Brace yourself. Get ready. I am about to deliver news about the status of your cancer and whether you responded to the treatment I persuaded you to try. Wait for me, I know you are anxious. Understand that I bring you the truth. Good or bad it is disbelieving. And what I say cannot change.
When looking at the statistics associated with cancer it is more likely for me to be delivering news that my patients do not want to hear but have to. I have also shared moments of triumph and victory with many patients. The impact of this news regardless of what it is, is the truth of the situation. Say it the way it is and help the patient understand. It is my experience which has proven so very valuable. Understanding mishaps and bad decisions in medicine has been a cornerstone in improving my level of the care that I provide to each patient. This is what I teach the next generation of doctors.
What impact does seeing and telling the truth about cancer have on me? Is is the seed of my understanding that grows into a tree. It offers me a chance to improve on what I have already learned and challenge myself to do better each time. I am more than me; I am an institution I teach so many that “art” of medicine. I store all the nuances that occurred that helped shape the decision I made. I draw on so many instances where I could not find a right answer, where I saw a positive outcome in others that helped me make a better decision for each individual. “Practice makes perfect” was the old idiom.
I thank my patients for making me a better physician for the next person I have to serve. We are partners in this reality and it is the truth that nourishes our growth.
Mo
DOCTOR MO IOWA 
Mo,
I remember in April after my surgery and you came in the room to talk to me about my results from the path report on how many nodes you told me were cancer. I cried and you held my hand as I realized how serious this all was. You have a big heart Mo. I hope cancer never changes you Mo.
It’s good to keep it real for the patients. I love that about you. Thank you for being my amazing doctor of science…
Claire
Dr Mo: I couldn’t have said it better. And it is absolutely what I felt whenever we had a chance to meet and communicate aboput this horrible disease. And yes, more often than not, the news wasn’t exactly what everyone wanted to hear – but, as I reflect back, I know it was the best we could have done as mere mortals (Doctors and Patients alike!). And we should not be ashamed of that – in fact, we should probably feel exceedingly good about that. Look at what mere mortals can do when they put their hearts and minds together! Carry on, good friend. Peace, Dale
And we thank you for using that knowledge to continue helping others! You are truly special in understanding how everything connects and how you use that knowledge!
Said very eloquently-waiting to find out is the hardest part..my family holds onto each other and prays as we wait for Dr. Mo to come through the exam room door with news of results that can change our lives forever. We appreciate he understands our pain..he delivers bad news yes; but he stays with us until our pounding hearts slow down and our tears subside so we can drive home. No one wants to be in “this cancer club” but are glad Dr. Mo is there with us.