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Vartabedian: A 7-Month Overview of Cancer

Here we are, at the seven-month stage of my cancer treatments, and I’m happy to report that I’m still reporting to my reading faithful. That is, I’m still able to post periodical updates of my condition and keep a stiff upper lip with this dreaded disease.

Tom Vartabedian (Photo: WSJ)
Tom Vartabedian (Photo: WSJ)

First the good news:

No, it hasn’t all been a Shangri-La by any stretch, so don’t get the idea there isn’t a flip side. Let’s look at some negatives from my disorder:

Seeing that I don’t want this piece to end on a sour note, let’s dwell back on the positive. Every day you’re alive, feel the air you breathe. Take notice of the wonderful world around us. Cancer can kill a lot of people but it cannot cripple love, shatter hope, corrode faith, destroy peace or suppress our memories.

To continue living in the face of adversity becomes a challenge — and a privilege.

 

Editor’s note: Columnist Tom Vartabedian has been diagnosed with cancer. This is the second in a series of columns about his treatments and other experiences related to the disease that will appear occasionally in the Haverhill Gazette, where Vartabedian worked for decades. The Armenian Weekly will share these columns with its readers.

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.
Tom Vartabedian

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5 Comments (Open | Close)

5 Comments To "Vartabedian: A 7-Month Overview of Cancer"

#1 Comment By armenag manoukian On September 29, 2016 @ 12:04 pm

keep fighting tom

#2 Comment By Joyce Yeremian On September 29, 2016 @ 12:53 pm

God Bless you Tom. Keep up the faith and good work. Still read every article you write and enjoy them so much. Brings back many memories. Take care.

#3 Comment By Roxanne On September 29, 2016 @ 9:02 pm

Your approach to life is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing your journey with your readers. I just took a few deep breaths to “feel the air!”

#4 Comment By Michael On September 29, 2016 @ 9:32 pm

Great article, Tom.
Informative, inspiring, and courageous.
You are a treasure, and we are all with you.

#5 Comment By rony On September 30, 2016 @ 9:57 pm

energy drinks , cold cereals , pudding and ice cream have become standard fare? kezi bidi mertsounen…

if you have cancer you should be nowhere near sugar or refined carbohydrates.
pick up ty bollinger’s book or also the gerston diet.