I’ll be leaving HOSPIS in another week or so depending on when induction begins for me. Well I have no words to describe how I feel at the moment. Heavy hearted, devastated, miserable?? Haha.. a friend commented that I looked as if I was expecting a break up that was about to happen. No it’s really not true. Not even close to be honest.
I guess it really depends on individuals, how one cope with a break up. Some takes it bad, some will shrug it off claiming it’s not meant to be, for others what is a better excuse for a rebound anyway? But I am sure for most, it gets easier with each time. Well truthfully how many people are lucky enough to marry off their first love? I only know a few. Everytime a relationship doesn’t work out, people will claim “ well he/she just ain’t my soul mate after all”. That’s where one is very wrong. A soul mate is defined as the person you chose to spend the rest of your life with. Ok ok before I get off track (probably I’ll write a post on girl boy relationship next), so ya after a break up I’ll get this numb feeling for a couple of days. And maybe some relief. Well it does signal the end of all fights. When the week is over, you’ll freaked that you are now looking like Frankenstein’s bride and there’s so much studying to catch up with. Then you just get back into pace of things, brushing any unhappiness into the back of your mind. In a month, when parents start asking for their potential kiddo-in-law, I’ll be like “ erm.. you see.. it’s a long story..”. They’ll pretend to faint “ again???” In the lame attempt of self defense “well God wanted me to have more practice so I’ll be the perfect wife when the right one comes along”. NO I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE SEX PART. “Are you ok, girl?”. That’s when you realize that you actually am because life is just too hectic and fast paced to let you sit and wallow in self pity and misery. I guess for most of us, we are aware that time will heal everything and better still gives you amnesia.
However the same cannot be said when it comes to my attachment with HOSPIS. Well although most of the patients are pretty much stable, who is to predicts one’s faith? Each time I complete my job in HOSPIS and leave for home, I do it with a heavy heart. I pray pretty hard that I’ll see the same patients again next week. The unhappiness lasts… Well at the start of my job, I was forewarned not to have any emotional attachments especially towards the patients.
Unfortunately it’s easier said than done. Tears wells up even thinking about it. Each time before I leave the place, patients hug me and say “I hope to be able to see you next week”. Simple words but the value of it is far greater than 200 roses, diamonds and attention a guy can shower a girl. How we take things for granted, our life included. There is nothing better than to defer HOship till next year, continuing my work in HOSPIS. The only setback is not knowing when is the next available induction program. If things were done the old way, I would definitely have continued my work in HOSPIS at least for another few months or so. We have the next 30 to 40 years of career life. So I pretty much never understood those who are ever so eager to start.
Well my parents were claiming that I can go back anytime when I am free. True but will the same patients be around? Having joined HOSPIS, one will tell you that the problems we have be it break ups, financial crisis, work related stress can only be so trivial to what these patients may be going through. None of them knows if they are around tomorrow but yet each choose to live life to the fullest and with joy. It shames the rest of us that choose to dwell in our earthly worries. They cannot undo their illness but we can reciprocate on our problems and worries. I met someone who was planning her funeral, the clothes that she was going to wear and guest list!! To her, it’s the work of GOD’s hands as she was able to prepare her family emotionally for her passing on. The same cannot be said for us can we?
p/s: some asked why I don’t comment as much about my freelancing job. Well cause there is nothing to be said….
Thursday, October 9, 2008
FASHION STATEMENT
Wednesday. My off day. Woken by the barking of the neighbour’s dog at about 10ish this morning. He is probably saying that if I don’t wake up any sooner, I’ll end up in coma. Blek… Well after a long day at work in HOSPIS the previous day, I knocked out at what? 10 pm?? Anyway I had plans to do some shopping on my own today. It’s “ME” day today. I need it. So after grabbing 2 sausages and toast, showered, I was off. Took me less than 15 minutes and I was already hopping in the boutiques in Sungei Wang. Thanks to the KL roads now which have 4 lanes, my driving skill and the motivation to shop . Dressed in sports bra, a racer back T, shorts and a pair of sandals, I had on minimal make up. Only my eye brows were drawn. Wanted the fresh clean look for the day. My agenda today?? To stock up with collar clothes for work. Ughh.. so unappealing?? I know..
