Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: cancer diagnosis

  • The big question

    Monica MaaloufChicago, Illinois, USA “Doctor, why are we here?” I had just finished answering her questions about her insulin dosing and was crouched down, examining her foot rash, when I looked up at Mrs. Syed, feebly trying to mask my annoyance. “Well, these are just the rooms where my evening clinic is on Tuesdays,” I…

  • An evolving journey: Writing as healing art

    Amy WebbPawleys Island, South Carolina, United States It started simply enough. Soon after my diagnosis, a friend and fellow breast cancer survivor counseled me about protecting a space for healing. We discussed the need to create that delicate balance of keeping a network of friends and family informed along the way, while giving oneself the…