The theoretical part was very helpful. So were the patients' stories. We interviewed people for the book who told us how valuable it was to their healing and treatment to talk to somebody who'd been through the same thing. As it became clear I would need major surgery, I asked the doctor for names of people who had the same surgery I would have. One woman was especially helpful.
Every day is a little bit better.
I was also prepared for what was going to happen to me. When the doctors replaced my jawbone with a bone from my leg, I couldn't take a regular shower for a long time. The doctor didn't have any idea how long. This same woman was real clear about it, and she gave me some tips on how to keep myself clean. Little stuff like that makes a big difference.