Hmm.. firstly I spotted this gorgeous little lycra grey T that was cut all the way down to the cleavage line at the front. Well that meant I had to wear another tube inside. It was only Rm20. I was gleefully strolling towards the pay counter when I stopped. Took a deep breath and mumbled “ girl get a grip of yourself. You are here for collar clothes!!!”. Sigh.. breathe breathe.. Grudgingly I actually place the top back into the shelf and dragged my feet out the boutique. That’s when it happened.. on my way out I bumped into a young girl (her mistake since she was so busy giggling that she can’t see where she was going). But my first instance then was to hiccup or maybe I gasped which had probably sounded like a hiccup. No not cause I was in pain. She was wearing a purple spagetthi over jean shorts with GREEN netting stockings (what in the world for?) and was that what I think it is? Ya it is.. SCHOOL SHOES!!! By then she was either very thick skinned not to realize that she bumped into me or just plain rude. She was still giggling over whatever she was giggling about. Her friend who was courteous enough to give me an apologetic smile had to drag the lunatic away.
Having gotten that incident out of my head, I was humming away to the tunes of my I Pod. Pretty much reluctant to look for my collar clothes as yet, I headed to SINMA for nail hardeners. My nails are getting very brittle these days. There weren’t many customers to begin with. So I couldn’t help but glancing at a pair of young couple who were the only other customers in there. A smart guess on their age would have concluded these two were also school going kids. What’s with kids these days? Aren’t they supposed to be in school or something? The gf here was dressed in an over sized green Mickey mouse T shirt over black tights. If I hadn’t known better that tights were considered a fashionable item now I would have thought she came in her pyjamas. On a closer look (I was ransacking for hair clips opposite them), she had on fake blue eye lashes. In broad daylight!!! Y la?? I was pretty oblivious to a salesgirl that a particular make up would go well with my fair skin tone (tell me something I dunno.. duh!!!) So the bf trying to prove that he was probably the most loving bf on planet earth was pinning purple hair clips all over his gf’s hair. She on the other hand was glancing lovingly at him and said “thanks”. GAG!!! Other than the occasional mishaps you see the bulk of the KL youngsters would still have explicit taste when it comes to dressing. For an instance, I happen to come across a young man in body hugging T,3 quarters khakis and the latest NIKE shoes. See not all is lost. Or another young girl donned with zara top, a pair of black jeans and heels. Safe and elegant. I bought 4 brand new collar shirts and a skirt. Mission accomplished. The pleasure of using my brand new upgraded CC. A graduation present by my parents and the best part of it? It would not be revoked upon starting work.
My last stop. The Hush Puppy shoe shop. I needed a pair of shoes for work with my broken ankle in mind. Ok.. so Hush puppy shoes for the females ain’t the most appealing ever. Sigh.. I tried on every pair of shoes they had in the shop (minus the men’s shoes) and nothing appeals. They are really comfortable though.. Double sigh.. Guess it’s not my typical 3 inches strappy sandals. Arghh.. anyhow keyed in a couple of models that look partially fashionable, acceptable for work, ankle pain free and sms it to my aunt. She’ll order and see to it. There another mission settled!!
When it only took me 15 minutes to reach the mall, it took me an hour to reach back home. The after work traffic was … (I have no words for it).. so maybe the 4 lanes had to be increased to 6 or 7 better still. I wouldn’t have mind shopping till the mall closes and avoid the horrendous traffic. But I promised that I would be home for dinner.
Back at home in my room, I had this interesting (in my opinion) one sided conversation with JJ, my baby..
Me: See mummy has new clothes (I held them up) but I hate KL traffic.. yuck..
Baby: he was asleep.. irritated that I woke him.. opened 1 eye and peered at me..
