#75410 06-09-2008 04:32 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | As part of my new patient examinations, I always discuss smoke cessation with anyone that says they are a smoker.
You never know who you have touched, but on Friday 2 patients announced that they have quit the evil habit. One had told me he wasn't ready to stop, when I first met him. I still had my usual discussion with him as he wasn't defensive (as some patients are). He listened and while in the office on Friday, he told to one of my partners that he was on the patch and he should let me know.
Almost at the same moment, a patient who had come in for the first time on the previous Tuesday, was in my chair and said I was just going to tell you that I haven't had a cigarette since I left your office. Wow, I was blown away.
I felt wonderful all day (and still do)and had to share this with my OCF family.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Jerry,
You make such a difference in the lives that you touch. I would say that the world needs more caring healthcare professionals such as yourself, but I think it's better stated as the world needs more caring people such as yourself in it.
Here's hoping that your patients stay smoke free!
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | The man that wishes to move a mountain starts with a handful of pebbles. He finds others who believe in him, and in the end many people join him to move more stones. We only change the world one person at a time. When viewed from afar, the ripples of that new person touch can be seen touching others near them, and the circles continue to grow and grow. Those willing to extend themselves and reach out to touch the first person, will change the world. I am less impressed by people who are convinced that they will change the world by some grandiose idea, than I am by the person who is willing to change just one other life....
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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