about what the word “survivor” means.
   
I was thrilled when the cancer center where I receive treatments decided to sponsor a “Gallery of Hope” for cancer survivors. The director said she called several people who said they were interested. A professional photographer took the pictures and a quote is written from each person. The pictures will be hung in a huge atrium overlooking where ground is to be broken in the fall for a brand-new cancer center.




    

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