June 3rd, 2019
Dr. Graham was still at the annual ASCO (American Society of Cancer Organization) conference in Chicago, so I once again shadowed Ms. Vanessa, one of Dr. Graham’s Physician Assistants. Ms. Vanessa had a relatively relaxed schedule today with only a few patients to see for their regular check-up. However, she did have three Chemo-Ed sessions with patients who have three different types of cancers, so she let me sit in on the meetings. For those you don’t know, Chemo-Ed sessions are meetings where the patient and their family meet with the doctor to discuss the timeline for treatment, the different types of drugs/radiation that will be used, side-effects of the treatment and any other questions in general about this whole process.
Treating cancer is very difficult, but with all the advancements made in science and medicine, most types of cancer are curable which is a testament to the amount of progress we have made in the field of oncology. The regiment, as the doctors call it, included using chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor and remove any remnants of it through surgery. The patients were so kind and cheerful and maintained a smile on their face throughout the session. It was amazing to see how much courage these patients have to be able to undergo such intense treatment as chemo and radiation. Ms. Vanessa was so cordial throughout the session which made the patients very receptive to all of her advice about the treatment plan. The Chemo-Ed sessions concluded with a brief conversation with AJ, the insurance coordinator. It was a very gratifying feeling when AJ said 90% of their treatment will be paid by their insurance which only 10% will be paid by the patient’s family.
Through my five days of being at Waverly Hematology-Oncology clinic, I have noticed that being in the field of oncology is extremely challenging. Cancer has earned a reputation over the years of being particularly difficult to treat, which it is, but with all the advancements made in the field of oncology, more types of cancer are now treatable with little to no chance of resurgence, which is absolutely amazing!
