Firstly, the hair has begun to fall out again, this is about right. I had a shortish period when no hair fell out and I judged that last time the hair begun to fall about five days before the next round of chemo and the same appears to be happening. No problem, just another stage.
Secondly, there has been a great deal written about breast cancer in the press. I noted an article by Kerry Ross (Paul Ross's ex wife) in the Mail. Very interesting and informative and hugely positive. She had only recently remarried prior to her diagnosis, which was an awful shock for her. This is a must read.
Thirdly, the suff about new drugs is very disruptive for people, not all the drugs work on all people, it very much remains an issue as to what kind of cancer a person has. I fear peoples expectations are built up unrealistically - this fuels demands which do not reflect what is right for the patient.
What makes me angry is the money the drug companies are making, yes it costs money for research, development etc etc I understand that. but come on chaps the bottom line is your share holders who are making money on the back of other peoples pain and suffering. this is morally and ethically repugnant. Reduce the cost to the Health Services, no one should have to decide on cost grounds who can have what treatment, these decisions should only be made on clinical evidence. I think it is appaling to put a cost on HIP REPLACEMENT versus CHILD HOOD ILLNESS TREATMENT. I also worry that people 'chase' cures and demand a treatment for themselves those who are well off can of course do this, the poor cannot. I also think that to mortgage ones self is unrealistic.
Fourthly, the issue of death. There are people who demand the right to end their life, when in their view their quality of life is not worth it, there may be a number of reasons for this and who am I to judge what is right for them. The manner of death is important, I would rather die without pain and there are wonderful places where this process is made easier, I mean hospices of course. This would be my choice, to die well when it is my time. I find it apporant that some legal and religious voices seek to determine what this should or should not mean for individuals, they add to a persons sense of fear and pain by punishing them with arguments that reflect an ideology rather than humanity. The other issue is of course, we all die, nothing else in this world is more certain. No one has the right to take life, murder etc this goes without saying, but to prolong life beyond nature is repugnant because it is not life.
We are born, we live our lives and we die, it is arrogant of an individual to think that they should live forever, why should I for example live longer than you? am I better or of more value you that you? No, I am equal to you in value. What matters to me is how I live my life and how I die, peacfully and knowing I am loved.
