This length of stay in the hospital (Tampa General Hospital) is debilitating, dehumanizing, and emasculating. Overall when I was allowed to leave I felt like a Nazi POW just liberated from Auschwitz by the U.S. troops in 1945.. The bright spots were Rhonda’s devotion, the outstanding attentiveness of one nurse (whom we nominated for a special award), the support and prayers of family and friends, and my surgeon, Dr. Sommers, whose credentials and professional experience in this highly specialized branch of surgery are literally unparalleled. I was also impressed with his generous collegiality, his deep concern for doing all the right things, his follow-through, and his command of his support staff in the hospital.
The remaining team of doctors is equally outstanding; Dr. Tang, my oncologist, Dr. Kumar, my pulmonologist, and of course our dear Dr. Jude Pierre, our primary care physician. The cultural diversity of my A-team merely underscores the stupidity of racism.
This has been a life-altering experience. Dr. Sommers left 80% of my lungs intact but removed the cancer and two metastasized local sites, leaving clean margins (i.e., he got it all). Except for my love of Rhonda and the children, I would have refused the surgery. This has been the most difficult and meaningful investment in my life. But I will make it and be around a long time. I promised Rhonda 40 years and we have 33 to go. I will make good on that promise.
My experience with only hospitalization in 72 years
in INTRODUCE YOURSELF!
Posted
This length of stay in the hospital (Tampa General Hospital) is debilitating, dehumanizing, and emasculating. Overall when I was allowed to leave I felt like a Nazi POW just liberated from Auschwitz by the U.S. troops in 1945.. The bright spots were Rhonda’s devotion, the outstanding attentiveness of one nurse (whom we nominated for a special award), the support and prayers of family and friends, and my surgeon, Dr. Sommers, whose credentials and professional experience in this highly specialized branch of surgery are literally unparalleled. I was also impressed with his generous collegiality, his deep concern for doing all the right things, his follow-through, and his command of his support staff in the hospital.
The remaining team of doctors is equally outstanding; Dr. Tang, my oncologist, Dr. Kumar, my pulmonologist, and of course our dear Dr. Jude Pierre, our primary care physician. The cultural diversity of my A-team merely underscores the stupidity of racism.
This has been a life-altering experience. Dr. Sommers left 80% of my lungs intact but removed the cancer and two metastasized local sites, leaving clean margins (i.e., he got it all). Except for my love of Rhonda and the children, I would have refused the surgery. This has been the most difficult and meaningful investment in my life. But I will make it and be around a long time. I promised Rhonda 40 years and we have 33 to go. I will make good on that promise.