Dr. Catherine Sue Hwang, a seasoned radiation oncologist from Florida, never imagined she would transition from treating breast cancer patients to becoming one herself. At 46, with no symptoms or family history of teh disease, a routine mammogram revealed five masses in her right breast. This shocking diagnosis turned her life upside down,forcing her to confront the vrey illness she had spent years treating.Dr. Hwang underwent a double mastectomy, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, adn additional surgeries to remove her uterus and ovaries. The aggressive treatment left her grappling with hair loss, hot flashes, and persistent weight gain. She also faced the grim reality of a 15 percent chance of not surviving to 2035.
Now,Dr. Hwang is sharing her journey to shed light on the emotional and physical toll of breast cancer, and also the often “insensitive” advice doctors give to patients.”Being a patient has revealed to me that much of the advice doctors give can be insensitive,” she said. One example she highlighted was the common suggestion for patients to shave their heads to feel “in control” of the disease. “This is just one of the many things doctors shoudl rethink telling patients,” she added.Her experience has profoundly changed how she approaches patient care. “I feel guilty now for some of the things I used to say,” she admitted. Dr. Hwang has documented her journey on instagram, offering a raw and honest look at her struggles and triumphs. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy in medicine.
key Takeaways from Dr. Hwang’s Journey
Table of Contents
- From Doctor to Patient: How Breast Cancer changed Dr.Hwang’s Outlook on Treatment and Self-esteem
- From Doctor to Patient: Dr. Hwang’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Diagnosis | Routine mammogram revealed five masses in her right breast. |
| Treatment | Double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and additional surgeries. |
| Side Effects | Hair loss, hot flashes, and weight gain. |
| Survival Odds | 15% chance of not surviving to 2035. |
| Insights | Doctors’ advice can be insensitive; empathy is crucial in patient care. |
Dr. Hwang’s story underscores the need for a more compassionate approach in oncology. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the importance of understanding the patient experience from both sides of the stethoscope. For more data on breast cancer treatment and support, visit the NHS website or explore Macmillan Cancer Support.
From Doctor to Patient: How Breast Cancer changed Dr.Hwang’s Outlook on Treatment and Self-esteem
Dr. Eun-Sil Hwang, a radiation oncologist with over 15 years of experience, never imagined she would one day face the very disease she spent her career treating. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. Hwang’s journey from physician to patient has profoundly reshaped her understanding of the emotional and physical toll of the disease. In a candid guest essay for HuffPost, she shared how her personal battle with cancer has made her a more empathetic and effective doctor.
“I spent the past 15 years of my life as a practicing radiation oncologist and considered myself a cancer expert,” she wrote. “But by being on the arena floor and fighting this terrible disease as a patient, I have become a more effective doctor who does not lose focus of the patients’ humanity.”
The Emotional Weight of Hair Loss
One of the most striking revelations from Dr. Hwang’s experience was the emotional impact of hair loss during treatment. As a physician, she had often advised patients to shave their heads to regain a sense of control. However, as a patient, she found herself unable to follow her own advice.
“Despite looking ridiculous with a huge bald spot, I found comfort in preserving the hair that remained on my head,” she explained. “It represented the person I was pre-cancer — a person I was unsure I would ever find again.”
Dr. Hwang admitted that she had previously “passed judgment” on women who refused chemotherapy to preserve their hair, viewing their decision as prioritizing vanity over their health. However, her own experience changed her perspective entirely.
“the temporary loss of my hair impacted my self-esteem more than the permanent loss of my breasts,” she revealed.“As someone who was always known for having an amazing head of hair, I struggled greatly.”
The Complexities of Weight Gain During Treatment
Another aspect of breast cancer treatment that Dr. Hwang now views differently is the issue of weight gain. Breast cancer therapies, notably those that induce menopause by altering hormone levels, often lead to weight gain as a side effect.
Reflecting on her previous approach, Dr. Hwang criticized the diet plans she had once prescribed to patients struggling with this issue.“I now realize how oversimplified and insensitive those recommendations were,” she said. “The hormonal changes and emotional stress make weight management incredibly challenging, and patients need more than just a diet plan.”
