In praise of good medical personnel
I just got home after a month of radiation
treatment at UAB's Wallace Tumor Center. It's hard to put the experience into
words. Short summary: I am impressed with everyone I've met who is involved in
oncology - whether chemotherapy or radiation - at UAB Hospital and Kirklin
Clinic. I am also pleased to know that the local oncologists who treated me
last spring have strong ties to the UAB
group.
I am also grateful to the
American Cancer Society for their sponsorship of Hope Lodge, which provides a
free place to stay while getting long term care in Birmingham. "Camp Cancer,"
as I came to call Hope Lodge, is a place of encouragement and hope in spite of
the fact that at least half of the people who live there are being treated for
cancer.
Read on:
I've commented in other blog entries that many
people simply don't know what to do when they encounter someone with cancer.
Indeed, when I first got my diagnosis the effect was pretty numbing. However,
that was over 6 months ago, and so my thoughts and impressions since then have
changed a great deal. While on one hand I firmly look forward to a full
recovery, on the other hand I also know that I have no such guarantee: Jesus
said that each day has enough trouble of its own.
Learning to live one day at a time is
an annoying but important ongoing lesson. The people at Hope Lodge - the
patients, caregivers, and volunteers - helped enormously to reinforce that
lesson. My sister noticed that, in spite of how overwhelmed we were with my own
condition, I was actually one of the healthier people there! The fact that I
came in so weak and left with increasing energy and "personality" was
encouraging to many others, and they in turn were a source of strength for me.
There was no need to discuss the dangers of cancer. We all knew them. We
discussed instead our faith, our family, our hope, and just fun stories of
life.
The people who have provided
medical care to me throughout this experience have also been wonderful.
Beginning with Dr. Graves, who started my treatment, and culminating most
recently with Dr. Dobelbower (PhD, MD, radiation oncologist), and their nursing
and tech staffs, and so many others I couldn't name if I wanted to, I have been
surrounded by determined, professional people who are committed to effective
treatment. In fact, Dr. Forero, my primary oncologist at UAB stood face to face
with me, our noses about 2" apart, and very plainly and seriously informed me
that I can count on him: he is not going to give up on
me!
When I consider the "staying
strong" fatigue that I myself have felt from time to time over the past several
months, I can only stand in awe of the medical personnel who have cared for me
and my fellow patients over these past few months. Many of them work in
underground radiation labs - never seeing the sunshine during the day, not at
all a glamorous position. Many of them are caring for people who, as I said,
are in desperate straights. Yet each of them carries a dynamic strength and
commitment to healing that is truly infectious, if I can use the
word.
So, to all of you, let me say:
Thank you. Thank you again.
And Dr.
Forero, I'm not going to give up either. You can count on it.
Posted: Wed - August 27, 2008 at 07:53 PM
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