By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    stress management for healthcare workers
    3 Tips For Healthcare Professionals: How To Stay Beautiful, Healthy, and Happy
    November 2, 2021
    importance of relaxing on the weekend for your health
    Importance of Relaxing During the Weekend for Optimal Health
    March 25, 2022
    LASIK Eye Surgery
    What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
    May 16, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    The PCMH and Home Care Data: An Interview with Melissa McCormack
    December 19, 2013
    IT Strategy for Health Plans: Interview with ikaSystems CEO Joe Marabito
    August 11, 2014
    A New Kind of Stress Test
    May 26, 2015
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Cancer in Someone Hairier Than Me and You
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > News > Cancer in Someone Hairier Than Me and You
News

Cancer in Someone Hairier Than Me and You

Andrew Schorr
Andrew Schorr
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Peanut has a blood cancer – non- Hodgkin lymphoma – and she’s getting great medical care. Do you know her? If you live in South Florida you might. This is one cancer patient who is getting a lot of publicity. Is she a movie star or politician? No. Is she a well-known patient advocate? No. Have we interviewed her on Patient Power? No.

Peanut has a blood cancer – non- Hodgkin lymphoma – and she’s getting great medical care. Do you know her? If you live in South Florida you might. This is one cancer patient who is getting a lot of publicity. Is she a movie star or politician? No. Is she a well-known patient advocate? No. Have we interviewed her on Patient Power? No. She doesn’t even speak English or any language you or I would understand. Peanut is a twin female 8-year old orangutan at Jungle Island and a lot of people are following her story. There is even a Facebook group of humans with lymphoma, affectionately known as the “Lymphomaniacs” who are activity following her story and have been in touch with Peanut’s caretakers to send their good wishes. Fortunately, she is doing well.

For my money, I don’t care what puts cancer on the map, including movie stars and orangutans. Attention to the diseases we face is good. People are doing better and are becoming more informed. It comes down to getting the expert care that is right for you. Peanut is getting that. But you don’t have to be any kind of beloved person or animal to get that care. You have to be savvy.

Earlier I wrote about my daughter’s 19-year-old friend who has a brain tumor. Now she’s leaving her home town to go to the number one rated cancer center, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, for a consultation. They may do more surgery because they have the expertise and equipment to remove more of the brain tumor than the doctors could do back home. That could make a big difference for her survival. My point is that we all can get expert care if we demand it and research where to go.

More Read

Image
Cancer Therapy Gets Small for Humans — and Animals
Going for the Gold: Long QT Syndrome and Olympic Glory
Attend a First Aid Educational Technology Course in the UK
How To Know If You’re At Risk For Cancer
Time’s Brill Persuasive but “Bitter Pill” Misdiagnoses Health Care Ills

If you are “Peanut” it may come to you because thousands of people are watching. For the rest of us we have to take action ourselves. It can be lifesaving, not just for cancer but for what starts out as seemingly mundane health issues. There are many examples of “Powerful Patients” on the Patient Power website who have taken charge of their own health in partnership with their care teams. One of the newest examples is the story of Stephanie Possehl who had to push to get the best care for her back pain.

I don’t mean to make more of Peanut’s story than makes sense. But if an orangutan can get expert care, so can you!

As always, I welcome your comments and wish you and your family the best of health!

Andrew

TAGGED:cancer
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

9 Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Add Years to Your Life
9 Healthcare Lifestyle Tweaks That can Add Years to Your Life
lifestyle
July 11, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

Obama Working Behind the Scenes on Latest Pre-ACA Snafu

August 4, 2013
EHR deadline pushed back HIS
eHealthMedical RecordsNewsPolicy & LawPublic Health

CMS Pushes EHR Meaningful Use Deadline Back One Year: What It Means For You

January 3, 2014
Medical EducationNewsPublic HealthSpecialties

How to Communicate with Patients When Words Won’t Work

July 14, 2014
cognitive behavior therapy
News

What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Does It Treat Anxiety?

August 25, 2022
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?