Love in the Time of Cancer
“There is nothing more important to me
as a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for over two
decades and have had the privilege of
telling many patients that there is life
beyond cancer. As president of The Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I want to
lead by example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest
medical care available, with the same
concern and compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page D.O., Ph.D., FACOI, FASCO
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
“Love, in its many manifestations, helps provide solace and a sense
of peace, not just for patients, but also family members. We bear
daily witness, as oncologists, to the power of love in the time of
cancer.” – Lawrence Einhorn, MD
Recently, Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, who developed the curative
treatment for testicular cancer, wrote in the “Art of Oncology”
reflections on his 40-year career as a cancer doctor. He wrote spe-
cifically on the power of love affecting the outcomes of some of his
cancer patients. He reflected on a 16-year-old who was diagnosed
with metastatic testicular cancer. He only achieved a brief partial
remission followed by rapid disease progression. He was then
referred for salvage chemotherapy and was a candidate for
high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell
transplantation. His probability for cure was, at best, 20%, and this
was his only curative option. His college-educated parents
accompanied him for his initial outpatient appointment and
decided to take him to Mexico for alternative therapy, thereby
eliminating any chance for cure.
Without a doubt his parents loved him deeply. We oncologists try
to provide wise counsel and comfort on the basis of data,
information, and evidence-based medicine. Ultimate decisions
cannot be mandated, however, and even the best evidence for or
against a particular treatment may not stand up to the power of
love in its many varied expressions.
Dr. Einhorn further reflected on factors that optimize the
doctor-patient relationship. “There have been dramatic changes
in the science and practice of medicine, and the chaos of a typical
clinical day often detracts from the traditional doctor-patient
relationship. Despite the chaos, we still learn to be humble and are
continually inspired by our patients. We can mentor our students,
residents, and fellows about medical facts, but the ability to
convey empathy and compassion is just as vital as the knowledge
of complicated pathways. Our patients deserve our knowledge and
experience, but this only goes so far without love to guide them in
their decision-making. To foster and understand the factors that
keep our patients living in the face of terminal disease, we need
to endeavor to have a better understanding of love in the time of
cancer.”
Support services provided by:
To learn more about cancer care issues or to consult with a physician
about a cancer diagnosis, contact us at 817.596.0637.
Schedule appointments by calling
817-596-0637 or online at
www.thecentertx.com
For me, I have often seen that love drives a patient’s resilience,
sometimes to seemingly unachievable or even miraculous ends.
Love propels that courage to fight. As a physician, trying to
connect with hundreds of patients in daily interactions, to better
understand the impact of love in their time of cancer, is one of the
greatest personal challenges and emotional tolls that I must
negotiate. It is indeed a rare privilege that I embrace seriously.
“In taking up another’s cross, one must sometimes get crushed by
the weight” – Dr. Paul Kalanithi.
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