A New Perspective on Patient care
Dr. Hwang’s journey has not only deepened her empathy but also reshaped her approach to patient care. She now emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer treatment, rather than focusing solely on the physical outcomes.
“Cancer treatment is not just about survival; it’s about preserving a sense of self and dignity,” she said. “As doctors,we need to listen more and judge less.”
Her insights have resonated with many, particularly those who have faced similar struggles.By sharing her story on platforms like instagram, dr. Hwang has become a source of inspiration and support for countless patients navigating their own cancer journeys.
Key Takeaways from Dr.Hwang’s Experience
| Aspect | as a Doctor | As a Patient |
|————————–|——————————————|——————————————-|
| Hair loss | Advised shaving to regain control | Struggled to let go of remaining hair |
| Weight Gain | prescribed diet plans | Recognized the complexity of the issue |
| Emotional Impact | Focused on physical outcomes | Emphasized emotional and psychological care|
Dr. Hwang’s story is a powerful reminder of the human side of medicine. Her journey underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and holistic care in the fight against cancer.
For more insights into Dr. Hwang’s experience, read her full essay on HuffPost.
What are your thoughts on the emotional challenges of cancer treatment? Share your experiences in the comments below.
From Doctor to Patient: Dr. Hwang’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
When Dr. Hwang, a seasoned physician, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, her perspective on medicine and patient care shifted dramatically. What began as a routine mammogram and ultrasound—recommended every two years for women aged 40 to 75—quickly turned into a life-altering journey.
“The insensitivity of past comments I’ve made to patients became glaringly clear,” Dr. Hwang admitted. “While I did not have low-risk disease, I can now relate to that desire to exhaust all options to get the best possible outcome because cancer is scary.”
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Dr. Hwang’s diagnosis came with an 85% chance of surviving the next ten years. For a mother of three sons, this statistic was far from comforting. Her initial treatment involved a bilateral mastectomy, a surgical procedure to remove both breasts. Doctors believed this would be the end of her battle. However, the cancer appeared to have spread, leading to chemotherapy and radiation.
Two weeks after her mastectomies, Dr. Hwang returned to work, following the same advice she had given her patients: return to routines to manage the mental toll of a cancer diagnosis. “I now understood my patients’ frustrations and felt extremely guilty for faulting them when they didn’t see results,” she said.
The Physical and Emotional Toll
One of the most visible effects of her treatment was hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Dr. Hwang also gained 10 pounds, a weight she found impractical to shed despite following the diet plan she had previously recommended to patients.
Her journey didn’t end there.To manage her symptoms further, Dr. Hwang underwent surgery to remove her uterus and ovaries. She will now be on maintenance treatment for 15 years, but her cancer is currently in remission.
Raising Awareness and Empathy
Dr. Hwang has since used her experience to raise awareness about breast cancer risks. In a reel shared online,she candidly discusses her journey,urging women to prioritize regular screenings. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy in healthcare.
“I had previously dismissed patients with low-risk cancer who were worried about their death,” she reflected. “I often told them they probably wouldn’t die or that their cancer, if it returned, would be picked up via routine scans. But when it was me, I realized how inadequate those reassurances felt.”
Key Takeaways from dr. Hwang’s Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Diagnosis | Breast cancer detected via routine mammogram and ultrasound |
| Initial Treatment | Bilateral mastectomy |
| Subsequent Treatment | Chemotherapy, radiation, and removal of uterus and ovaries |
| Current Status | Cancer in remission; 15-year maintenance treatment plan |
| Key Message | importance of empathy, regular screenings, and patient-centered care |
Dr. Hwang’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of lived experience. Her journey underscores the need for healthcare professionals to approach patient care with compassion and understanding.
For more information on breast cancer screenings and treatment options, visit the American Cancer Society.
