my healing journey | the art, science and spirituality of curing prostate cancer - touch screen monitor overlay kit

Paul Stankard clc _ 8959
On Tuesday, August, JPGGlass artist PaulStankard talked about his career at his home studio in Mantua. 19, 2014. (
Photos of staff of Calista apartments/South Jersey Times)By Paul J.
I have a great career. I am a 71-year-
His works attract international audiences and are collected by more than 60 museums around the world.
My work has grown over the past 40 years, reflecting my emotional and artistic maturity.
Until a year ago, my whole life was glass-my work life, my social life, my pursuit of beauty.
As a glass artist, I am obsessed with the 2,300-
The degree of flame when carving hot glass.
But then I discovered an unknown dimension of my personality during my prostate cancer journey.
I am connected with the power of the heart, and this strong spirituality brings a positive attitude, which I shared with my wife Patricia during my treatment.
When I look back at a three
For one year, including diagnosis, treatment, and radiation therapy, attention has been paid to the beauty and humanity of people, as well as to an institution dedicated to extending my life.
Not only did I see how Pat and I emotionally integrated in more than 50 years of marriage, but also treated them like a challenge.
I also learned how holy people are-how precious the gift of life is when you deal with life --
Challenge medical issues
The book tells a story about how to discover beauty in places that are unlikely, and how I have experienced a high level of spiritual maturity cultivated by holy people, like the holy people in the Bible, cured by the hand of man.
This book combines personal experience with information chapters written in everyday languages by top medical experts.
Through it, I shared encouraging information about the successful treatment of prostate cancer.
It is encouraging to learn that most cases of prostate cancer are therapeutic and that the process is feasible and within my emotional tolerance level-that is, within the tolerance level of each man-
I also hope that family members of loved ones affected by prostate cancer will be able to understand what is happening throughout the course of treatment.
I am neither a doctor nor a scientist.
I was treated by some of the top people in the field, which is why I invited them to cover my humanities narrative with information about the latest breakthroughs and techniques for prostate cancer treatment.
The book shares the journey that my wife and I, Pat, started three years ago, when some figures from the blood test were ominous.
The story continues to show prostate cancer through a biopsy, so far-ending my radiation treatment.
I am not particularly brave in medical treatment.
This is by far the most serious medical condition I have ever encountered.
If I can get through this, anyone can. —
I 've always been an early morning person, and today my daily life is basically the same, with one exception from my treatment: I 've reduced my coffee intake significantly.
This change in my daily life provides peace of mind for preparing for my radiotherapy.
I have lost control when I urinate or defecate, and have encountered a frequent and ongoing sense of urgency to avoid accidents.
The situation got worse while waiting for my treatment because the oncologist wanted a full bladder.
When my bladder is full, it goes up the ball, changes where it is in the body, and clears the path so that the radiation beam hits the prostate directly.
I received 39 radiation treatments from Monday to Friday and lasted eight weeks.
Over the past few weeks, my anxiety levels have been reduced and eventually gone.
My view of treatment has changed from worry to sincere thanks to the beautiful people who led me through the healing process.
I think they are sacred people.
They devoted themselves to healing.
That's why I want to share my experience: In the past 20 years, I have written poetry, prose, articles and two books in addition to carving hot glass, it is mainly about the glass art of the studio.
Over the years, I have described in detail the challenges associated with the growth of art and the value of self.
Guide learning.
As I needed to write and share, the challenge of dealing with prostate cancer now took my mind.
I find it strange that I rarely consider my career as a glass artist now.
I am putting my energy into writing about fear and joy related to my cancer and death reality, and how the spiritual realm of God dominates my mind.
I am writing this because sharing my experience can benefit others.
Because I am a writer, I am also writing about my experience, which is beneficial to me.
By sharing, an artist has grown, and it is true no matter how you express and express it.
