This book is the result of the experiences of five individuals as they have coped with a cancer diagnosis. Reflections by each author’s personal experience with cancer are presented, in their own words, based on five common themes in the format of essays, vignettes, and short stories designed to illustrate the theme. Each author’s experience is as unique, distinct, and honest as the writers themselves.
The themes were developed by the senior author, Richard E. Farmer, as a result of his experience in coping with his cancer diagnosis and the effect cancer had upon his life. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer in the fall of 2014. While there is at present no known cure for this cancer, Richard is in a close state of remission due to a stem cell transplant and ongoing successful treatment with chemotherapy. The five themes presented are: Being a Cancer Patient, Obtaining Support, Hope, Saying Goodbye, and Living a Meaningful Life. In the Epilogue, subtitled Lessons Learned, each author will briefly synthesize their most important lessons learned.
Table des matières
Table of Contents
Preface……………………………………………………………………………………………………1
Chapter One. Being A Cancer Patient………………………………………………………….7
Chapter Two. Obtaining Support…………………………………………………………………39
Chapter Three. Hope…………………………………………………………………………………61
Chapter Four. Saying Goodbye…………………………………………………………………..83
Chapter Five. A Meaningful Life………………………………………………………………….111
Epilogue. Lessons Learned………………………………………………………………………..141
A propos de l’auteur
In addition to Richard E. Farmer, the four other authors include: David W. Persky, Bonnie Cashin Farmer, Cherie L. Genua and Burt Harres. A brief summary of their professional experiences follows.Richard E. Farmer is the former President of the Maine College of Health Professions having retired due to his health status with Multiple Myeloma Cancer. Dr. Farmer earned an undergraduate degree from Saint Anselm College, a graduate degree from the University of New Haven, and a Doctor of Education degree from Boston University. He is a psychologist, faculty member, and academic administrator. His psychological practice has focused on stress management issues for police, first responders, and government employees. His former presidencies were at Sanford-Brown College and Mc Intosh College. He held senior administrative positions at Ohio Dominican University, Saint Leo University, and Providence College. He also held tenured full professorships at the University of New Haven, Sacred Heart University, and Cape Cod Community College. Dr. Farmer is the author of three books, two book chapters, ten refereed journal articles, numerous newspaper articles and professional monographs, and a multitude of research papers presented at professional societies.