It's that time of the year....

It's that time of the year....

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Another act of Divine intervention…

It was quite by accident that I ended up with Dr. James McGee as my radiation oncologist.  My first appointment was with Cancer Care here in Pekin.  My initial appointment was with Dr. Gomez.  My type of cancer fell out of his expertise.  Dr. Gomez did tell me the treatments that would be offered to me and I was going to be referred to a radiation oncologist in Peoria.  When I was at the appointment desk I was given 2 choices.  Marilyn, the receptionist, told me that one of my choices, Dr. McGee, had saved her son’s life when he was battling cancer.  That was enough recommendation for me. 

Then I began winding my way through several doctors until I finally met Dr. Parrish who outlined 3 different choices of treatment.  I chose the most difficult treatment because Dr. McGee had told me that if I completed the 2 hospital stays and the 2 different sets of radiation that my remission rate would be somewhere around 90%.  Dr. Parrish was involved as the ENT surgeon who removed the lymph nodes from my neck.  I have stated before that the lymph nodes were not malignant.  I was not surprised to learn that McGee and Parrish had worked together on many cancer cases for 17 years.  This was good to know.

I have stated before that Dr. McGee is a kind, gentle caring doctor. He has a gentle voice and takes the time to explain to you just what you can expect while you are undergoing treatment.

I also mentioned before the timid little oncology nurses that in my opinion would  have been better off in another field of nursing.  I am not saying they were unkind because they were not.  They just didn’t want to come into a hospital room where radiation was involved if they could send some peon in their place.

One day during my second hospital stay Dr. McGee came into my room to tell me that my radiation was going to last a day longer than he had thought.  He had brought with him his own nurse, Julie, who has been his nurse since he first started his practice.  Julie reached for my hand and patted it.  I cannot begin to describe how much that meant to me as I was so very near tears and in so much pain with my mouth.  I did take the time to tell Julie and the doctor after I was out of the hospital how much Julie’s holding my hand meant to me.
 

I have a doctor appointment here in town today.  I am dreading going out in the heat.  The temp here yesterday was 98 real temp with triple digit heat index.

Keep cool!  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

36 comments:

  1. Oh Beth Dr. McGee sounds like the perfect oncologist for you and I do believe that Julie holding your hand was truly what you needed. That is the time we really need human contact I cannot imagine how terrible that was for you.That simple gesture would have felt like the best gift in the world. I am so happy you told them how much it meant. I am so grateful she and he was there for you.
    Do keep cool yourself today and I will be thinking of you.You are going to be fine. HUGS B

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  2. It's a great feeling to have such faith in your Dr. & his nurse, and so wonderful that she patted your hand.
    I hope you get on ok today.

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  3. Good Morning Beth, I know the feeling when you find a caring doctor who can set there and answer your questions. One who doesn't throw out just big medical terms that you have no idea what he is saying.Nurses are special I have a few of those that I can call just when I need to talk. My primary doctor treats me as his mother and I have put him in a spot more then once by asking when I needed something special, who would he recommend if it was his family. My eye doctor is one of those, who will be doing my cataract surgery. I admire you talking about what you are going through. My prayers are coming your way. Try to stay cool, it is horrible right now. Many hugs and prayers from a Missouri Friend..

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  4. you are a blessing to us all and sharing this journey is such a wonderful thing to do,take care my friend,

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  5. I can easily imagine how much the both of them affected you, Beth. Kindness and caring, compassion and tenderness...they are gifts from Him and these good folks were not hiding these gifts under a basket; they were shining their light of human kindness to those they care for. It makes my heart happy just as it did yours. XXOO

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  6. Dr. McGee sounds like a true angel here on earth. What an amazing difference a doctor like that makes. I hope you're doing well my friend.

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  7. What a blessing that you were where you could receive such expert care! The nurse who held your hand should receive a special award! She truly knows how important the human touch is, particularly when we are having a difficult time.

    I continue to send thoughts and prayers to you for your complete recovery!

    Hugs,
    Nellie

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  8. Oh Beth, I am so pleased that you are out of the hospital and have this event behind you. I do thank the Lord for answered prayer, that He saw you through this. It is so good to see that you feel up to posting and letting us know about your 'Divine Intervention'.
    Big hugs to you. xxoo

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  9. I am so glad you have a good doctor. I remember how much pain my Mom was in when she had to have radiation. Did you loose your voice? She did and it broke my heart.
    I hope it cools off soon. I will keep you in my prayers Beth. I know God is near to you.

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  10. i am so glad you received the care you needed. :)

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  11. Keep meaning to tell you - I changed the URL of my blog back to http://shufflingalongwithParkinsonsDisease.blogspot.com/ Like a dummy I changed it one day on blogger, so people searching under the original URL were getting "Page Removed" which made people think I had given up on my blog. Don't feel like you have to get right over there and read it tho, only when you feel well enough to read other blogs. Maybe copy down the URL. Hugs,,

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  12. Divine intervention...the very best kind! I continue to believe for your complete recovery my friend. I hope the heats isn't too bad for you today...grace, grace.

