When I was diagnosed with cancer in March of 1998, light surrounded me and suddenly I couldn't see it. My body felt numb and my mind shocked. In my world turned upside down, I had to acclimate to a new reality. Without a compass, I did my best to find my way through a foreign land with resources and decision-making. Even in my fearful disconnect, I was able to combine my intellect with some notion of my intuition and instinct. Step by step, the first chapter in my path developed as I began to move forward. Since then, I have been on a healing journey. I've gone through phases obsessed with cure and others more focused on healing. Over the last twelve years, I have spent days and weeks and even months sick in bed surrendering to guidance as well as my ability to influence instead of control. I've been clear and confused and sometimes in the same day or hour or minute.
We do not know each other or maybe we do. Even if we are crossing paths for the first time, we have so much in common. We live in a body of magnificence with breath, heartbeat, and other countless functions. We reside on common ground experiencing life with triumphs and challenges. Everyone knows adversity. Maybe you have cancer or know people with cancer. Maybe you know cancer survivors and/or have lost loved ones to the disease.
Today, cancer touches everyone directly or indirectly. Statistics indicate that approximately half the population will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. Despite government, public, and private interests, there are too many gaps in awareness and care. People and systems have powerful beliefs about the disease shaped by health care, media, financial interests, culture, life experiences, and other factors. Even as increased discourse exists about cancer, there is silence and separation.
We need to come together to have a larger conversation and address the full spectrum of needs through cancer. People affected by cancer require attention to body, mind, and spirit, including social and environmental health. Patients, caregivers, and providers need to become more educated about comprehensive cancer care. We must take action together to incorporate an integrative cancer care model.
There is a whole pulse and cancer care can no longer neglect it.
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Health and healing for the physical body is not only about the diagnosis and also about the entire internal environment. Cancer care must address the parts as well as the whole body.
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As the mind and the body are one, cancer care must tend to the mind-body. Attention to the inner life of mental and emotional health is essential to support people through cancer.
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Everyone is spiritual by nature. Healing is about wholeness. Spiritual well-being improves quality of life in people with cancer.
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Cancer patients and caregivers experience a range of social challenges and therefore require social support to enhance health and healing.
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There is a link between cancer and the environment. This issue must be addressed to increase awareness and action to reduce cancer risk and improve cancer survival.
EmbodiWorks is united in a whole pulse to educate and advocate for the whole person through integrative cancer care. |