Cancer and Healthy

I will not be able to change the nomenclature of the medical profession, but I see myself as a client, not a patient. By definition, a patient who receives medical care or treatment. " The archaic phrase was: "Someone who is suffering," from the Latin verb meaning "to suffer." A customer on the other hand, "The Party which Professional services are provided."

Catch the nuance? A patient is the goal of medical care, a client is the subject of medical services. In language as in life, is a passive object, a subject is active.

A patient meets the experts. A customer consults the experts, it follows what seems the best advice.

A patient may complain, but would never contradict an authority. A customer will ask questions and weigh alternatives before deciding.

Where a patient is sent and has no influence on doctors or clinics. A client is trying to find the best doctors and realistically available facilities.

A patient asks: "What?" A customer asks: "Why?"

As a client requires much more work. I have to teach myself about my condition and treatment options. It is a heavy task to implement, but thanks to the Internet. There are many reputable sites with reliable information for the average person can understand.

Oncologists know a shipload for more information on lymphoma patients to have suffering, but they do not know everything. It is impossible to keep pace with the ocean of new information. A dialogue with a knowledgeable customer can point to new possibilities for a thoughtful physician.

If I see Dr. Kurbegov, my oncologist, I will ask whether radio immunotherapy is an option for my type of lymphoma based on an article I read in The New York Times. I'm going to ask about all clinical trials that I might be a candidate, particularly those sponsored by the MD Anderson Cancer Center where Dr. Kurbegov was a Chief Fellow.

I'm not trying to play doctor or impress anyone with my research skills. I'm just trying to understand my cancer and to be proactive in the eradication. Indeed, it's my life.