Desperate Needs for Compassion from Oncologists

This book travels the journey undertaken by Youngshin Chang and her husband Semoon as she waged a battle against pancreatic cancer. It takes us from the time Semoon came to the United States as a graduate student, their marriage, their family and their ensuing years together. When Youngshin was initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, they undertook a concentrated battle that could not be won. Dr. Chang’s book stresses that a hospice patient and care takers are likely in a confused state of mind, they are frightened, unsure of the future, but, nevertheless, hopeful that their doctors would save the life of their loved one. Oncologists, and all medical professionals for that matter, can be compassionate simply by conveying to the patient and caregiver an empathetic approach. This can be done by offering prescriptions with or without the patient’s request. In addition, clear explanations of what will be coming to allow for advance preparations for the severe pain that usually follows as well as preparations for life changing decisions such as financial considerations and possible residential rearrangements.