WE L L N E SS
“The work has not ended for either one of us. It is an ongoing project,” Sanjiv Samant
Now, the lessons Paivi learned going through her own experience as a patient are reinforcing the way she runs her practice at Smart Smile Dentistry. “The goal of my practice, for the 10 years I’ve been here in Gainesville, has always been patient-focused,” she said. “When a patient comes to me, I listen to what their needs are and they can choose the best fit for them. As a practice, they [UF Health] presented an integrated approach and that’s something we want to continue to implement here too.” 66 | TheVillageJournal.com
The surgeries are over, the treatment is ongoing, and for Paivi and Sanjiv, the education never stops. Both life-long learners, the couple knows that to successfully beat breast cancer going forward, it will come through the mind, the spirit, and the unwillingness to relent or give up on one another. “The work has not ended for either one of us. It is an ongoing project. ,” Sanjiv said. “I’ve got to stay with her through every step, and sometimes it can be a challenge just keeping up with her.”