All of a sudden I know too many people with cancer. Years ago I worked in a cancer clinic supporting oncology patients with acupuncture and herbs. They were patients of mine, not friends and family. Prior to leaving for our summer road trip three weeks ago, five people close to me had cancer. Sadly, now there are only four. This is too many, and it leaves me sad and angry that our world has become so toxic that everyone from 6-month-old babies to 33-year-old women to 60-somethings can suffer from this epidemic. What can we do if the dreaded diagnosis hits close to home?
A Model For Positive Attitude and Action
One of the reasons for our excursion to the West Coast this summer was to visit close friends who have a baby with a malignant brain tumor. Their incredibly beautiful little boy is doing very well, all things considered. He's vibrant, giggly, and has chubby cheeks despite undergoing weekly chemotherapy.
His parents are two of the most positive people I know. From the moment their son was diagnosed, they encouraged friends and family not to worry or send fear in their direction. Instead they urged everyone to remain positive and hopeful that all would be well for their child.
On a practical level, they have been supplementing their son's chemotherapy treatment with a long list of natural remedies including Chinese and Western herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins. He receives acupuncture and energy work. They prepare only the best organic whole foods for him and he still breastfeeds as well. Perhaps most importantly, they have made their home a peaceful sanctuary full of color and love and quiet calmness. Thanks to all of their effort, their son tolerates the chemo much better than most people and appears to be thriving despite the havoc being wreaked on his growing little body.
Turning Crisis Into a Blessing
It's certainly easier-said-than-done to suggest that being diagnosed with cancer could be viewed as a blessing in disguise. However some of my friends with cancer have called it that because it forced them to make profound changes in their lives that they might otherwise not have made. Changes toward a healthier lifestyle full of gratitude and appreciation.
I've written before about paying attention to subtle signs from the universe that are there to teach us something profound. Cancer is not subtle. It can't be ignored. It thrusts the present moment to the forefront of attention and puts all else in the background. Maybe that's one of the gifts of such a horrible disease. It places everything in perspective for sure. Just knowing so many people in my life with cancer changes my priorities, and makes me want to cherish everyone and everything I love so much more.