In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to take account of the patient's own experience of illness. Although this is to be welcomed, it is also important to hear the stories of those most affected by the patient's illness, their partners, their families, their communities and those who care for them. 'On being both professional and human: one woman's journey' provides a powerful example of how narrative may assist clinicians to learn about communication, care, presence and the effect of illness and death on those left behind.