Letting go is the hardest thing to do

Case: 69 years old lady suffering from breast cancer, with lung and liver metastasis. Her consciousness deteriorated at the end of my on call. She showed signs of gasping, indicating that the end of life is closing in.

The 80+ years old mother was in distress, seeing the unaroused daughter. She tried so hard: shook her, called her, pleaded us to do something, all in hope to hear her daughter’s voice again. Yet, the daughter lay there, weak and unaware of the voice of her beloved mother. It has always been devastating to see an elderly sending off the younger children. Who doesn’t love their child?

Letting go is indeed the hardest thing to do. We have so little time in life, and working in this field of work allowed me to be up close with death. Life is so fragile and impermanent. Medicine can only do so much for the ill, but we can always be there for our loved ones. Don’t wait till it’s too late.

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Remain hopeful

Case: An elderly with liver cirrhosis and occasional coughing was admitted to manage hepatic encephalopathy. She had an episode of vomiting & choking which led to aspiration pneumonia. Hypotension and desaturation ensued. While she is in DNR status, we tried our best to resuscitate her with fluids, performed sputum suction, provided oxygen therapy and started her on antibiotics. Her vitals recovered gradually and stabilized. However, she’s not out of the woods yet.

Just when life is about to come to an end, our path crossed, where I tried a little bit to help, and you tried a little more to live.

May you go though this challenge and live to see another day.

I wish you all the best.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the people around me, who gave me emotional support when I needed it the most.

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The unsung heroes

I am not possible if not for the unsung heroes that appeared during my life’s journey. They gave me guidance, inspired me to do better, and made me a better man.

Thank you for being there. I shall repay that debt by paying it forward, inspiring others too.

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Do no harm

I gave all I could to the patient, obtained information about him to keep him safe, made sure that he is getting the right medical attention and needs. And I certainly see him not merely as a patient, but my mentor, guiding me through my medical training. I benefited a dear lot because of him.

Although our doctor-patient relationship did not end the way it should and was a mess out of these arguments, I strive to do better, and I thank you for the opportunities for me to learn. May you stay healthy and happy always.

 

Story behind the first photograph: The sky may be high up, but a reflection of the high up is necessary to make one humble, and you will be one with the water and earth. Stay simple, pure and elegant like the water lily.

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