She had known many losses over her forty years. Her husband died several years ago. She lived in a car. Her eight children were under the protective care of her sister-in-law. After her recent diagnosis of cervical cancer made at a local emergency department, she required a four-week psychiatric admission for depression. Recently discharged, she …
Posted: December 13, 2016 by Dr. Rick Boulay
The Power of a Word
She had known many losses over her forty years. Her husband died several years ago. She lived in a car. Her eight children were under the protective care of her sister-in-law. After her recent diagnosis of cervical cancer made at a local emergency department, she required a four-week psychiatric admission for depression. Recently discharged, she …
Posted: November 13, 2016 by Dr. Rick Boulay
Close to Home: Songs of Survivorship
This “Close to Home: Songs of Survivorship” musical collection may have always been meant to be, but was not planned. As a cancer surgeon and caregiver to family members with cancer, I have been transformed and healed by the power and wisdom of the patient narrative and the emotional integrity of beautiful music. From the …
Posted: October 30, 2016 by Dr. Rick Boulay
“Close to Home: Cancer Survivorship”, A Series Borne of Need
I was the guy with the answers. The man with a plan. I prided myself on my listening skills. My attention to the details of my cancer patients’ journeys. My humanity. But pride goeth before the fall. Surgical oncologists are a breed unlike most. We are brazen enough to venture into the places where cancers …