I try not to get too personal about the subjects and content of my postings, which is actually pretty ironic since this is really all about me AND my personal journey. But in actuality, I seek to make my perspective be about what I observe and what I experience, and less about the specific details of my "life." I'm not here to bring up those aspects of my day-to-day that are less important than the things I am seeing and doing and learning that are going on around me (and admittedly sometimes happening to me). Get to the point already - would ya !?!
I recently started a new job, which would otherwise classify as an unimportant detail of my life, and therefore not be worth sharing. Except that the new job involves me working for a pharmaceutical advertising agency, and my role on a team of people responsible for the launch of a new cancer drug. No, this drug is not another therapy choice for folks like me with Multiple Myeloma. But the communications that our team is developing are drawing some very interesting parallels to the understanding and perspective and realities of my own disease.
The Cancer Ad/Mar (Advertising/Marketing) messaging that we are generating is intended to speak directly to Healthcare Providers (HCP's). These are not the cancer treatment commercials that you may see on TV, but rather the: scientific data behind how the drug works, information about efficacy, specifics of dosing, and realities of associated side effects (inherent in any chemo cocktail). All of the necessary background for an HCP and their patient to make an informed decision about a therapeutic option - it's risks and benefits. And that's where the parallels lie for me in this unusual situation.
Here I am, part of a team crafting the communications for this particular new drug, while finding myself thinking about the similar information and choices and dialogue that I hear and read and learn for each new therapy that is used in the arsenal to manage the maintenance of my Multiple Myeloma. As a practitioner of the art of Pharma Ad/Mar, I can imagine what the agency folks behind my drugs went through to create my support materials. And that unique perspective as a patient, is enhancing the point of view that I am maintaining while we do the same for the HCPs who will learn about and recommend this new option - and the recipients who will be the beneficiaries of this new choice and chance.
My disease and corresponding therapies are vastly different from the condition and medication that our team is working with. But in the end I'm a guy with cancer who is applying his life circumstance toward a better understanding for the HCPs and sufferers that I am serving. I'm not necessarily contending that the work that I am doing makes the cancer that I am carrying all worthwhile (I may be sick, but I'm not crazy). However, this ironic parallel status does allow me to put my insights to good use and my know-how into tangible action/benefit for those similarly in need. Silver lining ???
