PORTRAITS IN COURAGE

Facing the diagnosis of cancer can be the most challenging time in a person’s entire lifetime.  It takes great courage to face the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Cancer of the gallbladder is a devastating disease.  It is a rare disease most commonly found late in its course and usually discovered only after it has spread widely throughout the abdomen.  Currently, I am treating a young lady with gallbladder cancer.  She is struggling with this diagnosis and is dealing with a great deal of pain.  I am amazed at her perseverance and strength despite things not going well.  She has spent the last several weeks in the hospital trying to get her pain under controlled. She has approached her diagnosis with strength, resolve and I certainly admire her for these characteristics. I am not sure I would be as strong.

We have talked about her family and her youth in Tennessee. I have met her father and have seen the caring and worry on his face. She is in a loving long term relationship with another woman. The dedication and love for each other is readily apparent. Her sense of peace is amazing. I love her smile and her Tennessee ascent. I pray that the therapy she is receiving will be successful.   

 I think we can all take a lesson from these wonderful patients who are battling against insurmountable odds. As we go through our day, struggle with the present economic crises, and struggle with difficulties in our personal life I think we should realize things could be a great deal worse. We should be thankful for our health, and all the blessings we have in our lives.