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JGH stories
During the 76 years of its
existence, the Jewish General
Hospital has touched many
people and changed many
lives. They have left a trail of
inspiring and compelling stories
that showcase the unique
qualities and spirit that make
the JGH such a special and
valued part of our community.
This section presents one of
the many incredible stories
that are featured on the JGH
Stories website (http://stories.
jghfoundation.org).
Coming soon!
2 nd issue of the JGH
Foundation special report
In June, JGH Foundation supporters
and partners can look forward to
the second issue of the JGH Foundation
Special Report. This issue will
provide you with even more unique
insights into the opportunities that
are shaping the future of health care
at the Jewish General Hospital and
across Quebec. Also featured will be
inspiring stories about our donors
and how their efforts and commitment
are helping the JGH remain at
the forefront of scientific discovery
and clinical excellence. All that, and
much more.
16 spriNG 2011
No-nonsense confidence
My story started as innocently as a lot I am sure... I had just returned
from a summer of guiding, biking, hiking and kayaking trips in Eastern
Canada. Along with the sun tans and sun burns that came with hours and
hours of fun in the sun, I developed a patch of irritated dry skin on the
bridge of my nose. Thinking nothing of it, I discarded the spot all summer
and went about my business.
Looking back, I actually had this recurring
spot of dry skin for well over a
year, but had ignored it until that summer
when the extended periods of sun
really made it act up. There was no pain,
per se, just irritation and once in a while,
bleeding.
Upon my return to Montreal, I booked
a visit with a dermatologist who, as one
who does not beat around the bush, hit
me plain and simple. “That’s cancer”, he
said. I have to be honest; at first, I didn’t
really think much of it. Even though there
is a history of cancer in my family, for
whatever reason, it didn’t affect me much
at that first instance. We discussed what
it meant (it was Basal Cell Carcinoma, he
was pretty sure, and we could handle it
promptly), and what the next steps would
be. It was only after my initial visit that it
hit me. And, boy, did it wallop me good.
Sitting in my car in the parking lot of the
medical clinic, my emotions boiled over
and I sat there, alone, crying and wondering
what was next, questioning my mortality
and wishing and hoping this didn’t
mean death. I know, this may sound
pretty severe for a non life-threatening
cancer, but I guess I was really hit by the
realization of my own mortality there and
then.
So the next few steps involved the biopsies,
bandaging, awaiting results, and
talking about it with friends and family
(lots of talking—wow did that help!). Finally,
when all was confirmed, I had my
meeting with Dr. Manish Khanna at the
JGH. He was recommended as one of only
a handful of specialists in a particular type
of skin cancer surgery called MOHS.
Care for all.
Right from the beginning, Dr. Khanna
took care of me as only an expert can. At
no time during any of the meetings with
Dr. Khanna did I feel stressed, scared or
worried about any of the upcoming procedures.
He was excited about this new
type of surgery and 100% confident in its
effectiveness. I can’t truly express what
his quiet confidence meant to me as a
cancer patient.
In my personal life dealing with the
surgery, I had moments when I felt alone.
But when I visited with Dr. Khanna and
the staff at the JGH, I felt truly important
and part of a much larger story being
enacted at the JGH. I can’t quite put
my finger on it, but there’s something
special about the team at the JGH... this
quiet confidence that somehow screams
at you every time you are there. That may
sound like an oxy-moron, but for those of
you that have been lucky enough to be
treated by this team of professionals, you
know what I mean.
At the end of the day, I am cancer free
and I owe it to the amazing team at the
JGH, namely Dr. Khanna. I have made certain
changes in my life to help reduce the
possibility of another run-in with cancer.
However, I know that if it were to happen
again, I would simply put myself back into
the good hands of the JGH. I am loving
life more than ever and looking forward
to many, many more fun-filled summers!
Thank you Dr. Khanna, and the whole
team at the JGH. You are true heroes to
me and countless others!
Read more incredible stories or share your very own story at
http://stories.jghfoundation.org
— Corey Pomkoski
March 2011 Jewish General Ho