Happy fall, dear readers! Yes, Dr. D., my doc who has moved to Mass General, confirms that currently there is "No Evidence of Disease"!! This doesn't mean "remission" necessarily - my tumor marker numbers are a bit high, but I'll find out this week if they are continuing to climb. Cross fingers, toes, etc!! Also, my pate is still pretty hairless - maybe I'm a new baldy style setter! Guess I'll just make it a fashion statement!
I completed my wonderful expressive arts course at Salve Regina U. in Newport - what an inspiring experience! I have already developed and presented a workshop about using expressive arts in education for student tutors at Bristol Community College - it was very well received, opening doors of perception for sure. I continue to seek creative outlets, and to meditate - extending my meditation for several friends also battling the big C. I realize there are so many of us struggling with this condition - certainly not an uncommon journey these days. We clearly need to open the pathways so that we can bring our internal healing strength to send those Big C cells into beloved apoptosis.
I move into my teaching months with this strengthened healing perspective - my students so often need healing of their lack of confidence in learning, their self doubt. There are so many avenues for learning - the expressive arts provide roads less traveled yet full of promise. As the entire BCC campus is reading "The Imortal LIfe of Henrietta Lacks" this year, I am excited about exploring this extraordinary account with students, especially those wanting to go into the health professions. Rebecca Skloot demonstrates her expertise as a writer but more importantly her sensitivity and compassion for this family whose lives were caught in the contradictions of race, class and opportunity to learn and know. The book brings to light the amazing scientific advances made possible with Henrietta's living cancer cells, while exposing the discrimination and exploitation of near recent health practices. This community reading project brings so many parts of my life together - reading, writing and the world of cancer. stay posted for reports of our adventure with this amazing story. I am reminded of new ways to teach and share building on the ways my life has become so enriched. More to come soon!
I move into my teaching months with this strengthened healing perspective - my students so often need healing of their lack of confidence in learning, their self doubt. There are so many avenues for learning - the expressive arts provide roads less traveled yet full of promise. As the entire BCC campus is reading "The Imortal LIfe of Henrietta Lacks" this year, I am excited about exploring this extraordinary account with students, especially those wanting to go into the health professions. Rebecca Skloot demonstrates her expertise as a writer but more importantly her sensitivity and compassion for this family whose lives were caught in the contradictions of race, class and opportunity to learn and know. The book brings to light the amazing scientific advances made possible with Henrietta's living cancer cells, while exposing the discrimination and exploitation of near recent health practices. This community reading project brings so many parts of my life together - reading, writing and the world of cancer. stay posted for reports of our adventure with this amazing story. I am reminded of new ways to teach and share building on the ways my life has become so enriched. More to come soon!
Great news. And the Henrietta Lacks part is so serendipitous.
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