Sunday, May 19, 2013
Long Story Short
by Anthony Lane
My wife's uncle recently died from cancer. Other family members have been more fortunate; my brother and grandmother are survivors. My mother has had tiny patches of skin removed before the cells could turn malignant and threaten the rest of her body.
Late last year, a close friend's 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Though she is doing well, the disease has forever changed her life and her parents'.
Cancer, in its many forms, probably touches everyone's life at some point, whether family or friends. The disease is both dreaded and destructive; treatment commonly withers patients, and there's never a guarantee the renegade cells will not come back.
Hope, then, is a precious thing when it comes to cancer treatment, and it was inspiring the past week talking to survivors who have stayed active despite the effects of harsh chemotherapy drugs (cover story, starting on p. 15).
This active approach is relatively new, but many researchers now believe cancer patients can shorten their recovery times and stay active by taking advantage of specially tailored exercise programs.
Wanda Wade is one such patient. Best wishes to her as her treatment continues in the months ahead.
