Any health care professionals in treatment?

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jenbal
jenbal Member Posts: 82
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I was diagnosed in February and have been getting chemo (TCH) since mid May. I work for a state hospice & palliative care association, and have a master's in end-of-life studies. I do frequent presentations on topics like advance care planning, ethical dilemmas in health care, hospice care, spiritual tools for the end of life, life review and ethical wills. I'm also very active in state and national level advocacy for end-of-life care. I'm finding that my professional involvement in the health care field -- in particular terminal care -- has plusses and minusses with respect to my being in treatment. On the plus side, everyone is incredibly supportive and understanding, and I figure this experience can only enhance my street cred. On the minus side, I find myself both knowing too much (and freaking myself out) and also not knowing near enough -- but colleagues and care providers assume that I do know what I don't and that I have all the tools I need to cope, when I don't. It seems to me that the experience of being a health care professional in treatment presents some unique challenges and I'd love to hear from others in a similar situation!

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited July 2009

    Hi jenbal, I understand about knowing too much and freaking yourself out!  I'm a Physical Therapist Assistant and the Director of Rehabilitation at the center I work at.  I've been a PTA for over 20 years now and worked in acute care and currently LTC/Rehab.  I have a great support system at work and everyone has been great.  I have worked with patients that are on hospice/palliative care and know how things can turn out, but sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. 

    Good luck to you!

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  • dreaming
    dreaming Member Posts: 473
    edited July 2009

    Hi I started as a Medical Interpreter/Translator  in the middle of my treatment, I have kept my patient life and professional one, separate.

    I work in a Cancer Center and I am part of the medical team from beginning and sometimes to end .

    I do the end to life conference , I do not talk about my cancer at work because I have a great support group.

    I think I can help my patients better because I can understand their feelings, and I make sure all their needs are being taken care.

    Most of my colleagues do not know I had breast cancer, for second opinions at my hospital I use an alias, that way I protect my privacy.

    I was not treated at my hospital, but the doctors are  very open when I haver a question.

    I am lucky in a way, since I never identify with a patient.

    I like to know as much as possible about cancer and there are no Grand Rounds I want to miss.

    I have worked with Staff that have their pump on and also I respect their privacy.

    We know usually too much, but I have already made my own plans; the first time I was a babe in the woods.

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