David Lynch has always had a passion for poetry. He wrote whenever he was inspired by a subject or real-life situation. From social injustices to personal struggles, poetry has always allowed him to express and process his emotions. David is proud of his work and has written poems on topics ranging from war to family. His dream has always been to bring his poetry to the world, and positively influence someone's life.
Life has not been easy for David. For the last few years, he has been caring for his ailing mother and working through tough emotions with his poetry. He thought that life had thrown everything it had at him and never thought an illness would strike him, too.
Nine months ago, he started noticing an indent in his mouth. Before long, a hole started forming, and he could see exposed bone. Despite multiple trips to the emergency room, he could not get any help. Finally, after becoming a patient at the School of Dentistry, he secured an appointment with Dr. Chi Viet, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in oral cancer research.
After a myriad of tests, it was soon apparent that David had stage 4 oral cancer. Dr. Viet knew that he could be operated on, but David was not sure he wanted to. He felt like he had lived long enough. David said, "She (Dr. Viet) didn't give up on me when I, myself, was going to." Dr. Viet spoke multiple times with David, explaining the procedure and the success rate. She felt confident that he was a good candidate for surgery and that it would give him a fighting chance.
After some time, reflection, and prayer, David decided to move forward with treatment. He said that he would not have considered the surgery if not for Dr. Viet. Her confidence and support made him feel like he could fight this diagnosis. Dr. Viet and her team moved forward with the "Jaw in a Day" procedure last April.
David was so thankful to Dr. Viet that he wrote a poem before the surgery. The poem was meant not only as a thank you to Dr. Viet but also to all healthcare workers. He feels strongly that healthcare workers are some of the hardest-working people and deserve more recognition and support. In his mind, this poem would be displayed in medical offices to help encourage and support those working there, encouraging those who most need it.
We have included his poem here for you to enjoy:
"Before you do what you will, I have to thank you for this, the minutes, the hours, the months, and the years it took for your skills to exist.
Persisting with patience when you yourself often wondered if you could, but you yourself did persist and the outcome is nothing but good.
This decision you made for others cannot be compared to at all, you chose to put others before yourself and you didn't have to answer that call.
But answer you did and along the way you've had some twists and some turns, but every step along the way most definitely has been earned.
So thank you I do from the bottom of my heart I really just don't know how, but I promise you this I truly do respect you so I'm letting you know this right now.
Thank you."
David's "Jaw in a Day" surgery was a success, but he did have some infections to deal with as he healed. With time and the hard work of his medical team, all the infections were resolved. The doctors felt the surgery was enough of a success that radiation would not be needed right now. As of the publication of this article, David was given a clean bill of health.
He credits Dr. Viet and the team with giving him the strength and willingness to move forward with treatment and a second chance at life. He hopes to continue writing poetry and finding ways to share it so that he can inspire as many people as possible.