In 2010, an enlarged mass was discovered on my left kidney during a surveillance ultrasound. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the mass to be an angiomyolipoma. Following a trial of embolization and a second biopsy, the decision was ultimately made to resect the affected portion of my kidney. Throughout my experience as a patient, I discovered solace in navigating my journey through the lens of storytelling fundamentals. I was able to draw inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in confronting the uncertainty and fear that came with illness.

The patient experience can at times induce stress due to the inherent uncertainty within the diagnostic workup. The experiences patients face can profoundly alter their identity, as they grapple with mortality and their sense of self. This narrative framework, widely embraced in mythology and storytelling, allowed me to navigate my journey as a patient and professional with greater understanding.

The hero’s journey comprises 17 stages organized into 3 main “acts”: Departure, Initiation, and Return.

Departure: Diagnosis

The departure phase marks the beginning of the patient’s journey, triggered by a “call to action”—a moment akin to Frodo meeting Gandalf, where a sign prompts medical attention. This could be a concerning symptom or abnormal test result. However, patients may initially refuse this call due to denial or apprehension influenced by societal judgments or personal obligations. Yet, they receive invaluable “supernatural aid” from family, friends, and the care team, offering support and tools for survival. As they cross the first threshold into the unknown world of illness, they encounter new dangers, akin to falling into the abyss of internet research or hearing negative anecdotes. The “belly of the whale” represents the first significant danger, such as a worrisome biopsy or test result, prompting the need for guidance to adjust perspective.

Initiation: Treatment

The initiation phase delves into the heart of the patient’s journey, marked by confronting challenges and undergoing transformations. Seeking guidance akin to Luke meeting Leia in Star Wars, patients turn to trusted individuals for insight. “Temptation” tests the patient’s resolve, reflecting the everyday struggle with insecurities associated with illness. This is followed by “atonement,” an emotional confrontation leading to transformation. “Apotheosis” symbolizes newfound confidence, culminating in the “ultimate achievement” of the patient’s primary treatment goal, whether it be surgery, successful medication outcomes, or regained capabilities.

Return: Perspective

The return phase signals the patient’s journey back to normalcy, yet with profound changes and newfound insights. Initially reluctant to return to their previous life, they embark on a “magic flight” to safety, often with external support. “Rescue” arrives just in time, providing reassurance and encouragement. Crossing the return threshold, patients acknowledge their changed character, becoming the “master of 2 worlds” as they navigate both the chaos of illness and the ordinary world. Ultimately, they achieve the “freedom to live,” embracing their newfound strength and resilience, ready to continue their life journey with a deeper understanding of themselves and their capacity for healing. This is where I stand today, thankful to be alive, to be here, and wanting to contribute back to the very field that saved my life.

The hero’s journey serves as a metaphor for the patient’s experience in medicine, emphasizing transformation, resilience, and support. Every patient embodies a hero, demonstrating courage in facing personal challenges. Health care providers play a vital role in witnessing and contributing to their heroic tales, providing support and opportunities for healing. Empowering patients to embrace their journey has profoundly influenced my approach to health care. Understanding the challenges faced in each stage enables personalized care and support. Witnessing patients navigate their journey inspires me to contribute to their stories in a meaningful way. As we traverse the worlds of diagnosis, we contribute to a collective story of healing and perseverance. May the hero’s journey lessons guide us in providing compassionate care, recognizing every patient as a hero on their unique quest for healing.