Me: It took me 1 hour to reach home.. And you are gaining too much weight.. ughh..
Baby: put both his ears down (tune me out), stretched, yawned, closed that 1 eye, zzzz…..
Me: ( quietly mumbled something like this..) Attitudes are inherited. And it’s definitely not from me..
So I was left to unpack my clothes alone.. yelled out for some hangers.. that’s was when my mom yelled back.. “ the house has no more hangers. 75% of them are in your room!!!!” sigh… just great!!
Hmm.. firstly I spotted this gorgeous little lycra grey T that was cut all the way down to the cleavage line at the front. Well that meant I had to wear another tube inside. It was only Rm20. I was gleefully strolling towards the pay counter when I stopped. Took a deep breath and mumbled “ girl get a grip of yourself. You are here for collar clothes!!!”. Sigh.. breathe breathe.. Grudgingly I actually place the top back into the shelf and dragged my feet out the boutique. That’s when it happened.. on my way out I bumped into a young girl (her mistake since she was so busy giggling that she can’t see where she was going). But my first instance then was to hiccup or maybe I gasped which had probably sounded like a hiccup. No not cause I was in pain. She was wearing a purple spagetthi over jean shorts with GREEN netting stockings (what in the world for?) and was that what I think it is? Ya it is.. SCHOOL SHOES!!! By then she was either very thick skinned not to realize that she bumped into me or just plain rude. She was still giggling over whatever she was giggling about. Her friend who was courteous enough to give me an apologetic smile had to drag the lunatic away.
Having gotten that incident out of my head, I was humming away to the tunes of my I Pod. Pretty much reluctant to look for my collar clothes as yet, I headed to SINMA for nail hardeners. My nails are getting very brittle these days. There weren’t many customers to begin with. So I couldn’t help but glancing at a pair of young couple who were the only other customers in there. A smart guess on their age would have concluded these two were also school going kids. What’s with kids these days? Aren’t they supposed to be in school or something? The gf here was dressed in an over sized green Mickey mouse T shirt over black tights. If I hadn’t known better that tights were considered a fashionable item now I would have thought she came in her pyjamas. On a closer look (I was ransacking for hair clips opposite them), she had on fake blue eye lashes. In broad daylight!!! Y la?? I was pretty oblivious to a salesgirl that a particular make up would go well with my fair skin tone (tell me something I dunno.. duh!!!) So the bf trying to prove that he was probably the most loving bf on planet earth was pinning purple hair clips all over his gf’s hair. She on the other hand was glancing lovingly at him and said “thanks”. GAG!!! Other than the occasional mishaps you see the bulk of the KL youngsters would still have explicit taste when it comes to dressing. For an instance, I happen to come across a young man in body hugging T,3 quarters khakis and the latest NIKE shoes. See not all is lost. Or another young girl donned with zara top, a pair of black jeans and heels. Safe and elegant. I bought 4 brand new collar shirts and a skirt. Mission accomplished. The pleasure of using my brand new upgraded CC. A graduation present by my parents and the best part of it? It would not be revoked upon starting work.
My last stop. The Hush Puppy shoe shop. I needed a pair of shoes for work with my broken ankle in mind. Ok.. so Hush puppy shoes for the females ain’t the most appealing ever. Sigh.. I tried on every pair of shoes they had in the shop (minus the men’s shoes) and nothing appeals. They are really comfortable though.. Double sigh.. Guess it’s not my typical 3 inches strappy sandals. Arghh.. anyhow keyed in a couple of models that look partially fashionable, acceptable for work, ankle pain free and sms it to my aunt. She’ll order and see to it. There another mission settled!!
When it only took me 15 minutes to reach the mall, it took me an hour to reach back home. The after work traffic was … (I have no words for it).. so maybe the 4 lanes had to be increased to 6 or 7 better still. I wouldn’t have mind shopping till the mall closes and avoid the horrendous traffic. But I promised that I would be home for dinner.
