- dallasnews.com/health/cancer/headlines/20110404-what-not-to-say-to-a-cancer-patient.ece
- dallasnews.com/health/cancer/headlines/20110808-chemobrain-gets-the-attention-of-cancer-patients-doctors.ece
Provide names of other journalists involved.
(Michael Merschel, editor)
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
“Stop. Think. Talk — When cancer strikes, well-meaning words sometimes can be the worst thing to say” appeared in The Dallas Morning News on April 5, 2011. “The confusing case of ‘chemobrain’ ” appeared in The Dallas Morning News on Aug. 11, 2011.
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
“Stop. Think. Talk.” is a story about what to say — and what not to say — to a cancer patient. “Chemobrain” is about the little-reported effects of chemotherapy on memory and brain function.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Both stories are based on Melissa’s original reporting and firsthand experience.
Explain types of human sources used.
In addition to her firsthand experience, Melissa interviewed multiple experts in the field, as well as cancer patients.
Results:
Both stories were greeted enthusiastically by readers. On the first story, one reader wrote: “I wanted to thank you for writing about such an important and often overlooked topic. I found it to be very honest and your positive approach taught me a lot.” Melissa was invited to be a guest on “The Dr. Oz Show.” On the chemobrain story, one reader wrote: “I was diagnosed and treated in 2004 for breast cancer. I was told at that time about ‘chemobrain’. But it is truly inspiring to see that it is something that is taken seriously. … ‘thank you’ for shedding some light on a subject that up till now has not been taken very seriously. “
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No corrections were necessary.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Speaking as her editor, I think the strength of Melissa’s pieces flows from her personal experience. But unlike many writers, she doesn’t stop there. Her work is always thoroughly reported to the point that we leave plenty of excellent material on the cutting-room floor. The lesson would be: Don’t be afraid to be personal, but don’t forget to do journalism as well.