Dear doctor
I believe it was an emotionally challenging day for you today in the operating room. As an experienced surgeon, you are no stranger to the difficulties of treating late-stage cancer patients. However, performing palliative surgeries on these patients adds a whole new layer of stress and responsibility to your role.
The goal of palliative surgery is not to cure the cancer, but rather to improve the patient's quality of life and provide relief from pain and discomfort. It is a delicate balance between alleviating suffering and ensuring that the procedure does not cause unnecessary harm.
One of your patients today was a young lady engaged in a fierce battle against metastatic stomach cancer. The disease had spread extensively, and her symptoms had become unbearable. Together with the patient and her family, you engaged in a thorough discussion of available options. Ultimately deciding to proceed with a palliative surgery aimed at alleviating her symptoms.
Preparing for the surgery was mentally and emotionally draining. You had to carefully consider the risks and potential benefits of the procedure, knowing that it would not cure her cancer but only provide temporary relief. The weight of this decision weighed heavily on your mind. There is so much unseen stress of performing a palliative surgery, such as the complexity of the surgery, the emotional burden, the ethical dilemmas…
Throughout the procedure, your mind was filled with a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, there was a sense of fulfillment in being able to provide some relief to the patient's suffering. On the other hand, there was a deep sadness knowing that this surgery was just a small part of her battle against a relentless disease. As you closed up the incision and stepped out of the operating room, a wave of exhaustion and emotional fatigue washed over you. The weight of the responsibility you carry as a surgeon in these palliative surgeries is immense. It is a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the limitations of medical science.
But despite the challenges and stress, I am grateful that you make a difference in the lives of these patients. Even if it was only providing temporary relief, it is a privilege to be able to offer comfort and support during their most difficult moments.
Tomorrow brings a new day, and I anticipate encountering further obstacles along the way. Nevertheless, I know you are committed to facing them head-on, driven by the unwavering belief that every patient deserves compassionate care, even in the face of advanced-stage.
Thank you my dear doctor, May God bless you and our patients with abundant love!
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