This past week I went to interview my mom’s oncologist as a part of my year long senior project talking to those affected by cancer and their loved ones. Having a professional oncologist was vital to my project as they have the most experience with cancer patients and their loved ones on a daily basis. There were so many things I learned from sitting down with him and these are just a few of them.

1. A Doctor Takes Their Work Home with them

I don't just mean they physically take work home with them after they've left for the day, they emotionally carry their work home. Every patient and every event stays with my mom’s oncologist, even worrying his wife that he would have a nervous breakdown when he first became a doctor. Some days are better than others and he has learned to worry less, but he always has them on his mind. To quote him,“I'm human, I can't just leave all my feelings at the door.”

2. The advancements in cancer medication and medicine technology in general is amazing

A lot of the interview was focused on how he cannot believe how far we are coming with medications and treatments for cancer. The survival rate for many cancers have gone up significantly because of these medications. It's fascinating to me that we are making these advancements and there will be so many people positively affected by them.

3. A majority of his patients have a positive outlook

This was the most heartwarming part of our talk. Finding out a lot of his patients have positive outlooks on life after diagnosis is truly good to hear. Cancer is a scary word and having it has potential to bring darkness into the life of a patient, but for a majority of people that's not the case. He told me that their bravery and appreciation for life is what makes them so positive. I see this every day in my mom, who he says is one of the most inspiring patients he has ever known.

4. It is never too late to pursue your dream

My mom's oncologist is in his 40s, but has only been an oncologist for 9 years. Being an oncologist was not his first career, in fact he originally went to school to be a lawyer, following in the footsteps of both his parents. He realized after he was working in the field that he did not like it and went back to school to help people like my mom. He went through phases of wanting to be a psychiatrist and pediatrician but decided to be an oncologist instead because he felt that's how he would help the most people. It makes me feel good because even as a grown adult he didn't feel like it was too late to pursue his dream. He went for it and is fulfilled in his life. This inspires me and makes me know it's okay to change your mind and attain your goals no matter what age you are.

5. My mom is absolutely amazing

Okay I didn't just learn this (because I always knew), but it was definitely brought up in the interview. My mom's oncologist kept saying how wonderful and inspiring my mom was both as a patient and person. He called her a special person and incredibly brave. My mom is always smiling and laughing during chemotherapy because she has such a positive attitude. My mom could have been sad and pessimistic about her diagnosis but instead turned it around, having a great appreciation for life. I am so incredibly lucky to have my mom in my life, happy and living every day to the fullest.

I want to thank my mom’s oncologist for letting me interview him for my project as well as taking the absolute best care of my mom. His positivity has no doubt had an effect on my mom during her treatments. He is a wonderful doctor and human. I am so happy my mom is in his care, it has truly made so much of a difference.