Tim W.

The nurses, nurse practitioner, and doctor we interact with at the Cancer Center, and also our surgeon in Indianapolis, do treat us in the caring, tender, personal ways that you recommend.

We love and appreciate that a lot!

Scott D.

I recently had oral surgery and had to lay in the chair for an hour with my mouth open. It was relatively minor, so I was not given anesthesia. But it was generally not enjoyable.
I asked the dentist if I could listen to music with headphones. I was prepared for a no, and was pleasantly surprised when he said, “Sure! Just make sure you can still hear me when I need you to move.”

Patients: don’t be afraid to ask.
Healthcare Professionals: Thanks for being flexible for my comfort, as long as it doesn’t affect your job!

Elle W.

Multiple surgeries between my sophomore and junior year of college was not the worst part of being sick. Seemingly endless needles for blood work and IV’s, as a needle-phobic 19-year-old was not the worst part of being sick. Constant pain and lack of energy was not the worst part of being sick. The worst part of being sick is that today, two years after being diagnosed with Endometriosis, I still question myself every time I am in pain.
I question myself because for 11-months, no one other than my mom and dad believed that I was in unbearable, terrible pain - Every. Single. Day.
I remember distinctly overhearing a doctor tell my parents: “it’s all in her head, this is an anxiety issue, not a physical issue,” suggesting that I was there because I "wanted to avoid school.”
After several months, I finally found a specialist who believed me and my pain. It is heartbreaking to me that her care was “unique” in my experience, and in so many other women’s lives who have endometriosis. A hallmark of the disease is denial of pain for many years, prior to diagnosis. This doctor and her entire staff treated me the way I always hoped doctors would treat me: she listened to my concerns, my desires, my needs and made sure I felt like I was the only patient on her calendar that day – every time we met. She never rushed me, she never interrupted me, she asked me questions, she listened, she humanized herself -  and she made sure I knew what I was feeling was real, and not in my head.
I want all humans to be treated kindly and respectfully by their doctors. Doctors care for us when we are at our worst, so we deserve the best. 

Patient Name.

Email us your story to share!

Charlotte S.

In 1989, I had a lumpectomy and radiation of my left breast. 30 years later, the results from my 2019 mammogram showed the return of cancer to my left breast and my left lymph nodes. In addition, my surgeon was concerned about a suspicious spot on my right breast and ordered an MRI of both my breasts. PANIC “I don’t do MRIs!” On the way from my surgeon’s office to the MRI, I called my GP’s office. The PA heard the panic in my voice and she knew just what I needed to help me calm down.
Frequently, during my recovery from a double mastectomy, the PA would call “just to check in.” And when I made my first post-surgery trip to my GP’s office, there was his PA, waiting for me with a hug -both of us with tears in our eyes.

Small acts of kindness, especially those not written in a job description, make a large difference in care.

Patient Name.

Email us your story to share!