A very touching story, Peter. What a hard decision to make! It's clear though that your decision is deeply rooted in your compassion and ability to listen intensely to your patients.
Oh Peter, what a heartbreaking story, and you tell it honestly and compassionately, with no judgment. I'm not sure I'd have made the same decision as you— I hate charlatans! But I respect your kind decision. One question: if she was in Canada, why Medicare? Best to you and Renee.
Thanks Louisa for your kind comments! With regards to Medicare, in Canada it's an umbrella term for the 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans. They pay for all medically necessary services, in hospital and out, to all Canadian residents from birth.
Years ago my dad was undergoing a brutal and experimental cancer protocol, and I got to know a bunch of patients at the VA, including one man who’d been diagnosed and treated five times. When the doctors told him they’d exhausted all their options, the guy said he wanted to try snake venom. He’d read about it in a forum and thought it sounded like hope. The doctors signed off on it. After, I asked the doctor about it and his reply has stayed with me all these years: where medicine fails, hope helps. Thanks for sharing this story.
I am new to your excellent writing. I am drawn to your writing style. I am moved by your compassion.
I have traveled the world and lived in India and other Asian countries. At one month shy of 83, a half century yoga devotee and organic, pescatarian, known to cheat, I am grateful to be healthy. I use Western medicine rarely. Would I use it more under some circumstances? Yes! Still, I have witnessed “miracle cures” using other methods. I look forward to getting better acquainted with your views.
I invite you to get to know me as well. I anticipate starting to write on substack mid-July.
I had a son with progressive lung cancer at the young age of 4. I of course followed all regular treatments for him: surgeries, chemo, radiation- and in addition got him everything and anything money could buy from recommended alternative healthcare providers. At one point, a doctor giving him Chinese medicine actually slowed down the growth of his metastasis brain cancer… and his oncologist was about to present his case at a conference. Sadly, the Chinese meds only delayed the inevitable.
However, all the extra help made me feel a better mom to be able to do something. I’d say the power of allowing some control to the patient and their families is priceless. I felt I’d done all I could and this lessened my guilt at not being able to ultimately save my son. So, scoff not at what non-evidence based alternatives can offer you. Don’t forget that big pharma has a lot of $$$ to pay for the research. (Don’t worry, I’m not a conspiracy theorist, just someone who says, there’s always another perspective.)
Thank you for your wonderful comment. "I’d say the power of allowing some control to the patient and their families is priceless." I couldn't agree more!
If I were re-writing this piece today, I would acknowledge the importance of this. In fact, since an expanded version of this piece will be part of my next book, I will do just that, and I thank you.
What an ordeal you, your little boy, and your family, must have gone through. My heart goes out to you.
A very vivid and touching story, Peter. And though this couple was "uneducated", education isn't always a guarantee against gullibility. Especially when in a hopeless situation.
Thanks Peter for your thoughtful writing on this real life crisis that so many people are dealing with or have dealt with. Patients hope for a cure is only a click away for any amount of money that you are willing to pay. My sister in law faced the same dilemma with no change to outcome.
Very moving and well written. I think we have all faced similar situations in our years of practice. It is like so many things in life- all the conspiracy theories. The doctors who are seeing patients in order to make money and work for the drug companies- of course there is sometimes truth there which does not do service to most doctors who are honest and caring. Quackery has been around forever- I recall the uproar when governments would not fund Laetrile and patients went to Mexico at great expense for bogus treatments.
thanks for tackling this difficult topic. i had to struggle with these choices when i had cancer. it is even more difficult when you dont believe you are dying and are trying to figure out what will do the most good and least harm to your body both short and long term... to say nothing of the soul
Sad story, well presented, Peter. Pretty disgusting those ethically challenged charlatans who prey on gullible, seriously ill people with little money to spare.
Thank you Sandi for your comment. In making a diagnosis, there is often more valuable information to be obtained from taking a complete history- listening- than in all of the physical examination and tests put together.
Unfortunately, technology is pushing aside the human side of medicine.
A very touching story, Peter. What a hard decision to make! It's clear though that your decision is deeply rooted in your compassion and ability to listen intensely to your patients.
Thanks for your kind comment! I do fear, though, that doctors are listening less as technology crowds out the human side of medicine.
Beautifully written, Peter. What a gut-wrenching situation. As usual, your compassion shines through.
Beautifully written. Thank you.
"Hearing patients’ stories is my secret reward." Thank you for sharing this.
