At Kaweah Delta, patients like Bruce Livingston can find cancer-fighting
services provided by caring and supportive medical staff close to home.
Despite having had his right lung removed, Bruce hasn’t given up
in his fight against lung cancer. He has learned that those around him,
including physicians and nurses, have made a significant impact on his
outlook. Bruce’s positive attitude has been shaped by what he calls
“boosts.” When he felt down and out, he received a boost to
keep him going.
On one occasion, after aggressive radiation treatment, Bruce’s skin
suffered severe blistering. He worried that medical staff would no longer
allow him to endure the treatment he needed to fight his cancer. However,
he received a boost from his nurse Peggy when he explained his condition
and she in turn embraced him, physically turned him around toward the
radiation department and said “we will never stop fighting.”
This was an uplifting experience for Bruce and it became his goal to show
his gratitude to his physicians and nurses.
“By all means, we must stay positive and supportive of those who
care for us, especially our nurses,” Bruce said. “Our doctors
don’t always get positive feedback, but it is good for them to also
know how very important they are in our life.”
In March 2016, Bruce began receiving immune system booster treatment for
his left lung at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center (SRCC) in Visalia. During
his first visit he noticed how most individuals in the waiting room looked
down. Understandably, staying positive would be difficult, but with the
support of medical staff, Bruce’s attitude remained positive.
“There are days that we will feel bad. I get that. But I know staff
is doing everything they can for me. I will thank them as often as I can,”
Bruce said.
Bruce hopes his positive attitude will influence patients and other patients
at SRCC because he believes it is what keeps him young and vibrant. He
also believes he has been given the gift of additional time and every
day he makes the most of his blessings. With his faith, he is encouraged
by each day he is able to enjoy the impressionable love of his family
and friends.