Cancer is a unique disease in many ways. One of them is that it affects the entire family and friends. Another is the fact that support is a vital factor in the recovery process. Therefore, this article is directed toward the family and friends of cancer patients. Continue reading “Support — That Vital Ingredient”
Searching for Support
Numerous clinical trials validate the benefits of a cancer support group. There is little doubt that individuals attending a support group live longer than those who do not. But even greater than that is the fact that those attending a support group have a substantially better quality life. And in my opinion, quality of life is the most important factor Continue reading “Searching for Support”
Patient Responsibility
In discussing the idea of mandatory second opinions for newly diagnosed cancer patients (www.blastcancer.org) a cancer support organization came to the conclusion that the patient must be responsible for his/her own body in lieu of another Federal or state regulation. That’s only logical. If I don’t care that much about my life, why should anyone else? We all hate regulations Continue reading “Patient Responsibility”
Gifts
In 1985 we started the R. A. Bloch Cancer Support Center on the grounds of the University of Missouri-Kansas City based on work done by Harold Benjamin at his Wellness Community. Like everything else we do, it is totally free to all participants and donations are never solicited. Early in its infancy, Raymond and Anna Lou LaTurner sought help at the Center. Continue reading “Gifts”
HELP is Only a Phone Call Away
The trauma of being diagnosed with cancer is enormous. All of us who have been there know it. The questions that race through our minds, even while the physician is still trying to explain the situation, are unending. Will I die? Will I be an invalid? Will I have terrible pain? What do I tell my family? What do I tell my friends? How will I handle my work? Will I have to endure Continue reading “HELP is Only a Phone Call Away”