6-yr old to me: "Doctor, I have grade 4 cancer and will live only for 6 more months, don't tell my parents about this"
1. It was another busy OPD, when a young couple walked in. They had a request "Manu is waiting outside. He has cancer, but we haven't disclosed that to him+
1. It was another busy OPD, when a young couple walked in. They had a request "Manu is waiting outside. He has cancer, but we haven't disclosed that to him+
2. Please see him and advise your treatment, and don't share the diagnosis to him". I nodded my head, accepting their request.
Manu, on a wheelchair, was brought in. He was referred by his #oncologist for management of seizures.
He had a smile, appeared confident & smart.
Manu, on a wheelchair, was brought in. He was referred by his #oncologist for management of seizures.
He had a smile, appeared confident & smart.
3. On reviewing history and medical records- Manu had been diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 in left side of brain, due to which he had paralysis of right hand and leg. He had been operated, and was on chemotherapy. Seizures were due to brain cancer.
#MedTwitter
#MedTwitter
5. After parents left the room to wait outside, Manu said- "Dr, I have read all about the disease on iPad and I am aware that I will live only for 6 more months but I haven't shared this with my parents, as they would get upset. They love me a lot. Please don't share with them"
6. I was shocked and couldn't speak for a few moments. I gathered myself- "sure, I will take care of what you said".
I called his parents and requested them to speak to me after making Manu wait outside.
I shared the entire conversation that transpired between Manu and me.
I called his parents and requested them to speak to me after making Manu wait outside.
I shared the entire conversation that transpired between Manu and me.
7. I couldn't keep the promise to Manu, as it was important to bring family on the same page on this sensitive issue. It was vital that the family enjoyed together, whatever time was left. More so, as Manu knew about his illness. Whether he understood the gravity, I am unsure.
8. Parents were in tears but they were still thankful and left OPD with a heavy heart.
I had almost forgotten this incident, when about 9 months later, the couple returned to see me. I recognized them at once and enquired about Manu's health.
I had almost forgotten this incident, when about 9 months later, the couple returned to see me. I recognized them at once and enquired about Manu's health.
9. "Doctor, we had a great time with Manu after we met you. He wanted to visit Disneyland and we went with him. We took temporary leave from job and spent quality time with Manu."
"We lost him a month back. Today's visit is to just thank you for giving us those best 8 months."
"We lost him a month back. Today's visit is to just thank you for giving us those best 8 months."
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