by drannekatz | Nov 29, 2019 | Uncategorized
I first met JB* when the receptionist at the clinic called to tell me that a patient was asking to see me. His name did not ring a bell and on a quick review of my patient schedule for the week, his name did not appear. I went to the waiting room to see if I at least...
by drannekatz | Sep 10, 2019 | Uncategorized
Mr. G* was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer 2 years ago and has been on a succession of medications to control a progressive cancer. His PSA never nadired after surgery and adjuvant radiation only increased his urinary problems. Androgen deprivation therapy...
by drannekatz | Jul 22, 2019 | Uncategorized
As we all know—vicariously, fortunately, for most of us—a diagnosis of cancer changes everything. The false sense of certainty of how life will play out is gone in an instant when the words “you have cancer” are spoken. A person becomes a patient in that moment and...
by drannekatz | May 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
The patient was well over 6 feet tall and looked like he had recently lost weight. When he took off his winter coat and hung it over the back of the chair, I could see his scapulae like wings under his sweater. He folded himself into the chair and carefully crossed...
by drannekatz | May 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
It’s become a common practice in oncology institutions across North America: A patient completes their prescribed course of treatment and they ring a bell. Usually it’s a large bell, like one that used to be rung in schools signaling the end of recess. Or it’s a...
by drannekatz | Mar 21, 2019 | Uncategorized
Going through the process of diagnosis, treatment decision making, and often lengthy treatment without a partner can be challenging. While children, friends, and other family members are supportive, for the single individual, there is no one to talk to in the middle...
