Writing helps cancer patients cope with illness

By: E'LOUISE ONDASH - For the North County Times | Monday, April 23, 2007 4:02 PM PDT ∞

It's been almost two years since Mario Duran of Vista learned that he had lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that occurs when white blood cells behave abnormally. Getting through all the physical and emotional aspects of having cancer hasn't been easy, but Duran has found something that helps.

About a month ago, he began attending the free weekly writing workshops at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines in La Jolla. The classes help patients express the emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis and handle the hardships of coping with the disease.

"The class really helps me," said Duran, 54, an employee at Scripps Green Hospital. "Sometimes talking to friends or family about your cancer is not as easy because they can't understand exactly how you feel. My kids are grown, but it's hard to talk to them. You don't want to hurt them. But in the writing class, you can open yourself up a little more. You feel comfortable because all the classmates are in the same place."

Peggy Mullins of Rancho Penasquitos agrees.

"I feel more free to say things I wouldn't to my family," said the 73-year-old grandmother who learned about the workshop at her doctor's office. "Once you begin writing, things flow very easily."

Most participants are surprised at how helpful the writing workshop is, said instructor Sharon Bray of San Diego, who has had extensive experience in developing and leading creative and therapeutic writing workshops. Bray, 62, also a cancer survivor, finds that her work with students is personally beneficial.

"I've never been happier than teaching this writing workshop," said the executive, consultant, counselor and writer. "All the threads of my life are coming together. The class is emotional; we laugh and cry. I hear surprise ---- affirmation. I see people grow, blossom. It's extraordinary."

People with all types of cancer attend the workshop, so their degree of wellness and attendance varies.

Some, like Karyn Ostfeld of Encinitas, miss sessions occasionally because of illness. She had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in August and has been dealing with subsequent problems. Quite skeptical about the writing class at first, she decided to take the plunge.

"I was anxious, but I thought it might be useful as a tool for healing emotionally," said Ostfeld, 44. "I've had writing classes in the past, but nothing like this. You don't turn in papers, but it's professional. She (Bray) provides prompts of different sorts to initiate our writing and we share what we wish."

Reading her work aloud, which is not required, has helped her journey of self-discovery, she said.

"At first, reading out loud is very scary, but then you find that the other people are with you. I've learned that I'm not a cancer person, but it's just one part of my life."

"People are surprised at how powerful their writing is," said Bray, who has begun to teach other professionals how to present workshops. "Participants say, 'I didn't know I had that in me.' Their writing becomes an important way to confirm their legacy ---- that their life matters. They are very grateful to have that voice."

For more about Bray and her workshops, visit www.wellspringwriters.org.

Another free workshop will be repeated at a later date at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, Anderson Outpatient Pavilion, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Apologies: I made a typo in last week's column on the address for a free skin cancer screening. The Sun Block Party is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12. It will be at 499 N. El Camino Real, Suite B101, Encinitas (sponsored by the Dermatologist Medical Group of North County). Refreshments served. Call (760) 942-1311 or (760) 758-5340.

E'Louise Ondash of Vista is a registered nurse. Contact her at elo3@cox.net.

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