Actor Dax Shepard Writes About Losing His Dad To Lung Cancer/Small Cell - 1255038

Thank you for sharing Laya. It was indeed very brave for him to write that piece and very typical of the mainstream reporting that goes on regarding lung cancer. I join you in saying "Hummmppphhh!"

With regard to the article highlighting it as a story about someone with cancer and not "lung cancer" specifically, I don't think that one source needs to be perceived as a slight. His particular piece was more about the struggle of having a parent dying of a terminal disease, or cancer more specifically, than discussing the details of managing his cancer. I think it can be taken as a more universal experience of people facing a progressing cancer (of any type) than a story specific to lung cancer. And Dax Shepherd himself didn't shy away from describing it accurately.

That one issue aside, I think it's a very heartfelt, sincere expression of some complex emotions. It was good of him to share them, and I thank you for bringing his piece to our attention.

-Dr. West

Thanks Laya, it brought tears to my eyes. as it did, I am sure, for many people... the further I have gotten from the pain (time surprisingly just keeps on going...) the more I do see the (personal) good that comes of trauma. Of course, I preface that with - if I could change any thing in my life ever ever ever, it would be to reverse the loss of my dear friend. I would take that over the damn lessons learned any day.

As Dax writes - - "One of the hidden benefits of cancer is that it can erode grudges the way WD-40 dissolves rust. It just finds it’s way into all the nooks and crannies and starts loosening". I learned a lot about really really not caring about the crap - any of the crap - that comes up in our daily lives. It is something I remind myself often.

His piece is somewhat cathartic, and I have much respect for him now. and you - of course - for sharing.
D