Acropolis Now

* Posted on September 19, 2009 on Akoya Acupuncutre’s original blog *

Currently, I am in the class “Visual Diaries” offered at The Creative Center for cancer patients and survivors.  The class delves into documentary photographs and gives its students the means to document “self” through digital photography.  In the second class, the teacher presented a slide show of some of the first pictures ever taken in the 1800’s when she comes to a slide of statues in Acropolis.  She reminds us that this is an era where people from the West have never seen pictures from Greece or any other Eastern countries and it is a time of discovery and exposure to different cultures.  It was truly (and literally) an eye opening experience during the 19^th century.

And, in true Carrie Bradshaw style, it had me thinking . . . For those who have never been exposed to cancer, is it an eye opening time of discovery when they meet a cancer survivor?  I know, I know .. . a bit of a literal stretch . . . but from my perspective, I receive a lot of different reactions and questions when people realize that I’m a cancer survivor.  From the kids at summer camp asking me why I wore a leg brace to the guy in a bar asking me where I got the scar on my neck, people are naturally inquisitive about things they haven’t experienced.  And, for the most part, the reception is positive and may lead to the religious (God bless you), the amazed (Wow), the philosopher (So, what was that like for you?) or the sympathetizer (I’m so sorry that happened to you).

So, to the kids at summer camp . . . I wore a leg brace because the tumor on my spine caused me to have a permanent right foot drop.  To that guy at the bar . . . the scar on my neck is from a broviac insertion to allow the medicine to be delivered directly to my heart.  And, to the future answer seekers . . . just like the people in Greece had always known the Acropolis and the Parthenon as part of their lives, I have always had cancer as part of my existence.  So, ask away . . .

 

Dog Days of Summer

* Posted on August 25, 2009 on Akoya Acupuncture’s original blog *

Phew. . . there’s nothing like looking for NYC apartments and then moving in a heatwave to make you appreciate ice cream, a cool breeze and lemonade . . . even my poor dog found a permanent spot in front of the fan.  And, my out-of-country guests have me appreciating my August staycation from Chinatown to Times Square.  Within the last week, I’ve been to a comedy show, broadway show, burlesque show and Coney Island . . . to name a few.  But, of all the impressions made on me,there’s nothing like seeing a midget get out of a straight jacket at the vaudeville show for one to appreciate overcoming diversity.  I won’t compare myself to a little person (even if I am 4 ft 11 in), but it really has one thinking that there is nothing the human body or mind can’t overcome. 

 Being a cancer survivor gives one a unique perspective on any situation.  Like being on the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island . . . the first time around, I white knuckled the seat, but by the second time, I enjoyed the ride.  Cancer survivors feel like they been through it all before . . . and instead of white knuckling every situation, they tend to sit back and enjoy the ride.  After all, the hard part is already over and life, good and bad, is put in perspective. And, I have to say, the perspective from the Wonder Wheel allowed me to see the ocean, Brooklyn and myself in a new light.

 

In the Beginning

* Posted on August 3, 2009 on Akoya Acupuncture’s original blog *

2009 has been a year of new beginnings . . . and as I begin my acupuncture practice, I begin my cancer survivor blog.  As all good stories, one of the first pages includes the dedication.

I dedicate this blog:
To My Family (Mom, Dad and Kira) - for all of their support in any and every endeavor that I undertake
To My Friends – “A faithful friend is the medicine of life.” – Apocrypha

And, although I’ve risked sounding like a high school yearbook, those who have touched my life and directly or indirectly contributed to my survivorship will be acknowledged over the coming entries.

Thanks to all!