Initially, it was probably more difficult. I was shocked like anyone else, but I didn't have the same protective sense of entering the unknown experienced by most people. I had too many graphic memories flooding my brain: caring for my patients who suffered terrible complications of treatment or who died despite doing everything right.
I also knew too much. As my oncologist outlined my treatment protocol, my mind immediately listed the potential late effects for each toxic drug he named. Most newly diagnosed patients in 1990 had never even heard the term, "late effects," let alone knew the specific risks.
But once I was into treatment, the advantages of being a physician outweighed the disadvantages for me. I could communicate well, knew what to look for, and was proactive about finding a clinical trial in 1993 (with my oncologist's blessings). Plus I had vivid memories of patients who dealt with illness with grace and courage, providing me role models of Healthy Survivors.
Today you have easy access to excellent resources for information and support. The average patient today can enjoy most if not all the advantages of being a physician. As a Healthy Survivor, you don't have to have an MD to learn what you need to learn to communicate well, care well for yourself between visits, and find clinical trials.
Wendy, you say "Today you have easy access to excellent resources for information and support." Can you tell us a little more about how to determine whether resources - particularly online resources - are reliable? Thanks for your expert and caring guidance.
Posted by: Jeanne M Hannah | October 24, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Dear Jeanne,
Will do! If you don't see a proper answer in a post in the next week, feel free to nudge me.
With hope, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy S. Harpham, MD | October 24, 2009 at 06:27 PM