On call. And reminded why I love doing what I do.
My patients wife called me frantically this am. I got them into the ER.
I walked in on them after morning rounds, she called my
name out "Dr Lai, its so good to see you". I have to say, I havent seen
them in months...
Then after I met with my patient, his wife said she'd walk
me out. Right outside his makeshift ED room, she embraced me in a big hug & kept on thanking me.
Her desperation she explained was because their young
teenage son was visiting, and she wanted her husband to be able to at least converse with her son, to not be confused. I understood now why she went through the lengths she did.
Well, we fixed it - and he was no longer confused, and he was fully oriented & alert :)
She and I remained outside his room, along the hallways of the emergency department- and we talked... we talked about his time left, on dying, on plans, on family. We bonded during that very brief moment whilst she gave me a glimpse of their relationship and allowed me into their lives.
My heart swelled as I listen. But I had to be strong and be the pillar for her as she deals with keeping her family strong. Then, she gave me
one last big hug with tears in her eyes, and whispered 'thank you' to my ears.
And this is why I deal with
cancer. This is why I am in the field I chose.