Back at home in my room, I had this interesting (in my opinion) one sided conversation with JJ, my baby..
Me: See mummy has new clothes (I held them up) but I hate KL traffic.. yuck..
Baby: he was asleep.. irritated that I woke him.. opened 1 eye and peered at me..
Me: It took me 1 hour to reach home.. And you are gaining too much weight.. ughh..
Baby: put both his ears down (tune me out), stretched, yawned, closed that 1 eye, zzzz…..
Me: ( quietly mumbled something like this..) Attitudes are inherited. And it’s definitely not from me..
So I was left to unpack my clothes alone.. yelled out for some hangers.. that’s was when my mom yelled back.. “ the house has no more hangers. 75% of them are in your room!!!!” sigh… just great!!
PREMARITAL SEX
I really can’t help writing about this. My parents themselves obviously carefully avoid this topic everytime. Probably they rather not know if their eldest daughter is a virgin or not. Gosh.. So you gotta say that it comes as an interesting bit when the one person who starts counseling me about premarital sex was a 70+ years old gentleman. Well to begin with he is a charming elderly man with his fair share of girlfriends during his youth I am sure. Sadly he lost his wife to breast cancer after 36 years of blissful marriage. 37 is she still here with us. Anyway he is the sweetest old man I had ever met. After having undergone 1 bypass, battling with colorectal carcinoma, 2 histories of stroke and 30 years of diabetes, he cheekily said “ my time aint up yet. U know y?”. I shrugged. “ God wants us to appreciate the beautiful things in life. I have been faithful. I look each time there is a pretty girl,” he winked at me. HEhe.. What a cutie.. so basically our conversation on premarital sex begin this way:
Him: You are an attractive young lady. I am sure you have your fair share of men in your life.
Me: smiled….
Him: winked again..
Me: NO one in particular now..
Him: As not to make this old man jealous..
Me: Smiled again…
Him: Any past regrets?
Me: No.. They were all great men.. Learn a lot from each relationship to be honest…
Him: (nodded..) Marriage is a covenant not a convenient agreement.. so don’t decide till u r very very sure..
Me: giggle and nodded
Him: Don’t marry cuz u r both good in bed. The excitement won’t last. Gotta to love someone for his goods and his faults to last a lifetime together.
Me: burst out laughing
That was how it begin before this dear man launched into a series of talk of premarital sex being closely accompanied with loads of worries.. pregnancy, STD, society’s perception which finally ends with boredom on wedding’s night. Not worth it and so not fun he said. Then I curiously asked “What if you screwed up on your wedding’s night due to lack of practice??” His reply “A mistake that will bond you both for life”. Haha.. He peered at me and asked, “ Don’t you want to have sex without worries? Then do it after marriage la..” Why buy the cow when the milk is free? Well by now this man who is also a pastor and trained counselor has became a close friend. Marriage is a bond with the blessing of God himself, he next said. Yeah makes me think of my famous saying, Don’t find someone you can live with but someone you can’t live without.. “You are an attractive young lady. Be cautioned of the men around you. Be careful of your drinks.” That was when we launched into a whole new topic on whiskies, brandies, wines and beers.
In the midst of chatting, many others popped in and out of the conversation, offering their opinions on different matters. One happened to be an officer of the public service commission. He mentioned something about KL hosps being Full/ highly in demand??? Yeah KLGH is my first choice. Ughh.. Then again I applied for hospitals in 3 different states. So not getting KL would not have come as a big surprise. Half a year ago if anyone had asked me I would stubbornly said “TO LIVE AND DIE IN KL!!”. Well time and past definitely changes a person. A change that took place so slowly that I had not realized it myself till of late. What was the ideal life to me a year ago no longer applies upon graduation and having joined HOSPIS. Priorities, emotions and perception to life changed. How, when and why are questions that myself have no answers for. Would I stay in Msia for good? I dunno. Will I be settling down soon? I dunno. Where do I wanna settle down ultimately? I dunno.
