Ten Minutes in the Ward

The Intersection with a Stranger

Standing outside the hospital room, I hesitated for a long time because I was uncertain how to initiate conversation with the patient. I am willing to listen, but not everyone is eager to share their inner thoughts or feelings. The dialogue between two strangers can be limited to the brief intersection at hand, like a bank teller processing my transaction, a convenience store clerk ringing up my purchase, or a doctor inquiring about my symptoms... We exchange just the right amount of information, careful not to say too much to avoid intruding into someone else's life. This is a measure of discretion that everyone should know how to handle. So, with a heart simply set on visiting, I stepped into the ward. Under the soft lighting, a daughter was helping her mother remove a soothing foot mask, gently massaging the swollen lower legs and feet, while her mother endured the pain caused by cancer, eyes lightly closed, resting, without much energy to converse with me.

Accompanying Mother Through Cancer Treatment

The daughter said, "Mom had been suffering from constipation and bloody stools for over a year. She went to the clinic for a check-up and got laxatives and other medications, but the symptoms did not go away. Later, she had a colonoscopy, and at 20 centimeters, they discovered that the intestine was blocked and couldn't be passed. Therefore, the doctor suggested a biopsy. Before we even received the report, Mom was already feeling very uncomfortable, unable to eat or defecate. My brother hurriedly took her to the emergency room, where a CT scan revealed a shadow. My brother and I decided then and there that if it was confirmed to be a malignant tumor, we would go to the Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, without considering other options, because KFSYSCC specializes in cancer treatment."

The Physician's Words Stabilized Our Emotions

"We were able to quickly get an appointment with Dr. Chien-Chih Chen. After reviewing my mother's condition, he arranged for her to be admitted to the hospital that very day, and surgery was scheduled three days later because he determined that any delay would be detrimental. My mother’s recovery post-surgery was promising, and after six weeks, she started chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Kuo-Cheng Huang. The sudden onset of my mother's illness didn't give us any time to think; we had to continuously find ways to manage the ongoing crises. After the surgery, I asked Dr. Chen about the chances of recovery. He replied that clinically, it's about a 7 to 30-month survival period. He then added, 'Now, not only has the patient’s life changed, but the lives of the family members will also undergo changes, and it won't revert back within a year.' After hearing this, we understood that we needed to prepare mentally. My brother and I both have young children, and managing our families while caring for our sick mother required a coordinated effort involving my husband and my brother’s wife.

"Being from a single-parent family, the first thing my mother worried about upon her cancer diagnosis was the financial aspect. She feared there might be medicine available, but no money to afford it. Hence, she asked Dr. Huang about it. Dr. Huang did not begin with discussing out-of-pocket options but instead explained in detail which treatment options were covered by health insurance. The specialist nurse also candidly told us that if a certain medication cost millions but was certain to cure, they would definitely encourage us to use it. However, if it only offered temporary relief, they would advise us not to put too much financial pressure on ourselves. They didn’t want us to bear a huge economic burden while accompanying the patient. My brother and I felt relieved hearing this. Many people think that treatment at KFSYSCC is very expensive and requires a lot of money, but after actually coming here, we realized it was not as expensive as we had imagined. The money we spent was not as much as we feared, and the added value, including the quality of care and the hospital environment, made us feel that we chose the right hospital."

Physician Rounds Time

"We all look forward to the doctor's rounds because when the doctor comes in, they explain how Mom's been doing over the past day, why she's in pain, how the medication will be adjusted, and what conditions might arise next... It's like giving us a peace of mind. Even if the doctor only stays for two or three minutes, we feel very comforted." Just as the daughter finishes speaking, Dr. Kuo-Cheng Huang makes his timely entry for the rounds. The patient, who had been resting with closed eyes, suddenly opens them with a smile, greeting Dr. Huang and the nurses warmly.

Mom says, "Back in the day, to provide for the children, I was so busy with work. The kids would play in the yard, and when it was time, I'd call them in to eat. After eating, I'd go right back to work. Just like that, always busy, and without realizing it, the kids have grown so much. Even though the old days were without money and work was hectic, they were stable and happy."

Dr. Huang says, "Now, both of your children are grown up and they are so outstanding. They are your greatest achievement, and you are very blessed!"

The daughter adds, "We also feel that we had a happy childhood. My brother and I would find ways to entertain ourselves, riding bicycles in the countryside, sometimes falling into fields, stealthily picking guavas from someone else's trees, playing in the ditches until our slippers got washed away... We know Mom was so busy because she wanted to give us a better life. Now, my brother and I come to the hospital ourselves to accompany Mom because we believe every visit counts."

Casual Family Chats

Mothers always wish to give more to their children, to provide them with a better life. Physicians share a similar sentiment; they hope that after their dedicated care, each patient will improve. However, the unpredictability of life is the only constant, and what we can truly hold onto is the genuine effort we give to one another during our times together. In this moment within the hospital room, the mother, daughter, doctors, and nurses engage in heartfelt conversation, making this casual chat a cherished memory for everyone present. We should seize every opportunity to be there for each other, to show care, because in the fleeting moments of togetherness, every additional glance is a gain, and with each passing day, there is one less day left. This is the lesson I've learned within the walls of the hospital ward.

Author: Dr. Kuo-Cheng Huang (Hematology-Oncology)