"I surrender"

Melanie wrote a breathtaking piece about a miraculous cancer recovery in today's paper. I'm sure you all read it. I thought I'd share it here anyway, just in case any of you missed it.

I love the way the story develops, progressing with Karen, allowing the reader to take part in her decision to refuse further treatment--something which makes the revelation of her remission all the more powerful for the reader. Well written!

Surrender, followed by a miracle
By MELANIE CONKLIN
608-252-6187
mconklin@madison.com

So in 2005, she sat in the Sauk City office of her primary physician, Dr. Tim Bartholow, and told him of a pivotal decision. She wanted to refuse further treatment.

"I didn’t see the point in all these scans and diagnostic work when there’s no remedy," Dennis recalled. "There’s anxiety that accompanies all this testing — not only for me, but for my family and friends. I told Tim, I’m feeling pretty good right now, and I just want to be that way for as long as I can."

Then she asked the doctor she had grown to deeply trust: "Do you think I’m crazy?"
Bartholow was silent for a very long time.

"No," he finally replied. "I think you’re wise."

He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote this prescription: "You have my permission not to accept your diagnosis. You have my permission not to accept your prognosis. Go celebrate the miracles in your life."

So she walked away from the cancer that had dominated her life for 13 years.

Maybe Melanie can talk about this story at the next writers meeting?