I think that most men marry above themselves. Some men marry much higher and have wives who are angels. I am certainly one of those fortunate ones. Today I looked at my clinic schedule and saw the name of one of my old patients; old in that I have taken care of him for years and, also, he is old. I previously treated his superficial bladder cancer which requires that every three months we look in the bladder to assure no recurrence. For the last year Dr Chiu, my partner, has been performing the follow up cystoscopies. I was pleased that I would see him today because he is such a pleasant man and his wife is an angel. The news was good as the bladder was clean; no cancer. They also, aware of the cause of my absence were quite content to see me as well. Sometimes the beauty in your day is reconnecting with an old friend and finding them well. (especially when you get to tell them that they are well).
I then walked over to the hospital to see a patient in whom I had removed her bladder a year and a half ago for cancer. Her disease is metastatic now and she has had a number of complications. She had to stop chemotherapy because she felt so poorly while on it. I asked about her, and her husband asked about me. We have had many shared experiences in the last year. I know how she feels. Yet, she remains hopeful, and so do I for her. I silently mused on why do these things happen to such nice people?
While conversing with her my phone rang; the area code was 408, Santa Clara. It was my biopsy result. I always know the news immediately by the tone of the greeting. This was good news. The heart biopsy showed 1R/1A, minimal rejection. I tried hard not to be emotional in front of my patient, but I was so relieved. She sensed my reaction and smiled at me in her show of understanding. The lines of doctor and patient became blurred for a moment. I reassured her that a time would come in the near future when her daily activities will not include conversations about her health. She laughed and said that she had one of those days a few weeks ago and how nice that was.
I am feeling quite well as the steroid crash on Monday is slowly resolving. I'll be back to the chain gang, breaking stones, tomorrow and Friday.
Kevin
6 comments:
nice.
It's awesome to read that you're coming along well. Your bonds with your patients must be much stronger now, with your understanding of their feelings as well as their conditions. Hang in there!
Hi Kevin,
My mom was just diagnosed with Amyloidosis last week. They found it in a kidney biopsy, and I'm sure they will be doing more tests to see how far it is progressed. She has an appointment with a oncologist/hematologist scheduled for this week. She lives in Hayward and we are also LDS. I heard about you from my husband's uncle, Rich Haynes, a Kaiser physician in Roseville. We would love to have you as a contact for any information you might be able to help with. Thanks in advance.
Karen Bloomfield
kbloomfield@gmail.com
I love good news and I love you!
Congrats on the good news, Kevin! We love you and continue to pray for you and your family.
Rachelle
my best friend and boy friend for the past 6 yrs (kent from ny) passed mon 9/21 from complications from amyloid....he read and shared yur blog with me...it gave him great hope and strength...now he has lost his courageous battle and a piece of my heart as well will never be the same....thank you for sharing
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