This is the story of my diagnosis and treatment, and how I give full emotional and intellectual trust and respect to people at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pat and I have strengthened our trust in doctors, nurses, therapists and support staff.
I would also like to write an article about how fighting cancer is a state of mind, just like my mental attitude towards art --making.
During my career as an artist, I accepted the motto of the Benedict monks: Labor is prayer.
This attitude, and the description of my treatment for prostate cancer, was raised as a prayer.
I started at the beginning. Over a two-
Within a year, a blood test showing possible prostate problems showed an increase in the number of people.
For people of my age, blood work is routine and ordered by our family doctor, Mr. Tara Tomaso. D.
Her dedication and experienced judgment on various family medical issues-especially my blood work figures-is a good thing.
She suggested that I go to the urologist for further examination.
I made an appointment with Carl H. Ebert, M. D.
Delaware Valley Urology Group
Pat and I went to the doctor.
Ebert's office, after several appointments and some tests, ended up with a biopsy and I was diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer.
When I reviewed my first biopsy, I remember I was scared and anxious.
A serious medical procedure would scare me through the idea of my anus.
When I lamented the operation to my brother Robert, he said, "Thank you for your prostate less than 2 inch from your opening.
"I had little idea that Novocaine would numb my prostate to make the puncture biopsy more comfortable.
When I look back, I realize that my concerns are worse than the program.
But I did find that the terrible thing about the biopsy was a series of sounds and feelings: the tail tone of the gun used to inject the needle into the prostate to extract the sample, the impact of the needle, and when 12 samples are popped up the plate, metal clicks on the glass petri dish.
I was under anesthetic with anesthetic, but my ears were very wary of what happened.
This hearing experience is comparable to scraping nails on the blackboard.
Biopsy results show early-
Stage of prostate cancer
I am afraid of what to do, uncertain or not confident.
I called my friend Anthony J. DiMarino, Jr.
Doctor of Medicine, Professor of stomach and liver disease in Jefferson, hospital practice, about my diagnosis.
He advised me to go to Jefferson for a second opinion and I did.
He made an appointment for me for a doctor named Leonard G. Gomella, M. D.
Coincidentally, a few days before the date, I was waiting at the barber shop for my turn to take the cover "top doctor" to get a Philadelphia magazine.
"I flipped through the article and saw the name of Leonard G. Gomella, M. D. ;
He was identified as chairman and professor of urology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
The article says he is the best urologist in the Philadelphia area.
In fact, I laughed loudly and felt what a beautiful GMC-"God --
This is a coincidence, because I will see him in a few days.
Pat and I drove to the Jefferson Hospital and the maps showed the buildings, the recommended parking lot and the hospital campus and identified the doctor's location
Office of Gomella.
Shortly after the appointment, this information was provided to us by mail.
Closer to the date of the appointment, I received a follow up emailup phone call.
Before the first doctor appointment
Gomella, we contacted by email and phone and felt that our treatment was in progress.
We received a few packets of information.
As someone with dyslexia, I didn't even try to overcome them.
I rely on Pat, an analyst at this family, to digest the details.
Jefferson's proactive attitude was highly appreciated and relieved our initial anxiety.
With our map, we started our first appointment on Monday, February.
2011, at 11. m.
We joked that we were two fellow countrymen who had a "big adventure" in the city.
"I drove to the seventh floor of the garage, the top was open and sunny with unusual and interesting views of the area's skyline and roof.
Walking to 833 Chestnut Street is a magnificent century
Old but well maintained building.
We were sitting in the waiting room.
It's huge-the biggest one I 've ever experienced, of course.
There are about 50 seats.
When we went in, I signed it on the computer-it was the first time for me. A flat-
The screen monitor flashed photos and biographical information about urologists, presented in the aura of celebrities.
The size of the waiting room and the complexity of the technology reinforce the contrast between my previous experience with doctors and not innovators in the medical field.
It made me realize that I was looking for help from big companies. leaguers.
