The Big C and Me

Let's get this done! Mastectomy and three breast cancer chemo treatments in with cold cap?to save hair, 3 to go.

After 20 plus years in healthcare PR and most specializing in oncology, I heard the words I never thought I would hear, "you have breast cancer." Everything I thought I knew and understood about a breast cancer patients journey was incorrect. Breast cancer is far more complex and a much more complicated journey than I thought. Women must be tenacious advocates for themselves?and make far more complex decisions than even the most educated are equipped to do, especially me. But the most important lesson I have learned is that we can and must do better for patients.?

Pharma can come up with better treatments and they should continue to do so, and doctors can become better educated, but what is really lacking is compassion and empathy by almost all in the system. From the office schedulers who are the front line for appointments through the whole medical system, please understand how difficult this is for patients and their loved ones and come to work every day with compassion and patience for those trying to navigate the system. Patients?have no choice but to be here but healthcare workers have a choice and should choose every day to bring their A game. I know many are burnt out and I am not diminishing that but patients are tired too and cannot give up so I ask that you do not either.

I feel lucky that I work in healthcare communications and so have had many wonderful people in my corner. From my two bosses at Omnicom PR Group, who did not hesitate to support me when I offered to step away for awhile, to my friends and colleagues who have been there for me, you all know who you are and for that I am forever grateful.?

My family and especially my husband who is my rock, will get me through this, 2022 just sucks.

What I know for certain is that I will come out of this a stronger person, clarity of what is important, and a better healthcare communications professional. I have always believed in patient centricity and many organizations have said those words but it all comes down to the people within organizations. I get it, COVID has been hard on healthcare workers, but imagine?how hard it is to be a cancer patient when every time you try and get an appointment in a timely fashion you hear?COVID backlog or shortage and wait times that seem unreasonable.?

Once I have finished my active treatment, I ask each and every one of you to join me to help change the patient experience. We can and must do it for those dealing with cancer and all those about to be diagnosed. We got this?but it certainly can and should be easier.

If you have suggestions on improving the patient experience, love to hear from you!