Looking For A Cure

My oncologist was recently quoted as follows: “The reality is that this cancer will probably find a way around most drugs. Although we are always searching for a cure, it may be more realistic to turn cancer into a chronic disease, like diabetes, that you don’t cure but rather you manage.” The reality is that he’s probably right.

But perhaps the quest for a melanoma cure is like many of the journeys we take in life, towards destinations we’ll probably never reach. Unshakeable faith, the perfect marriage, unconditional love of others, a balanced federal budget and a sub-par round of golf are among the worthy goals we may strive for in life but will likely never attain. Nevertheless, the hope that maybe, just maybe we will is what keeps us plodding and striving along, and to lose that hope would be akin to losing a chunk of one’s human soul. Somehow, the search for “manageability” just doesn’t resonate and inspire. So, please don’t leave your hope for a cure at the check-in desk at the Hotel Melanoma; keep it, treasure it, and, above all, share it!

To the tune of U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”…



We have worn blackest ribbons
We have run through the streets
Only for cure for you
Only for cure for you
We have shared
We have blogged
We have roamed those clinic halls
Those clinic halls
Only for cure for you

But we still haven't found what we’re looking for
But we still haven't found what we’re looking for

We have kissed chemo’s lips
Felt the healing in our fingertips
It burned like a fire
This burning desire

We have prayed for help from angels
We have fought the hand of this devil
We are worn from the fight
We are bold with unknown

But we still haven't found what we’re looking for
But we still haven't found what we’re looking for

We believe someday cancer’s done
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
’Til then we’re still running

We’ll break C’s bonds
And we’ll loose its chains
Carry the cross
Of our pain
Oh our pain
You know we believe it

But we still haven't found what we’re looking for
But we still haven't found what we’re looking for
But we still haven't found what we’re looking for