When Cancer And Coronavirus Collide: Fear And Resilience

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Opinion: 'This epidemic will make the struggle of cancer patients worse.' 'Yet people with cancer are perhaps better prepared than many to face an existential threat. We've developed resilience and learned to live in the here and now.'

It's like being in prison inside a prison. Having advanced cancer while being wary of the COVID-19 virus really sucks. I am speaking both as a doctor and as a person with cancer – since 2016, I have lived with stage 4 lung cancer.

In fact, for people with malignancies, especially those treated with chemotherapy, it is impossible to separate the two threats. They are among the most vulnerable in this epidemic because chemo can weaken the immune system. They are exposed to a higher risk than the general population, and we need to pay attention to them.

This epidemic will make the struggle of cancer patients worse. In places where social distancing is recommended, they need to stay home. They may be forced to stop working if they can't work from home, or they may face layoffs. They could end up losing their health insurance. Yet people with cancer are perhaps better prepared than many to face an existential threat. We've developed resilience and learned to live in the here and now. When you confront your mortality, you realize that life is finite — there no time but to become your true, authentic self. You start to judge what you do by your own standards and express yourself truthfully.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

 

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Thank you for opening space for cancer patients to share their stories and views.

morhafalachkar Everyday you wake up is a good day. The only easy day was yesterday.

morhafalachkar My mom is dealing with stage 4 lung and hip cancer. I’m terrified for her.

My Wife has Lupus among other underlying health issues. Her IMMUNE system is shot. She needs the CORONA VIRUS vaccine right now. NO ONE IS A BETTER CANIDATE. HELP HER NOW. just as cancer patients maybe could benfit

Every day is a gift, every moment we are alive we are very very lucky. Prayer has nothing to do with it. People prayed for every day die. If God had that kind of power we wouldnt live in the world we live in. Its also very elitist to think ones prayer is answered and ones isnt.

As a mom who experienced pediatric cancer & chemotherapy w/ an infant I can tell you this is a correct statement. I also have a part of me says'welcome to the game people' I also felt similar in 911, tragic as it was, I have seen horrific things & hadnt realizes so many hadn't.

Imagine if someone had the cure for cancer out there hmmm.

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