A LETTER TO MY ONCOLOGIST
In a letter to his oncologist, Oswald Peterson pays tribute to the unique bond between doctor and patient.
In the winter of 2017, Oswald Peterson was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. At the time, Oswald felt he may not recover, but now thanks to the exceptional care he received, Oswald is sharing his story, emphasizing how the bond patients form with their doctors can be just as powerful as the treatment they receive.
As I write this, I live in a moment I was not supposed to have lived. Being snatched from the jaws of death will give you a greater appreciation of the little moments in life. These moments have all been made possible by the amazing Dr. Catherine Shu and my care team.
While I was in the hospital, God sent an angel to me, Dr. Catherine Shu. Dr. Shu's professionalism, dedication and genuine care were instantly apparent. She gave me not only hope, but the will to live. I was offered world-class treatment with the touch of a caring friend. The course of treatment Dr. Shu charted out, coupled with her expertise, saved my life. She did the impossible, because my recovery was only an inch short of resurrection after feeling like I was at death's door.
Through the quality of care I received, I was able to get back my quality of life. Today, thanks to the care of Dr. Shu, I'm taking trips, I'm taking my partner down the aisle, and I'm taking life by the horns. It's amazing to find a doctor, staff and institution that is not just capable, but caring. Dr. Shu is truly a miracle worker. Words don’t exist to explain how immensely grateful I am for Dr. Shu and her life-saving care.
Thanks to the immunotherapy regimen Dr. Shu provided, Oswald has no evidence of disease and only requires annual checkups to monitor his condition. He’s made the most of that time away from the hospital, traveling this year to Thailand with his partner and planning their wedding for the summer of 2024.
Oswald Peterson with his medical oncologist Catherine Shu, MD
A Letter to My Oncologist
In a letter to his oncologist, Oswald Peterson pays tribute to the unique bond between doctor and patient.
In the winter of 2017, Oswald Peterson was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. At the time, Oswald felt he may not recover, but now thanks to the exceptional care he received, Oswald is sharing his story, emphasizing how the bond patients form with their doctors can be just as powerful as the treatment they receive.
Oswald Peterson with his medical oncologist Catherine Shu, MD
As I write this, I live in a moment I was not supposed to have lived. Being snatched from the jaws of death will give you a greater appreciation of the little moments in life. These moments have all been made possible by the amazing Dr. Catherine Shu and my care team.
While I was in the hospital, God sent an angel to me, Dr. Catherine Shu. Dr. Shu's professionalism, dedication and genuine care were instantly apparent. She gave me not only hope, but the will to live. I was offered world-class treatment with the touch of a caring friend. The course of treatment Dr. Shu charted out, coupled with her expertise, saved my life. She did the impossible, because my recovery was only an inch short of resurrection after feeling like I was at death's door.
Through the quality of care I received, I was able to get back my quality of life. Today, thanks to the care of Dr. Shu, I'm taking trips, I'm taking my partner down the aisle, and I'm taking life by the horns. It's amazing to find a doctor, staff and institution that is not just capable, but caring. Dr. Shu is truly a miracle worker. Words don’t exist to explain how immensely grateful I am for Dr. Shu and her life-saving care.
Thanks to the immunotherapy regimen Dr. Shu provided, Oswald has no evidence of disease and only requires annual checkups to monitor his condition. He’s made the most of that time away from the hospital, traveling this year to Thailand with his partner and planning their wedding for the summer of 2024.
Read what students, faculty,
and our partners have to say