LUMPECTOMY FOR BEGINNERS - The whole patient? Or?

I cancelled my appointment with the Digestive Health doc. (Because after all, I'll have these breast related appointments.)  Then I read the circular that comes with the tummy medicine, and quickly re-scheduled my Monday visit with her.

I had felt earlier that the dentist and the GI and whatever were a nuisance at this time.

Then I told a neighbor and cancer survivor what I've shared here:  that I am a whole person.  And most of me is well.  So don't I need to take care of all of me?  I'll make my dentist appointment, too.

I keep talking and writing about the patient's experience.  Perhaps I should say instead:

the whole person's experience as a patient!