I've written a lot about the stigma of lung cancer. Yet, sometimes our perspectives change. Today I'm writing about the stigma of lung cancer in a new light. From the stance of a recently diagnosed breast cancer patient -- me.
On one side, I have had the opportunity to experience a wee trace of the "stigma" of cancer. I've also been asked questions. "Do you have a family history of breast cancer?" "How long did you breastfeed your children?" "Were you exposed to pesticides as a child?" Of course nobody has asked if I smoked, or directly implied that I "caused" my cancer. But questions nonetheless.
In response to those questions, a dear friend hit the nail on the head. People want a reason to believe they are "immune" to cancer. They want a reason to say "this couldn't happen to me."
But cancer happens. It happens (lung cancer included) in people who are "doing everything right." And that makes it scary. Really scary.
On the other side, the lack of a stigma has been even more dramatic. As I look around I see a sea of pink. Pink flowers of so many varieties. Pink packages. Pink clothes. Pink caps for upcoming chemo.
But where are the white flowers, the white packages, the white (?invisible) ribbons for those I care so much about who have lung cancer? Those thoughts have left me in oxymoron central. Feeling full (feeling support myself with breast cancer), but feeling empty (longing for more support for those with lung cancer.)
So. Speaking now as a breast cancer survivor (we are survivors the day we are diagnosed), I am making a vow to myself and the lung cancer community to raise my voice. It's time that lung cancer survivors receive the same compassion and love and support that breast cancer survivors do. And it's time that funding for lung cancer catches up with that for breast cancer, and offers the same hope for new treatments in the future.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Lynn,
you have been an advocate for and supported so many. May your friends and family — and readers — provide you with support, encouragement, and good thoughts to help carry you through your treatments and recovery!
My best positive thoughts are with you!
Lisa
“We are survivors the day we are diagnosed.” Wow! That one brought tears to my eyes. May your strength never waver and may a world without any cancer be just around the corner.
God bless!
This is an absolutely wonderful blog post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Lynne, you have put the situation into words so perfectly, capsulizing and distilling, pointing out the similarities and differences and swirl of feelings.
You have already begun to kick breast cancer’s b_ _ t by using it to inspire, inform, and heal.
Thank you and I look forward to reading more as you navigate these crazy waters.
Lots of love,
Lori
Dear Dr. Eldridge,
Thank you for this, for your grace, for your compassion for Lung Cancer patients. And now, we support you as you begin your journey as a Breast Cancer survivor. I hope you can feel the love and healing thoughts from the advocates and patients who have come to depend on your even and compassionate voice. I’m cheering for you!
With love,
Nicolle Foland
I love the idea of being a survivor! It gives me power and determination to march along this road of healing. I know there is no cure for me, but there doesn’t have to be illness either…and that’s life! I’m so sorry you find yourself on a similar journey and wish you health and healing.
We are all in this together! (BC and LC survivor!)
I hope that you get the treatment that you need. Breast cancer is a scary thing, although all cancers are scary. Having been a caretaker, I only know cancer from a distance but not really. I think that all loved ones of a cancer patient feel some of the same things as a cancer patient feels. I empathized with my mom when she had cancer and I was her caregiver. I also wish that lung cancer wasn’t a forgotten cancer.
Thank you for your words.
ALL cancer ‘patients’ deserve acknowledgement, support and as much information as possible. The traditional medical community has no ‘cure’ or hope of one. The CURE is in our lifestyle and nutritional intake.
I am a prostate cancer ‘survivor’ and love the usage you provide. We ALL are SURVIVORS from the day diagnosed!
Getting that diagnosis, CANCER, is a real kick in the but! It wakes you UP. Actually, it changed my life for the BETTER and is helping my family and friends realize that lifestyle change is the only way to overall Health and Wellness.
This journey has inspired my wife Nancy and I to the extent that she is downstairs right now (6-6-2011 2pm est) giving a cooking class to interested folks. MMM smells from the kitchen are making me hungry!
Anyway, we are on a similar journey. Let me know if you need help, direction or support.
Cheers and Good Health!
Skip Stein
Whole Foods 4 Healthy Living
http://wholefoods4healthyliving.com
Even though we never experience that warm blanket of support….we offer it freely…lovingly…to anyone with any cancer DX. You have stood up for US..and even now..speak of US. Cancer is the evil, never the patient. Thank you for seeing the PINK we face at every Onco or GP visit. It should always be about evil cancer…just cancer…as for questions…can you imagine having them asked…with VENOM? You know us, we aren’t “against” BC patients! lol that’s what they accuse us of, as well!!!
We’re all surrounding you with LOVE, LIGHT…and whatever dang “color” blanket of smooches you want! ; ) ♥♥♥
Bless you.
I have lung cancer but just the mets in my liver.Irt didn’t come back in lung.Just joined but wanted to support you.My sis had breast cancer,surgery and chemo.She has now been Ned over 7 years.So you really hang in there,what you do is important,and we need you.I am now a retired nuse.We have 2 posts up on Inspire on the lung cancer survivor site so prayers are soaring already,From me tto,AndiB
I am new to the blog. We have benefitted from the newsletter. I want to echo the ideas already expressed–the absolute best to you in your journey
the wonderful survivor definition
and the need to draw attention and money to lung cancer!
