DRAGON TALES
October 2011

Dragon Tales by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Expectations; we all have them. We work out plans for ourselves on how we will be able to accomplish them.

With a diagnosis of cancer, or suspected cancer, our expectations are suddenly all over the place. Our mind can be in turmoil. It's not uncommon to feel a sense of panic, and to think our lives will never in any way, be the same again. Shortly after we might change our mind and decide that today's treatments will give us great results.

Any panic or anxiety that a patient feels is really a fear of the unknown. Relief from fear is given with answers to questions. There are many Cancer Patient Navigators throughout Nova Scotia today who can help reduce or remove some of the fear being felt by the cancer patient. They have answers to questions. They know who you can talk to, where to look on the internet for information, which internet sites are the reliable ones and also what books you can read.

Cancer patients in Nova Scotia wish for and expect the best possible care no matter where they live. Cancer Care Nova Scotia is currently working on what they term "Clinical Standards - A Roadmap for Excellence in Cancer Care". For anyone interested in learning how CCNS is working with health providers and administrators visit www.cancercare.ns.ca/newsletter. Check Volume X11 Issue Four September 2011. It is reassuring for those of us who are cancer patients to know that nothing is static in the field of cancer. How can care for the patient be made better? What research will best help our cancer patients in the days ahead? These are some of the questions for which answers are currently being sought.

Expectations rise among patients each time new cancer developments are revealed in the media. Today in Nova Scotia there are dozens of dedicated cancer researchers, and many are associated with the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation. Breast cancer research here in Nova Scotia is one thing consistently supported by Women Alike and the Abreast A River dragon boat team. Research to find answers is one of our best hopes.

One question always uppermost in a patient's mind before a positive diagnosis is made is "What is happening in my body?" Medical tests, investigations and biopsies require time and careful study and can not be rushed. One doctor told me " I know this feels urgent from your side of the desk, but from mine things are OK". He was right of course. Even so, although I'd been through cancer 15 years earlier and was dealing with a possible recurrance, it was still hard to wait for appointments, wait for answers, and to wonder how waiting would affect my outcome.

Dr. Tallal Younis, a medical oncologist with the Capital Health Cancer Care Program has explored that very topic. He has co-authored a new book titled " Wait Times in the Management of Early Stage Breast Cancer". Key points in cancer management such as diagnosis, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are explored. Details on his book can be checked at the same Cancer Care web site already mentioned above. The information on this subject is in Volume X11, Issue Three July 2011.

Our expectations for the future can be unlimited. The thought ,care, research, dedication and co-operation among professionals is evident. They are doing well in the present and planning for the future. Someday cancer will be beaten.

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333