Dialogue


Person: Can you help me?

Me: I believe that is why I am here, ready with a new treatment, a loaded gun and many tricks up my sleeve.

 P: Is it always this hard?

 M: Yes.

 P: Is there hope?

 M: Without it, we will not survive.

Imagine this dialogue that starts in the pit of someone’s stomach, a mixture of fear, anger, hope, and courage.  I partake in it and I do not dismiss it. Have you ever been afraid?  Where the walls caved in and it seemed confusing? Where what consumed others felt petty, trivial and meaningless. When you sit on the edge of a diagnosis of cancer and are worried about yourself, your family and your loved ones. This is the human I meet, sometimes confused, often afraid, and always hopeful. This is the person from which courage emanates. With this person, I stand united.

Cancer: I am here.

Me: Who are you? And why have you invaded us?

C: I am a product of survival, a state, a process. Who are you?

M: I am here to kill you.

These are my words when I look at cancer, the perfunctory introductions. A long battle is about to ensue. This is the enemy I know well. On this battlefield, a new sword has to be forged, to fight in the face of fear, uncertainty, and discouragement.  Every day a different person walks into my life and stands stronger against this common threat. Our unique existence, our individuality is a paintbrush that brings to life our depths and our dreams. In life, we march only forward regardless of how timid we feel or where our hearts want to be. I sharpen the reality that was thrust upon this person with my words. My patient stands steadfast in trust and belief.

And the dialogue resumes………

 Me: Which way this time? Cancer, are you ready?

 

Comments

18 responses to “Dialogue”

  1. Sheri Cunningham Avatar
    Sheri Cunningham

    There must be SO many people like us who are grateful and appreciative of your expertise and kindness. Your job has to be one of the most difficult on the planet for many reasons. We are so thankful that you are our warrior.

    Like

  2. Lynch Cindy Avatar
    Lynch Cindy

    Dr. Mo,
    I’m so grateful that you are here to refine and continue the fight against cancer, specifically, melanoma. Dr. Buckwalter first treated me in 1996 and was “the sarcoma guy” at that time. He was my first hero and since I’m still here after 21 years….you all are doing something right! I’m grateful every day that I was directed to UIHC.

    I’m happy that the UIHC has gained you in this war on cancer…you WILL find a way to kill the monster and until then will be fighting for your patients daily.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family and the rest of the dedicated staff at UIHC.

    Cindy Lynch (and my support staff, Tom)😘

    Like

    1. Cindy Lynch Avatar
      Cindy Lynch

      Dr. Mo,
      I just noticed that I typed “melanoma” in my previous post and I meant to type Sarcoma.
      Sorry,
      Cindy

      Like

    2. Claire Barnhouse Avatar
      Claire Barnhouse

      Cindy,
      I am to a patient of Mos of 4 years now and when I did read that you are a survivor of 21 years it gives me so much hope for my future. I am very greatful for the UIHC as well and especially Mo. He finally told me back in July that they are curing Melanoma now and he has never told me that till then.. That was huge for me. I love Mos blogs when he has time to write them. I call him my amazing doctor of science and he really is.. I pray for you continued wellness and we are very blessed to have Mo at this University. I wish all melanoma patients could experience Mo.
      Claire Barnhouse

      Like

  3. Thieleane Raecker Avatar
    Thieleane Raecker

    Dr Mo. I think of you so often with such gratitude. Our time with you we learned so much. We became friends as we fought cancer and slowed the train down to reach the station. Wendy an amazing person. There will be a cure. I know how hard you are working to find one.

    Like

  4. Joleen Stephenson Avatar
    Joleen Stephenson

    Dr Mo, It’s #16 here. I am so thankful for you and your staff. I believe you have great compassion for your patients and I thank you for all you do. Have a wonderful Christmas.

    Like

  5. Pamela Tschantz Avatar
    Pamela Tschantz

    Mo,
    My husband Marcus was your patient 2009-2014. He loss his battle with cancer but there isn’t a day I don’t think about you and all the hard work you put in for us. You are the BEST. Keep up the good work and thank you for being a super caring person.
    Merry Christmas to you and your family. Love to all.

