Cancer: Everything Happens for a Reason

I've had this particular entry sitting in my drafts for several years now, I think it's time that I publish it (unedited from it's original draft form).

For the first time in quite a while, I am at a loss for words on how to start writing this blog. Let me start by saying that I wake up every morning for my patients. I love each and every one of them dearly and strive every day to make their lives better, they have all become like family to me now whether that's because I'm young and naive or it's a normal feeling that doctors have for their patients, I'm not sure.

This week has opened my eyes up to a grander plan, allowing me to share this once in a lifetime case with you.

A 72 year old female presented to clinic the day after Thanksgiving (I'll never forget the day, I had complained about having the Black Friday shift for weeks, my family came out to Missouri to bring Thanksgiving to me since I would have missed it otherwise). She came in alongside her husband after taking several months off from care. She had no major complaints, just knew that she could use an adjustment. She is in perfect health EXCEPT for the fibrosarcoma on her right distal humerus (arm just above the elbow). Her soft-tissue fibrosarcoma (meaning within the muscles and fascia instead of within the bone) was about half as long as her humerus and protruded about 2-3 inches from her arm. It was an inflammed, heat-generating mass that ulcerated. Being that I'm well on my way to becoming a chiropractor, this was the case of a lifetime, how often are these seen in practice? Hardly ever. I worked her up and she come in every other week for about a month until she started having horrendous low back pain of insidious (unknown) onset. Radiographs were instantly obtained to r/o (rule out) metastasis. The radiographs suggested osteolytic (bone-destructing) lesion in her sacrum.... which means metastasis from the fibrosarcoma in her arm to the sacrum because as we all know, there are types of cancers that spread. Unfortunately, this patient passed away before I could inform her of this new progression...

There will be Doctors of Chiropractic that will tell you outlandish claims in regards to healing cancer.  My friends, colleagues and readers I offer you this:  It is not our place, as the health care practitioner to make these claims (whether we believe them or not), it is our job to facilitate the health of these patients whether it's only pain management or not.  The outpouring of love I was received at her funeral was unreal.  As a student, I felt completely inadequate while overseeing her care, she apparently felt otherwise.

Changes

     It seems to have been ages since I've posted last and so much has changed!  Where do I even begin?  Firstly, I want to thank those of you who read this blog, I've been lucky enough to have students in passing thank me for helping them with their radiology exams and emails from practicing Doctors of Chiropractic.  I'm in awe of my readers, and it humbles me.
     Secondly, CHANGES!  Magnificent changes!  My motto in life, like many others, is that everything happens for a reason.  I've been at Life University in Marietta, GA since the Fall of 2011 enduring a transfer process that has not the easiest, albeit worthwhile.  Something that has not, and will not change, is my passion for Chiropractic on the global scale.
     Since I've posted last, I've been blessed enough to be able to travel to Perth, Australia and Durban, South Africa to the Annual General Meetings for the World Congress of Chiropractic Students, a student run corporation that I am innately passionate about.  Please visit our website and check it out: www.wccsworldwide.org If you have any questions about this phenomenal, on-point, organization please email me! In Durban, my peers elected me onto the Board of Directors and I could NOT be more excited to continue serving our membership in such a capacity!
      I vow to focus on this blog again, as time allows.  Keep focused and stay passionate!