Spouse of a man currently without signs of lung cancer, soon to begin PCI.
As a breast cancer survivor, invasive carcinoma stage 2B from 2003 and a current stage 4 lung cancer survivor, I know first-hand the difference in support & hope. Thank you for your efforts in advocating on behalf of lung cancer and my prayers are with you for a successful outcome over breast cancer.
Praying for successful treatment for your breast cancer. Thank you for everything you have done. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a world with no cancer.
xoxo
Thank you for writing this! I have stage IV NSCLC and never smoked. When I was an arts admin I always said if sports heroes told people they also love the theatre and music and great artwork, people would flock to see it.
You are our sports hero! You have the power and the perspective to help facilitate change. My thoughts are with you, fellow survivor.
I am proud to wear pink for you, white for me and purple for all of us. Dare to dream . . . Pat
What a beautiful post. Thank you for your bravery. My mother died of breast cancer – well – it all started with breast cancer and from there…it went almost everywhere.
Thinking of you as you continue to be a survivor and an advocate for others!
Carrie Craft
Adoption & Foster Care Guide
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Unfortunately most lung cancer patients are diagnosed late and are unable to walk or march or advocate for themselves.
My prayers are with you for your recovery.
a BC patient, with #20/30 radiation treatments as of today, your blog really touched me Today. The concept of Stigma, persay, had not even occurred to me, yet the “less-than” feeling has by now, permeated, nearly taken Over, with the Isolation of family, friends out of state & far away. Just recently, with the help of the 4th (count ‘Em) psychiatrist, I have begun to more fully understand my own journey, process. As a former social worker, classroom facilitator, I have rejected the “Pink-Think”, having experienced for myself how Many ‘support groups’ are little more, imo, than highly-organized Hand-Wringing Unions . . . Even the 2 women (each rad. Mastectomy survivors), who reached out to Coach me to/thru the 3 surgeries, fell OFF the Edge of Earth, when my lesser results were reported back . . . not jealousy, but just a very Human reaction, Disappointment, I believe . . . But losing the One, a friend of over 35 years, has really thrown me. Have you seen this “she still Has ‘em” phenomenon, in your practice ?
Thank You for this blog! Although I believe I am Finally feeling more like my ‘old Self’ lately, I am sure many, Many women are still deeply Hurting. To try to reach out to them, I’ve re-posted your Link on FaceBook . . . Gratefully, -K in Saint Louis
Lynne, this is beautiful and thanks for all the love you send our way (lung cancer) even in your own time of need. Enjoy the support and heck, even the pink ( it is a pretty color). What has been achieved thru advocacy with breast cancer is phenomenal as well as inspirational, and I’m sure you will take away some lessons to share with us from your own personal journey. Wishing you all the best.
Love, Linnea
Hello Dr. Eldridge,
Lori Hope posted the link to your article and I am so happy that she did. I am a breast cancer survivor and a Lori Hope fan. It is so easy to see why you and Lori are members of an exclusive and wonderful, “mutual admiration society.”
There are three things that have served me well during very challenging times, my inner strength, my faith and my sense of humor. However, had I not had people, with whom I could share all of these things, I would not have known that I had any of the three.
I look forward to getting to know you better, the message you posted today is so caring and touching, I want to get to know you better.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Love and prayers.
TJ
I’m a warrior in blue – colon cancer survivor – with re-section surgery and chemo in 2007 and a recurrence this year in a lymph node outside of the organ. I’ve been told I’m Stage IV, but not typical since it presented in a lymph node. Starting radiation with low-dose chemo for 6 wks and then chemo for 4 months afterward.
Cancer happens and it stinks, but I have tried to enjoy the rays of sunshine it has brought in my life – other warriors like yourself, Lori Hope and others who have crossed my path and touch my life; and of course forcing me to slow down and really enjoy each and every day.
Sending hugs to you as you continue on this next part of your journey and thanking you for sharing your courage and insight with so many.
Lynne, I heard about your blog and your diagnosis/plight through your good friend Lori Hope. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I can totally relate to your post. The sea of pink floods all other colors of the rainbow that represent the other cancers. Cancer does indeed suck, and it never sleeps, to boot! I’m praying that both you and Lori will have the strength and endurance to face the challenges in the days ahead. Onward, forward to a hope-filled tomorrow.
XOXOXO,
Jan
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to you! Thank you for all that you’re doing to help and support others, especially bringing up this important point. You’ll be in my prayers.
Hi Lynne-
I was very sad to learn about your recent diagnosis with breast cancer. The first few months after being diagnosed can be such a whirlwind of emotions and action- trying to figure out the best treatment possible. My thoughts are with you as you begin this journey.
You have provided such a great resource to lung cancer patients with your website. Thank you for sharing. I wish you a quick recovery from surgery and any other treatment you may have.
Emily
What a compassionate women you are. May you receive that and more as you go through your unique journey. Thank you so much for lending your voice to lung cancer.