The James "Rhio" O'Connor
Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest
The Rest of the Journey Awaits...
It is a brisk, sunny, spring day
in Chicago and my first patient for the day is Margareta Sims. She called last
night requesting, actually pleading for an immediate appointment. Margareta is well dressed middle aged woman
with well kept hair and nails and aside from the fast stroke of her pen across
the forms she is completing, she appears reserved and polished. I walk into the
waiting area to introduce myself and bring her back to my office. She is polite
and when I compliment her on her outfit and she thanks me with subtle smile.
Margareta’s face is solemn. The
gaps of silence widen as we talk about her general health. In the midst of
these questions, Margareta starts crying. Her words are inaudible between the
weeping and blowing of her nose. She finally whispers…”they say that I have
cancer…I have cancer…” and weeps uncontrollably. My heart sinks and as I look
at her, I am reminded of my aunts, friends and the many nameless people who
have uttered these words. After a few minutes, she composes and apologizes and
goes on further to say she has mesothelioma, puzzling as up to this point in
time she has been in good health. Her neighbor, Abdul who tends to her gardens,
suggested she make the appointment. Being unfamiliar with naturopathic
medicine, she was initially hesitant but Abdul shared his experience with colon
cancer and our clinic.
The stories of overcoming give
us strength and so I share Rhio O’Connor’s story with Margareta and how he made
the powerful life changing decision. He became an empowered patient who orchestrated
his own healing process without leaving his fate to his dismay diagnosis. I
showed her the plaque on the wall with the words, “They said months, I chose years”...Rhio O’Connor. The plaque serves a reminder to
both patients and staff that like Rhio, we need to muster the courage to reject
the idea that we do not have long to live and instead make a personal decision
to survive no matter medical condition. I assure Margareta that our team will utilize
all available options and like Rhio; help reshape the outlook of her prognosis as long as
she actively participated in the process.
Margareta had felt overwhelmed when she initially
received her diagnosis and so did not fully understand all that was relayed her
at the time. “It all seemed to have happened too quickly” she said. So we
discuss the key features of her diagnosis. For most patients, understanding the
health challenge they are facing helps them with their healing process. “Mesothelioma
is a rare cancer that typically occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers
the majority of your internal organs different types based on what part of the body
mesothelium are affected such as lung (pleura), abdomen, heart and testicles in
men.” Before I could continue she asks “why me…what caused this?” “Even with significant
medical advances, there still is a great deal that remains unclear and this
includes our understanding of the causes cancers like Mesothelioma.” We review Margareta’s
family history, past living conditions and prior health challenges in an effort
to explore the potential cause. “Are you
aware of any past exposure to asbestos at work or home or did you ever live with
some who worked with asbestos, who may have accidently transferred fibers via skin
and clothing? These increase the risk” she ponders..
“Now what? Margareta
sighs…Confident that we can manage her current condition, I tell her that she
has to prepare for the journey. She interjects, “prepare for what journey”. Margareta
seemly a little agitated and yet trying to remain poised, ”DO YOU understand that I have cancer, so why you
talking about a journey? Face now flushed, Margaret’s voice raises a couple of
octaves, “how can I prepare when I don’t know what I’m facing for that matter?”
I reach to touch her hand and ask if
life is always predictable. I reassure her that like any journey, this journey reveals
itself one small step. She mumbles in agreement and seems to regain her
composure. With her full attention, I suggest that she draw dear ones close. I
reassure her while there will be challenges along the way, it would be
essential for her to listen to your heart for this journey will be unimaginable,
realizing that the key to success requires holding securely to her desire for
the wellness. It takes a minute for a spark of enthusiasm to light the corner
of her eyes… It may have been an ordinary day in Chicago…but this is no
ordinary day for Margareta... it marks the beginning of her journey to reclaiming
health.
The appointment
continues we address her additional questions, key aspects of her health, scheduling
of required blood work. We also discuss the uniqueness of naturopathic medicine,
a distinct health care profession that bridges the worlds of
conventional and traditional medicines with a philosophy initially used by the
Hippocratic School of Medicine more than 400 years ago; it synergistically
works well with other modalities. Margareta is relieved to hear this. I equip Margareta with few items off the check
list and resources essential for her to review in preparation for a successful
journey to health. The Check lists comprise of a series of tasks that patients
recommended to partake in.
1. Reach
out to your inner circle of family, friends and colleagues for morale support and guidance, sharing whatever
feels comfortable regarding your current health challenges.
2. Develop your prayer/spiritual support. Religious
traditions globally have put credence in prayer/spiritual practices with some
believing that healing with spontaneous remission occurring. While there
is confounding evidence there is some research that suggests that if a person
knows that he or she is being prayed for it can be uplifting and increase morale,
thus aid recovery.
3. Put together or get one of your key
supporters to develop an emotional and
supportive team of at least three people. This group will help you sort
through a myriad of issues; provide morale support especially when having to
make critical decisions.
4. Various
therapies either as part
of naturopathic care or provided partner practitioners that can be incorporated
into a treatment plan to help manage the side effects of cancer treatments and
side-effects like fatigue, nausea, pain and stress related to chronic illness. These
modalities include:
a) Chinese medicine and acupuncture - developed in China that includes
broad use of herbs and acupuncture
b)
Ayurvedic medicine – is a system of traditional medicine native to India
c)
Homeopathy –the
second most widely used medicine system in the world and regularly utilized by
naturopathic physicans
d)
Manipulation - that
includes skeletal and joint body work along often companied with massage
e)
Hydrotherapy
–
the use of water to treat varying health conditions
f)
Reflexology – a technique that utilizes pressure
points on the body, specifically the hands or feet
5. Rebalance diet with wholesome nutrition
and evaluate which herbal supplements
would aid in the healing process
6. Participate in meditation and/or hypnosis or explore guided imagery or biofeedback. Attending an
introductory session is ideal if unfamiliar with these practices
7. Consider yoga, tai chi or chi gong or some form of moderate exercise to help strengthening
the immune system and dealing with treatment side-effects
8. Ignite the
playful child within and engage in some
sort of creative outlet like art,
music, dance, poetry.
9. Explore
energy medicine therapies such as
Reiki and therapeutic touch to
balance energy fields.
10. For additional
resources visit websites with details on cancer, alternative medicine approaches
as well as support groups that meet in person, online or via telephone.
Margareta is particularly excited to learn that these therapies
are non-invasive and assist in improving mood and quality of life in general as
the management of the side efforts of the oncology treatment is her big
concern. Additionally, family and friends can join in some these practices and
provide further morale support. These practices help reduce some of the
stress-related symptoms and can effectively aid the healing process. Margareta
chuckles….”I do not remember when last I had “homework” but I guess I better get
busy!” As we conclude the appointment, Margareta acknowledges the daunting task
ahead but is eager to start and leaves the office feeling empowered than when
she first walked in.
 |
| James "Rhio O'Connor" |
Rhio’s commitment to his healing was central to his success which is probably why his story touched and inspired me. His story parallels naturopathic medicine tenets, which fundamentally rooted in treating the whole person while educating and encouraging personal responsibility for health. In the near future, I hope to be in a position to support patients like Rhio or Margareta Sims and positively impact their health and lives in the same way. The rest of the journey awaits……and as a future naturopathic physician I am ready and hope my patients will be too!
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