Treating cancer patients in a pandemic

<p>"As an oncologist, perhaps the hardest part I play is as witness. I am there to give a diagnosis that, more often than not, will alter someone’s life forever. For some, I see resignation—a sense that they’ve known something was wrong and that it’s what they thought they had. For others, I see an almost immediate acceptance and, with it, perseverance; they are prepared to fight, to win. But for those where cancer comes without much warning, I see terror. Cancer is a threat to who they are, how they live, and yes—how long they have. It’s hard to see someone struggle this way, knowing that no matter how much time I spend with them, holding their hand, crafting a way forward, they leave my office with cancer."</p> <p><a href="https://www.lifespan.org/don-s-dizon-md" target= "_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Don S. Dizon</a> is an oncologist.</p> <p>He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, "<a href= "https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/07/as-an-oncologist-this-is-the-hardest-role-i-play.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">As an oncologist, this is the hardest role I play</a>." (<a href= "https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/07/as-an-oncologist-this-is-the-hardest-role-i-play.html">https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2020/07/as-an-oncologist-this-is-the-hardest-role-i-play.html</a>)</p>