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Having never been touched by any kind of cancer in any generation of my family, it came as a shock to learn of my breast cancer diagnosis confirmed at Mayo Clinic January 2012. I felt I was going through seven stages of grief in trying to reconcile this new phenomenon happening within my body. Emotionally it knocked me totally off my feet.
More importantly, what brought me upright again was the care and comfort I received at every turn in every appointment with every doctor, tech, nurse, receptionist I came into contact. Just saying the words “I have breast cancer” brought me a whole new gush of tears.
I am a very lucky woman. To live within fifty miles of the Mayo Clinic and be able to be entrusted into Mayo’s care for my breast cancer, something I consider to be an unexpected and emotionally terrorizing diagnosis, is an experience I will never forget. At every corner my fears were allayed by the comfort and gentleness of each doctor and practitioner with every test and procedure required for the expected lumpectomy I was about to undergo. No stone was unturned in analyzing and arriving at my diagnosis. In finally meeting the surgeon in the steps of my new found journey, the act of getting ready for surgery brought the highest dose of reality to my condition. To put it mildly I was scared out of my mind.
I can’t adequately thank enough Drs. Nicole Sandhu, Marilyn Morton, Paula Schomberg, Katie Jones to name just a few of the many physicians I came in contact who ordered and performed the tests necessary in preparation for the surgeon. Their kindness and empathy was utmost and could not have been more heartfelt.
The “day of reckoning” arrived. Dr. James Jakub, the surgeon, was the best not only because of his medical talent, but also because he was the most understanding and compassionate yet I have ever encountered. In the surgical suite he held my hand, smiled down at me and calmly promised he would take good care of me. His words were the most comforting words I could have asked for in the emotional stress of what was happening to me. My fears truly were allayed and the next thing I knew, I was awake in the recovery room. It turned out to be a blessed and happy day in my life’s experiences. Kudos and bravo to Mayo Clinic who dedicates itself day after day to the caring and needs, no matter how large or small, of the patient.
Written by: Mary Rohrer
I too have felt the comfort of a touch that sent shivers of comfort to me as I began my cancer journey: caring and comfort, PRICELESS. thank you to the Mayo Clinic TEAM
I, too, am going thru my cancer journey at Mayo Arizona. Karen, Susan, Mattie and all the nurses on the 3rd floor oncology floor have been lifesavers. I don’t think I could have gone thru this without them. And I cant thank Susan Meyers enough for the compassion and love I feel from her care. All the doctors and administrative people I have encountered are the best! Thank you is not enough. I love you guys!
I, think it is so great to be able to find caring and comforting proffesionals in your journey to fight cancer. I remember my grandmother who had breast cancer and passed away in 1971 from it, she fought with her all and didn’t have the support or the doctors we have now days. She was one of the first to use chemo back then in the studies that were done she lived 6 years longer than they thought when she was diagnosed. Things have come a long way since then.