Less than three months after retiring as chairman of a publicly traded investment company Harris was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was actually a very private person, however he decided to set up a blog as a means of staying in touch with his many friends.
Spending 15 months chronicling his life after diagnosis he wrote nearly 250 blog entries. Writing helps him to fight the isolationism and depression that can strike at many people with a terminal disease.
In his blog, Charlie wrote not only about his cancer, he shares his joy in association with owning and racing horses; his financial expertise; his travel experiences and observations, and about friends and family who have had an impact on his life.
One of his friend said “He did his best to maintain a normal and vibrant life, traveling during the early stages of his diagnosis, reading, watching movies and sports, listening to music, and constantly communicating with friends. It wasn’t unusual to get an e-mail from Charlie at midnight, or at 5 a.m. for that matter.”
His online diary was brought to the attention of editors of the publishing arm of a cancer research center in New York. Charlie signed a deal with the company to publish his writings. 100% of any profits from the book will go to cancer research, something he and his wife already are supporting in hopes that future patients will have a greater chance of survival.
Each chapter of the book starts with a quotation but three I shall share:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” – Viktor E. Frankl
“He who pretends to look on death without fear lies. All men are afraid of dying, this is the great law of sentient beings, without which the entire human species would soon be destroyed.”, Jean-Jacques Rousseau
“The meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love.” – Viktor E. Frankl
Reading his diary I learn not only the detail of treatment a cancer patient have to go through but how one can choose to live to the end of one life.
Chuang Tzu, one of my favourite philosopher said; “To have attained the human form is a source of joy. But in the process of evolution, there is an infinite number of other forms that are equally good. What incomparable blessing it is to undergo these countless transformations!”
Be brave, live and let go when time comes.
Thank you Johnny for this gentle reminder to give some thoughts to the poor..needy..sick and unfortunate as we prepare to usher in a new year with gifts..foods n festivals.
It also reminds me of my brother’battle with bladder cancer. My brother initial reaction was fear/denial and in later stage quiet acceptance.In his final weeks.,he went on to shop..see shows..visits frens n relatives..coffee cafeing and even queing up to buy 4D!..in his sheletal state n w his morphine jabs around as he jab himself n also his urine bag.We have never seen o heard cancer patients fought to live as hard as my brother..d doctors believe d 24hrs rotating care by siblings n family frens attributed to his fighting spirits. My brother died peacefully in his sleep. It feel good to share ..n count our blessings.
Thank you
helen k
Hi Helen,
I believe it’s your brother desire for quality over quantity of life that helps him to live life to its fullest till his final day. Your sharing will bring strength to those who have been diagnose of an incurable disease.
Hi Johnny,
Rousseau’s statements “He who pretends…..lies. All men are afraid of dying..” are too sweeping in my opinion. I know of two persons who not only are not afraid of death but actually look forward to it. Both are healthy baby boomers and because I know their reasons, I do not believe they are lying.
Life is fragile and unpredictable, yet we owe it to ourselves to search for its meaning because there is death to reckon with. And the ability to let go reduces the torment when death approaches. But letting go needs practising and courage.
(A personal opinion)
My sister died several years ago of lung cancer. After diagnosed with fourth stage cancer, she went through chemo and medication and at one stage held the disease at bay . As expected , there was a relapse and she died nine months later .
Since young my elder sister had a strong purpose in life to serve others as a teacher and mentor and was exemplary to others in many ways. During the interim nine months prior to her death , she remained hopeful, and continue to go about her daily living. She even get about on her own and was able to drive her own car. But seven months into recovery she had a relapse and the downhill descent was swift. By then , she had accepted her fate and make preparations for the necessary and was composed till the end. Fortunately she was heavily sedated and probably did not experience severe pain. I remained with her until her last breath.
Hi Jasmine,
True! Letting go needs practising and courage. It may involve some maturity, understanding and stability of our mind to learn about the truth of life.
There is a collection of Charles Harris’s 17 blogs in the chapter “A Possibility”. In one he share about meeting with his medical oncologist: The colonoscopy showed a large tumour in his right colon – MRI showed multiple small lesions throughout both lobes of his liver – Manual examination confirmed a hard lymph node in the region of his shoulder and neck – This means his colon cancer have had metastasized extensively into both lobes of the liver and gone further into at
least one remote lymph node – Doctor told him there was little time to spare and to commence chemo especially FOLFIRI immediately – ………..
In ending this particular blog Charles Harris thanks his family and friends for their support and said “If I have had my pretense of courage since the diagnosis of my cancer, it is a reflection of your kindness, your warmth, your prayers, your positive thoughts”
I guess this is the reason Rousseau’s quote was chosen for the chapter.
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Hi Charles,
In the postscript of the book, Charles Harris’s wife wrote, “Cancer is a terrible disease, but it does allow a final chance to share love, confessions, regrets, joys, and intimacy that those succumbing to sudden deaths and their families do not have.”
It must be difficult for you during that time but believe your sister would felt much loved.
Thanks for your sharing.