Rough start this morning in IR. They were much quicker today, 2.5 hours vs 4, but Shannon had an overall bad experience today. There was a different physician performing her intrathecal chemotherapy today. This particular doctor didn’t seem as skilled as the last one. His technique with the needle was causing Shannon tremendous pain down her entire right leg.
She said he poked around 3 times and then wasn’t able to get the CSF sample, but he did inject the chemo. She was screaming in pain. She said the nurse was trying to comfort her and apologizing. We won’t mention the physician’s name here. We’re not trying to shame anyone, but we will Address the issue with the Hem/Oncology Team and attending in the morning. We’ll be requesting that she receive a different physician in IR, more sedation and proper local anesthetic as well. The pain associated with this procedure should be minimal.. if any at all. The last IT Chemo she had was much more comfortable.
I was in the Radiology waiting room when she exited IR on the stretcher. Shannon was talking in the hallway right outside IR with Dr. Sara. He just happened to pass her on his way to the ER. I think God placed him there at that very moment.
Dr Sara is a PGY-1 Internal Medicine Resident. (Post Graduate Year 1). He stopped and listened to Shannon recount the bad experience she just had in IR . He offered some comforting words like he always does and said we will address it with the Team in the morning. Although a small gesture, I think it helped Shannon feel better to vent to a doctor she trusts. All of the residents have been great but a few have really spent extra time with us and showed concern and empathy above what we expected. These residents are doctors. They’ve graduated medical school but are basically doing on the job training which is required for their area of practice and before they can practice Medicine without supervision. When Dr. Sara first spoke to us last week, I asked him if he was a 3rd or 4th year Resident. To my surprise, this guy just graduated medical school a few weeks ago. He totally fooled us. He really seems experienced, intelligent, knows how to connect with patients, shows empathy and just seems like he truly cares about doing a great job. I believe he said he’s doing Internal Medicine right now which includes some Oncology (the reason he’s following the Oncologist around). However, he mentioned he wants to ultimately be a Hematologist/Oncologist one day. I think he picked the perfect specialty and he’s going to help a lot of cancer patients.
The attending and Oncologist also stopped by the room this morning…no news. Still planning to discharge home for a week or so after day 11 of Round 1A (were on day 7 right now). Jesslyn sat with Shannon this afternoon so I could leave for work and check on the boys. All is good there.
Having a quiet night so far. They ordered something for Shannon to help her sleep and she’s in dreamland right now. (12:19am).