While we were waiting, Pat filled out a lengthy questionnaire about my prostate problem.
About ten minutes later, a nurse went into the waiting room and called my name.
She took us to the inner sanctuary. by-ten-
Foot check room.
In a very short time, a young doctor in his early 30 s and two students entered the room.
He claimed to be a doctor.
Residents of Gomera
He started a preliminary interview and checked my vital signs.
He then asked for a rectal examination to check if my prostate was abnormal.
I used to be afraid of this program.
Now I am facing my situation.
This exam has been difficult for me for the past 20 years.
In fact, usually when I'm in my 50 s, I'll hand this over to my family doctor.
But once I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I did not hesitate to have a rectal examination.
Residents took the simplest exam I have ever had.
When I got to this position, he leaned the lubricated glove finger against my anal muscle and inserted the finger into my anus.
When I pulled up my pants, I told him it was the most uncomfortable prostate test I remember doing.
He then said-talking to me and the two students behind him-putting your fingers in the anus for three or four seconds can relax the muscles and provide less resistance.
I'm a little self.
Aware of the need to share this publicly-until recently, when I learned that eight buses in the Philadelphia SEPTA system are now driving across the city, the ad says: don't be afraid that FINGERI later searched Google for "Don't be afraid of fingers" and learned that this is the slogan of the advertising campaign organized by the Penn Prostate Cancer Alliance. —
I value the advice of my dear wife, Pat, who is by my side every step of the way.
I now understand why most patients with serious illness-in my case, cancer patients-have loved ones to accompany them.
Shortly after the initial interview and examination of the resident, Pat and I met the doctor. Gomella.
We were impressed by his easygoing character and gentle and authoritative attitude. Dr.
Gomera, he seems to be in his early days.
His innovative contribution in the field of urology in his 60 s has been respected worldwide, and most notably the design and implementation of a unique, now widely accepted, multi-disciplinary treatment of cancer
After he looked at the information I transferred from the doctor's office
My first urologist, Albert.
Gomella ordered me to do a second biopsy to verify the results and to determine the baseline for him to measure the treatment strategy.
A month later, at the doctor
Pat and I went back to his office and Gomera received the biopsy results. Dr.
Gomella confirmed that I had prostate cancer at an early stage.
The cancer is very serious, but as far as I am concerned, the prognosis is very good because my cancer is detected early.
We asked a lot of questions, mainly emotional, not technical, in essence.
For example, I asked with a smile, "Can I give my wife cancer while I'm close," he said no.
In our conversation, he expressed our concerns in layman's terms, not in a hurry to move on, focusing his full attention on our situation-which means a lot to us
But at the end of the interview, I had to ask this tricky question before we decided to wait and observe the speed at which prostate cancer progressed rather than start active treatment immediately.
I feel a little timid when I ask this question, but I need to hear the answer to strengthen our emotional state. "Dr.
"Gomera," I asked, "will this put me on the ground? " he looked at me thoughtfully for a while and gave me a relaxed response. "No," he said.
"I don't think so.
In fact, you may be a poster boy for the early stages of prostate cancer.
"Throughout my experience, I became more and more aware of the culture of genuine respect and compassion in the hospital.
It gradually eliminated my anxiety and I realized that I was taken care of by some special people who were committed to improving the dignity of life, especially my life. Dr.
After learning that I like the so-called "alert wait", Gomera told me that we will have a blood test every six months and a biopsy every year to monitor the prostate.
We left urology and were encouraged by the increased knowledge and assurance of the doctors
A poster for Gomeraboy analogy. —
Before the third biopsy, I was optimistic that I was slow.
The growth of prostate cancer, leaving me alone and being monitored in a watchful wait, will allow me to live a full life-easily active with my mom and GrandpaLife of one year
But the third biopsy 15 months later showed that cancer had developed: I was no longer in the "early" phase.
I am now a member of the "intermediate" category and lost my posterboy status.
This is my third time with Dr.
