A message to my patients:
First, I want to thank everyone for your support while I went through my cancer treatments. Your cards, letters, notes, and phone calls were truly amazing. I was deeply touched by your kindness. It went a long ways towards bringing sunshine into some cloudy days!
Some people want to know the details about my cancer battle, so I have (reluctantly) posted my story here.
Getting to know all of you, and your families, over the past 22 years has been a wonderful experience. I hope I continue to hear about your adventures in the years to come. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you with your dental health.
The transition of the practice to Dr. Lockwood has gone very well. Dr. Lockwood's skills have proven to be very impressive, just as I had anticipated. Although it has been difficult for me to step away from treating my patients, it has been very comforting knowing that my patients are being left in extremely good hands.
What am I doing now?
It took me well over a year to reclaim my lost energy, learn to adapt to my neuropathy and other side effects of treatment, and figure out what my new limitations are. I've explored my occupational options, learned new skills, and spent precious time with my wife and other loved ones. Now I am enrolled in college courses to supplement my dental education, expand my non-clinical abilities, and prepare for my second career.
I have had numerous opportunities present themselves to me, such as teaching dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants; positions with various health clinics; dental management consulting; dental lab sales; rep for dental materials and manufacturers; dental insurance company consultant; dental insurance claims reviewer; dental computer software training and consulting; dental website development, accounting, and financing.
Above all, I've learned that what you sometimes think is important in life isn't necessarily so important after all. It is the small stuff that can be abundantly meaningful.
If you see me around, be sure to say hello, and give me an update!
Copy of the letter mailed to patients, April 20, 2007
Copy of the letter mailed to patients, August 27, 2007