Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer a year.  

I recently started my oncology (cancer) rotation, at first i was a little bit scared of the field, but I turned out to love it!

Things I have learned from oncology patients, nurses, physicans, and pharmacists:
1) [To be strong!] Patients undergo all of these chemotherapy (cancer) drugs, and unfortunately also experience the side effects including hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, and etc, yet everyday they are still fighting and smiling.

2) [Love] These patients are ordinary people that run marathon, teach middle school students, and laugh at silly jokes etc.  They have husbands/wife, sisters/brothers, (grand)daughters/son.  My patients constantly show me what real love is.   These patient's significant others/loved ones accompany them to EACH chemotherapy cycle.  They CONSTANTLY show me what real love is.  

3) [Compassion] I have seen the most compassionate nurses and doctors in the oncology clinic.   They all try to create this homey and inviting environment.  I have seen nurses give hand massages to patients while administering the drug because her patients stated that the medication makes her hands cold.  

Life is too short to sweat the little stuff.   This is dedicated to all of the cancer patients and their loved ones who keep on fighting and reminds me to live life to the fullest.    

[Hope] [Love] and [Be Strong]