Gomella, he reviewed the test results with us.
I'll find out more details later, but at this meeting he gave a brief overview of the three options to consider when treating my prostate cancer.
"Alert waiting" is no longer appropriate.
I am not completely unhappy about this because I am beginning to be afraid of doing a biopsy once a year and have accepted the idea of asking for surgery to remove the prostate. Dr.
Gomera told me that he wanted an oncologist to attend the treatment strategy meeting, which ended the meeting.
I felt lucky when I realized that my case was discussed as an educational study for medical students.
After being interviewed by various doctors, it is a blessing to be the recipient of a doctor.
Gomella's innovative technologies include collaboration and simultaneous team Consulting.
For example, a doctor told me that I was most likely to receive hormone treatment.
When I asked the doctor
"We discussed this collectively and decided not to ask for it," said Gomera.
Among them, "we" is the doctor.
Robert den, assistant professor and co-Professor
Director of the multi-disciplinary Urology Cancer Center.
Three months later, after the third biopsy, when the boding cancer treatment center became my home base, I would take care of him.
He's a young man in his 40 s.
Graduated from Harvard with a relaxed smile.
In addition to treating and teaching, PhD
Den is working on a technique to provide treatment to improve effectiveness with as little discomfort and side effects as possible.
The first thing that impressed me was
He wore a mul hat.
Yarmulke is a small hat that symbolizes respect for God above us in Jewish faith.
It is a sign for me that he is a spiritual person and I appreciate it.
In the reality of my cancer, in the environment of the treatment center, my spirituality has been promoted.
During my life as a Catholic, I celebrated spiritual faith, and now my religious faith has been strengthened by this serious medical challenge. —
There are two places I visited in Jefferson: The building where I first met the doctor
Gomella and Bodine cancer treatment center two blocks away.
Our third meeting with the doctor.
Gomera was the first time he met me in boding.
This marked the move of my treatment site to a new home base.
The meeting held in boding raised broader considerations. Dr.
Gomella explained three options for my treatment-surgery, seeds, and radiation.
Surgery requires complete removal of the prostate.
I 've talked to a few people about this and got the impression that it might interfere with the physical functioning of the future.
Seeds-for some reason, it doesn't appeal to me to implant 100 small radioactive rods upwards.
Radiation therapy will include killing cancer cells with a concentrated induction beam.
Pat and I decided on the spot.
We looked at each other.
"I kind of like radiation therapy," I told Pat . ".
Pat said with a smile: "I think this is a good choice. "I turned to the doctor. Gomella.
"Let's go with radiation.
"I will do that," he replied . "
This is the least invasive.
Our collective decision was communicated to the doctor.
Den endorsed our judgment and then-as an oncologist specializing in radiation therapy and research-launched an attack plan.
He asked me to do two examinations and two surgeries and prepared radiation for me for eight weeks. Dr.
Gomera told me that he will be back in my case soon after I finish the radiation treatment.
So now, officially, I'm here. Den's care.
He arranged an MRI and CAT scan, the test showed inside my body and gave him instructions on the level of cancer. Dr.
Den also ordered the insertion of the "benchmark" gold mark.
The word Fiducial refers to what is done to determine the location.
These markers are combined with external tattoos to allow the therapist to locate precisely in radiation therapy.
MRI is a challenge.
I'm standing on a plastic table in a stylish cotton dress that will slide me into the center of this big tech miracle.
This is a 45-
The minute procedure, I am concerned about my ability to withstand this limitation.
Even with the earbuds provided by the therapist, I was surprised at how loud the various thum banging and pulsating sounds were.
I thought I was 71, which distracted me. year-
The old hipsters and heavy hits are rap music.
That fantasy didn't last long, so I focused on the daily prayers in a very short time, then went back to Earth and mentally planned a lecture
The fall Glass demonstration at Salem Community College in southern New Jersey.
