A story about feeling a little lonely, and a remark that still makes me happy

The power of words I realized after becoming a patient

Nutritional guidance sessions at the clinic last anywhere from 5 minutes to at most 30 minutes per person.
I meet with people who have various symptoms and concerns, not limited to lifestyle-related diseases.

In that context, there was something I only realized after becoming a patient myself.

The words of healthcare professionals stay in your heart more than I had imagined.

Disappointment born from expectation

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I visited an acupuncture clinic that also supports cancer patients, hoping to improve my physical condition even a little.

I was interested in Eastern medicine and wanted to try it if it could make the side effects even slightly easier to bear.

The first visit began with a thorough medical interview.

What kind of treatment am I currently receiving?

What am I worried about?

They asked me many things, and at that moment, the topic of the Neulasta Onpro body injector came up.

However, the practitioner did not know of its existence.

Of course, they are not a Western medicine doctor.

I don't think it's strange that they didn't know.

But at the time, I felt a little lonely.

Because I had come to a place where I wanted to consult about cancer treatment.

Perhaps it was a selfish expectation.

Even so,

"Ah, this practitioner doesn't know about the treatment I'm currently receiving."

The moment I thought that, a little bit of emotional distance was created.

It's okay to aim for "beautiful"

Conversely, there are words I still remember today.

It was when I had surgery for malignant melanoma several years ago.

During the post-surgery checkup, the doctor said,

"Yes, the scar looks fine. I want to keep it as beautiful as possible, so let's make sure to do the taping properly."

It was a casual remark.

But I was very happy.

Of course, life is the most important thing.

I was prepared for the fact that a scar would remain.

Even so,

I felt that they were properly concerned about that, too.

To a healthcare professional, I might be just one of hundreds or thousands of patients they see.

But for the patient, that doctor is the only one.


That is why a casual remark can be encouraging,

or conversely, cause anxiety.

That is just how it is.

And I sometimes wonder,

"Am I okay?"


When I talk to people visiting the clinic,
am I conveying things in a way I didn't intend?

Will this explanation provide peace of mind?
There is chemistry with the other person, and even with the same words, there are times they reach them and times they don't.

Even so.

I want to keep in mind the words that made me happy as a patient, and the feelings that made me feel a little lonely.🫶🏻