• A different wavelength by Sara Fletcher

    Daily life at a synchrotron.

    • When science gets personal

      Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 17:48 UTC

      I spend a lot of my time reading technical papers, reviewing results, and researching the background to put the subject in context. Given the nature of Diamond that can be on a huge range of topics, including cancer research.

      So why is it that when a close family member is diagnosed with cancer, that all goes out of the window? Having had extensive experience of being subjected to medical tests myself and quizzing specialists on the results I thought I was pretty au fait with the whole process.

      I’ve done the research (thanks to Cancer Research UK and the statistiics looks pretty good. But all I can think of are the anecdotes, the parents, the friends, the siblings of those I know who were exceptions to the rules. Objectivity has just flown out the window.

      Sigh. All I can do is be unscientific and cross my fingers…

      Last updated: Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 17:48 UTC

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      • Comments

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 17:57 UTC
          Christie Wilcox said:

          I know what you mean. It’s so easy to be rational when you’re not involved…

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 18:27 UTC
          Stephen Curry said:

          Can’t think of anything except useless platitudes. My best wishes for a good prognosis…

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 19:19 UTC
          Sara Fletcher said:

          Here’s hoping…

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 19:29 UTC
          Richard Grant said:

          hugs

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 20:10 UTC
          Craig Rowell said:

          Sending positive thoughts…

        • Date:
          Wednesday, 19 Nov 2008 - 22:07 UTC
          Maxine Clarke said:

          I’ve been there, too often. I think there are compartments, or at least it is posssible to make them.

          Thinking of you (and a close colleague and friend, who is in a similar situation).


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