I was surprised-and, in fact, I was happy-to find my concentration in this claustrophobic environment. (
Once I opened my eyes and was surprised to notice that I was only about 3 inch from the inner surface of the tube. )
I have to work hard to overcome the reality that is a terrible reality for me, which is aggravating the claustrophobia I am experiencing.
I immediately closed my eyes and closed my eyes during the operation.
I focus on imagining myself in front of a group of passionate students and sharing my glass art experience-an activity I love.
Once I bring myself into the spiritual realm of teaching, this state of focus makes me know nothing about the surroundings.
This marks another milestone in my life's journey: I have never been inward to exclude the outside world.
This is the first time I have focused on such a long period of time, to get rid of this emotional discomfort, and to successfully rule out interference, creating a surprisingly happy internal universe.
When the MRI image was finished and my head pounding jumping straight, Pat and I rushed three blocks to the Bodine center for a CAT scan scheduled to start in half an hour.
After the CAT scan, I will have three tattoos, one centered about 3 inch above my penis, and the other two on the same plane of the hip.
These marks allow the therapist to align the radiation beam to my prostate.
The CAT scan was originally a cake dish with one exception: I had to drink four glasses of water to fill my bladder.
After the Second Cup, I kept worrying that I couldn't hold it.
Lying on a medical device bed, I imagine the worst situation --
Case scenario: my bladder was out of control and an accident occurred.
I envision grabbing and tying my sheets to cover and peeing inside to lighten my cleaning and then dealing with the awkwardness in some way.
I did it, but not a lot.
Immediately after the test, the therapist took me to a nearby male toilet and felt my sense of urgency.
This is the first time I 've realized how much emotional and physical stress the bladder can't control.
The worry about drinking four glasses of water heralds a series of new challenges that I have never imagined and that I will try to overcome.
After the CAT scan, I was tattooed based on the information recorded during the scan.
Cat therapist (
One of the many Saints I will meet)
Start the tattoo with three dots, then draw three circles and surround them with ink marks on my torso.
I was overwhelmed by some tattoos surrounded by my hands.
Geometric symbols drawn in special ink.
For me, it's like I got branded, like the steering wheel in an old cowboy movie.
A week later, Pat and I came back to make metal-gold --
The leaf marker is implanted into the three positions of the prostate to determine the parameters of the prostate, so that radiation therapy can be accurately focused.
The insertion of the gold marker is a slight change in the biopsy, but involves the same degree of discomfort.
But Pat gave me a new nickname: Kim Tong, I was comforted.
While no one will argue that the program is simple or enjoyable, I can say afterwards that I am proud to have passed the various tests happily.
It's important to me.
If I meet the challenge with optimism and celebration, I will be able to ease the tension that may weaken my confidence.
To be honest, I do this because I know I have to fight against the tendency to avoid a sorry party by saying "Oh shit, I don't need this.
"Why Me", at this point I realize how feasible and manageable the process is.
I don't think I'm a strong person. me-your-
The "best shot" type of person.
At the same time, I have realized that this treatment is easier and more effective today than in the past few years.
I realized how lucky I was in this age when technology was available.
Men can go through this.
Others can do it if I can. —
When describing a typical day of treatment, I will start the night before when I go to bed.
My daily life, which I have been working at home for more than 40 years, has been completely interrupted.
Everything from sleep to commuting to physical function has been subverted.
In addition to interacting with Pat and family, go to the gym three to four days a week at 6: 00. m.
Almost nothing is the same in my daily life.
These days, I usually go to bed shortly after 9. m.
Expect a night in the unknown.
I woke up once or twice between 12. m. and 2 a. m.
Due to the strong desire to urinate, a decrease of 2 ounces in any number of records between the last 5 ounces and.
Sometimes I'm standing above the toilet bowl and dribbling in the direction of relaxation.
It's hard to go back to sleep so I ended up writing half on the computer
After about an hour, when I pray for extra sleep, I urinate again and go back to bed.
