Welcome to the Cancer Cafe

One Provider’s Journey From Diagnosis Through Stem Cell Transplant

Judith, a P.T. Clinical Specialist in Chronic Pain, had decades of clinical and teaching experience. At age 58, she received a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, with no clear and accepted treatment path, and a limited life expectancy. She unexpectedly began writing and performing as part of a class to help her manage her feelings and experiences. This serious, yet often funny show, demonstrates her transition from provider to patient and what lessons this role reversal may have for others.

Much of her motivation for writing and performing this piece comes from the way the media portrays cancer heroes, cancer miracles, and people that fight for their lives. She presents options other than the fighting model as a response to cancer. In the course of the show, using actual conversations with providers, Judith portrays her interactions with the medical establishment in hopes that there can be a better understanding of the journey and choices faced by a person with a catastrophic diagnosis.

To hear more from Judith you can follow her on Instagram @cancercafeperformance or Facebook.