    Like

  6. Diane Hudson Avatar
    Diane Hudson

    Mo,
    I know how hard you fight the enemy, how passionate you are to win this war against this beast. The emotion, the bitterness, the hatred that consumes you to find an end to this intelligent, evil entity that swallows dreams, shatters souls, and destroys families. I’ve never known anyone that works so tirelessly for their patients to do everything within their power, to find a cure to this monster Melanoma.
    Know matter what it takes, or how long, you are there to find a way, to keep pushing, to keep trying new things, new treatments, new trials, never giving up. Just knowing how hard it is to stay motivated for a family member or friend is tough, but you do this day in and day out and face death on a daily basis and yet, your always there for your patients with a smile and words of encouragement.

    It’s a special gift from God that we are blessed to have you as a champion of the people. My brother Steve thought the world of you and wouldn’t have trusted anyone else with his care, and although he lost his battle, you gave him more time than he expected and I’m forever grateful to you Dr. Mo. Keep up the fight, your winning!!!
    God Bless You 💕
    Diane Yates Hudson

    Like

    1. Claire Barnhouse Avatar
      Claire Barnhouse

      Diane,
      Mo is amazing and how he is so driven with this passion for a cure. I don’t know what I would do without him. He is a amazing doctor of science. I don’t trust anyone else with my care. Amen for him.
      Claire Barnhouse

      Like

  7. RoxAnne Emery Avatar
    RoxAnne Emery

    It is 6 years now that you fought and won the battle my sweetie was also fighting! I am so very thankful you were his doctor because there are few like you in this world. Your compassion and caring is amazing and helped us both in the emotional fight that accompanies the physical fight. Thank you for being who you are, which is awesome!

    Like

  8. Janice Fusinatto Avatar
    Janice Fusinatto

    Thank you so much being the person you are. We stared down this demon 6 years ago together. Today, I am blessed to be here with your wonderful research and you ability to have people know you are fighting each day for all of us.
    May you have a blessed holiday season.
    Janice

    Like

    1. Claire Barnhouse Avatar
      Claire Barnhouse

      Janice,
      I’ve been Mos patient for 4 years now. 6 years is amazing with no reaccurance. Can you tell me about your journey. I would love to be able to talk to you.
      Claire Barnhouse

      Like

  9. Claire Barnhouse Avatar
    Claire Barnhouse

    Mo,
    It’s great to see you blogging again. I sure did miss it. Well it’s been 4 years since I have met you Mo and boy I am sure glad the lord lead me to your door. Melanoma and science sure have moved forward in 4 years. We are so blessed to have doctors and scientists that are driven to fight cancer like you. I have never met anybody like you Mo and as I always leave off in my reply. “Thank you for being my amazing doctor of science ” we all love you Mo.
    Claire

    Like

  10. suzietampa Avatar
    suzietampa

    This is Suzie Siegel, a sarcoma patient advocate. I love this, especially Cancer’s last line. This is how I’ve chosen to see cancer, not as an evil force, but a process that, nevertheless, must be stopped.

    Like

  11. Juan Francisco du Teil Avatar
    Juan Francisco du Teil

    Dear Doctor Milhem:

    I wish you and your family a merry christmas !!!!

    I am from Guatemala and I was your patient in 2009 the first time and came back in 2011.

    Iam still in this World!!!!! Thanks God.

    My kindest regards

    Juan Estrada du Teil

    Enviado desde mi smartphone Samsung Galaxy.

    Like

  12. Angela Fogle Avatar

    Thank you so much for continuing this fight. 10 years ago, Chris lost his battle but I know that each loss is a gain in this war, as you learn more to help the next “Chris”. Bless you and your loved ones for the sacrifice you make everyday to be the champion your patients need.

    Like

  13. Nancy Colwell Avatar
    Nancy Colwell

    Love you Dr Mo. You keep me strong and give me hope.
    Have a wonderful holiday.

    Like

  14. Lisa Sotelo Avatar
    Lisa Sotelo

    Thankyou for being a leader in the fight against cancer !! Cancer does not deserve eternal life and we will win . The hope, the cure, the science – the perfect trio for success .

    Like

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