30 days before I was 39.
One day's radiation treatment program, I learned to deal with abnormal and occasional fatigue of body function throughout the treatment process.
In the middle of my second reservation
Visit the office with the doctor every weekDen (
Pat is with me three times a week for treatment and appointment)
I told him that my main challenge at the time was how to deal with frequent urination and frequent defecation.
He's not surprised.
He told me that my response was not unusual and that radiation affected people in many different ways. Dr.
Den prescribed tamsulocin to improve my urination performance and noted that he may increase the dose as treatment progresses.
He also advised me to take over. the-
I took a prescription to fight my diarrhea.
But perhaps the wisdom of my dear wife Pat gave me the most immediate inner peace.
She suggested we go to the local hospital.
The supply store has a choice of products for the treatment of incontinence: diapers, mats and a specially designed bottle that I can urinate in my car.
On the first day of wearing diapers, I feel at ease even if I don't need them.
That night, before taking a shower, I was curious about the effectiveness of the diaper and urinated during the trial run.
To my surprise, the padded material absorbs urine and the elastic band keeps my clothes completely dry.
I'm glad to know that I have more freedom, no worries.
As an artist, my approach to diaper testing is parallel to my curiosity and approach.
When something doesn't work on the bench, I start over and keep looking for the best results.
As I often feel when my work goes well, I am happy to find diapers valuable.
Before starting treatment, I plan to work in the studio after my mid-termday nap.
But to my surprise, I have lost discipline in working on glass.
I recently told a group of visiting students that my "magic bar" was lost because of fatigue.
It's complicated because I'm proud of my career achievements and it's the happiest to work in a studio.
That's why I'm back in the studio in the afternoon-not working in the torch room, but thinking about my future artwork, meditating, and writing down the words you're reading now.
I have a new mindset.
I focus on healing and meditation on the bittersweet reality that I will die.
Let me clarify what I just wrote: At 71, the disease may end my life-the number of other diseases is almost unlimited.
Now, thanks to the current medical technology, my grandfather's life, and possibly my father's, has become manageable.
I have a good prognosis.
Nevertheless, I am well aware that I would die if it was not prostate cancer, then I hope this will allow me to die peacefully after a long and healthy life. —
I often wake up before 4: 00 in the morning. m.
But I don't like getting up early.
My daily job when I leave home is to go to the convenience store for coffee and grilled bagels.
In the early days of my treatment, I gave up coffee for a few weeks (
This is an oral medicine that is the last thing I need due to the urinary challenge caused by the prostate)
But the problem of enjoying coffee for a lifetime is better than peeing.
When I drove back and parked in the driveway between my home and the studio next door, when I heard an audiobook downloaded to my iPhone, I sat in the car eating bagels for coffee.
After drinking my coffee and listening for 20 minutes, I walked to the comfort of the studio and enjoyed the daily prayers and the quiet meditation in the early morning.
I 've been thinking about the same prayer in my adult life, and now, my computer text --to-
Speaking show, I added a higher dimension to my dedication.
The project allows the Christian mystics to repeat the chanting of "Jesus Prayer", especially in Orthodox faith.
I began my morning prayers, meditating on the anthem for five minutes, followed by the petition of our father, St Mary, Novena of St Joseph, St Jude, and more
The whole dedication usually takes 20 minutes and is a powerful source of emotional power that prepares me for the future.
During my radiotherapy, I went on to the gym and left the studio around 6. m.
Two of them are personal coaches, and the other two mornings I will swim a few laps.
During training, I warmed up before 6: 30.
I noticed that I slowly became weak during my radiotherapy.
I think, no matter how much weight, it's good for health if I lift it up or push it to the maximum force.
After the exercise, I returned home at 7: 20 to start the day's preparation.
With the time, Pat and I usually talk about family, upcoming commitments like Thanksgiving, and fun jokes that are common in 50 years of marriage.
