It Is Cancer and Here's Our Plan

The phone rang at 7:30 am and we both looked at each other; we'd been waiting to hear the results of the lung biopsy and an early phone call did not bode well. My husband, Al, the patient, answered the call, and heard the familiar voice of Dr. Hamori. He did not waste a moment and spoke directly to the results: "The scan shows that you do have cancer... it's small and in one spot. Here's our plan to help you decide which treatment to follow - either radiation or surgery." We were glad that he was direct and didn't try and make small talk or exchange pleasantries at a time when we needed the facts. He went on to outline that for each of those options, he had chosen specific doctors for us to talk with, who would help us fully understand the treatment process and the likely outcome. He said he would work closely with them and with us and that he'd make sure the necessary appointments would be scheduled promptly. He answered our questions, and reassured us that we'd get through this without delay. When we hung up the phone, we began talking over what was ahead of us and how grateful we were that Dr. Hamori was functioning like the orchestra conductor, coordinating the efforts of the musicians to ensure that all the notes were played as intended, and that each skilled professional would do their part in crafting a life-saving performance.