Learning

"When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand."

- Henri Nouwen

I have learned so much from this patient.

I have learned that, in some people, cancer can be a chronic disease. This particular woman first developed cancer symptoms 50 years ago and she still carries some of the same malignant cells to this day.

I have learned that small acts of kindness readily distinguish a decent person from an exceptional one; a lesson re-learned each year at Valentine's Day when she drops off a bag of chocolate kisses wrapped in small bits of cloth.

I have learned that hearing a patient tell the story of her journey with cancer enhances my understanding of how others might face similar challenges.

I have learned that facial scars can affect how people might view a patient but they don't have to affect how the patient views herself.

I have learned that a person can remain in control of her health care and her life despite two dozen operations, multiple courses of radiation, a myriad of medical conditions, and a steady stream of hospital visits.

I have learned that a life filled with community volunteering, raising children, being a friend, and staying active can co-exist with chronic illness and cancer.

I have learned that there are people who, when I give them bad news, have the gift of always making me feel better.

And today, as she smiled and told me that she is making plans to be admitted to an in-patient hospice unit, I learned that the terms "patient" and "friend" are sometimes inseparable.

Bruce H. Campbell, MD, FACS
Medical College of Wisconsin Professor of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences and Chief, Division of Head and Neck Oncology

Dr. Campbell practices at the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences Clinic, the Zablocki VA Medical Center, and the Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee.

"Reflections" is a collection of essays by the health professionals of the Medical College of Wisconsin.