In 1986, my husband, Wesley Proctor, at the age of 43, was diagnosed with renal cell cancer. Over the next six years, it invaded many areas of his body.

We saw many physicians at Duke during these years, but the care given him by Dr. Allan Friedman was exceptional. He performed more than one surgery on Wesley, giving him the ability to move his lower body as the tumors ate into his spinal column.

As life-changing as his skills were, most important to my husband and to me was the personal attention he gave. He was caring, gentle, and respectful.

The last few years of Wesley's life were hard, sometimes made harder by the loss of dignity, change of appearance, and loss of abilities that can accompany this terrible disease. Dr. Friedman never failed to listen, to visit even when Wesley was admitted to a difference service, and to help in any way that was needed.

The appreciation that we felt for the respect he showed my husband -- as a patient and as a human being -- will never be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Proctor Baker