A pediatric oncologist’s perspective: “I assume all of my patients will survive”  

When people learn that Jacob Henderson, MD, is a pediatric oncologist, they often comment that they couldn’t imagine being in his shoes, caring for sick — and dying — kids day in and day out.  

Dr. Henderson says his calling as a cancer doctor is something he can’t quite explain, except that it’s something he’s good at and has emotional fortitude and bandwidth for.  

Dr. Henderson participates in the Mary Bridge Children’s hematology-oncology kids vs. adults water blaster party.

“Whether or not you’re a physician, in whatever job you have, I think we all learn to recognize things that we’re good at and things that we’re not so good at,” he says. “I really struggled in residency with certain rotations and diseases, but I found that I was really good at oncology and enjoyed it. I really love caring for kids with cancer. I believe they deserve the very best, and I’m committed to giving them everything I have.”  

Dr. Henderson’s mindset helps him keep going and allows him to be the best he can — for himself, his family and his patients.  

“I choose to assume that all of my patients will survive, meaning that I can see the long-term trajectory for these kids and their long-term story potentials — they’re not defined by cancer,” he says. “So, for the many low lows, I’m also able to see the highest of highs with every patient I treat.”  

Dr. Henderson says while there are inevitably hard days, there are also incredibly encouraging days, like when he can tell a family their child’s cancer is in remission.  

“Sadly, I’ve been to more kids’ funerals than most people, but I’ve also saved more kids’ lives than most people,” he says. “For me, living on both ends of that spectrum is inspiring and is a really remarkable privilege.”  

He’s also learned over the years that simple conversations about his patients — as the kids they are — can quickly invigorate his day and help his patients not feel consumed by cancer. 

“I try really hard to spend my time with my patients talking about them — what they’re learning in school, their latest sports achievements, anything that’s about them as a person, not as a cancer patient,” Dr. Henderson says. “Of course, in the back of my head, I’m always thinking as a physician and oncologist about infection, course of treatment and medical interventions, but my top priority is to help my patients live their best lives in spite of their diagnosis.” 

Like many pediatric physicians, he draws inspiration and hope from the kids he sees every day.

Dr. Henderson preparing to have his patients dunk him at the Mary Bridge Children’s hematology/oncology water blaster party.

“I’m completely astounded by my patients — these kids can be feeling their worst and yet they are still incredibly funny, playful and silly,” he says.   

Advice for those supporting kids with cancer

Dr. Henderson encourages family and friends of kids with cancer to play the long game with their support — to remember the longitudinal nature of a cancer journey and to show solidarity throughout all aspects of that child’s life.

“Most cancer patients get a lot of support from friends, family and community members in the beginning when they receive their diagnosis, and again when they’re cured, but there is a very real vacuum in the middle of those two milestones that lacks that same kind of support,” he says. “As a doctor, while my job is challenging, at the end of the day I get to clock out and go home. My patients’ families are constantly up in the middle of the night with their sick kids; they have to deal with the diagnosis and its complications 24/7/365. So sharing in that awareness at all times and supporting these families weeks, months and years into their journey is so important.” 

As for how he keeps going, Dr. Henderson often refers to a Jana Stanfield quote that his mom shared with him years ago: “I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do.”  

Thank you, Dr. Henderson, for your passion, dedication and commitment to treating our oncology patients with kindness and compassion. MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s provides comprehensive cancer care for children of all ages. Learn more about how you can support our oncology patients.