SPECIAL FEATURE
THE BIG
PICTURE
Quality of life is key.
By Laurie Wertich
L
ife doesn't stop in the face of a cancer
diagnosis—in fact, it often gets busier.
There are doctor appointments, scans, and
treatments—on top of work, carpools,
laundry, meals, household maintenance, and so much
more. It is a juggling act that would challenge even the
most proficient multitasker.
So, how can cancer patients juggle all of these
challenges? The answer boils down to one thing: quality
of life.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Quality of life refers to an individual's overall wellbeing—the emotional, social, and physical aspects
of life and how they may be impacted over time by a
disease or daily stressors.
The fundamental key to surviving and thriving with
cancer is maintaining a good quality of life. Focusing
only on treating cancer can leave patients feeling sick,
tired, and unable to perform the activities they have to
do or love doing.
Christopher M. Stephenson, DO, an osteopathic
physician and hospitalist at Cancer Treatment Centers
26 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2013
photos by Bart Harris
cfthrive.com