The Face of Cancer

John G. Scott; Patrick Crommet

doi:10.1370/afm.9

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The Face of Cancer. Ann Fam Med 1(1):52-54, 2003
H. Kenneth Schueler

Published on: 06 July 2003
The Face of Cancer Revisited
Sandra D. Maryman

Published on: 30 June 2003

Published on: (6 July 2003)
Page navigation anchor for The Face of Cancer. Ann Fam Med 1(1):52-54, 2003
The Face of Cancer. Ann Fam Med 1(1):52-54, 2003
H. Kenneth Schueler, Patient Advocate
Dear Dr. Scott,
Thank you for sharing such a compelling story. It was remarkable that Patrick lived. It was equally remarkable that you furthered his empowerment by allowing him to effect you and to tell his own story in "The Face of Cancer". You remind me of another New Jersey physician who made house calls and valued his relationship with patients, William Carlos Williams.
Some of my cancer patients h...
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Dear Dr. Scott,
Thank you for sharing such a compelling story. It was remarkable that Patrick lived. It was equally remarkable that you furthered his empowerment by allowing him to effect you and to tell his own story in "The Face of Cancer". You remind me of another New Jersey physician who made house calls and valued his relationship with patients, William Carlos Williams.
Some of my cancer patients have one-time consultations with “Top Gun” oncologists at leading cancer research centers who often keep them waiting, and talk to them very coolly about response rates and median survival times. But when it comes to the long haul, my patients prefer a relationship with a physician who is knowledgeable yet able to hold their hand at the edge of the abyss, to respect their humanity and wholeness apart from their disease, to rework the map when the terrain changes, and to cry and laugh as part of the compassion and renewal which is embodied in that special relationship between a physician and a patient.
Your patients are lucky to have you.
With kindest regards,
H. Kenneth Schueler President & CEO
HKS PATIENT ADVOCATES “Championing Your Health Through Research, Advocacy, Education & Support" 49 Park Avenue - Suite 2A New York, NY 10016 Phone: (212) 725-5800 Fax: (212) 725-2260 Email: Ken@HKSchueler.com
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (30 June 2003)
Page navigation anchor for The Face of Cancer Revisited
The Face of Cancer Revisited
Sandra D. Maryman, physician (FP)
As a breast cancer survivor and a physician, I know well the face of cancer. From the medical viewpoint, I am appalled that there are still physicians, not to mention oncologists, who deliver life altering news the same way they tell you that you have gallstones. I remember only too well the way I was told and how unprepared I was. After being reassured my breast mass was benign, as least by mammography and ultrasound,...
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As a breast cancer survivor and a physician, I know well the face of cancer. From the medical viewpoint, I am appalled that there are still physicians, not to mention oncologists, who deliver life altering news the same way they tell you that you have gallstones. I remember only too well the way I was told and how unprepared I was. After being reassured my breast mass was benign, as least by mammography and ultrasound, the manner in which the surgeon told me I had breast cancer left much to be desired. As a colleague, I also felt she could have prepared me, asked me to bring my husband, etc. Alone in the office, she pratically blurted out "your biospy turned out to be cancer"!
I applaud Dr. Scott for his sentivity and words of comfort. I guess that's why we're family physicians!
I agree with Patrick Crommet about the cancer being a gift. I believe with all my heart the oft repeated phrase - "If the cancer doesn't kill me, it was the best thing that ever happened to me." I too appreciate every morning that I wake up, every day I notice the clouds, the trees, the flowers, all the little things that we so take for granted. Life is so precious; at least some of us realize this before it's too late!
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.