“Sobering “experience
As I reflect on first weeks experience it is “sobering “ thoughts on the tremendous impact cancer of whatever type that dominate these contemplations. I cannot number the people I have seen sitting patiently in waiting rooms as early as 07h15 (wondering what time they left home just to be there).Today we arrived 07h30 and I would say 20 sitting waiting for either start outpatient clinic or treatment rooms. Diversity of population and ages, demographics and economic status. Been spared seeing any really young presuming “Starship hospital “ manages the kiddies.
The burden of disease is huge. 6 chemo rooms at least. Some with 6 chairs some with over 10.
People in chairs like me today sitting for many patient hours. Some who come in short sharp interventions and on their way. Some just for the afternoon. some the whole day like me today and last Monday. All generally appear positive in their approach and generally pragmatic to their reality. Whanau/family/ support person generally accompany. Chairs. well designed in general and can be configured for individual comfort. Blankets on offer if need to snuggle down. Books are read, movies are streamed on laptops on tables, conversations pop up between chairs and new knowledge is shared. Some are quiet and sit and observe ( clearly not my usual “modus operandi “ but I too have spent time in quiet deliberation.
One wonders about individuals past and future experiences that may await them! I wish them good health and longevity quietly to myself.
Staff go out of their way to make the day stay stress free and they communicate well. Lots of quality process, safety first and informed consent. Lots to facilitate with forward planning and scheduling. Bright smiling faces and personalities that brighten what could be a place of “ doom and gloom”.
6 radiation machines running constantly on 10 - 15 minute cycles. Different waiting room different dynamic. Numerous ( up to 60 I heard I believe) People walking in and out. Introduce yourself at desk and take a seat. “Grahame Jelley - Machine 6. Thanks”. Patient “C” machine 3, Patient “Y” machine 1. Off you go to your identified and designated room. Not always the same for everybody everyday but so far I have stuck at 6 and so get to know the therapists. They now know you by name. Cheerful helpful and make it easy. Settle on table , alignment done, staff disappear and machine quits around you in an orbit. 6 individual stops to give you “ the juice”.
Novelty of the machine and its function beginning to wear off so now rest, close eyes, maybe a short snooze ( hopefully not a snore as the control room has a microphone!!!) Next minute “all done” and off I go. Done and dusted for the day specific radiation therapy nurses available with advice and knowledge that equips you for the journey ahead.
Radiation and oncology service works every weekday but not weekend apart from acute service presumably. They have Xmas day off but will work all the stat days otherwise. Respect for this commitment to our need for this important therapy at a critical time in our individual lives. I am truely thankful for efforts of all these wonderful people who help me everyday and many others always.
Verbose this evening but felt important to take time to reflect, take stock, be grateful and value others for their efforts
Finally my amazing wife Renene , her patience and perseverance with my little( or not so) foibles and my extended Whanau/ family for their unconditional support. Friends thank you for constantly reaching out with you important messages of support and helping with laughter and humour.
Nga mihi
Grahame
The burden of disease is huge. 6 chemo rooms at least. Some with 6 chairs some with over 10.
People in chairs like me today sitting for many patient hours. Some who come in short sharp interventions and on their way. Some just for the afternoon. some the whole day like me today and last Monday. All generally appear positive in their approach and generally pragmatic to their reality. Whanau/family/ support person generally accompany. Chairs. well designed in general and can be configured for individual comfort. Blankets on offer if need to snuggle down. Books are read, movies are streamed on laptops on tables, conversations pop up between chairs and new knowledge is shared. Some are quiet and sit and observe ( clearly not my usual “modus operandi “ but I too have spent time in quiet deliberation.
One wonders about individuals past and future experiences that may await them! I wish them good health and longevity quietly to myself.
Staff go out of their way to make the day stay stress free and they communicate well. Lots of quality process, safety first and informed consent. Lots to facilitate with forward planning and scheduling. Bright smiling faces and personalities that brighten what could be a place of “ doom and gloom”.
6 radiation machines running constantly on 10 - 15 minute cycles. Different waiting room different dynamic. Numerous ( up to 60 I heard I believe) People walking in and out. Introduce yourself at desk and take a seat. “Grahame Jelley - Machine 6. Thanks”. Patient “C” machine 3, Patient “Y” machine 1. Off you go to your identified and designated room. Not always the same for everybody everyday but so far I have stuck at 6 and so get to know the therapists. They now know you by name. Cheerful helpful and make it easy. Settle on table , alignment done, staff disappear and machine quits around you in an orbit. 6 individual stops to give you “ the juice”.
Novelty of the machine and its function beginning to wear off so now rest, close eyes, maybe a short snooze ( hopefully not a snore as the control room has a microphone!!!) Next minute “all done” and off I go. Done and dusted for the day specific radiation therapy nurses available with advice and knowledge that equips you for the journey ahead.
Radiation and oncology service works every weekday but not weekend apart from acute service presumably. They have Xmas day off but will work all the stat days otherwise. Respect for this commitment to our need for this important therapy at a critical time in our individual lives. I am truely thankful for efforts of all these wonderful people who help me everyday and many others always.
Verbose this evening but felt important to take time to reflect, take stock, be grateful and value others for their efforts
Finally my amazing wife Renene , her patience and perseverance with my little( or not so) foibles and my extended Whanau/ family for their unconditional support. Friends thank you for constantly reaching out with you important messages of support and helping with laughter and humour.
Nga mihi
Grahame
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