Love, Above and Beyond Cancer
“Life is not about avoiding suffering. It’s about creating meaning.”. –
Dr. Paul Kalanithi, When Breath Becomes Air.
“There is nothing more important to me
as a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for over two
decades and have had the privilege of
telling many patients that there is life
beyond cancer. As president of The Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I want to
lead by example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest
medical care available, with the same
concern and compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D.
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Dr. Paul Kalanithi was a brilliant 37-year-old neurosurgeon that died
from lung cancer and wrote a fantastic NY Times bestseller book full
of sage wisdom as he struggled with the meaning of life. In 2017, at a
meeting I spoke at in New Orleans, I met his wife, Dr. Lucy Goddard
Kalanithi, on the 1-year anniversary of his death. Several months ago, I
had dinner with Lucy in Las Vegas, before she gave a keynote interview
to my national oncology super-group, Quality Cancer Care Alliance.
She is a busy national speaker, however, she was especially
excited about having dinner with a few cancer doctors, as she knows
we have unique perspectives on life that we have learned from our
patients over many years.
Lucy reflected on the power of their relationship, family, friendships, and
the choice to have a baby in the face of terminal illness that helped
her husband live well beyond the average survival of lung cancer. She
further reflected on the difficulties of her and her daughter moving on
with life after his death. She said, “I have many people to do something
with. I just don’t have anybody to do nothing with.”
Lucy talked about how grief is something that goes beyond
feelings of sadness. She stated that one goes through the full emotions
of guilt, anxiety, fear and anger. It can also have
physical manifestations, where she would often feel tingling in her
hands and felt something was wrong with her.
Two years later she has much less emotional pain, but it does not mean
she loves Paul any less. In fact, she finds comfort in continuing to have
a strong connection with him and his writings.
Recently, Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, who developed the curative treatment
for testicular cancer, wrote in the “Art of Oncology” reflections on his
40-year career as a cancer doctor. He wrote specifically on the power of
love affecting the outcomes of some of his cancer patients.
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To learn more about cancer care issues or to consult with a physician
about a cancer diagnosis, contact us at 817.596.0637.
“Love, in its many manifestations, helps provide solace and a sense
of peace, not just for patients, but also family members. We bear
daily witness, as oncologists, to the power of love in the time of
cancer.” – Lawrence Einhorn, MD
He reflected on a man diagnosed at age 23 with testicular cancer who
dealt with 7 years of treatments for recurrent cancer. His wife was
always there by his side. However, after all therapies had been exhaust-
ed, and there were discussions regarding futile and harmful treatment,
he asked about ANY type of therapy, no matter the adverse effects. His
rationale was that even if it could provide just one more day to be with
his wife, he was willing to endure further toxicity.
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