Markus,

I have been on the receiving end of the bad news with my SO, but having a caring and sympathetic doctor like you really helped.

Thanks.

My wife was diagnosed with cancer when she was 18 (I was 20). She had great doctors. That was 20 years ago and we're blessed every day.

If you reach a point where dealing with a situation like that doesn't bother you... that's the time to quit.

The well of empathy you guys (doctors) draw from, moving forward in the face of such potential heartache, humbles me.

I wish you all well...and to you Livi, grace and hope.

Only a truly wonderful person could have written that note and felt her pain. My heart goes out to you and to her. I wish you and all your patients and loved ones the very, very best.

You beat me to it.
Markus it is people like you that make the world go around. It is comforting to know that people with the passion still exist in the world.

Markus,
You're a good man. I'm glad you were there for that young girl and her family. I'll say a prayer for her (and you).

Would that people were as easy to diagnos and work on as cars and bikes. Thanks for doing what you do.
Jim

THIS IS F****** BS! I hate these kinds of stories. I hope she gets better and all is well. Unfortunately, I hear these stories all too often. My wife is a PharmD and works in a cancer center. Not to mention she lost her brother to Leukemia and a first cousin to cancer. Plus a very close friend that lost her baby within 3 weeks of giving birth. That was a hard funeral to attend.

Sometimes she comes home all upset and crying about this patient or that patient and I have to remind her that she's helping to save a life. Sometimes she says this is too far advanced and all she's doing is slowing it down, I then tell her you just gave that person one more day they didn't have. Keep your chin up and suck it up, NO MATTER WHAT, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

The only advice I can really give not being in the field is if I was a patient I wouldn't want to see my Dr break down or be sad about it because I'd think I'm screwed. Be strong and professional and give her a positive outlook even though you know better. In other words try not to create a depression state for her. Try to keep things positive and upbeat.

My wife has actually had, I think, two patients in Hospice that are now 'survivors'. So there is ALWAYS a chance.

We love you too brother..............

I am praying for that girl Marcus. Also praying for you to keep doing what you are doing. Like you said, anyone can give shots.

Wow Bill,
I didn't realise that Sandy worked that close with the patients. She DOES make a difference, even if it's just a little more hope.


Markus,
Not much I can add to what the others have said but you have my thoughts and prayers.

Markus, just remember that ALL of us hope to have a Doctor that cares as much as you do. Whether it be a common cold, or Cancer, It's so much better hearing it from a human, rather than a cold, clinical machine. I have no doubt the family was greatful to you in how you handled this, but I'm sure they were too shocked to show it right now. Then, to clear your schedule, and spend hours with the family!?!?!? That's unheard of today. You are a Good Man my Friend.

They say not to judge a man until you've walked a mile in their shoes. I would rather go Grizzly Bear hunting with a switch, than try to do what you do in a day.

I hope you can find peace during this, you deserve it.

Sucks man but it is Doctors like you (and Moses) who make situations like this...well...less bad.

Less bad is much better than any ordinary Doctor can hope for.

Monday night my wife was in a car accident with my 3 year old son. They both ended up in the ER - he was only a little shook up but I still wanted him checked out. The Pediatric ER doc could not have been a more gentle and careful man. I appreciated it so much as the boy was scared as heck and this Dr (I burned his name into my memory but won't mention it here) calmed him and was able to examine him gently and completely and afterwards my son was in a completely different state of being. While prior to the exam he was still shook up and scared, the experience with the good Dr he was nearly back to his inquisitive and smiling self.

Good Doctors are a genuine treasure and the 'good' is not simply measured by your knowledge. Your compassion and that you obviously feel for your patients will help them through the tough times ahead.

I'm relieved that she has a Doctor like you and that you have an outlet like this to help you.

Markus,

It's comforting to know that there are people like you around.

'nuf said.

Thanks!

Yeah Wayne, it's a lot closer then most people think.

Markus - Here in the States they are treated as pediatrics and at that age maybe you should treat this patient as an adult to be more aggressive. If their body is more 'adult' you should consider going outside the boundaries and treat them as such. Maybe you could treat them as a 'trial' patient. I know here there was a person that was short of their 18th B-day and they were supposed to be treaded as a 'child' but were able to give him doses as an adult and I ('we') think that made the difference. He's doing well today....

Markus, it takes a tremendous amount of character to do what you do; the world would be a very sorry place without people like you in it. Here's hoping the day is coming when you can tell this girl that her future is bright again.

Jim

sorry man. tough times don't last but tough people do.

My wife is a pediatric anesthesiologist. She specializes in chronic pain relief. There are some sad stories in this world.

It would be far sadder if no one cared. But my wife cares, and I care for her. And livi cares. So perhaps there is some hope for us.

And there are folks who say man is a failure, that we have no hope. You are proof positive that they are wrong. If only I had a portion of your courage. I know you're not looking for accolades Marcos, but Bravo!

Knowing you guys, I expected understanding and compassion, but this is almost overwhelming. Means a heck of a lot.

If Pelican membership was mandatory there would be no work left for any therapists, psychologists or shrinks!

What a wonderful bunch of human beings you all are.