Thoughts on the Big C

[linderlizzie]

I just read an interesting quote that I thought I'd share. It echoes my thoughts. It's called "Words About Disease Can Affect Attitudes, Treatment" The article was in a hospital newsletter and was written by the Rev. Dr. Bruce E. Baumberger.

". . . the time of my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith . . . "    - II Timothy 4:6-7

A couple of articles read recently address the subject of how contextualization affects the way we understand disease. Or, to state it in other words, how we speak about disease affect the way we treat disease. For instance, in addressing breast cancer, the researchers discovered that using words like "enemy," "fight," and "war" elicited a differing approach to treatment than when words like "challenge," "value" or "race" were used.

Those who saw breast cancer as a "challenge" or a "value" managed their disease differently than those who saw it as an "enemy," "punishment" or "weakness." The article said that "the meaning an individual ascribes to an illness may 'spell the difference between optimum recovery and psychological invalidism." (Degner, 170)

Sooner or later, all of us will face life-limiting illness, depriving us of our independence. How we choose to contextualize that process will reveal much in how we choose to address it. The words we use will make the difference.

[jcribb16]

That was very interesting, and I agree.  As someone who suffers with chronic health issues, words can and do make a difference in my outlook, at times.  I try to focus on the positive aspects, including what I can do instead of what I can't do. 

Thank you for posting that. 

[hitch0403]

Romans 5:12---Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned--

No doubt sickness and death are enemies for mankind.By understanding why that happens and the hope that a loving God will end it is stronger than any hollering from mankind looking for a fountain of youth.

It cant be any clearer.And yes the right attitude,spiritual help and medicines can help us cope now.But again its only temporary until God applies Jesus ransom sacrifice to mankind to those HE wants to.

[Nancy5]

I agree with the article 100%.  I fought, and won, cancer 10 years ago and now, sadly, am fighting it again.  I will admit it does become depressing and there have been times I felt sorry for myself.  I cannot begin to count the times I cried alone, never wanting my family or friends to see.  This last time my doctor thought it was Stage 4, which is not curable.  Thank God the pet scan came back Stage 3.  I remember my one friend and her husband coming to see me with a hugh basket of snacks.  She hugged me with tears in her eyes and said "I can't believe we are celebrating Stage 3", and I knew what she meant.  It's friends like them, my loving family, and a healthy attitude that I pray will get me through this cancer and I pray I hear the words either "cured" or "in remission"

[hitch0403]

James 5:16-----New Living Translation
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.


Nancy may the Good Lord give you power beyond what is normal.I wish you well!

[madeara]

That is so very true.  I was born with a physical disability.  The Lord is faithful and good.  He has blessed me so much.

[Screwedupclick4life337]

This was a interesting post I read here

[jcribb16]

Romans 5:12---Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned--

No doubt sickness and death are enemies for mankind.By understanding why that happens and the hope that a loving God will end it is stronger than any hollering from mankind looking for a fountain of youth.

It cant be any clearer.And yes the right attitude,spiritual help and medicines can help us cope now.But again its only temporary until God applies Jesus ransom sacrifice to mankind to those HE wants to.

Thank you, and that is true!

[jcribb16]

I agree with the article 100%.  I fought, and won, cancer 10 years ago and now, sadly, am fighting it again.  I will admit it does become depressing and there have been times I felt sorry for myself.  I cannot begin to count the times I cried alone, never wanting my family or friends to see.  This last time my doctor thought it was Stage 4, which is not curable.  Thank God the pet scan came back Stage 3.  I remember my one friend and her husband coming to see me with a hugh basket of snacks.  She hugged me with tears in her eyes and said "I can't believe we are celebrating Stage 3", and I knew what she meant.  It's friends like them, my loving family, and a healthy attitude that I pray will get me through this cancer and I pray I hear the words either "cured" or "in remission"

I'm relieved to hear it wasn't Stage 4.  Your perseverance and positive outlook show your strength to beat it again.  I'm offering up my prayers for you, too. 

[hitch0403]

Jcribb......my pleasure...you are welcome.