How I foresee my near future? Hmm.. bundle me off to Tawau, Miri, Alor Star or Kangar and six months ago I would have thrown another tantrum. Would have killed to stay in HUKM, Serdang, better still Kajang hospital. But now I would just pack and go off for the next 2 years. Ironically non of the 3 above were even any of my choices. I am excited all the same despite the foreseen hard work. New place, new faces… Its great to always be daddy’s lil girl but I am in the current state of finding myself. Taking the next couple of years to define my needs, quit freelancing, get to where I wanna be and meet a whole lot of new people (yes have always been a social bee). In short the word ‘CAREER’ is plastered all over my forehead. Yes I have changed.. WT has been cursing me off to Tawau… highly unlikely
Him: You are an attractive young lady. I am sure you have your fair share of men in your life.
Me: smiled….
Him: winked again..
Me: NO one in particular now..
Him: As not to make this old man jealous..
Me: Smiled again…
Him: Any past regrets?
Me: No.. They were all great men.. Learn a lot from each relationship to be honest…
Him: (nodded..) Marriage is a covenant not a convenient agreement.. so don’t decide till u r very very sure..
Me: giggle and nodded
Him: Don’t marry cuz u r both good in bed. The excitement won’t last. Gotta to love someone for his goods and his faults to last a lifetime together.
Me: burst out laughing
That was how it begin before this dear man launched into a series of talk of premarital sex being closely accompanied with loads of worries.. pregnancy, STD, society’s perception which finally ends with boredom on wedding’s night. Not worth it and so not fun he said. Then I curiously asked “What if you screwed up on your wedding’s night due to lack of practice??” His reply “A mistake that will bond you both for life”. Haha.. He peered at me and asked, “ Don’t you want to have sex without worries? Then do it after marriage la..” Why buy the cow when the milk is free? Well by now this man who is also a pastor and trained counselor has became a close friend. Marriage is a bond with the blessing of God himself, he next said. Yeah makes me think of my famous saying, Don’t find someone you can live with but someone you can’t live without.. “You are an attractive young lady. Be cautioned of the men around you. Be careful of your drinks.” That was when we launched into a whole new topic on whiskies, brandies, wines and beers.
In the midst of chatting, many others popped in and out of the conversation, offering their opinions on different matters. One happened to be an officer of the public service commission. He mentioned something about KL hosps being Full/ highly in demand??? Yeah KLGH is my first choice. Ughh.. Then again I applied for hospitals in 3 different states. So not getting KL would not have come as a big surprise. Half a year ago if anyone had asked me I would stubbornly said “TO LIVE AND DIE IN KL!!”. Well time and past definitely changes a person. A change that took place so slowly that I had not realized it myself till of late. What was the ideal life to me a year ago no longer applies upon graduation and having joined HOSPIS. Priorities, emotions and perception to life changed. How, when and why are questions that myself have no answers for. Would I stay in Msia for good? I dunno. Will I be settling down soon? I dunno. Where do I wanna settle down ultimately? I dunno.
How I foresee my near future? Hmm.. bundle me off to Tawau, Miri, Alor Star or Kangar and six months ago I would have thrown another tantrum. Would have killed to stay in HUKM, Serdang, better still Kajang hospital. But now I would just pack and go off for the next 2 years. Ironically non of the 3 above were even any of my choices. I am excited all the same despite the foreseen hard work. New place, new faces… Its great to always be daddy’s lil girl but I am in the current state of finding myself. Taking the next couple of years to define my needs, quit freelancing, get to where I wanna be and meet a whole lot of new people (yes have always been a social bee). In short the word ‘CAREER’ is plastered all over my forehead. Yes I have changed.. WT has been cursing me off to Tawau… highly unlikely
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CANCER PATIENT
This is to satisfy the curiosity of many whom only wonders about my job in HOSPIS. Nope not gonna maintain this blog for long. I am just too lazy. Only to please certain parties for now ;) Alright consider it ‘LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT’ for me when it comes to HOSPIS. Trust me when I say so, since this metaphor hardly ever applies to me in real life. So for you who doesn’t already know, HOSPIS is a place for patients seeking palliative care (improving the quality of life in layman terms). Yes although the bulk of the patients comprise of cancer patients, there were the rare few like AIDS and a hypoxic encephalopathy infant. For the mobile patients they attend the day care once a week either on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Each session sees about 12 to 16 patients. For the infirms, home visits are conducted by HOSPIS’ medical team.
