by Jackie Acho, Ph.D. | Jan 1, 2022 | #CurrencyOfEmpathy, #EmpathyStartsAtHome, Cancer, Empathy, Healing, Ovarian Cancer
In a boat on the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey I am alive today because of love. That’s true for all of us. At least one person loved us into being, growing, and sticking around for the fun. Parents. Spouses. Children. Friends. They give us empathy which is how we...
by Jackie Acho, Ph.D. | Dec 11, 2021 | #CurrencyOfEmpathy, Empathy, Food, Istanbul, Ovarian Cancer
Turkish Breakfast, including menemen Too many cancer patients die of malnutrition. I understand now how it happens, between the pain and the havoc cancer and its treatments wreak on the digestive system. Cachexia keeps our bodies from using the nutrition we work hard...
by Jackie Acho, Ph.D. | Dec 6, 2021 | #CurrencyOfEmpathy, Cancer, Empathy, Empathy in Medicine, Healing from Cancer, Istanbul, Ovarian Cancer
Jackie and John, date night 12/5/21 The answer is simple: a chance to live. Three weeks ago, I could not eat. I had the equivalent of labor pains all day long. Our oncologist gave us devastating news then tussled my hair and left John and me sobbing and holding each...
by Jackie Acho, Ph.D. | Nov 21, 2021 | #CurrencyOfEmpathy, Cancer, Empathy, Healing from Cancer, Healthcare, Istanbul, Ovarian Cancer
Sunset view from the balcony of our apartment in Istanbul It’s hard to stay positive when chemo fails, whether you’re the patient, a caregiver, or someone rooting for us. The cancer fight is so brutal. The effort – intellectual, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual...
by Jackie Acho, Ph.D. | Nov 15, 2021 | #CurrencyOfEmpathy, Cancer, Empathy, Healing from Cancer, Ovarian Cancer
Turkish market spices ~2000 (photo credit: John LeMay) “Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Oh, wow.” – Steve Jobs last words Istanbul is a special place. The spices and flavorful food. The colors and architecture. The markets and history. Also, it’s personal. Our daughter is...
by Jackie Acho and Sharon Jordan | Oct 9, 2021 | Cancer, Empathy, Empathy as Healing Medicine
South Chagrin Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks By Jackie Acho and Sharon Sobol Jordan “I’m glad to bump into you now; I just haven’t known what to say since your diagnosis.” – a friend Well, that’s a wonderful thing to say actually. It’s simply the...