Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:
“Dear Universe, when I asked for more coffee and crêpes… these were not the crêpes I had in mind.
An acute illness had me back in the system: labs, meds, the works.
Fun Fact (or the mother of ironies): your friendly, neighbourhood, scalpel-wielding surgeon is ABSOLUTELY terrified of needles.
Especially when they’re aimed at me.
Poor Mike, our ever-efficient nurse, had to watch me grimace and pull a series of facial maneuvers that would give any undercompensating 3-year-old a run for their money. Thanks for your patience, Mike, but I don’t plan on being back soon.
On the mend now. Phew!
Each time I find myself on this side of the tracks, needing care, I’m reminded that the whole experience is an exercise in empathy.
Empathy for patients who undergo tests and therapies with far more grace than I could ever muster.
Empathy for healthcare workers who show up day after day, working tirelessly to make a difference in patients’ lives.
So yes, after several therapies, and keeping with the theme, I stretched out my bottom lip and asked plaintively:
‘Can I have my free coffee now?’
(Though in fairness, my coworkers may have earned it more!).
To which they were kind enough to oblige (with minimal eye-rolls),
‘Yes, Miriam, and even your favourite cardamom tea.’
I then brightened considerably to ask my most pressing hashtag#health question of the day:
‘… will there be cookies?'”
More posts from Miriam Mutebi on OncoDaily.