After her breast cancer diagnosis, someone from the Noble Circle Project, a cancer support group, told Dr. Baker that cancer is a gift. “I thought, ‘Yeah right, some gift this is.’ But finding out you have cancer is all about the glass half-full perspective. When I look at all the connections I’ve made in the community and all the support I’ve received, I can see how cancer is a gift, especially for doctors like me.”
Dr. Baker found that one of the silver linings of having cancer is discovering the kindness of others. “My greatest advocate throughout the process has been my husband, to whom I am incredibly grateful for his strength and loving support. We were in the middle of planning our wedding when I found out I had cancer.”
Because she was planning her wedding at the time of her diagnosis and treatment, her care team took that into account. “Before putting in my port for chemotherapy, my surgeon had me draw the outline of my wedding dress on my body so she could hide my port. I also am grateful to my oncologist and his nurse who are amazingly compassionate providers.”
Other people who helped Dr. Baker through her treatment include the Patient Advisory Council for Kettering Health Network’s new cancer center. “Meeting other cancer patients and talking with the people who are creating the new cancer center was wonderful, and I am grateful for the network’s commitment to include patients in the planning process.”
After becoming a patient, Dr. Baker has a new perspective on life. “I’m inspired to help the greater community, not just my patients who I see at work. I feel a different level of connection and compassion; I guess it would be true empathy on a deeper level than I had experienced before.”
Going through cancer treatment helped Dr. Baker reprioritize her life. “I have a new sense of desire to seize the opportunities that matter most to me. Before, I think I had been working so hard for so long that I had forgotten how much of an impact one kind word can make. Now, I am inspired to make a difference, tell people I care about them, spend time with my family, and not sweat the small stuff.”
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