EP. 10: AFTER CANCER: DR. WENDY HARPHAM, HOW TO BE HAPPY IN A STORM

At the age of 36 and as a mother of three with a busy solo practice in internal medicine Wendy Harpham M.D. was diagnosed with stage three non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and just like that, the Doctor became the patient.

Now, from both sides of the stethoscope, Wendy uses her unique perspective to help patients become healthy survivors, survivors who get good care and live as fully as possible.

Dr. Wendy Harpham is a fellow of American College of Physicians, a best selling author of six books on cancer (Happiness in A Storm is the one I read), a patient advocate and a nationally recognized speaker. Now a 26-year cancer survivor with seven recurrences since, Dr. Harpham has a lot to say about dealing with such a diagnosis and how to live a full, happy life.

Wendy has something I really cannot explain; you have to listen to understand. Her passion touched and inspired me.

I think a big part of fear are the unknowns related to what you fear and Dr. Harpham shines a bright light on a very dark thing; she gives hope.

To those of you who do not have cancer. There are many reasons I think you should listen to this podcast but here are just three.

1. Statistically, one out of two of you reading this will likely hear “you have cancer” in your lifetime.
2. You probably know someone who has cancer or was recently diagnosed.
3. Cancer doesn't own the bad medical news category. This is a lesson in dealing with any severe life challenge.

I felt unqualified to write a post about this show so I'll keep it short. To see a long form post visit www.larryweeks.com/ep-10-cancer-dr-wendy-harpham-happy-storm/ and read another cancer survivors perspective from my good friend, Ron Sparks where he shares his thoughts about the episode.