Sadly, I fear that the battle is being lost, as doctors sub-sub specialize, and technology overwhelms the human side of medicine.
What a sad story, Peter, and as always, it is poignant and strikes a chord. Gracias!
Oh Peter, what a heartbreaking story, and you tell it honestly and compassionately, with no judgment. I'm not sure I'd have made the same decision as you— I hate charlatans! But I respect your kind decision. One question: if she was in Canada, why Medicare? Best to you and Renee.
Thanks Louisa for your kind comments! With regards to Medicare, in Canada it's an umbrella term for the 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans. They pay for all medically necessary services, in hospital and out, to all Canadian residents from birth.
Years ago my dad was undergoing a brutal and experimental cancer protocol, and I got to know a bunch of patients at the VA, including one man who’d been diagnosed and treated five times. When the doctors told him they’d exhausted all their options, the guy said he wanted to try snake venom. He’d read about it in a forum and thought it sounded like hope. The doctors signed off on it. After, I asked the doctor about it and his reply has stayed with me all these years: where medicine fails, hope helps. Thanks for sharing this story.
I am new to your excellent writing. I am drawn to your writing style. I am moved by your compassion.
I have traveled the world and lived in India and other Asian countries. At one month shy of 83, a half century yoga devotee and organic, pescatarian, known to cheat, I am grateful to be healthy. I use Western medicine rarely. Would I use it more under some circumstances? Yes! Still, I have witnessed “miracle cures” using other methods. I look forward to getting better acquainted with your views.
I invite you to get to know me as well. I anticipate starting to write on substack mid-July.
Dr. Dorree Lynn
Psychologist,
Author, Media Personality
Sage
drdsanecrazy@gmail.com
Looking forward to reading part 2!
I had a son with progressive lung cancer at the young age of 4. I of course followed all regular treatments for him: surgeries, chemo, radiation- and in addition got him everything and anything money could buy from recommended alternative healthcare providers. At one point, a doctor giving him Chinese medicine actually slowed down the growth of his metastasis brain cancer… and his oncologist was about to present his case at a conference. Sadly, the Chinese meds only delayed the inevitable.
However, all the extra help made me feel a better mom to be able to do something. I’d say the power of allowing some control to the patient and their families is priceless. I felt I’d done all I could and this lessened my guilt at not being able to ultimately save my son. So, scoff not at what non-evidence based alternatives can offer you. Don’t forget that big pharma has a lot of $$$ to pay for the research. (Don’t worry, I’m not a conspiracy theorist, just someone who says, there’s always another perspective.)
Thank you for your wonderful comment. "I’d say the power of allowing some control to the patient and their families is priceless." I couldn't agree more!
If I were re-writing this piece today, I would acknowledge the importance of this. In fact, since an expanded version of this piece will be part of my next book, I will do just that, and I thank you.
What an ordeal you, your little boy, and your family, must have gone through. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you!🙏🏻
A very vivid and touching story, Peter. And though this couple was "uneducated", education isn't always a guarantee against gullibility. Especially when in a hopeless situation.
Thanks Peter for your thoughtful writing on this real life crisis that so many people are dealing with or have dealt with. Patients hope for a cure is only a click away for any amount of money that you are willing to pay. My sister in law faced the same dilemma with no change to outcome.
Very moving and well written. I think we have all faced similar situations in our years of practice. It is like so many things in life- all the conspiracy theories. The doctors who are seeing patients in order to make money and work for the drug companies- of course there is sometimes truth there which does not do service to most doctors who are honest and caring. Quackery has been around forever- I recall the uproar when governments would not fund Laetrile and patients went to Mexico at great expense for bogus treatments.
thanks for tackling this difficult topic. i had to struggle with these choices when i had cancer. it is even more difficult when you dont believe you are dying and are trying to figure out what will do the most good and least harm to your body both short and long term... to say nothing of the soul
Oh Peter, I LOVE this story! Your listening compassion always shines as you bring us right into the room. Can't wait for the follow-up!
Sad story, well presented, Peter. Pretty disgusting those ethically challenged charlatans who prey on gullible, seriously ill people with little money to spare.
Your approach is so thoughtful and caring. To have a doctor listen and relate to the patient is a true art.
Thank you Sandi for your comment. In making a diagnosis, there is often more valuable information to be obtained from taking a complete history- listening- than in all of the physical examination and tests put together.
Unfortunately, technology is pushing aside the human side of medicine.