Indexing Title: OLEYSON’s Medical Anecdotal Report [06-01]

MAR Title:  Breast Cancer Support Group of OMMC 

Date of Medical Observation: January 22, 2006

Narration:

It was another ordinary Sunday duty when a triage clerk approached me for a telephone call. It is a call from Mayor’s office informing me of a “care-off patient” who was diagnosed to have acute appendicitis in another hospital in Cavite City. I started questioning why the patient was treated in Cavite if she is a Manila resident. The one who called  me explained further that the patient just came over for a visit in her aunt in cavite when it happened.

I told the person on the other line that transfer is possible since the patient was confirmed to be a Manila resident. I began to asked the name of the person over the phone. She replied “my name is Mrs Marissa Tullao, a friend of Mayor Lito Atienza and a breast cancer survivor” she proudly say.

I suddenly became inspired with what I heard, why she sounded so proud being a breast cancer survivor . Interesting Ideas came into my mind when I thought of my breast cancer patients.  This person might be able to help me establish our very own breast cancer support group with the help of her influence and connection with the mayor’s office  and at least sharing her experience and inspire our  breast cancer patients. Then maybe she could help a few if not all of my patient seeking chemotherapy.  I asked her immediately if she has an ongoing treatment and  she replied yes. Without further a do, I introduced myself and my plans of putting up a support group. She replied that she will be glad and willing to help me so we planned to set a date for a meeting.

At this point in time, we already started our first meeting with my co residents followed by a meeting with the breast cancer patients of Ospital Ng Maynila last weekend. She asked for a follow up meeting to inform us that there are interested groups who are willing to sponsor our planned movement for these patients.

It was a significant call I may say,  and yet,  going back to her patient, it was indeed an acute appendicitis and I operated on the patient and the rest was unremarkable. She was very thankful and even gave me some of her memorabilia.

Insights (Reinforcements, Stimulus, Discovery) ( Ethical, Psychosocial, Physical)

We often see our lives attached with the kind of people we usually see and feel. Like in my case, I began to enlightened my interest when everyday I almost treated a number of breast cancer patients in desperation and thought of what the department would like to achieve, putting up a breast cancer support group for these patients.

You can never tell when opportunity knocks. When this idea is behind my mind I told myself not to waste a single moment after a certain breast cancer survivor opens her door   and willing to help the department’s breast cancer support group. She came to me as a blessing  because I never had  a single thought  that she is the one I am looking forward to make it possible for putting up breast cancer support group. Through her,  I have learned about the different groups which really aims to  help  especially those inflicted with cancer and the offer different activities  for these patients.

Now I can nearly say that my plan is almost achievable. With the cooperation of all the residents, help of the sponsors and participation of breast cancer patients, this movement is going to be successful one.