As I strolled into the day care today at 10 sharp, I was greeted with warm hellos by the other volunteers. One of the patients, a 90+ elderly Chinese lady, diagnosed with breast cancer walked up to me and wiggled her finger at me.. “Dr. Wong, Where were you last week? I want to see you each time I am here”. She hugged me. She speaks fluent English by the way. Another patient, a 70+ Indian man diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma peered at me and said “ Hi sweetheart. I miss u ”. ( I was not at the day care for the past 2 weeks. The first week I was away for an awareness campaign on behalf of HOSPIS. The second week I was in Penang.) If one hadn’t known better, who would have guessed that behind those vibrant faces these people are succumbed to an illness or rather the word ‘ cancer’ that our society do not dare breathed off let alone talk about it.
A new patient joined us today. A 37 years old Chinese lady diagnosed with right breast cancer stage IV. She had her radiotherapy 2 weeks ago and was so weak that she was unable to get up from her wheel chair. Raymond our physiotherapist decided to shorten the physiotherapy routine and instead had an ice breaker in between. Each patient was to share with her what it meant to be diagnosed with cancer and their coping skills. There were about 16 patients today and the few that I remembered shared these:
Patient 1, a young gentleman with nasopharyngeal carcinoma stage IV: has been 19 months since diagnosis and he said “ I no longer ask why, I accepted it and I am a happy man now “.
Patient 2, a 60+ Chinese lady diagnosed with pseudomxyoma peritonei stage IIIB (only the third in this country) said “ If Jesus doesn’t want me back home yet, he will heal me down here, so y worry?”
Patient 3, the 70+ Indian gentleman diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma with 2 histories of strokes and 1 bypass said “ I am happy as long as I have my beer, chocolates and pretty girls,” he winked at me. hehe..
Patient 4, a 70+ Chinese gentleman diagnosed with advanced prostate carcinoma said “Fight it. Don’t let the illness defeat you ”.
Patient 5, the 90+ Chinese lady diagnosed with breast cancer said “ oh, I Have cancer?? I forgot”. hehehe.. she is an absolute darling.
Well of course not all patients are as optimistic. Some are saddened by their faith and can only wish for attention from their loved ones which we the volunteers can hope to provide. But the one thing in common in all these patients is the simple fact that each looks forward to the one day of the week, the day that they spend in HOSPIS day care. However the number patients are increasing to the extent that they would soon only be able to cater for every patient once a month. A little physiotherapy soon follow suit and it was immediately taken over by Derek with his qi qong session. The Indian gentleman is allergic just to the word exercise. He would lounge in his favourite chair sipping apple juice from his wine glass. Smirk! Does anyone know anything about lymphatic massages? Hailed from Sister Maureen, this was definitely not taught to me in medical school. It’s a 40 minute massage of the upper limb that helps drains the oedema back for breast cancer patients. The favorite part of my job?? The manicure/ pedicure sessions plus a little make up tips from me for the female patients. Everyone has a right to look good. Gone were the days where cancer patients would mean sallow complexions, pallor, cachexia or balding. No No No…
Hmm.. the activities last tru an entire day. There are BINGO games, chatting and massages. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists attend to patients while all these activities are going on. Pretty cool.. They get their medications then, problems addressed and urinary catheters changed.. (yes they get wheeled out not changed in public!!!) For instance today I was pratically walking around with a BP set in the midst of a BINGO game. Explains some of the high readings..
