An illness becomes personal when someone that we know has it. It is worst when someone that you love is stricken. As healthcare professionals, the work that we do involves patients on a daily basis. Every once in a while, we need a reminder to take the work that we do personally.
Today is one of those days. I met an old police colleague when I was back serving my police reservist today. He lost weight, looked slightly tired and when we met at the canteen, he was happy to see me and got up to buy kopi for me. We chatted, and soon I found that he has had nose cancer and had just returned to work after surgery and radiation therapy. By his own admission, he was scared but gained confidence and renewed fighting spirit as a result of the professionalism of his doctor and the support of his wife and puppies.
He discovered the nose cancer after suffering symptoms similar to what I had...blocked nose, persistent infection of his throat (he attributed it to post nasal drip), sinus pressure, running nose, a "lump in the throat", etc. He decided to see an ENT specialist and on examination, the cancer was found. One can take often take such symptoms for granted. Thank God he took action and received the appropriate treatment. When he heard that I too had also undergone surgeries for my nose, he hesitated to ask why, but he was relieved to hear that it was nothing sinister.
I am reminded of the realities and significance of my work in healthcare, although unfortunately through the plight of my friend. I am encouraged to find out more about nose cancer and post them on this blog so that readers can find it handy. I found great information from the National Cancer Institute website expressed in layman's terms. Take a read!
I am thankful for the "liberation" that I experienced for my nose and at the same time I pray for complete healing for my friend.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment