Have you forsaken us?

Thank you for all the outreach and prayers on Molly’s behalf.  She was admitted to the hospital and will be there for two weeks.  She just finished surgery and is doing great.  As a form of appreciation for all the support that was shown I want to share something with you.  Prior to Molly going into the hospital I told her that I had a great feeling about this visit.  I told her that more than ever before I was feeling calm about this visit and that I knew everything was going to be great.  Then at her appointment after thorough evaluation it was determined that she wasn’t doing great and needed to be admitted.  I was definitely taken back.  How could I have felt so calm and confident that everything was going to be ok, and yet obviously it wasn’t.  After I got the news I flippantly looked to the sky as if I was talking with God and said “well thanks a lot I thought everything was going to be ok.”  Shame on me right?  Even typing this I get a pit in my stomach.  Well nonetheless its what happened.  Later that evening the missionaries were in our home teaching a friend of mine.  During their lesion they invited my friend to think about a time that God had answered his prayers.  I again flippantly thought to myself “well I can think of a time he didn’t answer mine”.   Just as that thought ran through my mind it was like I was spiritually slapped in the face.  Thoughts came into my mind as if they were not my own.  It was like God was talking with me through my thoughts.  I was then firmly taught a lesson I will never forget.  It went something like this:

 “Dayne why do you think you felt like it was going to be ok.  Stop pouting and realize that the answer to your prayers is that she is admitted to the hospital and she is getting the help she needs and that is how she is going to be ok.  Just because things didn’t work the way you envisioned you thought I forgot you, but I was to busy answering your prayers and taking care of your daughter to interrupt your pity party.” 

 I’m sorry God.May we never question the kindness of our Heavenly Father to his children even if we don’t understand.#bestillandknowthatIamGod

Gearing up for 2019.....you coming?

If you want to learn more about this upcoming trip click on the link to learn more https://www.ghanamakeadifference.org/medical-missions.html. Thanks to Cody Shepard and the Traveling Shepards clan compiling this video.

The Perfect Gift

As I walk aimlessly from aisle to aisle amongst the mob of motivated shoppers I feel a sense of suffocation.  Row after row of gifts and treats all which seem better than the last.  You see I’ve played this game before.  Year after year searching for the “perfect” gift.  Christmas morning comes the joy is immense, the excitement palpable as the “perfect” gift is opened.  High pitched voices bubble over as they shrill “Thank you mom and dad I always wanted this!” Then as quickly as the “perfect” gift is opened it is set aside to open the next “perfect” gift.  The cycle is repeated through the morning.  The dust settles after the minutes it took to unveil months of preparation.  The months go by as the “perfect” gift begins to collect dust.  The cycle culminates just prior to the next Christmas as the “perfect” gift is donated to the local thrift store to make room for this years batch of “perfect” gifts.

Contrast the above with the encounter the @thetravelingshepards captured of @staceyhofman9 truly giving the “perfect” gift to our beautiful young patient shortly after her surgery.  Giving a truly perfect gift comes not from a place of material well being, but from a place of genuine love and appreciation.  The gift then becomes only a token backed by a promise to love and serve the recipient.  Let us love more and lust less.  Let us truly look for ways to make a difference and bring joy to others.  May we all find ways to give truly perfect gifts.  #gift

One Sacred Little Moment

Oh these kids are so brave!  It’s funny how certain little moments get immediately woven into your soul.  One of these moments was captured in this short video by one of the volunteers in the room.  I nod my head to tell her it’s going to be ok.  She smiles and gently nods back.  In that moment we were no longer strangers.  I was her brother and she was my sister and God was in this moment.  I can’t wait to share with you her results in a later post.  A huge shout out to Stacey Hofman for being the ultimate advocate for these beautiful children.  Thank you Ghana Make A Difference for allowing me to be a part of your mission. 

The Ultimate Expression of Gratitude

As we give thanks I wanted to share this quick story.  Last year this beautiful strong girl was brought in by her father.  She had been severely burned on her leg and stomach.  The scar tissue on her leg had so severely contracted that she could no longer extend her leg.  It was permanently in the bent position making it incredibly difficult to walk and impossible to run.  We told her father that we would be happy to try to help her by removing the scar tissue the best we could and reorienting the position of the scars.  We told him that it may help but it may also make it worse depending on how it healed.  The father looked at the daughter and asked what she wanted to do.  With great conviction she affirmed that she wanted to try.  Surgery was long as we removed the scar tissue, reoriented the scar lines, and finally skin grafted the defects.  Surgery went well but only time would tell.  We left the next day not knowing if we had done her a service or condemned her to a life of difficulty. 

Fast forward now to last month.  We arrived at the hospital early to get a jump on the cases that day.  I left the operating room to check on my patients in the wards.  From the corner of my eye walking up the road I saw this kind father and this brave girl.  My heart immediately sank as all of my anxieties about her case came rushing back.  I quickly began to walk to her desperate to see how she was walking.  My heart exploded with joy as I saw each perfectly placed step followed by another.  She saw me and began to run towards me.  I could not control my emotions as I felt pure gratitude. 

Remembering they had come from a great distance at significant personal expense I asked her father if the surgery needed to be revised or if there was another problem they needed addressed.  He looked confused by my question.  He said “We do not need anything Doctor Dayne we have simply come to tell you and your team thank you.” May we all remember to give thanks in all things. 

A kind old man, a brave young boy, and a grateful doctor

Seriously such beautiful people!  This handsome young boy had this facial growth for several years.  He was mocked and ridiculed for something he could not control.  He came from hours away just hoping to be seen.  He was brought by a man who could only walk with the assistance of crutches who had the kindest smile you have ever seen.  I have thought about this boy and the kind man who brought him several times since my return.  They had nothing but a kind smile to give as form of payment, but yet I am the one who feels indebted to them.  Thank you brave young boy, and kind old man for teaching me again how good people can be.

Imagine

Imagine having to trust a stranger with the thing you love the most.  Imagine not understanding that strangers language as he tries to explain the procedure he is about to perform.  Imagine only loving your child so much that you hope this stranger can help.  Imagine the privilege it is to hand that child back to the mother after surgery and watch her look at her beloved child as she cries tears of joy.  After a few tender moments with her child she wipes away her tears of joy, looks up at you and smiles.  You see in her eyes more gratitude than you thought was humanly possible to display.  Your emotions now come to the surface, and you silently look at each other sharing tears of joy.  This is a mement never to be forgotten.  My prayer is that every medical provider in every scope of practice has the opportunity to become this stranger some day.    

Lets go to Africa!

The objective of this post is to serve as a resource to those who are considering joining our team and heading to Ghana for the medical mission trip this October.  I decided to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions I receive.  I have added lots of pictures because you know the old saying a pictures worth a thousand words.....

Last years team

#1.  What is the operating environment like? 

To be honest with you this was one of my questions as well.  I didn’t want to go to a remote area provide substandard care, abandon a patient shortly after the surgery, and then fly out feeling like I had done “good”.   I can assure you that this is not the case.  We operate out of a local hospital with three operating rooms.  The hospital has a recovery area as well as surgical wards for postoperative care.  In several instances local surgeons will be in on your cases to assist and learn any new techniques that you might be using.   In fact the relationships created with the local doctors was one of my favorite aspects of the trip.  I learned a lot from them and came to greatly respect them.  Postoperative care plans are left for each patient ensuring that their care continues long after you have left.

The local hospital

Taking supplies to the operating rooms

Dr. Kwame Abrokwaa-yankyera an amazing Plastic Surgeon in Ghana

Waiting to be seen to see if we can help them. Every day the waiting area was filled to capacity.

#2.  What type of cases will we see?

Let me assure you that if you have a skill set and you can operate, then you will be an asset on this trip.  Our goal would be to have as many different surgical subspecialties as possible.  Currently we are actively recruiting: Anesthesialogists, CRNA, General surgeons, Urologists, OB/GYN, plastic surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, Head and Neck Surgeons,  Orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, dentists, and all the associated support staff we can get our hands on.  Once our surgical team is finalized we will advise the local team what pathology we will be ready and able to treat.  Patients will be selected to match the different types of surgical specialists that we bring.

#3 Is it safe for my family?

Yes!  I bring my family and they are always begging to go back.  When I was doing my homework on this topic a dear friend of mine; who currently lives in Ghana, told my wife and I that Ghana was “Africa for beginners”.  I would strongly encourage you to consider bringing your family along.  While in the country all transportation and lodging are provided.  You will always be with the big group.  You are never left to figure things out on your own.  The people of Ghana are so kind and this is a great and safe place for families.

#4  What will my family be doing while I am at the hospital operating?

Your family will get to experience the best of both worlds.  They have the option to spend time with you at the hospital, as well as serve back at the Ghana make a difference home.  While at the home they will sing and play with the children, paint houses, build chicken coups, make bricks, and so much more. Often times when I would come home from the OR late at night and ask my wife and kids how their day was I was jealous of the things they got to do that day.  They will have the opportunity to visit the local village and hand out supplies, play soccer with the kids, help with school work, and so on and so forth.  I promise it will be something they will never forget.

#5  What documentation do I need to get into the country?

From a medical standpoint we will just need a copy of your medical school diploma and a copy of a current license.  You will also need a current passport and visa.  In order to enter into the country your vaccinations will need to be up to date and proof of vaccination will be required for both you and your family.   Your local health department will be your best resource.  They may also prescribe you doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis. 

#6 How much work will I miss?

The trip is scheduled to leave on a Friday afternoon and have you back by the following Sunday evening.  We did this intentionally so you will only miss one full week of work.  We understand that this is a sacrifice and we are so grateful that you are willing to make it. 

#7  Do we just operate the entire trip?

At the end of the medical mission trip and prior to returning you to the states and your busy practices we have a few days or rest, relaxation, and site seeing.

#8  Do you need any other providers?

The short answer is yes. We are always looking for providers who are ready and willing to participate.  Please forward this information on to whomever you think might be interested.  We would also be willing to contact them personally as well.

#9.  Do you need any supplies?

Again the short answer is yes.  We are responsible for all of our supplies, medications, dressings, etc.  We have a committee whose responsibility is to find and procure all needed supplies.  If you have any connection to supplies, equipment, dressings, etc please let us know. 

#10.  Sounds great, but how much does this cost?

$1,600/ person plus airfare  (Last year the total was about $3000 total/person)

The $1,600 includes everything while you are in Africa (transportation, lodging, food, admission to the locations on the tourist days).  In Africa the only thing you will need money for is if you want to purchase souvenirs. 

This list is by no means all-inclusive.  If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our team to set up a time to learn more.

 Click on the video below to a great recap of our last medical mission trip.  I promise this experience will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Are you ready to go?  Do you want to reserve a spot for you and your family?  Visit www.ghanamakeadifference.org and reserve your spot. 

Molly's Fight

We invite you to learn a little about life and perspective by watching this video.  Molly is our 13 year old daughter who teaches us daily as I watch her battle cystic fibrosis.  A special thank you to the Utah Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation who first shared this video.  A huge thank you to my dear friend Zach Fackrell for shooting and producing this video.   

A fight against all odds

Some of the greatest stories ever told are set against the backdrop of a hero facing, what at the time, appears to be insurmountable odds.  These stories take us on an emotional rollercoaster with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  It is unfortunately the struggle that makes the once unimaginable victory so special.  It is the overcoming of the odds that make the story worth telling.   

I wish I could say that it bothered me when Molly passionately informed me, all while running away from me, how much she hates doing her daily treatments or taking her pills. However; I have to admit, that in my heart I love it. I love that she would rather be outside playing or running around with her friends than hooked up to her breathing treatments. I love that she is such a fighter. I am shocked that this doesn’t happen every day. Most days we say “Molly it’s time for your treatments.” With no hesitation she stops what she is doing and replies “Okay Dad” and up the stairs she goes. She takes her meds, hooks herself up to her vest and patiently waits for me to walk in the room to start the treatment. My heart aches when I have to pull her away from playing to do her treatments. 

One day I was having a particularly difficult time watching the other kids in the neighborhood play outside all while I had to bring her in for treatments. Before we started I asked her, “Molly do you ever feel angry with me when I make you come in to do your treatments?” She looked at the ground because both she and I knew the answer was yes. She then taught me a lesson as only she can. She said, “Dad I bet I volunteered to have cystic fibrosis in heaven.” Totally unprepared for what she had just said to me I just sat there and listened. She continued “Heavenly Father knew I could handle it.” A million things ran through my head, but none sounded appropriate. I just hugged her thankful she was mine. I love you Molly!

Come join our fight: I am positive that this story is going to have the most beautiful and triumphant ending!  http://fightcf.cff.org/goto/teammolly

Ghana Make A difference

What a great experience!  If you want to get involved visit www.ghanamakeadifference.org or message me.  Thank you Zach Fackrell for the video.  Thank you Hoffman family for all your hard work.  Thank you to the beautiful West African people.  You will forever have my heart.  See you soon.

I thought I was going to change lives, but mine was the life that changed.

Every doctor has something that got them through medical school.  A particular goal, desire, or aspiration from which they drew strength as they sludge through their academic beating.  For some, it was the life long pressure to take over a fathers thriving practice.  For others, it was the hope of financial independence.  Whatever the reason or goal, I promise you every doctor had one.  They tucked it away and brought it out as they studied into the early hours of the morning.  They visited it in their minds as their pager sounded like an evil siren calling them away from sleep and back into the dimly lit hallways.  When hope was lost and all they wanted was to quit and do or be anything else in this entire world but a doctor they remembered their “reason” and pushed on.  Like all before me, and all after me, I too had a “reason”.  It was my truest companion and never betrayed me.  It pulled me through seasons that I wish to never relive.  My “reason” was knowing that one-day, if I could finish, I would be able to take the surgical skills that I had acquired to serve and treat forgotten souls.  To me it did not matter if that was in a clinic down the road, or on a continent across the world.  I just knew that somewhere these forgotten souls were waiting for me.  They were my “reason”. 

Since finishing my training it has been my greatest privilege to serve several of these souls.  I recently returned home from Ghana.  The people there stole my heart.  We worked hard during 6 full operating days, performing over 50 major surgeries.  Each day we worked into the early morning.  Yet it simply was not enough.  Since coming home people often ask me if I feel a sense of accomplishment for my “good deed”.  Accomplished is not the sentiment I am experiencing.  Grateful for the opportunity, thankful to have met such kind and wonderful people, but mostly an overwhelming desire to do more.  At night as I try to sleep I do not see the faces of the lives we changed on the operating room table, instead I am haunted by the hundreds we turned away.  Burned in my mind are the mothers that held their children with no food or place to sleep for days just hoping to be seen.  The absolute pain in their eyes visits me nightly as they unbelievingly watched as our medical team boarded into the vans to be taken to the airport without having treated their child.

On the ride to the airport as our driver skillfully weaved through chaotic traffic and dodged potholes I decided that my “reason” needed to be bigger.  It needed to have a broader more meaningful reach.  Those mothers needed to know that as one team left, another would shortly return.  It is with this in mind that I write this post.  This is a call to action to my wonderful medical colleagues.  Come join a cause that will be more rewarding than any award you have hanging on your wall.  If your “reason” is anything like mine, dust it off and come join our fight.  Many of you are doing such wonderful things that are absolutely inspiring.  Thank you for your service.  I truly believe that most want to serve, otherwise we would not have gone into medicine.  We simply get so busy and burdened with “non-patient” things (i.e. billing, paperwork, compliance trainings, etc.) that the time just passes us by and we become ever more buried alive.  However, consider this your personal invitation to be a part of something more meaningful.

Step 1: Make a decision that this year you are going to step outside of your comfort zone to make a difference.

Step 2: Contact the service organization of your choice and let them know of your desire to serve.  They will find a way to use you.  The organization I am working with is www.ghanamakeadifference.org.  We are always looking for volunteers. 

Step 3: Stay committed.  There will never be an optimal time to leave and serve.  Stay the course keep your commitment. 

I went to Ghana hoping to change lives, but mine was the life that was changed.   May you all be blessed as you reach out and remember the forgotten.

Dayne R. Jensen MD, DMD

These photos were all taken in Ghana this recent trip by:

1. Zack Fackrell - www.zachfackrell.com

2. Camille Marie - www.camillemariephotography.com

Orkambi medical trial and HOPE

8 weeks have come and gone since Molly started the Orkambi medical trial for pediatric aged patient (the same medication from this video that changes this young woman's life).  There have been many ups and downs.   Many have asked if the sacrifices required to participate in this trail are worth it.  Our response is both resolute and affirmative.  Whatever the cost we remain grateful.  Gratitude, albeit important, is not the overwhelming sentiment that fuels our collective fire.  The sentiment that we have longed for that sustains our course is that of HOPE.  You see for so many years it was the thought of hope that propelled our fight, but now it is no longer the thought but the actual sentiment that we enjoy. 

I, unlike many fathers, look forward to the day my baby is dressed in white waiting for me me to walk her to the altar.  I pray for the day she will leave me and go off to college.  I anxiously await her asking me to travel the world, or experience one of lives many adventures.  Because with each heart breaking moment I will know that she has won.  I now HOPE for a brighter and better future for her than ever before.     

“If you can’t fly, then run

If you can’t run, then walk

If you can’t walk, then crawl

But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Martin Luther King Jr. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and share in our fight.  A huge thanks to the Oklahoma City Cystic Fibrosis foundation for creating this video.  

Dayne R. Jensen 

"BREATHE"

I love the emotion and passion of his words! This video was put together by the Oklahoma Cystic Fibrosis foundation.  The video was first presented at the "Breath of life" gala.  As I sat in the audience watching I was bombarded with a rush of emotion.  Mine is the privilege to  have a front row seat to watch this nasty, unrelenting,  loathsome disease attempt to reek havoc on a pure little body.  This monstrosity takes no vacation, it spares her no holidays or special events.  It rears its ugly head day after day.  However, this is only one side of the story.  The privilege I wrote of earlier is watching the fight.  I watch her fight with passion.  She bravely accepts this challenge and is kind in the difficult moments.  She moves forward not worrying about tomorrow but enjoying today.  She simply will not allow this dreadful genetic mutation to take her hopes and dreams.   I simply just follow her lead in this fight.     

2016 is going to be a great year in our fight.  We have a new foundation and some exciting goals moving forward.  Stay tuned for exciting ways to join the fight........ 

Thanks,

Dayne

One Republic dedicates song to Cystic Fibrosis

With every normal breath we take we should remember those who are not as fortunate.

Nip. Tuck. Or Else......I disagree!

Several months ago as I was traveling I found myself with an extra-long layover between flights.  In an attempt to kill time, I went to the book store in the terminal.  I began to peruse the magazines and stumbled across a very interesting cover from Time Magazine (pictured above).  The title “Nip. Tuck. Or Else. Now everyone gets work done.  Will you?”  Immediately grabbed my attention.  I purchased the magazine and set off to read.  The article focused on the increased acceptance of cosmetic interventions both surgical and non-surgical in nature.  In the United States alone, over fifteen-million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2014.  This is a 13% increase from 2011 and more than doubled from 2000.  This growth is tremendous, to say the least.         

One of my greatest fears with the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery is that as these procedures become more of a common occurrence; the serious nature of the surgery is often overlooked.  My fear is perfectly illustrated in the article:

“Americans feel much more comfortable these days with the idea of cosmetic enhancement.  A 2014 Survey by MSN found that 62% of people would say, upon finding out that a friend had work done, “good for them!”  Another survey, from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, last year found that 52% of people are considering aesthetic treatments, up from 30% two years ago.  Cosmetic surgery has become the new makeup” (Time 2015).

Cosmetic Surgery is not the “new makeup”!  I have never known an incision to wipe off with a moist washcloth at night.  Makeup does not have risks of bleeding and infection with daily application.  You do not need “recovery time” or “dressing changes” following your daily applications of makeup.  It is not as simple as wiping your makeup off and starting over if you don’t like the way it looks.  As someone who has never worn makeup, I can’t speak from experience. However, I imagine that one does not generally experience several days of discomfort following the application of makeup.

My point being is that while this is “fun” surgery, different from having your tonsils out or your gallbladder removed.  It is still, none-the-less, surgery.  It requires a great deal of thought and planning prior to deciding to proceed.  In fact, when I come into the room to greet my patient the day of surgery, I always ask them how they feel.  If their only sentiment is one of excitement, I know I have not done my job of adequately letting them know what to expect.

Cosmetic surgery is a life changing event.  I find it a privilege to take this journey with my patients.  It is not, however, something to be taken lightly.  It is serious and requires serious consideration.  Just because you are the only one in your office, family, social group, or on the block who has not had a procedure doesn’t mean that you need it.  Changing, enhancing, or softening your appearance is a decision for you and you alone.  Cosmetic surgery can be a life changing experience; however, for the unprepared and under-educated patient, it could potentially be a change for the worse. 

When people ask why I chose to do what I do, my answer is always the same; “Because I help people on the path to feeling good about themselves.”  I take my job very seriously.  I want your result to be as perfect as you do.  I simply ask that all my patients take their role in this process as seriously when considering the risks associated with surgery.  

Sincerely,

Dayne R. Jensen MD. DMD

     1.  Stein, Joel. "Nip. Tuck. Or Else." Time Magazine 29 June 2015: 40-48 print

What's up with the wolf?

When I found out that Brooke was pregnant with our first child I remember being so excited. I could not wait to be a father. I decided that we needed something to identify us, a symbol that would represent what we stood for as a family. After very careful consideration, I had selected our “symbol”.  I came home from work one day and informed Brooke that our family was going to be the “wolf pack”. I am sure that when I told Brooke about my theory of the “wolf pack” she probably questioned her choice in a spouse. Nevertheless, to me it stood for everything a family should be; fiercely loyal, family centered, and united. The success of our family unit as a whole would be determined and forged by each of its members.  A small excerpt from the poem “Law of the Jungle” by Rudyard Kipling summarizes my sentiment beautifully.  

“Now this is the Law of the Jungle -- as old and as true as the sky;
And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper, but the Wolf that shall break it must die.
As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk the Law runneth forward and back --
For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”

Awareness for Cystic Fibrosis

My father and Molly promoting both the family business and her fight against CF.  We reviewed the numbers and are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many.  Help us to make CF no longer stand for Cystic Fibrosis, but to stand for Cure Found.

Martin Luther King

Most years Martin Luther King Jr. Day comes and goes with little to no thought from me. This year, however; thanks to my son it has become one of the most meaningful days of the year to me. Mack came home from school today and told Brooke that they had learned about MLK and that he really liked him. She questioned what he liked most about MLK. At first he was hesitant and then with tears in his eyes he replied: "because he made it so I can play with white kids."

Tonight I came home from work and put my arms around Mack and said "My boy you are not lucky to play with them, they are lucky to play with you." We tell our children frequently that our skin may be different colors, but our hearts are the same.

Thank you Martin Luther King Jr. for your dream and vision. My family is one of the many blessed by your influence.