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  13. The right doctor makes such a very big difference. Glad you've found such a kind and caring one.
    Hope all went well at the doctors today.

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  14. Beth I am so happy that you're recovering. I am glad your doctors were compassionate as well as very competent.
    Beth you are the best. I am so glad we both came here from Spaces and were able to stay in touch.

    Ooofah! (that's an Italian exclamation) 98 degrees! We didn't even make 70 today. Not that I'm complaining. I just hope it's stays comfortable when I go away on the 16th.

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  15. What a wonderful tribute to a good doctor and a really good nurse. Good medical personnel often makes the difference in recovery. I am glad you chose the tough method of treatment-better pain for a short while than a prolonged battle with active cancer. Hope your appointment today went really well! Blessings-xo Diana

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  16. How could any nurse see a you there and not touch you. I'm so glad you were blessed with a wonderful doctor and nurse. :) Kindness makes a world of difference!
    Try to stay in the air conditioning. :)

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  17. It is not by accident that I stumbled on to your blog again after a few months of losing touch. I have prayed for you tonight and I have friend who is going through the same kind of cancer. She went to the Cancer Treatment Center in Texas. What was at first the worst case senario has turned around for her. I believe. I know that God is bigger than cancer. I'm not one of these crazy fanatics, but I do believe in the supernatural power of a supernatural God. My son in law is cancer free after almost 6 years. God gave me the verse, "No weapon forged against you shall prosper" and with hope I believed that. They have since struggled with infertility which seems small compared to what you are going through, nevertheless a result of the cancer. Cancer changes so much, but it doesn't have to overcome you. I can't say that personally because I haven't been through it myself, but when my children hurt, I wish I could take on that pain. Just know that prayers will be prayed for you, Beth. Believing God for healing both physically and emotionally.

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  18. I'm so happy that you found Dr. McGee, Beth. He was just what you needed...a kind, caring, gentle Dr. whom you could trust. Plus he also had a very caring nurse.

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  19. I have missed a lot of posts here and have just read the last 5....what you have been through! You are a real trooper....and I pray the cancer is gone!!! Hugs.

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  20. The Human Touch
    ’Tis the human touch
    in this world that counts,
    The touch of your hand and mine,
    Which means far more
    to the fainting heart
    Than shelter and bread and wine.
    For shelter is gone
    when the night is o’er,
    And bread lasts only a day.
    But the touch of the hand
    And the sound of the voice
    Sing on in the soul always.

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  21. Oh to wish we all could have a Dr.like him to be treating us. The power of touch is so strong..I am sooo glad there was someone there to help you get through a hard time. I pray for you daily Sis that you be completely healed and free of any pain. XOXO

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  22. I am so thankful that you have a great team of doctors and feel so good about it - that has to make you feel good. sandie

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  23. Stay brave - you will be fine with all of the good and caring doctors and nurses.

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  24. Thank God you found a great doctor. My family doctor is exactly as you describe Dr. McGee. Unfortunately my doctor has been out sick for a year and they don't know when (if at all) he will be back. Continuing prayers for you, Beth.

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  25. It is disappointing that the oncology nurses behaved as they did. You are quite right, they would be better transferring to another department.

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  26. Oh Beth, I can only imagine what human touch was like after being isolated with that treatment for so long. God bless a thoughtful nurse. I suppose that the oncololgy nurses do have to be careful of their exposure was theirs would be the greatest. Sigh. A conundrum! Now, on your recommendation, I'm off to listen to a song.

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  27. His nurse sounds like an angel! I am so glad you picked the aggressive approach with the best outcome odds. He looks like a nice man. :)

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  28. Beth, Bedside manners means a lot. I am sending up prayers for you to get well. and sending hugs to you .Can't wait till you can be yourself again and do what you want and enjoy your life. xoxo,Susie

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  29. Hello, Dolly !

    I am wading through and trying to catch up on readings and finding myself woefully incapable of getting much read. Oh well... it's the thought that counts, right ?

    Even though I haven't been by much, I think of you often and pray for you daily. I hope you're getting more comfortable and that things are progressing nicely. Much love to you.

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  30. Beth, I am so glad you have a good doctor. Your blog posts sound like you are feeling a little better. You remain in my prayers. God bless you continually!

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  31. Sounds like your doctors are very caring. Health issues some cannot go into radiation areas just so you know. There is a reason they couldn't go in. Such a trooper taking the harsh treatment. 90% does sound great! Be well my friend. You are in my prayers.

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  32. Hi Beth,

    Commented on your other blog, hope you are still making progress and starting to feel better and stronger. Take Care. Hugs Nita

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  33. Bless your heart. I've not visited blogs a lot lately, and I'm so sorry that I haven't kept up with your treatments. Praying for you.

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  34. I am so happy that you had a caring Doctor. That meant the world to me when I was fighting my own battle with cancer. And God bless his nurse too!
    Feel better,
    Blessings, Joanne

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  35. I am so glad you were able to find the care of caring people. It can help so much in recovery to know you aren't thought of as just a number. I met a nurse recently and when we were introduced and may have met before she said she only remembers numberes. God I sure wouldn't want her as a nurse. God bless you.

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