Maintaining Hope Despite the Statistics

“The will to live cannot be measured … Many things happen that science cannot explain … They are mysterious. Science may have defined life in terms that are too small.”

– Rachel Naomi Remen, MD

Is it possible to maintain hope when doctors confront you with information that is far from positive? It’s jarring to hold two contradictory thoughts at once – to fully hear the statistics and grasp the reality of the situation, while at the same time nurturing and kindling real hope. These resources examine this dichotomy and may help you maintain that balance.

Articles:

“The Median Isn’t the Message,” Stephen Jay Gould
Preface and Postscript by Steve Dunn, CancerGuide
“The Other Side of the Coin,” Michael Lundblad
"Targeting the Triple Threat " by Nicole Le Brasseur, PHD, and Heather L. Van Epps, PHD, Cure, Fall 2009
"Targeted Therapy: Hope or Hype?" by Laura Beil, Cure, Summer 2009
"Facing the challenge: Going Against The Odds: Researchers are understanding better why cancer spreads - and how to stop it," Beverly A. Caley, Cure, Summer 2005.

Web Sites:

Miracle Survivors: Inspiration and Information for Cancer Thrivers
The Survivor Movie, The Cancer Crusade
Lance Armstrong Foundation, Live Strong
To talk to someone directly, go to the Cancer Hope Network website