I look at the time and usually leave the house before 8: 00. m.
I went on a long trip to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from Monday to Friday.
Before the start of this journey, I had not been through Benjamin Franklin Bridge for a long time to go to the central city of Philadelphia.
This reminds me of how lucky I have been to work in a comfortable environment since 1972 without commuting.
After checking the odometer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had only 15.
6 miles from my home to the seventh floor of the parking lot, usually 35 to 40 minutes.
Across town south on 8 th Street, to the garage of 10 th and chestnuts, I noticed hundreds of people working in a bustling way.
I often wonder how interesting it is to stay in the central city and get to all the amenities on foot.
I get to the garage and even if there is an opening underneath, I end up on the top floor as I like to wait empty in the sunny open air.
I parked my car in the same place and listened to TED (
Lectures on all aspects of human progress)
Or a national public radio station waiting for 8: 50. m.
Around 9: 00 in Bodine Centerm.
, I took the elevator down to the radiation treatment area, and when the elevator door opened, I was facing Nicole, the senior patient registrar.
She's a young woman.
Someone in their 30 s from southern Philadelphia has a charming smile-the smile itself feels therapeutic at the beginning of the new day.
The routine is to check in by brushing the barcode of my ID card under the scanner and verifying my parking card.
The computerized system also informs the radiotherapist when I scan-in my case is unit D or D-
I call it team.
Because of my urinary challenge, Nicole, who is connected to the radiation unit, informed me to start drinking three cups of water about 15 minutes before treatment to fill my bladder, and protect it from the term I might have invented: radiation "splash ".
"I took a locker key from the wall to change it.
In the locker room I changed two dresses ready for front and back coverage.
In general, two or three men wear or undress at the same time, and casual conversations focus on the type of cancer and the number of treatments left.
In my opinion, prostate cancer seems to be the most common cancer after the colon and anus.
Prostate cancer, colon cancer and anal cancer need to be replaced with a dress.
I benefited from the esoteric information I shared about the challenge-like urine --
External Catheter absorption pad (a. k. a.
Condom catheter)
The best style of diapers and underwear to suit the extra protection.
The effect of this Big Brother network is really great.
From the dressing room to the waiting room, you will feel a sense of spiritual intimacy or friendship, which is passed in a few weeks, in some cases, within a few months.
It seems that the number of women and men treated is equal, and from the perspective of dialogue, prostate cancer and breast cancer are the two largest categories.
Not only did Nicole greet the patient and document their arrival, but also organized the patient to flow to four radiotherapy units.
She protects her.
Experience the stressful nature in two waiting rooms.
The staff I contacted called me. Stankard.
However, since I was dealing with Nicole from Monday to Friday and was grateful for her help, I asked her to drop "Sir" and call me Paul. "OK, Mr.
Her answer was, "Paul. So now I am Mr. Paul.
This respectful culture embodies the entire Bodine center and you will feel it as you walk through the revolving door at the corner of Sansom and 11 th Street.
The hospital is very large and occupies three or four city blocks.
I recently found that there is a closed route from the parking lot to the Bodine center in bad weather.
I can walk a block in the atrium.
Type environment.
When I was inside, I seemed to be in the cocoon, surrounded by healing.
But when I left from the front door and took to the streets, I came back to reality again-it was cold, people hurried through the sidewalk, the horns honked, A homeless young man is a regular, businessman wearing a suit and tie and marching with a briefcase.
I never thought the hospital would be so noble.
Sure, I'm surprised how important it is to cultivate a happy environment.
Existence is the process of healing.
Experience the healing virtues of Jefferson and let me appreciate this countryof-the-
Art Science not only provides the foundation for my treatment, but has become a resource for the Delaware Valley.
In fact, however, my mental response to this journey is emotional.
I am not a judge of science, but I am able to measure kindness, care and culture.
