A Pandemic Plea from a Cancer Survivor
by Julie Francisco
When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer five years ago my illusion of good health was shattered. Although I was receiving excellent care at Roswell Park, I was afraid. Four years later and cancer-free, the COVID-19 pandemic has re-awakened my fears.
As a cancer patient I endured weeks of aggressive chemotherapy that often left me feeling weak and sick. I was so immunocompromised that exposure to someone with a cold or flu had the potential to kill me. I knew to stay away from them. However, with COVID-19 the enemy is invisible, highly contagious, and deadly. Some people have symptoms while others do not.
COVID-19 is especially risky for immunocompromised individuals undergoing cancer treatment, a transplant, a chronic disease, and even certain medications. We are told that adhering to public health measures, such as social-distancing, handwashing, and avoiding large groups of people will help contain its spread, but these measures only work if we all abide by them.
These days, I worry about cancer patients and the elderly feeling alone and isolated. I worry about my community, especially when I notice many people who don’t appear to be practicing COVID 19 preventive measures. I worry about children deprived of their social and learning experiences. I worry for parents who are trying to assist with their children’s schooling while struggling to maintain their own jobs and households. I worry about my teenage son home from college, because if he is not careful he could bring the virus into our home. I’m afraid for the mail carriers, cleaning people, food service providers, first responders, and other essential workers who put their lives and families’ lives at risk to care for others. I worry about those who have lost their wages and businesses.
I am especially in awe of our amazing healthcare workers. I recall my beloved chemotherapy nurses donning special gloves, gowns, and masks to protect themselves from the toxic drugs they were injecting into me. Now, all healthcare workers must wear layers of uncomfortable gear to help shield themselves, their patients, and their own families from this deadly virus.
To ease my fears, I implore all to understand the seriousness of this virus, to stay at home when you can, and to practice social distancing. I beg you to do it for your children, your family, your friends, and neighbors. I beg you to do it for those who are immunocompromised and for those who risk so much to help those with COVID in hospitals and nursing homes. Above all, I urge you to take the COVID vaccine when it is your turn. The sooner we stop the spread of this virus we can get on with the business of living, and the sooner that cancer centers like Roswell Park can get on with their mission to treat, heal, cure, and conduct research to help eliminate cancer.
Julie Francisco is a cancer survivor. See more stories at www.roswellpark.org/cancertalk
