Newly diagnosed cancer patients are sometimes told they are terminal with 3 or 6 months or a year or two to live. Why does the physician say this? Because, they say, they must be honest, they must be frank, and the patient and their family has a right to know and must prepare for death. The truth is that Continue reading “The Doctor Says…”
Physician-Patient Statement of Mutual Commitment
WE SUGGEST YOU DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN
Cancer is a complex disease with numerous treatment options. Often there is only one opportunity for success. Effective treatment requires effort by both the patient and physician. A clear understanding of what each can expect of the other will help. Thoughts and feelings of the doctor are transmitted neurologically affecting the health of the patient. Continue reading “Physician-Patient Statement of Mutual Commitment”
Beware of Terminal Prognosis
Something new is happening and it is bad! I previously believed that when a physician told a newly diagnosed cancer patient they were terminal, the physician was unaware of what was available to treat that specific disease or was trying to protect their ego by forecasting the worst in which case there was no downside. If the patient fulfilled the prophecy, the physician was right and if the patient got well, they were the hero, accomplishing the impossible. Continue reading “Beware of Terminal Prognosis”
Build Your Recovery on a Solid Foundation – Not Quicksand!
Ask your physician to pick up a qualified oncologist and place your life in their hands.
Every third American will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It will strike virtually every family. Recovering from cancer is a matter of Continue reading “Build Your Recovery on a Solid Foundation – Not Quicksand!”
Doctor – Weigh Your Words Carefully
The manner in which a physician discloses to a patient the diagnosis of cancer can, in and of itself, determine whether the patient will die or survive. The physician can instill hope and the desire to try to fight and be part of a winning team or can cause the patient to want to do nothing and wait for the inevitable end. A telephone call by a nurse or even the doctor stating, “You have cancer” can be totally devastating. The patient Continue reading “Doctor – Weigh Your Words Carefully”