Hmm.. as doctors have we sat down and ask a patient what he/she wants? Not that we can blame the doctors. They are so busy buzzing from one patient to the other. Sometimes you would be surprise it’s not cure that they are expecting. Why ask for the unachievable? All they are asking is the company of another soul. A little TLC goes a long way. What do you think?
As I strolled into the day care today at 10 sharp, I was greeted with warm hellos by the other volunteers. One of the patients, a 90+ elderly Chinese lady, diagnosed with breast cancer walked up to me and wiggled her finger at me.. “Dr. Wong, Where were you last week? I want to see you each time I am here”. She hugged me. She speaks fluent English by the way. Another patient, a 70+ Indian man diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma peered at me and said “ Hi sweetheart. I miss u ”. ( I was not at the day care for the past 2 weeks. The first week I was away for an awareness campaign on behalf of HOSPIS. The second week I was in Penang.) If one hadn’t known better, who would have guessed that behind those vibrant faces these people are succumbed to an illness or rather the word ‘ cancer’ that our society do not dare breathed off let alone talk about it.
A new patient joined us today. A 37 years old Chinese lady diagnosed with right breast cancer stage IV. She had her radiotherapy 2 weeks ago and was so weak that she was unable to get up from her wheel chair. Raymond our physiotherapist decided to shorten the physiotherapy routine and instead had an ice breaker in between. Each patient was to share with her what it meant to be diagnosed with cancer and their coping skills. There were about 16 patients today and the few that I remembered shared these:
Patient 1, a young gentleman with nasopharyngeal carcinoma stage IV: has been 19 months since diagnosis and he said “ I no longer ask why, I accepted it and I am a happy man now “.
Patient 2, a 60+ Chinese lady diagnosed with pseudomxyoma peritonei stage IIIB (only the third in this country) said “ If Jesus doesn’t want me back home yet, he will heal me down here, so y worry?”
Patient 3, the 70+ Indian gentleman diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma with 2 histories of strokes and 1 bypass said “ I am happy as long as I have my beer, chocolates and pretty girls,” he winked at me. hehe..
Patient 4, a 70+ Chinese gentleman diagnosed with advanced prostate carcinoma said “Fight it. Don’t let the illness defeat you ”.
Patient 5, the 90+ Chinese lady diagnosed with breast cancer said “ oh, I Have cancer?? I forgot”. hehehe.. she is an absolute darling.
Well of course not all patients are as optimistic. Some are saddened by their faith and can only wish for attention from their loved ones which we the volunteers can hope to provide. But the one thing in common in all these patients is the simple fact that each looks forward to the one day of the week, the day that they spend in HOSPIS day care. However the number patients are increasing to the extent that they would soon only be able to cater for every patient once a month. A little physiotherapy soon follow suit and it was immediately taken over by Derek with his qi qong session. The Indian gentleman is allergic just to the word exercise. He would lounge in his favourite chair sipping apple juice from his wine glass. Smirk! Does anyone know anything about lymphatic massages? Hailed from Sister Maureen, this was definitely not taught to me in medical school. It’s a 40 minute massage of the upper limb that helps drains the oedema back for breast cancer patients. The favorite part of my job?? The manicure/ pedicure sessions plus a little make up tips from me for the female patients. Everyone has a right to look good. Gone were the days where cancer patients would mean sallow complexions, pallor, cachexia or balding. No No No…
Hmm.. the activities last tru an entire day. There are BINGO games, chatting and massages. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists attend to patients while all these activities are going on. Pretty cool.. They get their medications then, problems addressed and urinary catheters changed.. (yes they get wheeled out not changed in public!!!) For instance today I was pratically walking around with a BP set in the midst of a BINGO game. Explains some of the high readings..
Hmm.. as doctors have we sat down and ask a patient what he/she wants? Not that we can blame the doctors. They are so busy buzzing from one patient to the other. Sometimes you would be surprise it’s not cure that they are expecting. Why ask for the unachievable? All they are asking is the company of another soul. A little TLC goes a long way. What do you think?
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