What’s your take on Dr. Hwang’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the importance of empathy in healthcare.Breast Cancer: Rising Incidence, Declining Death Rates, and the Role of Early Detection
Dr. Hwang, a leading oncologist at the AdventHealth Cancer Institute in Orlando, sheds light on the evolving landscape of breast cancer in the United States. “About 272,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the US every year, a number that has risen by about one percent a year since 2012 — even as deaths have fallen with 42,000 estimated to be caused this year,” he notes.
This paradoxical trend—rising incidence yet declining mortality—has puzzled experts. Doctors attribute the increase in cases to a range of factors, from more women being overweight to exposure to pesticides. “Doctors have blamed a range of factors from more women being overweight to exposure to pesticides for the uptick in rates,” Dr. Hwang explains.
Early detection remains a cornerstone in combating breast cancer.”Most patients have their cancer diagnosed at stage one or two,where it is indeed easier to treat as it has not spread and about 93 percent live longer than five years,” he emphasizes. This underscores the importance of regular screenings, particularly mammograms. “Women are told to get mammograms every other year from the ages of 40 to 74 years to check for breast cancer cells,” Dr.Hwang advises.
The data paints a complex picture: while the number of diagnoses climbs, advancements in treatment and early detection are saving lives. For a deeper dive into these statistics, the American cancer society’s biennial update provides high-quality incidence and mortality data.
| Key Breast Cancer Statistics |
|———————————-|
| Annual Diagnoses: 272,000 women |
| Annual Deaths: 42,000 (estimated) |
| Survival Rate: 93% (Stage 1 or 2) |
| Screening Advice: Mammograms every other year (ages 40-74) |
The fight against breast cancer is multifaceted.While the rise in cases is concerning, the decline in deaths offers hope. Regular screenings, awareness, and continued research are vital. For more insights, explore the CDC’s Breast Cancer Stat Bite, wich provides an overview of incidence, deaths, and survival rates.
Stay informed. Stay vigilant. Early detection can save lives.
Dr. hwang’s journey through breast cancer is a profound testament to the transformative power of personal experience in shaping medical practice and patient care. Her story highlights the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges that cancer patients face, often overlooked in the clinical focus on survival and physical outcomes. Here are the key takeaways from her experience:
Key Takeaways from Dr. Hwang’s Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Diagnosis | Breast cancer detected via routine mammogram and ultrasound. |
| Initial Treatment | Bilateral mastectomy.|
| Subsequent Treatment | Chemotherapy, radiation, and removal of uterus and ovaries. |
| Current Status | Cancer in remission; 15-year maintenance treatment plan. |
| Key Message | Empathy, understanding, and holistic care are crucial in cancer treatment. |
A new Perspective on Patient Care
Dr. Hwang’s experience as a patient reshaped her approach to medicine. She now emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer treatment, rather than focusing solely on physical outcomes.Her insights underscore the need for doctors to listen more and judge less, recognizing that cancer treatment is not just about survival but also about preserving a sense of self and dignity.
The Emotional and Physical Toll
Dr. Hwang’s journey revealed the complexities of cancer treatment, from the visible effects like hair loss and weight gain to the emotional struggles of maintaining control over one’s body and identity. She candidly shared how her own experiences made her realize the inadequacy of reassurances she had previously given to patients, highlighting the need for more compassionate and empathetic care.
Raising Awareness and Empathy
Through her advocacy, Dr. Hwang has become a source of inspiration and support for countless patients navigating their own cancer journeys. By sharing her story on platforms like Instagram and huffpost, she has raised awareness about the importance of regular screenings and the emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
A Call for Holistic Care
Dr. Hwang’s story is a powerful reminder of the human side of medicine. It underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and holistic care in the fight against cancer. Her journey serves as a call to action for healthcare providers to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of their patients,recognizing that true healing goes beyond physical outcomes.
Reflection and Discussion
Dr. Hwang’s experience invites us to reflect on the emotional challenges of cancer treatment and the need for a more compassionate approach to patient care. What are your thoughts on the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer treatment? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
For more insights into Dr. Hwang’s journey, read her full essay on HuffPost.
