- With Mayo Clinic oncologist
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Edward Creagan, M.D.
"The magic of the electronic village is transforming health information. The mouse and keyboard have extended the stethoscope to the 500 million people now online." — Dr. Edward Creagan
The power of the medium inspires Dr. Edward Creagan as he searches for ways to share Mayo Clinic's vast resources with the general public.
Dr. Creagan, a Newark, N.J., native, is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicine and palliative care. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 was president of the staff of Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, was honored in 1995 with the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine Award and in 1992 with the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, Mayo's highest recognition. He has been recognized with the American Cancer Society Professorship of Clinical Oncology.
He describes his areas of special interest as "wellness as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-financial model" and fitness, mind-body connection, aging and burnout.
Dr. Creagan has been an associate medical editor with Mayo Clinic's health information websites and has edited publications and CD-ROMs and reviewed articles.
"We the team of (the website) provide reliable, easy-to-understand health and wellness information so that each of us can have productive, meaningful lives," he says.
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Stress blog
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April 29, 2010
Resiliency: A lesson from cancer patients
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
The other morning I had the privilege of connecting with five cancer patients who have complex health issues compounded by family, financial and insurance challenges. Yet, each of them is resilient and has the "bounce back factor." Each one is facing life with composure and dignity.
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On the way home that evening I reflected on what it is about these patients that gives them the inner strength to endure the challenges life has thrown at them. The word "pepper" came to mind. Let me explain why:
- P for passion. They have a zest for life. They have the energy to reach out to and care for others.
- E for eliminating distractions. They know what they have to do to for their health and eliminate things that would drag them down.
- P for patron. Each patient has someone who encourages him or her during the dark times and shares in victories during the happier times.
- P for positive. They surround themselves with people who are positive and upbeat.
- E for energy. They know they have just so many useful hours and they don't waste them on things that aren't essential for their physical and spiritual well-being.
- R for realistic. They have realistic expectations about what is possible. R also stands for following a regular routine.
So whenever we add pepper to our food, it might be a good idea to think about how "pepper" can also enhance our lives. What can you add to this conversation?
10 comments posted
September 1, 2010 2:57 p.m.
Cancer is a disease whose outcome brings unfortunate consequences, therefore must be prevented, with an annual checkup and prevent our lives properly, 3 years ago I suffer from cancer and it was unfortunate for me not to take the right medication on time, I hope that change the situation and improve the way of life of people like myself are suffering from this evil
- Lilly
May 6, 2010 9:49 a.m.
I would add "S" for support. And that includes family, prayer support, church, friends, and counseling. When facing any kind of crisis, the undergirding of support can make the difference between adjusting and giving in. P. S. Rose, I love the analogy of the umbrella! Barbara A
- Barbara A
May 5, 2010 11:10 a.m.
It is now into the 3rd year since surgery for vaginal cancer, radiation and chemotherapy. I would add another p for prayer. The prayers of friends and family have encouraged me so much. God is good and has answered those prayers for me.
- Jean
May 5, 2010 6:59 a.m.
Pat - about Tamoxifen. At the cancer support centre, several women are taking it after chemo and radiation and I have heard them say it is for five years, so that seems to be standard. As to side effects, each person responds differently to each drug, so I think you have to be alert to your own body and report any that you notice yourself. Good luck with your treatments.
- Rose
May 5, 2010 4:51 a.m.
I sure would like to know if anyone had bad side effects from taking Tamoxifen. I have to take it for the next 5 year and it makes me more apprehensive to take that than to have my radiation. I asked my Oncologist and he said "Don't worry, there won't be any side-effects, how does he know, it is not the answer I was looking for, he sugar-coats every question I ask him, and I don't like that it is very patronizing. I cannot get an honnest answer from him.
- Pat
May 4, 2010 9:19 p.m.
I am so thankful for all the info and support available to us now. This pepper idea has strengthened my determination to do what matters most...more and more! Thank you for providing opportunities to get help and encouragement when we need it most.
- Karen
May 4, 2010 4:11 p.m.
I live in a Canadian city with a Wellspring Cancer Support Centre. My oncologist is actively involved in this Centre, and it is the best thing that has happened to me. Everyone is so cheerful and upbeat, and I feel really good when I have been there. It's as though the rainy day is here, but Wellspring is my umbrella. I can't recommend this kind of support centre highly enough. All the members love it, and so do I.
- Rose
May 4, 2010 3:57 p.m.
Some oncologists are ill-prepared to help patients with the emotional aspect associated with the illness. When I asked my oncologist for a referral to a psychiatrist as I felt that depression was setting in, he had no one to recommend and told me to check with my family doctor. He only wanted to deal with the physical part of it!? Yet the brochure for the clinic claims to provide comprehensive care.
- Lee
May 2, 2010 10:57 a.m.
Hi Dr. Creagan, I found that using the mind/body connection (Chinese internal energy exercises) helped me immensely during my four bouts of bone lymphoma (clear 14 years). It reinforced my will and allowed me to survive two bone marrow transplants. I'd recommend it as an adjunct to allopathic treatment. Regards, Bob Ellal, author 'By These Things Men Live--Chronicles of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor'
- Bob
April 29, 2010 7:39 p.m.
I can add "Pupper" & "Pip"--animals i.e. dogs in this case can add to the overall "bounce back factor".
- Carol
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