Going to a support group is something that never really appealed to me. For some illogical reason, I can blog about my life’s story to the world, but I find it uncomfortable to sit in a room full of cancer patients discussing the state of my illness.
At first, I thought it was because talking about this disease can be rather depressing. The percentage of women who make it — less than 50 percent — isn’t much to boast about. But I often write about ovarian cancer, and I’m supposed to speak at several functions by year’s end, so that couldn’t be it.
Then, last week, I met with med students at Weill Cornell Medical College as part of the Survivors Teaching Students program, and it clicked. I function best when I feel like I’m moving forward.
Talking about the past and how I arrived here isn’t how I want to feel kinship. I’d rather find it by helping others. I’m not diminishing the role of cancer support groups. Everyone copes differently, and in my case, it just isn’t the right fit.
Now, holding court in front of future doctors? Well, that’s right up my alley.
A simple but ingenious program, Survivors Teaching Students places ovarian cancer patients in medical-school classrooms to share personal stories and information about the disease. Who better for the troops to learn from than the folks in the trenches?
As the fledgling physicians looked on intently, I told my story. I encouraged them to establish relationships with patients and never let race or age bias determine how they treat individuals. (I decided to skip the part about how my family thought I should sue my original doctor for misdiagnosing me. We were bonding, so I figured that little tidbit might not be appropriate to share.)
Afterward, the students asked really good questions: “How can doctors support their patients after a cancer diagnosis?” “What clued you in that something was wrong?” “How effective are new anti-nausea and pain medications?”
This was real dialogue happening, and I was leading it. And it was exciting! By the end of the session, I felt like I had been called to service and had prepared my unit to go out into the world and save lives.
Next week, I’m off to Wagner College in Staten Island, and I’m already anticipating it. In a strange turn of events, it seems as if the students have become the support group I never imagined wanting.
6 Comments
August 30, 2009 at 11:05 am
Preparing the troops – I love it. I’m sitting in day #2 of our College Bound senior retreat and just read your article and was inspired (once again). It’s amazing how we can use our journey to empower others regardless of how minute, insignificant or painful the stories may be to us. It’s when we find the courage to share and look forward we are truly living. Keep doing what you are doing- it’s so necessary and simply awesome.
August 31, 2009 at 11:53 am
Chana. It is amazing for someone to have accomplished so much and so meaningful in such a short amount of time. You have given solace to families fighting this battle. You have pointed toward hope when it was in short supply. Now to be working with the doctors, too? That’s the kind of impact that will be felt for years and years to come. Please keep up the amazing work and please keep sharing it with all of us!
August 31, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Chana, I love it!
You inspire me in so many ways.
You’re putting the disease in such personal, human terms, and I’m awed by that. Little by little, you’re making a huge difference. You’re changing and saving lives, gyrl!
September 2, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Chana, I love this story. You are very inspirational. I’m new to what’s going on with you but I appreciate how you tell the world about this disease. I would like to know more about it and how to help out in any way I can, to help spread awareness or whateve. You’re a very special & strong woman. I’m proud to say I knew you from way back & you grew to be so wonderful & still beautiful as always. Love…
September 6, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Wow, how impressive. Reading this post, confirms how amazingly well you know yourself and abilities. Keep listening to yourself and doing and making the right fit for you. Great to hear that you found your niche and purpose by leading the troops! We need more patient leaders like yourself to guide the future troops!
September 16, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I wanted you to know that your article and blogs are very inspirational. I read your article on AOL and linked into your blog. I am 34 and do not have cancer but my 13 year old daughter is an ovarian cancer survivor (having ovarian cancer at 12 years of age). I sent her the link so that she can see how women are accomplishing wonderful things and empowering other people to be aware and learn of this secretive disease. Thank you for your honesty.