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Omolola Salako: Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital celebrated its 4th anniversary in the most meaningful way possible

Photo from Omolola Salako/LinkedIn

Jan 14, 2025, 03:29

Omolola Salako: Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital celebrated its 4th anniversary in the most meaningful way possible

Omolola Salako, Chief Executive Officer of shared on LinkedIn:

“A few days ago, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital celebrated its 4th anniversary in the most meaningful way possible. During the quiet holiday period, an emergency case arrived. This patient had undergone a second course of chemotherapy (Taxane) at a facility outside of Lagos State. Then, the patient travelled to Lagos to celebrate the holidays with family.

The patient did not receive the mandatory GCSF support drug. As a result, the patient presented semi-conscious with febrile neutropenia(severe) and septic shock—a nightmare scenario for oncologists.

The blood pressure was alarmingly low at 60/40 mmHg, and the white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count were below 100. It was my first time encountering such critical values; this was a life-and-death situation.

We quickly sprang into action, administering IV antibiotics, antiviral medication, antifungal treatment, antimalaria drugs, along with aggressive hydration, blood transfusions, and wound dressing.

A central line was set, and multiple specialists joined the effort: a haematologist to lead the team, a nephrologist to manage acute kidney injury, a skin specialist to manage the skin ulcers resulting from immunosuppression, hourly nursing monitoring, and physiotherapists to assist with mobility. The array of medical tests, specialists and interventions seemed never-ending.

My role was to coordinate and supervise care. Many nights while at home, I would wake up to review the hourly vital signs on the electronic medical records and communicate with the medical team. On some nights, no one slept. This took a toll on most of us because emergencies bring uncertainties and don’t allow for peace of mind.

It is even more painful and wasteful when this emergency could have been prevented if the patient had received GCSF support within 24 hours after chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, many cancer patients continue to receive chemotherapy in facilities that are not adequately equipped to administer or support chemotherapy patients.

Despite our best efforts, we could not tell if she would make it. Eventually, the first few signs of recovery were recorded on our anniversary date. Slowly but surely, the temperature spikes decreased, blood pressure improved with inotropic support, and kidney function and overall health significantly recovered. Ultimately, the patient was discharged home.

A special thank you to every team member who made this happen.”