A Stage 4 colon cancer survivor shares his story
- Phil Scamihorn’s story, also recounted in his blog
- Decision to get a blog -> To keep others informed of progress and gain a community supporting him
- Community as crucial
- He offers support to newly diagnosed patients
- Online support community Cancer Survivors Network
- Scamihorn did his own research and got second opinion from other oncologists
- The oncologist team that he went with won his confidence/trust
- Hope, trust and common goal-setting as an important factor in patient-doctor relationships (“Most important, the doctor told him that stage 4 colon cancer can be cured”)
- Scamihorn was diagnosed at 47 so his children would be screened 10 years earlier
“There are many patients in the online support community who have had five years without cancer,” says Scamihorn, now 53. “I also encourage people to find a doctor they trust, someone they’re comfortable with, and let them do their job.”
https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/cancer-care/beating-colon-cancer-trust-treatment-and-community
- Reflections/thoughts:
- His decision to get a blog -> connects to this resource discussing importance of cancer patients writing/creating media as outlet and to shape identity through experience -> authentic patient voices help dispel illness myths and deepen understanding
- Trust and communication as crucial -> Scamihorn felt more trust and confident working with his second opinion
- How can doctors better use this understanding to inform their practices?