I am proud and grateful for the Advancement of Science, Medical research and scholarship to be used in the future for the treatment of me and patients, but I am most comfortable with the hand --
People working in factories
I suspect that this atmosphere is facilitated by a collective mindset that is a challenge for day-to-day maintenance.
Such a culture is not just happening.
This is the result of attention to detail. . .
In my case, the details are me.
Jefferson's culture gives doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff the power to work consistently, reinforcing the ideal of focus on individual cases.
From my emotional point of view, this boils down to: I am not the only patient there, but I feel that I am the focus of their collective wisdom.
As I look back on my three years of treatment in Jefferson, one of the biggest challenges for me was to summon the discipline needed to complete the eight-week radiation treatment.
Eight weeks of treatment has basically changed. time job.
This is not the most intense aspect of my treatment, but it requires me to pay full attention from Monday to Friday.
In fact, the "job" made me appreciate the weekend.
The feeling of freedom and relaxation brought by the weekend was like the summer vacation when I was a child.
Let me provide some more details about the treatment routine.
I was arranged at 9: 30m. slot.
-The person in charge of the radiation department met my desire to continue my early work-
Morning exercise, this is another example of the way this team cares.
I will be in the smaller of the two waiting rooms before treatment.
The small room is good for friendly conversation.
It leads to the corridor leading to the radiation machine, creating a kind of like on-
The next batsman waits to climb the deck circle of the plate.
The analogy continues: I was called up by a speaker and I went into the D machine, one of four million machines --
Dollar radiation unit
I was very nervous during my first few visits, however, as the treatment continued, I became more comfortable with the surgery, especially for the therapist, the Saint of Team D.
In one of my previous Facebook posts, I mentioned lying on a plastic board and sliding me into what I call a "Monster's throat ".
"I told Dan that one of the three therapists was about that position.
He looked at me with a stern expression and pointed to the machine.
He said: "The Monster is saving your life.
"How real it was, it surprised me, and at that moment I went through a major attitude adjustment. —
Day after day, it is very special to see the same 8 to 12 familiar faces in the waiting room.
This is a pleasant source of comfort.
At the end of my treatment plan, my comments on Steve kept thinking and smiling, he was a 60-year-old man with a conservative demeanor.
"This waiting room is like a party where everyone drinks at least two beers," he said.
"I didn't meet anyone close to being conceited at the Cancer Treatment Center-in patients or employees.
I'm sure there are a lot of people who have quirks and shortcomings, but I only feel their holiness in this environment.
The day before Thanksgiving, I was looking forward to having a big family dinner with my wife, the family of our children and the grandchildren.
One more thing to celebrate: that Friday will be the last day of my 39 radiation treatments-my prostate cancer treatment.
The prayers of family, friends, and especially my 5,000 Facebook friends have strengthened and comforted me, and many of them have read and commented on my weekly chronicles, which
Black Friday after Thanksgiving ended my treatment.
This year, I thought it was the Holy Friday-the day when the last golden light hit my prostate, miraculously cured me.
Holy Friday ends the daily treatment and while I will not miss the commute I will definitely miss people.
During my time, the friendship between 8 to 12 people waiting for treatment has become an incredible support group.
From white-collar to blue-collar, we have various professions.
There are patients of all kinds of social status, we sit together and support each other as if we were monks and nuns in the spiritual sanctuary of the healing area.
It's not just my gut feeling: this is often mentioned by other members of the treated group.
In addition to our cancer, what we have in common is the wisdom we gain-recognizing that life is a precious gift.
The experience and treatment of cancer may be a personality
In addition to changing life --changer.
Cancer enriches my life in a very strange way.
This allows me to prioritize and look inside clearly to get a deeper understanding of how I feel.
What I have learned from this experience, but I don't want to sound like a cliche. I understand that life is a precious gift.
This made me a better person.
In the grand plan of things, as my soul continues to pass, I accept my continued journey beyond time as truth.
The end of the cancer journey, the beginning of a new journey --