3-7-11: Considering Others
March 7, 2011 at 8:46 am 5 comments
Dudley Clendinen is an award-winning author and journalist who lives here in Baltimore. A former reporter and editorial writer for The New York Times, he found out in November, at age 66, that he has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, more popularly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
There is no known cure for ALS, and once a person is diagnosed, they usually live between 1.5 to 3 years.
Over the next few months, we’re embarking on a series of conversations with the writer Dudley as he discusses how he became aware of the disease’s symptoms, how he’s been coping with the diagnosis, and what he’s hoping to accomplish in the coming months. We’ll also be speaking with doctors about ALS and caregivers about end of life options. The series is called “Living with Lou: Dudley Clendinen on a Good, Short Life.”
In the second of our conversations with Dudley, he speaks about how he tells other people about his diagnosis of ALS. He says it’s a lot to unload on someone who is not expecting it– but that it’s important to talk about the disease, and de-fang it, because “life gets pretty damn interesting when you know you’re dying.”
You can find prior conversations with Dudley, and more information about the series here.
Entry filed under: Health. Tags: ALS, disease, hospice, Lou Gehrig's disease, terminal illness.
Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast 
1.
ann mcnutt | March 7, 2011 at 3:54 pm
dudley clendenin is one of most lovely people i have ever met. he continues to amaze me with his charm and graciousness, simply class, no other words!
2.
Elliott Mackle | March 7, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Dudley was my editor and mentor. He is my great friend and I dedicated my last book to him – before the diagnosis. His bravery and class are admirable. The interview makes me want to cry.
3. 3-7-11: Considering Others – Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast | ALS Recovery | March 7, 2011 at 4:54 pm
[…] 3-7-11: Considering OthersMaryland Morning with Sheilah KastA former reporter and editorial writer for The New York Times, he found out in November, at age 66, that he has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, more popularly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. There is no known cure for ALS, and once a person is …and more » […]
4.
Alan Herman | March 8, 2011 at 9:28 am
I am a 58 year old man, who was diagnosed in 2008 with ALS. I have limb onset and am now confined to a wheelchair, with no use of my arms or legs. Although this has happened, I have tried to keep my spirits up and my mind busy. The problem is that I have a hard time thinking about anything else.
Not so much about ALS but more about what is going to happen next. So I say keep your chin up and I look forwatd to reading more .
5. ‘Life Gets So Quirky And Interesting When You’re Dying’ | CommonHealth | March 10, 2011 at 11:10 am
[…] author and longtime writer — and former Boston bureau chief — for The New York Times. Now the latest installment is out here, and continues to amaze me. Dudley talks, in a voice now slurred but still deep and rich, about […]