Bee's Buzzing Thoughts,Opinions and Reviews: An Interview with an Oncologist

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Diane Radford via Twitter. I enjoy learning about the lives of people and so I decided to ask Dr. Diane if she would oblige me with an interview. And she graciously said, yes. Below you will find some of Dr. Radford's adventures, her passion and a run - in with a Psychic. Should be interesting, enjoy!

Bee: What is your favorite Ice Cream?

Dr. Diane Radford: Ted Drewe's Frozen Chocolate Concrete.

Bee: Frozen Chocolate Concrete...hmmm, sounds worth a try.

Have you published any books? If so, what are their titles?

Diane: I've contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books- Here Comes the Bride and Hope and Healing for your Breast Cancer Journey. One of my mother's sayings (I call them Margeryisms) appeared in Mother Knows Better: Sense and Nonsense From American Moms. I wrote the foreword for Catch That Look by Ann Pietrangelo, and contributed to On The Wings of Pink Angels by Dawn Colclasure.

Bee: Pretty impressive. So, on top of having a demanding job, you find time to contribute the literary world also. Amazing, I'm always inspired by over-achievers:))

What draws you to writing?

Diane: Crafting sentences that paint pictures with words.

Bee: Who is your favorite Author?

Diane: David Sedaris.

Bee: What is an Oncologist?

Diane: A specialist in cancer treatment. I'm a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. A medical oncologist treats cancer with drugs. A radiation oncologist specializes in radiation treatments. So there are several types of oncologist.

Bee: How did you decide on becoming an Oncologist?

Diane: I was called to surgery at a young age (13) and always felt I was meant to focus on breast cancer.

Bee: I have an immense amount of respect for you because of the emotional, mental, and physical endurance it takes to be in this profession. I studied Surgical Technology when I was younger and know how serious the jobs of Surgeons are. I'm sure your patients are glad to have you on their team.

If you won $1,000,000.00, what's the first thing you would buy?

Diane: I probably wouldn't buy anything straight away.

Bee: Who are some people that have mentored you along the way?

Diane:Knights: Professor Sir Andrew Watt Kay (surgeon); Professor Sir Patrick Forrest (breast cancer specialist); Professor Sir Tom Symington (pathologist and cancer researcher).

Bee: One person you would like to have a conversation with...?

Diane: Ann Patchett

Bee: Hamburger or Steak?

Diane: Neither, I don't eat much meat.

Bee: Phil Collins or Kenny G?

Diane: I like them both, so that's a hard choice.

Bee: Do you have a bucket List?

Diane: Not really. I regard every day as precious and we have to make the most of every moment.

Bee: I agree with that but I have to admit, I do have a bucket list. I'm up to 78 things so far:)) Have you ever met someone famous?

Diane: I met David Sedaris at a book signing last year. Our short conversation was very entertaining.

Bee: How do feel about social media?

Diane: My favorite SM is Twitter, maybe because I liked precis in high school English class - being sparse and exact with words.

Bee: What would you tell your 'younger' self?

Diane: Pay more attention to what your parents said; don't underestimate your abilities; be mindful.

Bee: I always love asking that question because it has the opportunity to change someones course in life. Good advice is priceless.

What are your Top 3 Do-Overs?

Diane: I have none. I did have two regrets, both relating to travel - trips I wish I'd done when I had the opportunity. However, I then corrected that by going back years later to visit those sites. They are: flying around Mount McKinley in Alaska; and visiting Machu Pichu in Peru.

Mount McKinley

Machu Pichu

Bee: Both are absolutely breath taking! Welp, (2) more things to put on my bucket list (Laughing). Are you a Cat or Dog person?

Diane: Both. Our household includes two cats and one dog, all loved equally.

Bee: What is your message?

Diane: I am a breast surgeon, devoted to providing the best possible care for my patients. My scientific background is a foundation for an evidence-based, yet compassionate approach.I'm also a writer, photographer, and lover of the arts. I have a medical side and a creative side.

- See more at: http://www.dianeradfordmd.com/#sthash.896O2dI0.dpuf

Bee: Have you ever had any paranormal experiences?

Diane: Lisa Williams came to St. Louis a few years ago. Much to my amazement both of my parents had messages for me.