Hi Annette- While I haven't read the book you mentioned, I have read Barbara Ehrenreich's work for many years in the New York Times, and have several of her books on economics and employment. She's someone who often tackles topics that others won't talk about, and I think that's what she's done here.
The image of cancer as portrayed by Hollywood usually bears little resemblance to real life. There's also a strong societal reluctance to have honest discussions of both the ups and downs of living with cancer, something I've personally seen harm both caregivers and patients. While I believe strongly in approaching cancer with a positive attitude and would not advocate a negative approach to the disease, I do get really tired of the "happy pill" attitude and the harm it causes. The transition process a person with cancer goes through - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - are well documented, are natural and are normal. I've found that supporting those going through this process, and enabling them to express their emotions and feelings honestly and openly, is of far greater help than demanding they demonstrate a false demeanor to please others and meet societal expectations.
We all process things differently, and there's got to be some kind of middle ground that would be in the best interests of those of us who are living with cancer. Thanks so much for bringing up this thought-provoking topic.
Take good care,
Pat
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Hi Annette- While I haven't read the book you mentioned, I have read Barbara Ehrenreich's work for many years in the New York Times, and have several of her books on economics and employment. She's someone who often tackles topics that others won't talk about, and I think that's what she's done here.
The image of cancer as portrayed by Hollywood usually bears little resemblance to real life. There's also a strong societal reluctance to have honest discussions of both the ups and downs of living with cancer, something I've personally seen harm both caregivers and patients. While I believe strongly in approaching cancer with a positive attitude and would not advocate a negative approach to the disease, I do get really tired of the "happy pill" attitude and the harm it causes. The transition process a person with cancer goes through - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance - are well documented, are natural and are normal. I've found that supporting those going through this process, and enabling them to express their emotions and feelings honestly and openly, is of far greater help than demanding they demonstrate a false demeanor to please others and meet societal expectations.
November 19, 2009 - 6:17pmWe all process things differently, and there's got to be some kind of middle ground that would be in the best interests of those of us who are living with cancer. Thanks so much for bringing up this thought-provoking topic.
Take good care,
Pat
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