spunky & the soldiers

 
Today Mom had two doctor's appointments.  The first was at the Oral Dentistry clinic with Dr. Sandow.

 
Mom got a glowing report from Dr. Sandow regarding the health of her mouth and teeth which could have been affected by the fifteen days of radiation in May. 

The one thing I love about Shand's Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida are the young doctors-in-training.  Not only does the doctor explain to the patient the progress or lack thereof, but the doctor explains in doctor-leze specific terms and with great detail the progress of the patient. 

Dr. Sandow had a young intern shadowing her today and during the visit Mom entertained us all with her straight forward remarks. At one point the intern told Mom,  "You sure are spunky.  I can't believe you're going to be 87 in a week."

Thus, I decided to refer to Mom as "Spunky" in this post.

And who are the soldiers?

 
Of course, Dr. Sandow and Dr. Lynch (in the blue shirt), along with his young interns.

The soldiers are the doctors, the nurses, and the whole staff at a hospital. They are the ones who are professional and put their patient's care first.

 
This post came about today as Dr. Lynch told his young interns to think of themselves as soldiers and follow the Soldier's Creed.

The Soldier's Creed / Warrior Ethos / Warrior Creed

Posted Friday, October 7, 2005 I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.

Dr. Lynch told them that when MJ (Merry Jennifer) called and asked him to be her grandmother's Oncologist, he didn't give it a second thought. 

"You take care of your own," he told the interns, "because cancer affects a whole family and MJ is part of the Shands Oncologist family.  You have to be a good soldier in the war against cancer and take care of the commanders so they can do their job."

I've thought a good deal about that conversation and am proud Spunky is his patient.  Honored, to be exact.

 Another soldier is Eric, Dr. Lynch's nurse.  Eric flushes Mom's port and sets up future scans and appointments.  He is a great nurse.

The soldiers we know at Shand's Teaching Hospital certainly "put the mission first, do not easily accept defeat, never quit and never ever leave a fallen comrade (another doctor with an ill family member).

I salute all the doctors who are playing a part in Mom's recovery!!

By the way, Mom's favorite phrase today was, "See my new hair!"  She got good reports from both doctors today and walked with a spunk in her step today. 

Thanks, Mom, for being you because you are the biggest soldier of all, battling cancer when you wanted to give up!  But guess what.  You are winning this war!

 

Comments

[Jackie Cooper]

So happy to read this! My dad had his cancer treatment at Shands many years ago and they were beyond excellent. We had many years with dad that we would not have had if those doctors had not been so dedicated to their patients. Your mom definately looks spunky! Give her a hug from me. I've never met her but I am so proud of her and happy for all of you!

[tina]

Beautiful post, Merry! And your mom's hair does look beautiful, too!

[Susan]

YOU are a soldier in this war, too. In fact, we'll call you the NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge), because everyone knows that sergeants are the ones who get everything done anyway! Our family, and our Mother would not have made it without you and Truett. I love you and appreciate all you have done, and continue to do for Mom and the rest of us.

[Darlene]

What a great post about your mom and the soldiers in her life. Glad she got two great reports. Know all you did and are doing for your mom was another key to her success. I'm sure she and your siblings appreciates all you & Truett do for her.

[Lil]

I loved reading about today's visit and seeing the beautiful picture of Alice--with hair--and all her medical friends. She is so fortunate to have a great medical family and a wonderful real family. LOVE YOU, ALICE!!!!

[a friend]

Such a beautiful post!