U-Understanding
As we hit milestone #17 I reflect on the words discussed so far with understanding. Many of the words I chose randomly that day were thoughts associated with my diagnosis of melanoma, how I was going to deal with it and importantly the question Why Me?
I was the one who kept covered when outside as an adult and tried to make sure I did what I could because I had my share of burns spending time as a kid at the Jersey Shore. Well obviously the damage was done!
I had diagnosed a few patients along the way in my career with melanoma and a Dr I knew got it and died shortly after. I always thought. I sure don’t want that cancer knowing it was tough to treat and yet beat!
I was staged seriously enough to qualify for immunotherapy and my understanding was that was my best shot. So I did it for a year and so far so good.
Educating yourself is a huge part of understanding and that helps in the process of healing. As a provider it drives me crazy when patients come to see me with little or no understanding of their diagnoses and treatments. I spend a lot of time educating because educating leads to understanding which empowers people. If you feel empowered that leads to ownership and that means better outcomes..... Better Health!
May I deviate a minute...
2020 —we are fighting a pandemic and in many states including Arizona where I live there still seems to be a lack of understanding concerning a public health crisis and the part that us all do for public safety. We are in this together and understanding be behaving in a certain ways like social distancing, masks in public, hand washing is for the greater good for us all! Once Everyone has an UNDERSTANDING this is what we need to slow down the SPREAD that is our best chance at saving lives!
Many are restless -I most certainly understand but we need to stand united as we continue this COVID journey.
Stay Safe! Best of Health to ALL
Barb
askthepa.com
